Down on the Allotment in May

Welcome to my first blog. I’m Lee and I’ll be waxing lyrical about all aspects of allotments over the coming months!  I’ll also be answering a few questions and offering some pointers along the way.

Allotments have been a big part of my life for over twenty-five years. They have enriched my life in  many different ways. I can honestly say that having an allotment is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. The positive influence is so great.

Allotments offer, fresh air, exercise, a great way to make new friends and of course the chance to grow the freshest, healthiest food imaginable.  It sounds like a pretty good deal and it is! What you’ll need to give back in return, is sweat, (maybe even a few tears, when the slugs strike) some of your time, a firm commitment and a determination to succeed.

This is a busy time of year. It is now when we harden off our young plants, put them out and continue to sow,sow ,sow, for successional crops throughout the year.

A misconception about allotments is there is nothing to harvest during winter. The opposite is true. Last winter I yielded eight different vegetables. With planning and some organisation it is possible to pick something worthwhile all year round.

Winter harvested cabbage, sprouts and many types of purple sprouting broccoli are planted out this month and in June. Covering them with netting or fleece or mesh after planting is a priority to protect them from cabbage white butterflies and also from attack from pigeons.The end of May is also a time to plant out half hardy veg, such as sweet corn, runner beans, courgettes, squash. Gradually harden them off for two weeks before planting out.

But what if you are just taking on a plot this month? Well, it is a time to rejoice, take stock and plan ahead. Take plenty of photographs, have some fun and grab yourself some A4 paper at home and start to make a rough plan. More on this next time…