With National Allotment Week (11th-17th August) approaching, the Fabsil team believes it's the perfect time to celebrate the joys of growing your own produce, enjoying time outdoors, and embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, your allotment can be a source of pride and a productive space all year round. But how can you protect it from pests and the unpredictable British weather whilst ensuring healthy, fast-growing plants? Read on for Fabsil’s guide to getting the most out of your allotment.
Protecting Your Allotment from Weather and Wildlife
Weather Protection: We all know the fickle nature of the British weather, with sudden changes in temperature and rapidly shifting skies. Keeping your plot protected from the ever-changing climate can be difficult, but here are a few suggestions to mull over.
- For downpours, raised beds improve drainage abilities.
- For heatwaves, consider placing mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- For cold spells, use cloches or horticultural fleece to protect young plants from frost.
Wildlife Protection: Wildlife and insects are an important part of nature, but they can be troublesome on the plot. Here’s how to defend your produce.
● Netting and Fencing – Install mesh netting to keep birds, rabbits and deer at bay. Chicken wire fencing around the perimeter will stop most small mammals from nibbling away your hard work.
● Natural Pest Control – Encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and hoverflies by planting companion plants such as marigolds, nasturtiums and lavender. These attract predators that feed on aphids and other pests.
● Slug Defence – Use copper tape around raised beds or scatter crushed eggshells to deter slugs and snails naturally.
What to Grow (and When) on Your Allotment
Knowing your soil type and local climate is key. Most UK allotments have clay, loam or sandy soil, each suited to different crops.
● Spring Planting (March-May): Start sowing lettuce, carrots, peas, potatoes and onions. You can also begin growing fruit like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. These crops thrive in cooler soil and longer daylight hours.
● Summer Crops (June-August): This is the best time to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and courgettes, along with peaches, plums and cherries. Use greenhouses or polytunnels to boost growth in northern regions.
● Autumn Harvesting (September-November): Grow root vegetables like beetroot, swede and parsnips. Brassicas, such as cabbage and kale, also do well in cooler autumn weather. Autumn is also a great time to plant fruit trees and bushes, like apple and pear trees.
● Winter Tips: Though growth slows, hardy greens like spinach and chard will keep producing. Winter is ideal for preparing the soil, adding compost and planning next year’s layout.
Tips for Healthy, Fast-Growing Plants
Maximising yield and quality is what all avid allotment holders want. Here’s how to help your crops thrive…
● Feed Your Soil – Healthy soil equals healthy plants. Use compost, well-rotted manure or organic fertilisers like seaweed extract to replenish nutrients.
● Watering Wisely – Early morning is the best time to water. Soak the soil deeply once or twice a week rather than little and often, encouraging deep root growth.
● Crop Rotation – Change crop placement each year to avoid soil depletion and reduce the risk of disease.
● Pruning – Remove the side shoots on tomato plants and prune regularly to direct the plant’s energy into producing fruit.
This National Allotment Week, make the most of your patch of earth. With a little protection, seasonal planning and care, your allotment can flourish all year round, providing fresh, delicious produce and a welcome escape to potter around the plot. Happy growing!
