To most of us, allotment gardening is first and foremost a hobby. Caring for an allotment plot can bring great pleasure to people of all abilities. It is one of the most popular hobbies in the country.
We are a nation of gardeners with easy access to books, magazines and television programmes full of useful advice. It requires commitment of time and money.
Your allotment could mean a bountiful supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, a healthy outdoor pursuit that will keep you fit and well and a place where you can relax away from the pressures of everyday life. Gardening gives many of us great enjoyment.
On your first visit to your plot, decide what work you need to do to bring it back to cultivation. Considering ability is important. All gardeners should adapt their gardening to their capabilities and the amount of time they can probably spend gardening. In a new plot, or a plot neglected for several years, digging the soil over thoroughly before planting is important. If the previous gardener looked after the plot well, you can probably use a fork or spade to hand dig the soil. Digging loosens the earth, lifting air and moisture in and breaking up hard compacted earth.
If the plot is overgrown with long grass or weeds such as brambles you may need to use a strimmer or hedge clippers to cut them down. Remember to inform the Allotments Office if you are unable to clear your plot immediately for any reason, or you could risk losing your plot! On weedy plots, plant large leafed crops such as potatoes, courgettes or runner beans, which will smother weeds. You will still need to remove weeds regularly, though, to prevent your crops being overrun by weeds during the first months of cultivation.
Digging the soil is one of the most physically demanding activities in gardening, as it involves continual bending and straightening of the back while lifting a spadeful of soil. Do a little at a time to prevent back problems. Some people prefer to use methods of cultivation that do not involve digging. Mulches of compost or thick Polythene are perfectly acceptable, as are green manures on fallow ground.
The best time for digging is autumn or early winter if you want to be ready for seed sowing in spring. If you dig in compost, manure or the remnants of last year’s crops, worms and micro-organism will help to break down the soil.
