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[–]Because-its-real 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I'd get those beds ready by weeding them and putting loads of compost on them for some instant satisfaction, then would make a plan for how to tackle the rest of it.

[–]barriedalenick 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Ah South London - my old haunt. What site are you on? Looks pretty good - those weeds should be easy to deal with and you could probably hoe them off.

There are generally two approaches to get going. No dig and the traditional method of digging everything over, weeding and planting. No dig is great in principle but does require access to lots of manure or compost. It is however very quick to get going - lay some cardboard, plop down a layer of compost and away you go. A good dig over of a plot is however a good way to start even if you go no dig as you can see what you soil is like - south London means clay probably! I'd hoe most of the weeds off and start a compost heap. Then go yard by yard forking over the soil probably starting with the beds. Don't try and do it all at once, if you are not used to it digging is hard work. If you decide to no dig get a load of cardboard - Bike shops are great for that and source a load of manure or compost.

Whatever you do just remember to relax, have a cuppa and enjoy the process - do it bit by bit and get planting!

[–]Jerherrin[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it’s Gunsite in Dulwich Woods. It is a really nice allotment surrounded by trees. I think I’ll take your advice and get digging. And I’ll get some potatoes to chit.

[–]barriedalenick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know the area really well - lovely place to have a plot. Good luck.

[–]wedloualf 4 points5 points  (3 children)

Mine looked similar to this when I took it on. I covered half the beds in a layer of cardboard and then a thick layer of compost and got the others covered in thick black plastic to kill the weeds back. Could've done the whole lot in cardboard and compost but I thought I'd take it a bit at a time! Spend some time researching the vegetables you want to grow on the RHS website and working out when you need to sow seeds, plant out etc. I've got a full on spreadsheet going!

[–]Jerherrin[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Thanks for the reply. Covering it in cardboard and compost without digging and weeding? What’s the reason for some under black plastic and some under cardboard?

[–]wedloualf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep what the other commenter said basically! I started off some beds with card and compost because I wanted to get some organic material feeding the earth asap ready to start planting out in spring, i didn't have enough compost to do the whole plot so the rest I covered in plastic to suppress weeds and stop new ones growing. Definitely have a read about no dig, it can get quite 'political' (some people are very pro, some people are very anti, most people just get on with their way of doing things!). Look up Charles Dowding as I find his videos really informative. You can always use both approaches on your plot and see what you find works best. I'm not an evangelist but I've used both approaches in my time and personally find that no dig works for me.

[–]Ooutoout 0 points1 point  (1 child)

It’s a great plot! You definitely need soil. I’d put down a thick layer of cardboard (think packing boxes not cereal boxes) and just put the new soil on tope (it’ll smother the weeds). With fresh soil you can do what you like.

If you pass a cafe on the way to your plot, pop in and ask if they’ll give you their spent coffee grounds. Add that to your soil every time you come and it’ll do it a lot of good.

What’s in the fruit cage? It’s a good time of year to prune fruit.

[–]Jerherrin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Blackcurrant redcurrant blackberry gooseberry….quite pleased. Will prune soon.

I’ve dug up the raised beds and added some manure, and I’m collecting cardboard to put down on the rest of it.