Should you dig over an allotment?

You will still need to dig the plot the very first time you get it, but not from then on. Instead lightly fork and rake over the top layer of soil before each planting season and add organic matter if needed. This method is perfect for raised beds.

When should you dig over an allotment?

Once you've got your allotment, it's best to start clearing it as soon as possible. The ideal time to clear is in autumn and winter. This is when plants are dormant, so it's easy to get on top of weeds before they start growing again in spring.

What should you not do in an allotment?

What do you cover an allotment with?

Ideally, you need to use well-rotted manure, but if you are covering your beds in the autumn, then you can use less well-rotted manure as it has several months to break down. I will also cover the beds with tarps or weed membrane which helps keep the heat in and speed up the composting process.

What is the first thing to do on an allotment?

Dig or No-Dig? Grass paths? Raised Beds? New Allotment Questions! | JB's Beginner Guide - Part 2

How do you dig over a new allotment?

How many hours a week should you keep an allotment?

Plan your plot

This might need eight hours' work a week for inexperienced gardeners, but half that for experienced ones.

What is the no dig allotment method?

What is no-dig? Unlike soil cultivation methods such as digging, forking and rotavation, the no-dig method avoids breaking up, lifting or turning the soil. Vegetable beds and flower borders are simply prepared by covering the ground with organic matter, such as garden compost.

How do you make an allotment look good?

What are the rules of allotments?

Keeping the plot to in reasonable state; weed-free and tidy. Not to use for commercial use; for personal use only. Not to cause any issues for the occupiers of other allotments or obstruct any path used by the other occupiers of surrounding allotments. No subletting the plot without the written consent of the landlord.

Do you get rats on allotments?

Keep your plot tidy and ensure that allotment gardens do not become overgrown or allow rubbish to build up e.g. timber, old carpet, stockpiled materials etc, as this provides cover for rats to live under (harbourage). disease, Salmonella and Leptospirosis among other things and they urinate wherever they go!

Can I sleep on my allotment?

Tenants may not use their allotment as a place of residence and/or sleep overnight. 5.2 The allotment is rented to the tenant for the purpose of cultivation of herb, flower, fruit and vegetable crops.

How often do you need to tend to an allotment?

It is best to allow around four to eight hours a week in the beginning, in case you need to perform some TLC. If it's going to be a while between watering sessions, add bark mulch to cover and shade early on to retain moisture, or consider other ground-shading plants.

Should I put raised beds on my allotment?

Raising soil by 15-50cm (6-20in) can improve drainage, ease the management of plants, and reduce the amount of back bending needed. Busy gardeners and those who have clay soils, a wet climate, or health or strength problems all find raised beds especially helpful.

Should you water your allotment every day?

The key to watering successfully is to water thoroughly to a depth of 30cm (1ft). Avoid watering the top centimetre or so on a daily basis, for example. Watering every 10-14 days (if there is no rain) is a general guide.

Can I put a fence around my allotment?

We do not encourage the use of fencing on allotment plots however should you wish to place fencing around your plot it should be no higher that three to four foot high.

What is the easiest thing to grow in an allotment?

What is the best tool for digging allotment?

A spade, a fork for digging and breaking up the soil as well as pulling up larger weeds and shovelling compost and soil. Handheld trowel and fork for some low maintenance weeding or careful weeding around shallow rooted crops. A hoe does a great job of weeding as well as helping to break down lumps of soil.

How do I prepare for no-dig?

Can you use newspaper for no-dig?

Torn up newspaper works well because it breaks down into the soil. "If you are creating a no dig garden onto grass, you should add a layer of manure and lime first to break down the grass," adds Sarah. "This would go under the layer of newspaper.

Can you live on your allotment?

Although the main purpose of the allotment is gardening, most allotment gardens have a pavilion built in them. These pavilions can range in size from an old rebuilt railway car to a small summer house. Many people grow so fond of their allotment gardens that they live there the entire summer.

Should I use a rotavator on my allotment?

You may be tempted to hire a Rotavator, which can be a big time saver. The real problem with one of these is that they chop the pernicious weeds up into little pieces and spread them over your allotment.

Can you have a BBQ on an allotment?

You may have a barbeque on your plot for your immediate family, provided that you consider your neighbours and do not spoil their enjoyment of their plot. Unless there is a local agreement allowing dogs on your site, you must not bring dogs into the allotment site, whether or not on a lead.

How do I keep grass down on my allotment?

Tackling A Wild Allotment Plot

It is much better to keep on top of the maintenance of paths and borders to avoid them getting out of control. However, when faced with a wild plot, a cordless grass trimmer is the tool to use to cut vegetation back to a manageable height.

Is an allotment a lot of work?

Yes, there is a lot of work to be done, but be aware of your limits and plan your work accordingly. Whenever you take out an allotment, do it a bit at a time – but never more than you can manage.