Copyright Brookfield Allotments 2026
Grow With Confidence
First Steps
Before planting anything, it’s essential to take a moment to understand your new plot. Good planning will make your first year
much easier—but don’t let it hold you back from getting started.
Key allotment tips:
•
Observe the site and take note of where the sun falls throughout the day
•
Check for damp or shaded areas, and think about water access
•
Make a note of any inherited plants —you may already have useful assets like perennial herbs, rhubarb crowns, fruit
bushes, or even fruit trees
•
Look out for any annual vegetables left behind, such as leeks, chard, or potatoes—you might be able to use or rescue some
•
Planning is important, but don’t spend too long drawing up the perfect layout. The best way to learn is by doing. Pick a
corner of the plot, start clearing, and plant something—even a few rows of salad leaves or radishes. That small success will
give you motivation to keep going.
Clearing Your Allotment Plot
If you've an over an overgrown plot, start small. It’s better to clear and prepare one manageable section
well than try to tackle everything at once.
•
Use a fork or spade to remove large weeds and roots by hand
•
Cover unused areas with cardboard or weed-suppressing membrane
•
Avoid chemical weedkillers where possible—organic methods are better for soil health
•
Allow time for the soil to settle before planting, and work with the seasons to avoid overexerting
yourself
Here’s how to clear an allotment effectively:
What to Grow on an Allotment –
Easy Crops to start.
Choosing what to grow on your allotment depends on
your taste, your time, and your soil type. The key is to
start simple and focus on easy-to-grow vegetables
•
Potatoes – easy to grow and good for breaking up
compacted soil
•
Courgettes and squash – very productive and low
maintenance
•
Runner beans and dwarf French beans – climb
vertically and are great for small spaces
•
Lettuces and salad leaves – fast-growing and ideal
for regular picking
•
Carrots, beetroot and radishes – reliable root crops for most soils
•
Herbs such as parsley, chives, and mint – perfect for pots or borders such as parsley, chives, and mint – perfect for pots
or borders
You don’t need to grow everything in your first year—focus on what you’ll enjoy eating. Talk to other plot holders - see
what they have grown, ask how they prepared their plot, what seeds, where they got them from etc.
Great beginner crops include:
Soil Preparation and Composting
Healthy soil is the foundation of successful growing. Before planting,
improve your soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
Beginner soil tips:
•
Test drainage and structure by digging a small hole—heavy clay or very
sandy soil may need extra organic matter
•
Start a compost heap or bin using kitchen scraps, grass clippings, and
weed-free garden waste
Consider the no-dig method to reduce effort and improve soil life
Learning how to build good soil is one of the most valuable allotment skills
you can develop.
You don’t need a shed full of tools to get started on your allotment. A few basics will be more than enough in your first year.
Essentials include:
•
A spade and a fork for digging
•
Hand trowel and hoe for weeding and planting
•
Watering can or hose (check site access)
•
Buckets or trugs for moving compost and harvests
•
Netting to protect crops from pests and birds
Buy second-hand where possible, or ask neighbours—many experienced plot holders are happy to lend a hand.
Managing Weeds, Pests and Problems
Weeds are part of allotment life, but they can be managed with regular attention. Slugs, snails and aphids are common challenges,
especially for new growers.
•
Mulch beds to reduce weed growth and retain moisture
•
Hand-weed little and often to stay on top of regrowth
•
Use netting and physical barriers to protect brassicas and salad crops
•
Try natural pest control like beer traps, companion planting, or encouraging ladybirds
Top allotment pest and weed control tips:
If you’re unsure what’s causing damage to your crops, ask a neighbouring grower or check online with reputable UK allotment
gardening forums.
Watering and Sustainability
Watering is essential, especially during dry spells, but it’s easy to waste more than you need. Many sites now encourage water
conservation.
Sustainable watering tips:
•
Collect rainwater in a butt
•
Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation
•
Focus water on the base of plants, not the leaves
•
Mulching also helps keep the soil moist and cuts down on watering frequency.
Enjoying the Allotment Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of allotment gardening is the community. Experienced growers are often generous with
advice, plants, and even surplus produce.
Tips for getting involved:
•
Say hello to your neighbouring plot holders
•
Join your local allotment association or online allotment groups
•
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your progress
Gardening is a lifelong learning experience, and the allotment is one of the best classrooms around.
Your First Year on an Allotment – What to Expect
Your first year may be a mixture of triumphs and trials, but every success, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
What to remember:
•
Be patient with yourself and your plot
•
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s 10-year masterpiece
•
Keep learning, observing and adjusting as the seasons pass
And above all, enjoy it—an allotment is more than a space to grow food. It’s a place to relax, connect with nature, and feel
part of something bigger.
Happy digging!
Copyright Brookfield Allotments 2026
Brookfield Allotment Newsletter
Septembe
r 2025
Hi
ever
yone
W
elcome to your autumn
new
sletter
. W
ith very hot days
and not enough rain it has been a challenging year
, but I
have to say
the allo
tmen
ts
l
oo
k
g
reat.I would like to say
on behalf of all plot holders
, a big t
hank you to the SMT
,
and all the vol
unteers on the work parties
, for t
heir
continued hard work and s
uppor
t. Some of the
highlights of this year include; t
he arts trail and the
Barbecue.
Firstly
, we joined the Higham Parks
Arts T
rail and
opened the plot to the
public for the day
. We had a good
show of plants for sale, lots of cakes and goodies and all
profits went to t
he allotment f
und. Thank you to all
committee members for your time and commitment, we
all had a lovely da
y
. The barbecue was a great afternoon,
the che
f of the day Pete Rowe. Thanks Pete great
sausages and burgers!
Along with Stuart provid
ing
a
cracking quiz for every
one's entertainment. Thank y
ou,
Linda, and Sue for doing all the shopping.
Many thanks
to all t
hose that brought along homemade cakes and
good
ie
s.
TRADING HUT –
Thank you to Chris and Dave for
organising the trading hut, which is open during t
he
summer months on a Sunday morning.
Thanks to all
plotters for your cont
inued support in keeping the
trading hut going.
All the rents are to be paid by the 30
th
September 2025.
Brown bins, please use wisely and compost
as
much as
you can
.
REMINDER as al
way
s please keep all paths trimmed and
clear
for everyone'
s s
a
fe
ty
.
Please do not remove any items from anyone else's plot
without their permi
ssion.
AGM MEET
ING SA
TURDA
Y
1
1
th
OCT
OBER
2
pm.
Please try and attend as we will be voting for members for the committee and SMT . We would like to say a very BIG thank you to Sue Bowell who will be stepping down as chairman. We very much appreciate all her hard work and d edicati on to the Brookfield Allotments. This leaves me just to say by e for now. Christine Ludlo w If anyone has anything to contribute to the Newsletter, please contact Christine
A Bit of Housekeeping:
