The first look

In our first class, back in January, as well as getting to know each other, we went through the priniciples of sustainable organic vegetable production, equipment, seeding and transplanting materials an allotment design plans. 

Then with our trench coats in hand and wrapped up warm, we ventured out to the allotment site. It was a cold four degrees. There the virgin allotments were, more than 30 plots, 5mx7m, bare and untouched. Let the ploughing, fertilising, sowing and planting begin. 

Shabby clothes

Dresscode for an allotment is old, shabby clothes (that won't be a problem!), hat, gardening gloves and solid wellies. Essential tools: Felcro prunes (if you can afford them), spade, shovel, fork, hoe, hula hoe, three-pronged cultivator, stakes, string, spray bottle and a 'borrowed' shopping basket for easy transport. 

And very importantly get labels and a record book. If I'm to be anyway successful, this is vital for my sanity (to remember what I planted three months down the line and when I did it) and for the the survival rate of my veg. 

Pots, roots, legs and bras

So I'm off to a good start. I've planned the vegetable plot and have worked out a rotation plan. I'm working  the vegetables in four groups - potatoes, roots, legumes and brassicas (in short 'pots, roots, legs and bras). This is to cultivate the soil for years of optium growth.

The plan tomorrow is to sow early spring vegetables into indoor pot trays to give them a good start - leeks, broadbeans, french beans, peas, lettuce and garlic are top of my list. 

Wish me luck!

Pick a packet or two

Over the past week glossy magzines readings have been replaced by seed catalogues. With the frost and snow now is the ideal time to curl up with a good gardening book (Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening by Pauline Pears) and order your seeds. 

So I've picked up a packet or two (at www.castlefarm.ie and www.organiccentre.ie); in fact I've picked up E80 worth of seeds, but don't let that put you off. 

I ordered things that I love to eat (leeks, broadbeans, spring onions, cabbage) and things my husband (garlic, cauliflower, potatoes) and kids (sweetcorn, peas and pumpkin) love to ear. I'll turn into a seedaholic at this rate!

Can you dig it?

Owning an allotment is the ultimate workout I'm told: fresh air, back ache, dirt under the fingernails and the joys of growing your own is something I am looking forward to.

The plan is to be self-sufficient by growing vegetables in my new allotment in Castlefarm, Narraghore, Athy. So as a 'townie' from Naas with Offaly blood in my veins (don't hold it against me!), it will be a challenge. 

A word of warning, this is by no means an advice column, merely an experimention and record of a newbie allotment holder/veggie grower. 

The advice in February is to prepare a plan and buy your seeds and tools. They say to start small and gradually expand your edible horizons, we'll see!