We are now growing an abundance of fruit and veg! We were very lucky that the plot had already established plum trees and raspberry/ blackberry bushes, so we were able to cut those back and get them looking healthier while digging up the rest of the plot.
We now also have onions, garlic, peas, lettuce, blueberries, rhubarb, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, radishes, beetroot and a large herb garden too, already thriving!
Joining a community of likeminded people was one of the main reasons I wanted an allotment in the first place. Having only lived in our town for a few years, it took a while to feel at ‘home’ in our community. Having an allotment is like being part of a secret little party! It’s like a whole other town, where community and nature is at the heart.
Everybody knows everybody, there is always somebody on hand for help or to share a flask of tea with, and there are often allotment holder events, too.
Up there it doesn’t matter who you are, what you look like, where you’ve come from - the only thing that matters is that you look out for each other, for nature and for the planet! It’s a really beautiful thing to witness, and it allows you to take a step back from the everyday hustle and bustle of busy life and step into a slower, more grounded space.
I have built some incredibly close friendships through taking on an allotment, with people of all ages! It’s a real bonding experience.
Do you share produce?
People regularly share produce - it’s almost expected that if you have excess you share it with others. We have monthly seed and plant swaps, and people are always offering up eggs from chickens, too!
Would you recommend an allotment?
I would recommend an allotment to anyone. They’re hard work and take time and effort but the positives outweigh the negatives x 1000! I never feel more calm, grounded or part of a community than I do when I’m up at our plot, surrounded by birds singing, nature and friendly ‘hello’s'! It’s not for the faint hearted but it’s been incredible. I would go so far as to say it’s changed my life - you really do get a new perspective on what it is to exist when you start to understand the ecosystem of the world, and how every tiny little living thing has a purpose and feeds into the purpose of another.
The main bit of advice I would give to anyone starting out with an allotment is: “Chuck it in’t ground and see if it grows”! Just give it a go! There’s lots of conflicting information out there that can feel a little overwhelming to begin with, if you’re completely new to gardening. Your best bet is to take it step by step, day by day, and enjoy the process as much as the outcome! You’ll find your way of doing things. Also, ask for advice! If there’s one thing allotment-eers enjoy, it’s talking about allotments! No question is too small, and people are always happy to help.