There are many preconceptions about allotments. One is that of a quiet place, somewhere to relax, contemplate, recharge your batteries, de-stress or simply chill-out. But this vision of “paradise” it seems, has to be earned. Perfection comes at a price. If you want Arcadia, this will only be achieved through a regime of perpetual grind in all weathers. There will be digging, endless “pests” to deal with, lots of back-breaking physical work and 24/7 weeding. In summer there is also the obligatory pre-dawn or watering by moonlight work out.
On first visiting an allotment site you may also be mistaken for thinking that they are some of sort of green correctional facility, where you arrive after the “day job” or at weekends, and don’t stop work until the sun goes down, or your back gives in!
Top go-slow allotment tips:
- Have lots of compost bins, comfrey, use green manures and mulches.
- Rotate crops and keep any digging to a minimum. No strimmers.
- Encourage wildlife. Nature is the best designer.
- Try new things and make mistakes.
- Grow flowers too – they are as equally important as beans.
- Don’t work too hard or too fast – it’s not a race. Enjoy your plot.
- Take time to get to know your neighbours and fellow plot holders.
- An allotment is a work of art in progress, so take some reading (maybe start with Bob Flowerdew’s “The No Work Garden”).
