Many new gardeners dig over their entire plot, feel exhausted and then panic when the weeds begin to grow.

These tips may help you get started:

• plan ahead, draw a sketch map of the plot and plan what you are going to tackle in your first few months
• mark out and dig four large beds to start with and keep the rest of the plot mown, strimmed or mulched until you are ready to tackle it
• buy a gardening book that helps you identify weeds and tells you what gardening jobs to do each month
• buy a hoe and use it regularly to keep your newly dug beds free of weeds
• little and often is better than an occasional all day session. If you put in a couple of hours every week you will be amazed by the results you get
• if you belong to an allotment association, ask whether they hire out useful tools, sell seeds or organise bulk orders for manure
• look out for allotment gardening courses and weekend workshops. Contact the Allotments Officer for further details
• if you are finding it takes more time than you have, talk to the Allotments Officer. She can offer advice or arrange for you to reduce to a smaller plot, so you have less gardening to do.