Starting your Plot, Top Tips for New Gardeners
1. Conserve water, use water butts
and avoid over watering which can weaken or destroy
crops. Add mulch or organic matter annually.
Only use hosepipes to fill containers, not for watering crops
(tenancies can be terminated where this practice is not
followed)
2. When you start your allotment don't
try and do it all at once. Put bin bags over a
portion of the garden to kill off any weeds and just cultivate a
portion of the land that you feel comfortable with at the
beginning.
3. Dig in early. If possible, turn the
soil in autumn as the winter frosts will break down the clods of
soil. If not, do it in spring, but you will have to break the soil
down yourself.
4. Buy good quality
seeds and plants to avoid disappointment.
5. For the best crops,
do your research and know when to plant! Your local library will
have books that can help.
6. With non-storable crops such as lettuce,
it is best to plant a little but often,
say one row at a time to avoid waste.
7. Be sure to thin crops
out as they grow to avoid clustering. This will result in better
quality plants.
8. Pick crops quickly, early and
often. Enjoy the food whilst it's fresh. You'll enjoy
it so much more and it will help you to keep your enthusiasm.
9. Tackle problems
promptly. The worst thing you can do is leave a
problem. There is help available; speak to the Allotment Secretary
or Allotment Liaison Officer who will be only too happy to
help.
10. Be green!! Compost
green material and kitchen waste, such as egg shells and potato
peelings, in the bin at your allotment. It's better for the
environment than burning it and the compost is great for your
plants as well.
Above all remember; allotment gardening is fun, it's
healthy and it's a great way to meet people. So the most important
thing is to enjoy your allotment!
