The post-baby allotment: a new set of rules

So I guess I've realised that I need a new game plan for the allotment now I have a tiny person in tow. I came up with this set of commandments while down on the plot on Sunday.

1. Mulch, mulch, and mulch some more

I can't be doing with a lot of weeding this year - too much heavy labour, too time-consuming. So I am going to mulch heavily with cardboard, newspaper, grass cutting and straw - every patch I can, barring the raised beds which are fairly weed free. The accompanying pix are the before and after shots from an initial bout of mulching my blackcurrant bushes - thick layers of newspaper topped with compost from the heap. I am going to try growing potatoes through a mulch for the first time, too.

2. Don't feel guilty about buying young plants

Yes, I will sow from seed when and where I can, but it's better to concentrate on raising a few plants successfully myself than trying to do it all.

3. Do a bit of edging every time I go to the plot

I get really discouraged when things start to look scruffy - if I can keep things in hand little by little, it'll help me stay focused.

4. Turn the compost heap at least once every fortnight

I want to turbocharge my composting this year - not least because I need the compost for mulching etc, plus it's great exercise!

5. Focus, focus, focus

I tend to adopt a bit of a scattergun approach on my plot visits, and am easily distracted by small, unimportant tasks rather than the core things I need to be doing. So I am going to get the key things done first - sowing, harvesting, watering, pest control - and leave the repainting the toolbox etc for another day.

Comments

[Natalie El-Barrawi]

Very good commandments to allotment by- especially the focus one.I've done much better on my visits by having only one or two things to achieve.It's much more satisfying and productive to finish one job properly and also means you have the right equiptment with you.
My only addition would be (born out of my own seed weakness) before you are tempted by new seeds look in your various seed boxes at home/shed and you will be amazed by the riches you possess.This has already saved me money and helped me focus on the bed plans for the year.

[Woody Wilbury]

and never walk past a weed!

[Soilman]

Nice set of rules. Number five is my downfall, too. The only way forward is to have a military plan for the jobs you're going to do when you visit the plot. I even give myself a time-limit now, so that I leave the moment the critical job is done... and refuse to get distracted by the nonsense.

[Chris (HikeWales.co.uk)]

Loving this post! I have three little ones and the resulting lack of time.
Really enjoying your book BTW, half way through and learnt lots.
All the best,
Chris

[Sam]

Great post! The tips on composting are very helpful to me.

[HelenHaricot]

we started the great cardboard experiment last year after realising that we were truly losing the battle of the weeds. broad beans and potatoes v succesful, brassicas hopeless. i have found newspaper and then sowing onto the top into compost works for things like carrots and also salads. will try that option for the brassicas this year.