Green-fingered allotment owners up and down the country have been thrust into the limelight this week as part of National Allotment Week, with this year’s theme revolving around biodiversity efforts, and the benefits they can have on our wider ecosystem.
If you’ve seen lots of content this week about allotments, the boost they bring to the environment, and the passion so many people share for those they run, you may be itching to get involved yourself.
Although taking over a plot of land, big or small, may seem daunting at first but treat a new allotment how you would a blank canvas, with so much potential!
Thankfully cities and towns across the country still have allotment sites, many of which you wouldn’t even know they are there, regularly tucked out of the way to give growers privacy and an escape from the busy demands of modern life.
Owning an allotment comes with so many benefits, allowing even those without gardens to feel connected with nature, grow their own food, and become part of a dedicated community.
What Can You Grow on an Allotment?
If it grows in the ground, you can grow it on an allotment – the possibilities are more-or-less endless!
Most start their allotment journey with products for the dining table, from veggies like potatoes, carrots, onions, lettuce, and more, to fruity strawberries, blackberries, currants, and raspberries. Try your arm at herbs too, with basil, thyme, mint, and rosemary - all great for allotment growers.
‘Grow your own’ is an exciting journey for any gardener, nurturing a seed or young plant until fully grown and ready for crops to pick. That feeling of pride when you serve vegetables grown yourself alongside Christmas dinner is phenomenal.
However, keep in mind that an allotment plot is not just about the kitchen treats you can grow, as there are many other varieties just waiting to thrive.
You’ll have plenty of space to play with, allowing you to experiment with different flower varieties to snip when they’re at their prettiest and bring home to place in fresh cut flower vase displays.
Allotment Growing vs Garden Growing
Even though the bare basics of gardening is shared, whether planting in your garden or an allotment, there are some distinct differences to consider before committing.
One of the biggest advantages to allotment growing is the space available. Large plots are typically spaced out, offering gardeners the chance to let their imaginations run wild. Experiment with plants that you’ve always dreamed of growing, but perhaps haven’t ever had the space for.
Be sure to understand the soil type of the plot prior to taking it on. Some allotments will have fertile soil, having been used to grow a plethora of varieties for years, while others can be slightly more challenging.
An underrated, and often forgotten feature of allotments that we absolutely adore is the sense of community you feel. You’re sure to become well-acquainted with those who run your neighbouring plots, sharing seeds, stories, ideas, knowledge, and just general chitchats about everyday life.
However, remember that running an allotment is a time-consuming commitment and requires plenty of physical effort to maintain. Bigger in size means there is more ground to dig, tend to, and harvest. Your garden is convenient and attached to your home, so is easy to ‘nip out’ to, complete a couple of garden jobs, then continue your day.
Plan, Plan, Plan: Starting Your Allotment the Right Way
Plot Preparation - Clear the land as you first find it, taking steps to improve soil structure, where necessary. This is also a good time to create raised beds if your site allows, improving the aesthetic of the plot.
Crop Rotation – A great solution for boosting soil health and preventing pest or disease build-up. To do this, grow specific groups of vegetables on different sections of a vegetable plot from one year to another. Any pests or diseases that target specific crops will not have the chance to build-up.
Watering – As with any gardening venture, regular watering is crucial, particularly during prolonged hot and dry spells. Thankfully a summer’s day spent at the allotment is a day well spent! The area will be teeming with the buzz of wildlife and is one of the best ways to feel surrounded by nature while the sun is at its highest.
Weed Control – Weeds steal valuable nutrients and resources from the bounty of plants you are growing, so be sure to constantly be on the lookout for outbreaks and keep the weeds at bay.
Harvesting – Although a period of hard work, harvesting is also deeply rewarding, allowing you to literally enjoy the ‘fruits’ of your labour! Research tried and tested harvesting techniques for specific varieties to ensure optimal quality and quantity.
All in all, gardening is a process, regardless of where you do it. Allotments open the door to so many opportunities and offer you plenty of time and space to experiment – you’re sure to learn something new!
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