Page 40 - ALG Issue 2 2019

just got a plot?
tips for new plotholders – summer
If you have acquired your plot in early summer, the annual weeds may have taken hold already but can be hoed off quite easily. As long as there are no seed heads, you can compost the waste in your compost heap or bin. Do not compost perennial weed roots, they can be drowned or disposed of.
A very overgrown plot can be covered with either a horticultural membrane or black plastic; cardboard is also
an option, but it does tend to blow away more easily. Check your tenancy agreement for the percentage of the plot that must be cultivated in the first
year. Allotment officers will inspect during the growing season to check to see if you have started work.
Get tooled up: a basic kit would consist of spade, fork, trowel, hand-fork,
hoe, watering can and secateurs. The grass will have started growing now so if you have grass areas to keep tidy you may need shears or a strimmer – sometimes the allotment association will have communal tools you can borrow.
Starting a plot in summer means that you may have missed out on early
Get ready to start feeding your crops and read up on pests and diseases
sowings, but the soil will have warmed up by May and you can sow crops direct. Many sites hold swaps where plotholders exchange seedlings, and vegetable plug-plants are now widely available.
Invest in some mulch; this will reduce watering and inhibit weeds; make sure soil is moist before applying. Get ready to start feeding your crops and read up on pests and diseases.
Here’s a summary of starters’ tips that apply all year:
• Assesstheaspectandcheckthesoiltype
• Harvestrainwaterreadyforsummerdroughts
• Worklittleandoften
• Staysafe–wearstrongfootwearandkeep
your tetanus jabs up to date
• Resisttherotovator,unlessthesoilis
completely free of weed roots
• Brushuponyourknowledge,visitwww.
nsalg.org.uk/growing-advice/
• Workoutarotationplan
• Recordwhatworksandwhatdoesnot
The next issue will look at starting a plot in autumn/ winter. Let us know if you have any useful tips that worked for you when you started your plot. Email diane@nsalg.org.uk
SEAN 07773 787348 ANDREW 07976 252698
info.greenleafhorticulture@gmail.com www.greenleafhorticulture.co.uk
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40 Allotment and Leisure Gardener