Allotments: Getting started Part 2 of 2

Clearing your plot

• Clear the plot of unwanted materials and debris. You may be able to get help with this from the allotment management team
• Trees and shrubs are best dug out, but if this is not possible cutting to ground level and treating with weedkiller or merely removing all regrowth until they die out, will eliminate them in time
• Weeds are best killed with systemic weedkillers based on glyphosate applied from mid-spring until mid-autumn
• Alternatively vegetation can be buried during digging after removing the roots of perennial weeds
• Smothering weeds by opaque mulches (carpet is no longer recommended) requires at least one growing season to be effective. This can be an effective way of dealing with a plot where clearing cannot be done before the growing season

Working your plot

• When clear of weeds the soil can be broken up and ideally add organic matter by digging or rotovating, or while building raised beds
• Take a soil test to find out the soil pH and whether it is lacking in any nutrients. This will help plan any lime or fertiliser application
• Outfit the plot with compost bins, a shed and other useful items

Now you are ready to start planting! Make sure you make a crop rotation plan to get the best from your plot.

Soil pests and diseases can be troublesome on new allotments. Ones to watch out for include clubroot and onion white rot.