Before taking on a plot, come and have a friendly chat with us in the shed, and we’ll take some time to discuss the pros and cons. A new plot can be daunting for a first time allotmenteer, especially a full size plot. It can be a big investment in time and we recommend that in the growing season you should spend approximately 10 hours a week to maintain a full size plot.
After the initial spurt of enthusiasm we are finding that some plotholders are giving up. Here are some top tips for keeping your interest in your allotment alive.
- Don’t think you’re going to dig the whole plot over in a day. Break it up into small areas and dig a bit at a time. All we ask is that 75% of your plot is cultivated.
- Mulch – after clearing weeds if you’re not going to plant straight away then mulch with grass cuttings, chipped bark or even cow manure to keep the weeds down. We don’t allow carpet to be used as mulch as we’ve had problems with it blowing around the site, though artic lorry trailer curtains and heavy tarpaulins work well.
- Clear a small area for fast growing salad crops. The sooner you can get your plot producing crops the better. When you come down to pick them, spend half an hour clearing a few weeds or doing other small jobs.
- Plant spuds – potatoes will smother weeds and break up the ground for subsequent years, and you can easily fill a good chunk of your plot. We do excellent deals on top quality seed potatoes in the shed.
- Plant fruit bushes and small fruit trees – the more perennials you can plant the less digging you have to do each year. A small investment in strawberry plants and raspberry canes will soon repay handsomely. Wilkos and Home Bargains are a good source of cheap fruit bushes.
- Make friends – get to know your neighbours and they may swap tips, plants and produce with you.
- Make use of the shed, it’s the social hub of the site and it stocks all your allotment essentials at competitive prices.
- Join the committee or volunteer at the shed. We are always grateful of any help received, especially in unloading or maintenance of the site.
- Get the family involved. There are more families than ever coming down and working on their plots.
- Have fun! Having an allotment shouldn’t be a chore