Keeping an allotment is a great hobby. They’re cheap, you get healthy exercise without having to pay for a gym or run around in circles and you get to eat healthy fruit and vegetables that you have grown yourself. However, it requires all year round commitment so prepare yourself for going to your allotment in all kinds of weather.
To start your allotment you need to produce a plot suitable to grow crops. You can produce one in your own back garden if you want to , if not ask your local council for nearby allotment sites. If you are asking your local council then your plot will cost a small lease, usually around £10 but there is also a waiting list. Clear the plot of unwanted materials and debris. Shrubs are best dug out, but if this is not possible cutting to ground level and treat with weedkiller this will eliminate them in time also treat weeds with weedkiller. Alternatively vegetation can be buried during digging after removing the roots of perennial weeds. Once your plot is ready, you can now begin planting your chosen crops. If you need any ideas on what to grow at what time ask your Allotment site rep or family/friends who you know have an allotment themselves.
This month is March. March is the main month for sowing many crops indoors. You can also plant some outside at this stage as well (broad beans, for example). Plant asparagus in well-prepared, weed-free soil. Towards the end of the month you can plant out the first potatoes. Also plant onion sets, shallots, garlic and Jerusalem artichokes. There are many different fruits and vegetables you can grow over the year but don’t plant anything which is a hassle to grow such as cauliflower or plant anything you won’t eat because otherwise it will be a waste of money purchasing the seeds you required to grow them and the cost of producing.
To further improve your allotment, join a forum , this allows you to pick up hints and tips from others across the country who have experience with allotments and growing crops. you can even install a shed or greenhouse to your allotment and add many different things to make your allotment looking professional as well as tailored to your liking.