My Allotment

From field to allotment...

Measuring out the plots - May 2013

In April 2012, I approached my local council to enquire how I would go about having an allotment. I was very pleased to learn that the council were in the process of obtaining some land to convert to allotments.

Then January 2013, I was informed that 30 allotments would be created for the community and became part of the steering group to assist in getting these ready for allocation. 

     

 Day 2 - 2 June 2013

The allotment tombola and contract signing took place and I finally set to work on 1 June 2013.

Time was as of essence now as my greenhouse was bursting at the seems with the young seedlings that I had grown. It was now a case of prepare what I could which included getting some raised beds and planting what I had.

And yes I took advantage of the Cow's manure that had been provided free of charge by a local farmer.

My allotment as of 9 October 2013

The above picture shows what I was able to achieve in less than five months.

What I am growing....in my fruit bed

• Raspberries - Polka Red, All Gold yellow and Glen Coe Purple Raspberries
• Red and White Grape Vines
• Anablanca White Strawberries
• Blueberry Bush
• Grafted Red, White and Black Currant Bush
• Dwarf trees - Cherry, Pear, Golden Delicous and Gala Apple and
• Kiwi
• Rhubarb

And for the Vegetable beds....

• Potatoes - Bikini, Belle De Fontenay, Shetland Black, Highland Burgandy and Arran Pilot
• Carrots, Autumn King, Purple Haze, Yellowstone
• Onions
• Shallots
• Mangetout - Shiraz
• Pea - Oregon Sugar Pod, Meteor, Early Onward
• Beetroot, Rainbow Beet
• Runner Beans - White Lady, Fire Storm
• French Beans - Castandel, Safari (Dwarf), Purple Cascade
• Broad Bean - Statissa, Aquadulce Claudia
• Garlic
• Leeks - King Richard
• Brussel Sprouts Red
• Flowering Sprouts Red
• Raddish - Cherry Belle
• Swede - Ruby
• Parsnip - Gladiator
• Turnip - Tiny Pal
• Courgettes, Sunstripe, Tricolour, Safari
• Asparagus
• Pak Choi - Tri-colour Mix
• Swiss Chard - Rainbow Mix
• Cabbage - Greyhound, Derby Day
• Cauliflower - Avalanche, Veronica
• Broccoli
• Sweetcorn
• Squash - Butterbush, Cobnut, Hunter
• James Wong - Cucamelon, Inca Berries, Popcorn Fiesta

I also make home for a selection of herbs on my plot as there is nothing like brushing past small bushes of herbs to get their aroma rising up whilst setting about the days job on your plot especially when the sun is shining. 

Theses incluse; Rosemary - Miss Jessops, Tarragon French, Purple Sage, Oregano, Ginger Mint, Thyme Creeping Red.

I will update you as I go from sowing the seeds (in my greenhouse for some vegetable types) to planting out in their final positions...