I’m feeling pretty optimistic that i can dig over and finish one side of the plot so it’s time to order my vegetables in time for next season.

It’s probably too early but at least it’s done and out of the way and allows me to concentrate my efforts on the plot. Plus by ordering my veg now, at least i know what it is i’m planting so i can prepare the soil in advance.

Thompson & Morgan offer a great selection of vegetables & seeds which you can order online and they’ll post out in time for the new season. The main priority is Potatoes as i have already cleared, dug over and manured a large section of the plot to cater for these (see picture). I’m going to be brave and order first, second and main crop varieties.

Reading through books and internet sites the range is quite extensive when it comes to Potatoes. In the end i just went for the most recommended varieties like Rocket, Sarpo Mira, Ulster Sceptre, Arran Pilot and King Edwards plus a few with unusual names.

I actually asked Ron next door, who’s been growing veg for centuries, about the different varieties and he just looked at me like i was an idiot. Although i’m sure he knows the names, Potatoes are Potatoes to him and i guess he just sticks them in the ground and away he goes. For the novice like me there’s a lot of information to absorb and reading back through my posts i sound like a seasoned gardener of which i can assure you i’m not. It’s all theory so looking forward to the practice.

Next on the list will be Garlic, Onions and Leeks. I discovered an old raised bed on the other side of the plot (pictured) which is a bit battered and in need of repair. It was full of glass, wood, grass, old boots and weeds, but i’ve cleaned most of that out.

It’s been made from metal sheet and is a fairly good depth and just needs a little TLC and some repair. Ron reckons if i fix it up it’ll make a good Leek bed and he recommends i dig it out and fill the bottom with Manure and then cover with top soil. So we’ll have a go of that next week.

Lastly will be Brussel Sprouts as that’s about the only green veg, other than Courgettes, that i can eat. I don’t see the point in going for cabbages, or lettuce as i’ll never eat them anyway and i have enough on my plate (pardon the pun) right now.

Other than the Leeks, i plan to build a bed system at the top of the first plot and control the veg that way. It’s more mental than anything else as i think it’ll keep everything in one area and make it easier for me to get round. Plus it’ll be tidy and right next to the Potatoes. I have also been reading that it’s important to rotate the vegetables and not to grow in the same place year on year. After some research i have chosen vegetables from different families such as root crops (potatoes), legumes (Onions/Garlic/Leeks) and finally Brassica’s (Brussel Sprouts).

I get my information from books and from Allotment.org where’s there’s a good article on Crop Rotation. All very confusing for a beginner i know but it’ll be a good experience none the less.