By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a successful allotment full of healthy vegetables!
1. Keep your soil healthy. A healthy soil is essential for growing healthy plants. Regularly add organic matter to your allotment’s soil to keep it well-fertilised and aerated. Doing this will improve the water and nutrient holding capacity of your soil.
2. Water regularly. Depending on the weather and plant requirements, you need to make sure that your plants are getting enough water. In dry conditions, you might need to water them several times a week. Be careful not to over-water your plants as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
3. Weed regularly. Weeds compete with your plants for nutrients and water and can quickly take over if left unchecked. Make sure to regularly remove any weeds before they have a chance to spread.
4. Mulch your allotment. Mulching helps protect your plants from extreme weather conditions and can help retain moisture in the soil. It also reduces weed growth and helps keep the soil temperature consistent.
5. Pest control. Pests can do a lot of damage to your plants and crops, so it is important to keep an eye out for any unwelcome visitors. To prevent pests from taking over, use natural deterrents such as companion planting or insect traps. If infestation is already present, you may need to use insecticides to get rid of them.
6. Protect your crops. Birds and other animals can quickly ruin your crops, so it is important to protect them with netting or other types of protective covers.
7. Use companion planting. Growing certain plants together can provide better pest control, improved yields and healthier crops overall. Certain plants work better together than others, so be sure to do some research first before planting anything.
8. Rotate your crops. Crop rotation helps keep the soil from becoming depleted of nutrients and helps prevent pests from building up in one area of the allotment.
