[nowseeker]

Hi All

After failing to get an allotment (waiting lists) I have been offered by a friends grandparents to take over their vegetable patch, stroke of luck or what!

It has not been worked for some time as they found it too much as they got older.

I have never done anything like this before so wanted to talk through my plans to see if I have the right idea.

I intend to keep the plot small to start with, as I don’t now how much work this will take up and how much I will take to it. I’ve found a plan for a 6 x 1.2 m plot broken up into 5 sections, 4 for rotation and one for all year round planting.

I’m thinking

Section 1: Potatoes

Section 2: Carrots and Beetroot

Section 3: French Beans and Onions

Section 4: Sprouts and Brocoli

Permanent section: Herbs (not sure which ones, so suggestions gratefully received) If not herbs then maybe sweetcorn and lettuces.

My plan is to clear the ground of all weeds etc, and then double dig the area over. I will then make a gravel path along the edge of the plot (not in middle as only 1m wide).

I will measure out sections and then plot with string.

Once that is done I will begin planting/sowing with seeds that I guess I buy from a garden centre.

Couple of questions:

• Have I missed anything?
• How often will I need to water the patch?
• Once planting is done I understand that I will need to weed regularly, but other than this what do I need to do on a regular basis?
• How much time per week do you think a plot this size will take?