The new allotment

[jansman]

I packed my allotments in 20 years ago because of thieving. Really don't know the answer tbh. O the subject of 'infrastructure' why not split the ground in half? You start digging and setting your spuds etc from one end, and he can start at the other until you meet in the middle. At least that way you get started and grow something worthwhile, as now is THE critical time.

[Deeps]

I packed my allotments in 20 years ago because of thieving. Really don't know the answer tbh. O the subject of 'infrastructure' why not split the ground in half? You start digging and setting your spuds etc from one end, and he can start at the other until you meet in the middle. At least that way you get started and grow something worthwhile, as now is THE critical time.

Seems reasonable, there must be a catch.....

[Decaff]

First raised bed now constructed. Weed suppressant laid across for the next two plots to be dug.

I don't know what's happened to my Dropbox but I can't load the photos as they are too big, I will have to try to change the sizes so I can show the progress we're making.

[Decaff]

Started on the second bed today, all dug over ready for the raised bed to be built. Bramble roots are really deep so digging them out takes forever

Pulling out the roots and shoots from the first bed took forever but it is now resembling soil rather than giant clods of roots and clay!

We have 3 cauliflowers that are germinating in the propagator, no idea what's up with the rest of them though, no sign of the courgettes or pumpkins yet though!

It's getting exciting

Slowly meeting the other allotment holders and everyone is really helpful and friendly which is fabulous.

[featherstick]

Courgettes and pumpkins need heat to germinate - bring them indoors if not already there.

[Decaff]

I have all of them sitting in a propagator on my windowsill to keep them warm and safe

[Decaff]

[Arzosah]

Decaff, the photos are great! The current allotmenteers can tell you're in it for the long haul because you're constructing the raised beds and weeding properly I hope the rest of the seeds do their thing and come through quickly

[Decaff]

Thank you Arzosah, those bramble shoots are a nightmare! They go so deep down and there are soooo many of them but perseverance will hopefully pay off, meanwhile the first raised bed is looking so much better as we keep digging it over and over to break up the soil. I don't think it has been dug for a good many years and we know that it was used for parking on as you can see the tyre marks in the grass.

My niece who is 10, has bought some onion sets which she is very keen to come and plant, bless!! She will be over with me all next week and she can't wait to come and see where her onions are going to grow! Need to get bags of rotted manure and compost mixed in, hopefully this weekend coming up, and Mr D will hopefully build the next raised bed too.

There are now 6 cauliflowers sprouting.

[featherstick]

That soil looks very good. How deep is the topsoil? I'd question whether you need raised beds, to be honest, the soil looks deep and fertile enough.