Table of Contents
What makes a good allotment?
Allotments are wonderful things, but they must be cared for and nurtured in order to get the best out of them. The type of soil you have, the way the sun hits your plot and direction of the wind will all play a part in the types of plants you’ll be able to grow.
How do you layout an allotment?
The standard layout of an allotment is a central path stretching from the front to the rear of the plot, with smaller paths leading off and giving access to the beds, which line the sides of the plot. Herbs are kept at the front, fruit and storage at the back, and the vegetable beds in-between.
How do I choose an allotment?
Tips for Choosing your Allotment Garden
- Access. In the first few year of getting your allotment you will be carting an awful lot of stuff to and from your allotment and not just seed trays and tools.
- Existing Plants, Trees & Structures.
- Security.
- Perimeter.
- Size.
- Position.
- Soil.
What’s best to grow on an allotment?
The simplest to grow are mixes of leaves such as rocket, mizuna and mustard. These are ‘cut and come again’ varieties, which means they will crop at least twice if you leave about 1cm of stalk when you harvest them.
How do you clear an allotment fast?
Clear the rubbish and strim down to a few inches above ground level. Rake up the strimmings and pop onto the compost heap. Then spray the plot with a glyphosate based weedkiller, paying special attention to the perennial weeds. Leave for a week or two, re-spraying any perennial weeds that are still looking healthy.
What are allotment rules?
The allotment rules are given to each tenant at the start of their tenancy, and also sent with the rent reminder whenever the rules are reprinted. The tenant is responsible for any person they invite onto the allotments and for making them aware of the rules and health and safety guidance.
How Big Should allotment beds be?
Ideally a raised bed should be no more than 1.2m (4ft) wide, allowing easy access from both sides. It is best kept to under 3m (10ft) in length as it will be easier to move round. Construction of raised beds can be done simply by screwing together some scaffolding boards or boards of a similar size.
Where do you start overgrown allotment?
Starting out on an allotment: what to do first
- First… take stock.
- Clearing weeds and unwanted vegetation. If you’ve inherited an overgrown plot, don’t despair.
- Start a compost heap. Another job to get on with soon after you make a start on your plot is to make a compost heap.
How often should you visit your allotment?
Challenge 3 – Time Management! Allotments need regular visits. It is recommended to visit at least twice a week to keep on top of the weeding and in hot weather you might need to water your crops every day. Have a think about how you would realistically fit this into your routine, or rope your family into helping.
How do you do an allotment for beginners?
13 tips to help allotment newbies… by an allotment newbie!
- 1) Spend ages planning the layout.
- 2) Wonders of weeding.
- 3) Perennial produce.
- 4) Organic aims but you don’t have to be strict.
- 5) Get rid of old equipment and plants.
- 6) You don’t need that much equipment.
- 7) Be selective about the plants you grow.
Which is the best way to set up an allotment?
Good access to all parts, with paths to tend and gather your crops, is crucial. Paths within the plot use cropping space and are best avoided, but are essential for working beds. Permanent paths between raised beds can be kept weed-free with a membrane or chipped wood. Council tree contractors often supply allotment sites with chipped timber.
What kind of vegetables can I grow in my allotment?
You might grow Italian Tromboncino that grows into wiggly crazy shapes like trombones, French Galeuse d’Eysines with its beautiful warty bloom or culinary marvel Anna Swartz Hubbard, with its thick skin for long storing and delicious sweet dense flesh. I believe there is a pumpkin for everyone and a great part of the fun is choosing.
What happens if you leave an allotment untended?
However, allotments are often left untended for a few months before being passed on, and are therefore rarely in good shape by the time you reach the top of the list. Allotment plots can quickly be consumed by weeds such as couch grass and bindweed, while those left for over a year can be smothered in nettles and brambles .
Which is better an enclosed allotment or an un-bordered allotments?
Enclosed beds are clearly defined and look neater, but their edges can dry out more in summer than un-bordered beds where compost is allowed to spill slightly into pathways. The compost is not wasted because roots feed into paths and also use them as a moisture resource.