DRAYTON ROAD ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION
ALLOTMENTS AND GARDENS
ADVICE TIPS AND INFORMATION
SITE,SOIL and FLOWERS
updated 22 December 2011
I am trying to sow and plant as per the crop rotation plan on the veg page
New asparagus bed planted with plants grown from seed in April photos to followUpdates to follow. Parsnip, new seed, looks good . Some old seed that I set hasn't germinated, a lesson there!
I have planted some sunflowers and sweet peas , near to the runner beans to attract pollinating insects.
Have you noticed more bee activity? They seem busy on beans and raspberry flowers .
Site
Site selection may be already made and you have to take what is
offered. If you have a choice a north/ south site is preferable as it
uses the sun to best advantage, but my site is east / west. Look for an
airy site that is not overlooked by trees which rob your plants of soil
and light. Well drained if possible
Soil Preparation
Digging is
best, but first you
must clear the site. See my photo strimming down weeds, and the
finished site after strimming. I hired a rotovator for the weekend
in September and cleaned the surface of weeds. The experts will tell
you that this spreads the weeds which is true but it cleans the whole
area quickly so that you can fork out roots. However if you want to dig
with a spade and then fork out the roots do so.( start sooner as it will
take longer!!!)
Beds versus whole site
I prefer an open site but see the photo of a raised bed, about 8'x4'.
These can be easier to work around and crop, but it is down to
personal preference.
Flowers
Flowers can help attract bees and insects for pollinating vegetables
and fruit so are beneficial on the allotment. I have grown sweet peas
and sun flowers alongside runner beans. Remember
that vegetables and fruit have flowers also.
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