Welcome to my allotment life! I’m so glad you’re here to look around.
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just dreaming of getting your hands dirty, this is the section of my website where you can explore everything allotments have to offer and I will be showing a few of the things I do with mine.
For me, having an allotment has definitely been worth it. You will save money but there are so many other benefits for the mind and body.
Below: Small? Yes, but perfectly formed, fresh and 10X the taste of anything you can buy.
I’ve been digging, planting, and harvesting on my own plot for years, and I can’t wait to share the wins (and not so occasional failures) with you.
Growing your own food and flowers:
There's nothing quite like the taste of homegrown produce! I'll share my favourite vegetables, fruits, and herbs to grow, with tips on planting, nurturing, and harvesting.
Whether its the classic tomato or more adventurous crops, we'll explore the endless possibilities of what you can grow.
Below: It's not just about food! I will also delve into the beauty of growing flowers, raising chickens, attracting pollinators, and creating a vibrant, colourful space.
An allotment garden or community garden plot is a piece of land allocated or rented to an individual to allow them to grow food and flowers for themselves and their family.
An allotment got it's name by being your allotted piece of land. They were known as enclosures in the 1600's and have always provided land for the common labourer.
Below: For me one of the best things about having my own land is to be able to grow varieties of fruits and vegetables that you can't buy in the shops.
Allotments allow certain activities and buildings like greenhouses and sheds to be erected on the site without planning consent and some have a water supply and toilets.
Starting your allotment journey:
Getting started can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think. First things first, finding an allotment! I'll guide you through the process of searching for available plots in your area, understanding waiting lists, and what to expect when you finally get your own patch of land.
We'll talk about the basics: tools you'll need, understanding your soil, and planning your first crops. Don't worry, even if you're a complete beginner clearing your first allotment, I'll help you build confidence and get those seeds in the ground.
Below: My first look at my new allotment. Heavily overgrown but with apple and plum trees.
Community & sharing:
Allotments are more than just gardens; they're communities! I'll talk about the social aspect of allotment life, sharing tips on getting involved, bartering and exchanging produce, and learning from fellow gardeners.
Building connections with others who share your passion makes the experience even more rewarding. I find the the joy is in sharing your harvest with friends and family, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food comes from.
Below: My space saving strawberry wall.
Allotments and community gardens vary greatly in size and can be council or authority controlled or private. Here in the UK allotments and what you can do on them is governed by the allotment acts of 1922 and 1950 and their provision is a legal requirement.
Challenges & pests:
Of course, allotment gardening isn't always smooth sailing. We'll tackle common challenges like fencing, dealing with pests, weeds, and unpredictable weather.
If you want to take at look (and have a laugh) at some of recent growing disasters, this is the page for you.
Below: It does go wrong sometimes.
My plot has no water supply I'll share practical solutions and organic methods to keep your plot thriving. From slugs and snails to aphids and blight, we'll learn how to identify and manage these issues without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Grow some odd things:
One of the great things about your own land is you can grow fruit and vegetables you just can't get anywhere else. They don't sell wild strawberries in the shops but they are so easy to grow in any corner of your plot.
Below: I grew a pineapple in Yorkshire and get figs every year.
I love a good experiment and in the last few years I have grown pop corn, carnivorous plants, grains, chickpeas, wasabi and saffron.
Sustainable allotment practices:
Caring for the environment and rejuvenating the soil is at the heart of allotment gardening. I'll share tips on composting, rainwater harvesting, and creating a wildlife-friendly habitat.
Below: I have quite a few hedgehog visitors to the plot.
We'll explore ways to reduce waste, encourage biodiversity, and create a sustainable ecosystem in your own little plot. Let's work together to make our allotments a haven for nature and a source of healthy, eco-friendly produce.
Seasonal tips &inspiration:
Each season brings new opportunities and challenges. I'll provide regular updates and tips tailored to the time of year, from preparing your soil in spring to harvesting and storing your crops in autumn.
I like to experiment and for the last two years I have been buying plants from the major growers to see how they compare to those grown at home.
Below: Guess which were bought as plug plants and which I grew myself!
We'll celebrate the changing seasons and make the most of every moment in the garden.
Its not just about growing:
I keep both chickens and ducks. About the only thing I have yet to get is a beehive, I have wild bees but would love to produce my own honey.
Below: Having an allotment teaches you to deal with gluts of produce and makes you an expert at preserving. This is a whole gallon of pickled shallots.
Some allotment sites allow the keeping of livestock but you will be limited to poultry and as a rule not be allowed to keep any animals with a cloven hoof on communal ground.