Hi folks, I've enjoyed reading your posts for awhile, while I've been on the waiting list for an allotment here in Devon. I've only just been able to get one, and to my dismay, not a thing has been done to it since the end of last summer. I've got a lot of work ahead of me. (apologies in advance for the long post btw, but I want to make sure I get off on the right foot) My current aim is to get the existing beds in shape so I can plant some vegetables asap. I haven't started any seeds, because I had no idea when or if I'd get an allotment this year. I don't have any experience gardening in the UK but judging by what the books and seed packets have to say, it will be ok if I sow outdoors by the end of May. I'm planting pretty standard stuff this year: carrots, beets, peas, beans, courgettes, sweetcorn, lettuce, radishes, spring onions and some herbs. Also some tomatoes and strawberries, but I'll get plants for those. Am I being too ambitious, given that it's already early May? My other question is with regards to bed preparation. The beds are raised (although the boards have been taken down and need re-affixing) and full of weeds, plus one of them is full of Jerusalem artichokes which I don't want to keep (even though I hear they're expensive, and wonderful, and stuff). My current plan goes something like this, _base_d on different things I've read and my (admittedly sketchy) understanding of British growing conditions. 1. Remove weeds (and Jerusalem artichokes) 2. Remove raised soil onto tarpaulin 3. Install newspaper 4-5 inches below top soil level, leaving spaces for root crop rows (apparently this will help stop any perennial weeds coming back) 4. Replace soil 5. Fertilise and cover with black plastic 6. Leave for 2 weeks, remove any stubborn weeds, then sow seeds Does this sound reasonable, or even sensible? Is it overkill? Is it not enough? I'm used to gardening in a very hot dry (but short) growing season, where even the weeds have trouble taking hold. I'm looking to start work this week, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much, Misty