Getting an Allotment in April - complete novice

[ohhmygosh]

This was DH's idea and I've seen the pitch we will take over and it very weedy. It has some raised bed. Why is that better ?

We do have a lovely smallish garden and big all year side border at home, but it's DH never weeds . I can't get in there until April, but I also have a young child so I don't know how much I can do as I can't leave her unsupervised.

What is best for planting end / April May (assuming we tag team weeding and prep the soils and keep the kids alive )

There's plenty of articles online about starting an allotment - have a read around. The general wisdom seems to be, not to try to clear it all in one go. Choose one bit, and cover the other weedy beds with black plastic, well pegged down. This will start to suppress the weeds.

The bit that you've chose to do this year, try to clear it now (or rather, tell your husband to clear it as it's his bright idea), and plant potatoes - they are good at clearing the ground.

Could you put a fence round it, so your little one can play without disappearing? Could you get them a little sandpit or something?

The raised beds - i'm not 100% sure, I think maybe the soil warms up quicker or something?

In terms of what to plant now - pretty much most things go in in April/May - its a really busy time! Don't try to do everything all at once. You'll be more clearing it/settting up this year I'd imagine.