Kevin's Number 1 Allotment Plot

Hi Kevin,
You were kind enough to help with a couple of articles last year for the web site, and as you know we are trying to encourage as many as possible to chip in and share their thoughts. Thank you once again for answering all the questions again. Last time we caught up you indicated you had learnt quite a bit from last year,

Yes. Don’t be over eager to plant. Wait to sow seeds ...everything catches up. When you fancy sowing wait a further 2 weeks! I had my best year ever last year when due to a holiday I had to wait until May before I planted anything. This included putting up a poly tunnel to grow tomatoes peppers and lettuce.

To be more spacious. I’ve now got 3 allotments but will leave plenty of space to hoe between plants. I will have more ground, grow the same amount but it will take me less time to weed. Last job before leaving the site will be to hoe everywhere!

Add plenty of manure and use it as a mulch ..depresses the weeds, saves time, and enriches the soil.

What about other plot holders. There is a host of experience on site what have you gained from them.

Talk to other allotment holders. There is always something to learn. I’ve learned how to grow carrots in raised beds to avoid white fly , how to prevent Badgers eating your sweet corn, how to prune apple trees, and what to cover up to prevent damage from birds.

Any other useful snippets to pass on

It’s worth investing in the future. Time and money .Covering an old poly tunnel with chicken wire to keep the birds away and purchasing blueberry plants was so worth it. They will be there for a number of years. Planting asparagus in a raised bed required patience. This year after a 3 year wait the crop should be really good and will be for a number of years

You indicated you were going to spread the planting this season

I learnt not to plant everything in the same place. Spread the risk. I now plant half a crop in one area and half in another area. What works one year may not work the next year. I also make sure that I rotate crops generally. I have considered adopting the medieval 3 field system as I have 3 allotments. Perhaps a step too far!! I don’t think I could leave one allotment fallow!
Any other time saving or useful tips you would like to share?

Plants crops that need a lot of watering near the taps. Save time. Despite the wind and rain of January and February I’m sure that we will have a drought again in August!

Label all your crops. I tried several types of potatoes. You need to remember what you like so you can plant it next year!

I have found little and often is the key. At least visit once a week or a few times for short periods. It’s so easy to let things drift and then the catch up can be soul destroying. Staying on top of things means it can be enjoyed and be relaxing. It should be a hobby !!


What ultimately is your plan for this year?

I intend to make sure that we are self sufficient all year round . Achieved this for about 9 months of the year so far . At the moment I have Curly Kale , rhubarb , Brussels and am still enjoying tomato soup made last year. Just run out of potatoes but have just planted pentland javelin potatoes ( my favourite). Broad beans in flower, second sowing in, and elephant garlic up. Strawberries and onion sets planted.



Plan ahead. I’ve bought all my seeds for the year as I did last year. Probably even more important this year. If I need to be in isolation I have somewhere to go. I can visit my allotment hopefully rather than the supermarket!

Plant flowers and roses . Have a seat and create a something enjoyable to look at! Taking time out to sit and enjoy a good cup of tea or even a beer is so good for your well being!



Is there anything else you would like to add?

Those badgers are a nuisance !! I’ve now got raised beds with fencing , fruit frames and fenced of areas and have learned how to protect everything. However I will not be laying any more wood chip paths as they love them ..looking for bugs . My first job when arriving at the allotment is to rake paths back.They love sweet corn. Protect it! Fence it off or at least hide it or spread it about! I tried planting it in several places. An experiment - I hid some between blackberry bushes which was successful!

Once again a big thanks to Kevin for sharing his thoughts for the Association web site. We’ll look to catch up again during the season along with his fellow Allotmenteers Alex and Ian to see how the year has progressed.