New allotment needs advice

[wet.behind.the.ears]

What can I plant in my new allotment? I have spent the autumn digging over my first allotment, and I am itching to plant some crops. I have some broadbeans and peas overwintering in my back yard, and some onion seeds just planted today in a seed tray, what else can I plant this time of year? I plan on potatoes in a month or so, carrots and more broadbeans around the end of feb but what else is worth starting early in pots or sowing straight in the ground in January, if anything? All advice greatfully received, thanks

[wet.behind.the.ears]

[Mrs Ava]

With the new year looming ahead, I wouldn't rush.  Garlic can go in now, and I will be sowing some onion seeds in trays over the next couple of weeks.  I start toms, chillis and aubergines off anytime from the end of January in pots, in the warm conservatory.  You could put black plastic or cloches down on your allotment to keep the ground dry and warm it up for early sowings of lettuce and carrots, but I have tried and never had great success, so now I wait until March before I start thinking about sowing anything direct.  I will start broadbeans and peas off soon also, for planting out under fleece in March. 

Hope my ramblings help.

[kt.]

Maybe some garlic. Have you done a plan of where you want to put everything? Get a load of manure if you have not already. Will keep you busy a couple of hours. Have you got darainage runners on your shed catching water? Greenhouse prepared? or build a coldframe? January is mostly catching up on diy jobs.  ::)

[manicscousers]

have you got any covered space, ?, could you make a simple cold frame?, as EJ says, it's a bit cold yet, even with the mildish weather, cover everywhere you can. we've just bought the onion sets from b&q, going to try planting half in pots, under cover as they're a bit small, I feel just the same as you, itchy planting fingers  ;D ;D

[Melbourne12]

What can I plant in my new allotment? .... but what else is worth starting early in pots or sowing straight in the ground in January, if anything? ...

Right now we're planting fruit bushes, and are waiting for some apple trees too.  Rhubarb crowns could also go in.

[Barnowl]

If you're starting peas, I liked the idea I read about here in the forum of starting peas off in a section of guttering, then sliding them out into the bed so that they have minimal disturbance.

[Melbourne12]

If you're starting peas, I liked the idea I read about here in the forum of starting peas off in a section of guttering, then sliding them out into the bed so that they have minimal disturbance.

This works really well.  Don't use too long a length of guttering though, or it becomes unwieldy.

[saddad]

The rectangular section guttering is best... more compost and doesn't fall over!
;D

[Barnowl]

That advice is just in the nick of time Saddad, I was off on a skip trawl tonight - will have to be pickier about the guttering. ;D

[cornykev]

Get me a bit Barnowl while your at it.    :D :D ;D ;D ;D

[manicscousers]

we tried it last year, worked well  :)

[saddad]

I've used round but put a cheap bracket at each end and fasten to a piece of wood to give it something to lean on!
;D

[kt.]

This works really well.  Don't use too long a length of guttering though, or it becomes unwieldy.

You can also use this method for carrots too apparently. I mentioned this to my lottie neighbour who says he does this method with carrotts in the cold frame. He never seems short of 'em come harvest. I have sawn some guttering today. only 4 lengths so far. Gonna make another 6 or so.