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Just got an allotment

• Message 1. 

  Posted by kittismum (U2266865) on Wednesday, 26th January 2011

  Hi all, After 4 years of being on the list for an allotment, the Council have just called round and told me that I have got one. I realise that 4 years is not as long as some people have waited, so I count my self very lucky indeed.
  
  My first question (of many I'm sure) is how on earth do I compost? what can go in the compost bin, how small do I have to chop the bits up? do I add any moisture or keep it dry? basicly, where on earth do I begin. Can someone please point me in the direction of a good, easy website and any other tips would be very grately appreciated. Many thanks Gwen x

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Tee Gee (U10012255) on Wednesday, 26th January 2011

  Glad to hear you have an allotment I hope you have as much enjoyment with it as I have had over the last thirty + years.
  
  This might help you with your composting;
  
  
  
  and this with setting up your allotment;
  
  
  
  click on the home page button for more information that has come from diaries I have kept for all these years.

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• Message 3

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  Posted by Kleftiwallah (U13700999) on Wednesday, 26th January 2011

  Welcome to the madhouse Gwen's etc! Where to begin? Goood question.
  
  You are already on one of the best websites for the subject of gardening !
  May I suggest you settle down for the rest of the winter and read a few books? The one I would recommend is "The Allotment Gardener's Handbook by Alan Titchmarsh. I.S.B.N. 0 7278 2026 5. Or any books by Geoff Hamilton. This will give you a cracking start.
  
  The art of composting is not something you can do at the drop of a hat. It takes time to discover what to do and what not to do and why did that happen.
  
  One piece of advice -
  DON'T GO AT IT LIKE A BULL AT A GATE! You will wear yourself out, possibly get cheesed off with all the aches and give up. It has happened before.
  
  Use the might of the computer and the W.W.W and find out how to enjoy your allotment. Cheers, Tony.
  
  

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• Message 4

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  Posted by thegoat36 (U14338430) on Wednesday, 26th January 2011

  Congratulations on getting an allotment. The hard work begins now, but the fruits of your labour will be worth it.
  As for compost, a good mix of materials is essential. When I started on the GYO journey, I bought Alan Titmarsh's book "How to garden Veg and herbs".
  He has good advice on building a compost bin, what to put in it and how to layer it. It sells online for £5.
  I also used the website below to help get started.
  
  
  
  Good luck

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• Message 5

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  Posted by feelin_blue (U1930180) on Thursday, 27th January 2011

  
  I will add my congrats too!
  
  The one thing I found when I got mine 18 months ago was to try to plan where the beds and paths were going and work out some sort of crop rotation system.
  
  Lots of paper and tape measuring, and trying it out on paper before I started digging! Also a good book to read when its too wet to dig! And lots of questions asked here! We have a major problem with rabbits, so also had to build (and dig) a rabbit proof fence, and make gates (I used willow trellis on its side!)!
  
  Good luck, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have done!
  
  

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• Message 6

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  Posted by jamie01 (U14066574) on Friday, 28th January 2011

  There are lots of videos on youtube on all aspects of growing just about anything edible. Claire's allotment entries are usually good guides. Good luck with your new project.

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• Message 7

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  Posted by kittismum (U2266865) on Saturday, 29th January 2011

  Thanks all, I intend to be a pest and ask lots of questions. x

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