The allotment thread
 

Anyone else here got an allotment?
I got handed one late last year and have been killing myself getting it dig over for the spring. Spuds in today though.

Re: The allotment thread
 

Do we start calling you Tom or Barbara ? :p

Re: The allotment thread
 

My body isn't hot enough to call me Barbara. You'll have to call me Tom.

Re: The allotment thread
 

Anything more than a veg patch in the back garden is a perfect excuse to buy a rotovator.

I have a greenhouse and six 10x4 raised beds and that is plenty for me. My early spuds went in last weekend as did the parsnip seeds. After a stressful day in the office it is rather nice to unwind down there.

Re: The allotment thread
 

Wife has, but only just started again. Since her operation she hasn't been near it, so its probably a jungle by now.

Not for me I'm afraid, I'll just eat the produce :-)

Re: The allotment thread
 

I let my father in law provide the tasty veg.

I am thinking of doing potatoes in boxes though.

Re: The allotment thread
 

Not an allotment, as there's a long queue for those around here, but I intend to start growing my own veg in the back garden. When all the other jobs are done. Fork seals. Workshop. Retaining wall. Fixing the greenhouse. Etc.

We do normally get a good crop of blackberries and sloes though!

Re: The allotment thread
 

80 spuds in the ground. A dozen tomatoes in pots. A broken fork. [emoji22]

Re: The allotment thread
 

Growing up in the 50's Dad had an allotment and every Sunday without fail, rain or shine, summer or winter, we had to go with him to get out of Mums way while she cooked the traditional Sunday roast. Put me off allotments for life.

Re: The allotment thread
 

Raised beds in the garden 2 of them about 8ft x 8ft and 8ft x 10ft.

Not got anything in them yet but have bought seeds for peas, beans, carrots, parsnips, various different lettuce, spring onions, onions, and I will get spuds tomorrow. Mostly veg that I have read do well in clay soil or break up clay soil.

I have a rotovator but the beds are filled with a heavy clay sub soil that was excavated in order to put in a large patio. I have rotovated in about 30% sharp sand and about 10% generic compost. And have a more clumbly loam now albeit still heavy on clay. Just ordered a ton of top soil and will add half a ton to each bed. Also ordered a sack of chicken pellets and a box of powdered generic vegetable fertiliser.

Any other tips very welcome.