New Small Allotment

[Jessica]

Hi All

Just to say hi and introduce myself really – I have just taken on a (very) small private allotment space, I guess it’s more like a large bed really, 2.5m x 9 m, but all I really need to get started. The plot has been mostly covered in black polythene for a few years – the grass had grown in over the sides quite significantly. This week I peeled back the plastic and discovered that the ground is pretty much weed free, apart from 3 dandelion weeds and one bramble which I dug out immediately. The soil looks good and is quite soft under foot.

After a recommendation from a friend who attended one of Charles’ courses, I have now read his books, watched his very informative YouTube videos and really want to give no-dig a go. I used to have a small plot before, I’m by no means experienced at all, but managed to grow a fair bit – but of course the backbreaking digging took its toll. So here I am ready to put faith in the no-dig philosophy and am looking forward to plenty of trial and error this year, obviously the best way to learn.

Already I have been given plenty of advice by other allotment holders, which is very kind, but of course includes plenty of advice about digging everything over – and not planting too early… Just smiling and nodding at the moment. I want to quietly get on and give no-dig a go, and really hoping it pays off.

I was asked to remeasure the plot to start off, so have had to cut into the sides to remove the grass but have been as careful as possible not to disturb the soil too much. It is fairly uneven ground but hopefully once I pile the compost on top and spread over, it will even things out. I will order a ton to be delivered within the next couple of weeks which hopefully will start me off well.

Wish me the best folks!

[pmshrink]

Hi Jessica
Good luck with your new allotment! And your no-digging of course.
Penny

[charles]

Wishing you well Jessica.

[Scott Huey]

All the best Jessica! I’m sure your bed will be fantastically productive! I have a small front garden that is now a bed, 3×3 that I started nodig last year after discovering Charles youtube and buying one of his books. I got an amazing crop of British queen potatoes and then transplanted in some Red Russian kale seedlings to replace them on the same day. The kale is still going strong and Iv had about ten picks. Two good crops from a N facing garden instead of cutting the grass! I could not be happier. I followed Charles advice throughout. I got the kale replacing spuds idea from his organic gardening book and I added About 5-10cm of compost as advised. I started the kale in baby pots ready to replace the potatoes. There have been virtually no weeds at all except after harvesting the potatoes. The weed seeds maybe germinated with the soil being disturbed. I picked them out easily when they were small and no weeds really since. It’s been smooth sailing and I can’t thanks Charles enough. Thank you for sharing your no-dig plans. Maybe a follow up? 😊

[charles]

Scott I am happy to hear of your results, as you say better than cutting grass! And that you are enjoying growing so much.

[Scott Huey]

Thank you Very much Charles.

[Jessica]

Thank you Penny!

[Jessica]

Hi Scott

Thank you for your words of encouragement, and great to see you having success in a small space, you’ve inspired me! Great to see the photo too, definitely looking impressively weed-free.

Yes I’ll definitely post updates and no doubt questions as they come up!

[Scott Huey]

Thanks Jessica. It is exciting isn’t it… Will look forward to seeing and hearing your progress. Thank you very much! All the best with your growing. 😊👍

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