TOP OF THE CROPS: Follow a few ground rules to get best results (Image: Getty Images)
Put the self-sufficiency bit out of your mind, since it is too great a pressure to bear, but follow a few ground rules so you stand the best possible chance of success. Firstly, over the next few weeks, prepare the soil by digging in as much well-rotted garden compost or manure as you can. Only with root crops such as carrots might such enrichment give rise to problems, as the roots can fork and split. But that's rare.
But don't take on more land than you can manage.
Allotments are large and can get out of hand. It is far better to cultivate part of the plot well and keep on top of it than battle with weeds while sowing and planting the whole thing.
Either share the plot with a friend or turf and mow the section you can't manage once a week to encourage grass, which
