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Allotments, taking over one questions
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Posted by Caradea London, UK (My Page) on Tue, Jun 28, 05 at 10:26
So how many of you have had the lucky experience of taking over an overgrown plot at your local allotment? The allotments I have my plot at has a huge horsetail/mare's tail weed problem but oddly our plot doesn't seem to have much of it (yet?).
How long did it take you to get it from overgrown with tall grasses to looking neat and tidy?
We're going to be strimming most of the plot this weekend and maybe putting down mulch around the apple and plum trees that came with the plot. It's not very badly overgrown (still has mowed grass paths but the beds themselves have grasses).
Also does anyone know the deal about plants on the plots? The member in charge of letting the plots almost seemed to suggest that the previous owners might come back for some things like the compost? Seems a bit weird.
Is it more weedsuppressing to use grass seed or fresh rolled turf? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Allotments, taking over one questions
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- Posted by Suiko Oxford, England (My Page) on
Wed, Jun 29, 05 at 4:36
| I would definitely cover it after strimming with that black plastic stuff. Your allotment association will almsot certinaly have some, or will at least know where you can get it. Otherwise anything you plant will be unable to comperte with what's in there already. Good luck! |
RE: Allotments, taking over one questions
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- Posted by Pond Portsmouth, UK (My Page) on
Wed, Jun 29, 05 at 7:00
We took over our first plot over 6 years ago and we still have some trouble with bindweed and couch grass, but it is manageable now. Horsetail is a real pain to get rid of. Even if you plan to be organic you may want to zap it first - it can come up through tarmac and concrete! As to the previous tenants coming back for stuff, unless you check your societies (or local council) rules you will not know. Down here in Portsmouth, once you have given up a plot stuff is not really yours to take.
Can I suggest you take out a subscription to Kitchen Garden magazine? Its really good for advice about veg growing and allotments |
RE: Allotments, taking over one questions
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| Resist the temptation to turn the whole plot over at once, do it a bit at a time. I found the best way to supress "weeds" is to pack in loads of tough plants, anything at all both ornamental and edible You can be selective later. Be wary of anything that spreads by underground (as opposed to surface) runners e.g. mints. Someone had planted horseradish on my plot and I NEVER got rid of it. |
RE: Allotments, taking over one questions
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try this site
www.allotments4all.co.uk |
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