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The Organic AllotmentGrow your Own Vegetables in a Chemical Free Allotment Garden
Interest in self-sufficiency, rising food prices and concerns about pesticides contribute to the current boom in allotment gardens in the UK.
A well tended allotment provides plentiful, healthy, organic food all year round. Add to that good exercise in the fresh air, and a friendly supportive community of fellow allotment holders, and it is no wonder that allotments are enjoying renewed popularity in Britain! Allotment fields around the country are reporting record success, indeed most fields have considerable waiting lists. No longer the preserve of a few elderly gentleman, today’s allotments abound with swings and slides for young families, fun competitions, open days, community gardens and many other initiatives. Clearing your Organic AllotmentAn unused allotment will quickly be covered by perennial weeds such as bindweed and couch grass. Don’t despair, weed control fabric offers a simple way to clear an overgrown garden. Self-Sufficiency in Fruit and VegetablesWith careful planning you can enjoy your own produce all year round. Plan your winter crops in the spring and summer, discover low energy storage techniques such as root cellaring and dehydrating fruit and vegetables. The “hungry gap” in April/May is a time when home grown vegetables are scarce, so why not supplement your allotment harvest with wild green salads ? Keeping your Allotment Weed FreeWeeds can grow at a phenomenal rate on any area of an allotment without a vigorously growing crop. Arm yourself with a Swiss oscillating hoe which is an excellent tool for slicing through weeds effortlessly. A Swiss oscillating hoe may be used with precision to avoid your crops while thoroughly weeding the spaces between your precious vegetables. On larger areas without a crop for any period, grow a vigorous green manure crop to preserve soil nutrients, keep the soil in good condition, avoid compacting, and to control weeds . Hungarian grazing rye is an excellent green manure crop for overwintering in temperate climates, whereas buckwheat will quickly compete with weeds during the growing season. Both of these two green manure crops have the advantage of fitting in anywhere in your crop rotation. Choosing your cropsExperienced allotment holder neighbours are a mine of useful information on what will, and what will not, grow well on your allotment. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, generally allotment folk are very friendly and approachable. A wise piece of advice may save you a lot of heart ache and wasted effort! Little and OftenVisit your allotment regularly to keep weeds under control and to keep on top of regular tasks such as watering, planting, and most importantly, harvesting. It is estimated that a standard allotment takes around eight to twelve hours per week to manage, however the work load is very seasonal, and careful use of weed control matting, mulching and green manures will help you to manage your plot more easily.
The copyright of the article The Organic Allotment in Organic Gardens is owned by Joanne E. Brannan. Permission to republish The Organic Allotment in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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