There was much joy in Westclyst in December when the allotments at Hillside Gardens were opened. Thanks to the collective efforts of a large number of residents, the Broadclyst Environment Group and the Parish Council, there are now fifteen happy plot holders ready to get growing. And there will be more on their way soon on the Redrow Estate.
Allotments are a wonderful way to bring a community together, grow healthy local food, improve biodiversity and make sure that everyone has courgettes! If you are one of the lucky ones that has just taken on an allotment, or you are hoping to get your hands on one soon, here is some advice to get you started.
Make a Plan
Dividing up your allotment plot can make it seem a lot easier. Then, you can work on it bit by bit, getting some crops growing whilst you work on setting up the rest. Start by thinking about paths and structures. Decide where to put your compost heap, water butts, places to sit and any other structures you want, and then how you will get to them. Remember, direct paths are always best on an allotment!
Removing Weeds
This can be done by digging them up, hoeing or by using a weed suppressant such as heavy duty weed fabric or cardboard. I recommend removing deep-rooted weeds like thistles, docks and dandelions with a fork or weeding tool otherwise, they will come back easily! Brambles and nettles should also be dug out.
Preparing the Soil
The soil here in Westclyst is very heavy clay, so digging it over will take a lot of time and effort. I recommend trying out no dig gardening. Simply use a layer of compost or well-rotted manure on top of the soil, and plant into it. This will feed the life in the soil and support your plants with no need for fertilisers. The soft texture of compost also makes it much easier to manage weeds.
Winter to Spring Jobs
Now is a great time to plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes. These are a lot more affordable than potted fruit and trees, and usually do really well. You can get them from most supermarkets at the moment. Setting up water collection is also important this time of year, so you don’t run out in the summer!
If you would like more information on setting up your allotment, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and in Kitchen Garden Magazine. I’m always happy to help if you have any questions, so if you see me around, come and say hello!
This article was written by Becky Searle and originally published in the Spring 2024 edition of Broadsheet. Becky is a Garden Writer and Speaker with a background in Ecology. She writes about organic gardening and working with biodiversity. She is also starting a new plot in Westclyst this year!
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