When I started my allotment plot, I probably made every mistake in the book! I was new to gardening and growing my own produce so I wasn’t expecting to get everything right. I learned so much from all my mistakes, so I don’t really regret them. In this post I want to share with you the most common mistakes made by first time allotment plot holders, and how you can avoid them!
- NOT GROWING WHAT YOU EAT
It’s so tempting to just whack every single seed in the shop into the ground when you first get an allotment plot. I did it, mainly because I was so worried nothing at all would grow and wanted to make sure my plot was filled with at least some veg to harvest! Well, I got my wish, and almost everything I planted grew leaving me with piles and piles of produce, I didn’t really like to eat! Make sure you think about what you’re growing and stick to the things you know you’re going to enjoy eating!
2. NOT STARTING WITH NO DIG
This is a fairly new concept for me, having spent the past 2 years on my plot digging out each bed. No dig is just so much easier and far better for he environment. It would have saved me so much time and effort had I adopted this method straight away. No dig is the concept of layering up your raised beds as opposed to digging them out. You simply top them with fresh compost, manure, cardboard and any other organic matter you can find over the autumn/winter and then enjoy the benefits in the spring time!
3. NOT PROTECTING THOSE SEEDLINGS
Spring can often lure us into a false sense of security. We start whacking all our new little seedlings and plants outside, give them a water and stand back in awe at how healthy and happy they look in the sun. When we return to the plot to check on them the next day, we find they’ve all been eating my slugs and snails! Take it from me, protect your seedlings early!! I use egg shells, porridge oats, wool pellets and thorn branches. This year I’m going to explore nematodes too, which I’ve heard good and bad things about, so I’ll be sure to let you know how I get on!
4. TAKING ON TOO MUCH AT ONCE
Allotment plots are hard work, especially when you first get them. It’s likely you’re plot will be pretty overgrown when you first set foot on it and can take a good couple of months to bring it under control. Go easy on yourself and take it slow. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day! Don’t be afraid to cover half of your plot in ground sheets or cardboard to get the weeds under control. If you keep working at it, your plot will eventually be in a great place and you’ll be so proud of yourself. Take photos of your progress so that on those days when you’re feeling a little demotivated, you can see how far you’ve come!
5. NOT READING YOUR CONTRACT!!
Every allotment site has different rules. There are rules on shed sizes, or if you’re even allowed one, rules on fruit trees, rules on ponds and rules on fences. Every year, most sites have inspections and will expect a certain amount of cultivation. Read the rules carefully before taking or applying for your plot. If you are dreaming of sitting in a shed with a cuppa only to find out your site doesn’t allow sheds, you’re only going to be disappointed.
Remember that allotments aren’t the only option available to you if you are looking to grow your own produce. You don’t even need a lot of space. A balcony, windowsill of small back garden might work just as well, and you’ll be able to play by your own rules!
I hope these tips help you if you are taking on your first allotment plot. Good luck!
