Selecting the Best Plot For Your Allotment

Take the time to carefully consider several issues before making a final selection of your new plot. You'll want to evaluate the individual plot's characteristics as well as the plot's relation to other nearby plots to give your plants the best chance to grow successfully. Here are some features you'll want to consider:

- Make sure your plot is near a water tap. You will be glad you thought about this because water is an essential element to your having a successful crop of fruits and vegetables.

- Make sure your plot is near the entrance. Again, you'll be glad you did when you start carrying bag after bag of compost and manure as well as shovels and hoes. If you can't get a plot near the main entrance, at the very least try to get one closest to the main walkway.

- Steer clear of plots that are maintained on only a part-time basis. If you pick a plot next to one that is poorly maintained and covered in weeds, be prepared for those weeds to creep into your plot. Particularly guard against perennial weeds because those will be the hardest to get rid of. (In Chapter 5, you can learn more about weeds)

- If possible, stay away from very shady plots. Because your plants need as much sunshine as possible to thrive, look for bright, sunny plots. That means avoiding large trees, nearby tall buildings, and/or high hedges that will block the sun.

- Analyze the plot's soil quality. Don't just look at the surface soil; rather, dig down to root level to check the soil's viability. Is the soil rocky or hard? Has it been kept well cultivated or has it been abandoned and allowed to lie fallow? If the plot's soil has not been maintained, be prepared to spend long, back-breaking hours to prepare it for planting. Also, watch for soil that is perpetually soggy since this condition will be hard on you and your plants. If you choose a water-logged plot, you must realize that you'll probably have to put in some kind of drainage system.

- Study how strong the wind blows across your plot. If your potential plot experiences strong winds, you'll have to carefully consider the fruits and vegetables that you plant because some fragile plants will suffer in high winds. For example, vines such as string beans on a pole will struggle in strong gusts. However, some plants do better in plots with strong winds because those winds can hinder the development of harmful insect colonies such as aphids and the greenfly. Crops that do well in windy conditions are carrots and potatoes.

- Consider how level and smooth the plot is. Remember that water washes downhill carrying precious soil with it, eventually ruining your plants. If you must choose a plot that slopes, be prepared to in bring additional dirt to level the plot. You might also consider building terraces to offset the sloping terrain. (you can find out more about how to do this in Chapter 5)

- Carefully inspect the neighboring plots that have plants in them. While it might be nice to receive free plants from your neighbors, be alert to the fact that those nearby plants could harbor pest, insects, and diseases. Be careful to keep a watchful eye on any plants you "inherit," at least for the first year and monitor their health. Since many garden plants thrive for only a few years, anyway, you might be better off simply starting your plot with all new, fresh plants.

- If at all possible, find a plot with a shed. It's a bonus to find a plot with a shed or greenhouse already in place. If you can't, then you'll want to invest the time and effort to build one. Be sure your shed is waterproof and in acceptable condition with no missing boards or shingles.

- Study the level of your plot's security. Does your plot have a lockable gate and a strong fence? It's heartbreaking to lose all your hard work to vandalism or theft.

Shaz has written hundreds of articles online for almost 3 years. Not only does this author specialize in Home and Gardening, you can also check out his latest website on murano glass pendants which reviews and lists murano glass beads for fine attractive looking murano glass pendants.