New Allotment.

[grahoom]

Hello,

i've not been to the site for a long time.

I've just got a new allotment space (as I've moved cities) - and the one I have is liable to flood in the winter (it is basically on a flood plain).

during spring, summer and autumn it's generally free from flooding.

So my question is, what would be suitable to grow - that is hardy, and can handle the odd occasion that it might be under water.

There is already a Pear tree on the plot, - and a shed.

cheers
graham

[circlecross]

rice?

Sorry.

If it is flood free in the warmer months then I guess most annuals - peas, squashes, potatoes???

[MKG]

I think you've answered your own question - that pear tree is still there. Any plant will withstand immersion for a short length of time, as long as it's very temporary and the immersion is in fresh water. The more important question is how quickly the soil drains after the floods. If roots are liable to be standing in an atmosphere of water for more than a day or so, most will curl up and die - unless, as above, it's rice.

[grahoom]

rice?

Sorry.

If it is flood free in the warmer months then I guess most annuals - peas, squashes, potatoes???

haha, yeah I did think about that!

well, last summer it flooded, but then most of Oxford flooded last summer, so i think (hope) it was an exception!

I am thinking of growing some mushrooms on logs (oyster etc) as these can be raised highish off the ground.

also, MKG has stated, it seems that fruit-trees can handle the flooding (as there is a pear tree already there).

I guess really I just need to keep an eye on it, and see how bad the flooding gets.

[Cheezy]

Raised beds if you can, it's what we did because our site got the occasional day of flooding. Depends how deep obviously it floods, but it's great. Last year due to the rain, only the raised bedders at our lottie got any potatoes out, due to blight.

[Merry]

It`s always a good idea to find out what the neighbouring plot holders grow successfully. Allotmenteers are usually very happy to talk about their gardening experiences.