August sees National Allotment Week - a celebration of the beautiful allotments across the UK and the passionate people behind them. 

At Jelson, we love allotments and the community they build, and a number of our developments (including Fieldfare, Station Lane and Estley Green) are all near allotment plots. To celebrate National Allotment Week, we’re taking a closer look at the benefits, and how you can get started with an allotment. 

Why Apply For An Allotment Plot?

There are many reasons to have an allotment, but here are three reasons we love allotments:

  • Like Minded People - The community feel of being around like minded people all working towards similar goals is a big drive towards the allotment lifestyle. 
  • Mental Wellbeing - It’s not just about being around similar people, it’s also about being outside in fresh air (and sunshine hopefully!), and doing light, physical exercise that will contribute towards your mental wellbeing. 
  • Fresh Produce - Combine both the satisfaction of growing your own food, and that of saving on your weekly grocery bill by producing fresh fruit, veg and herbs in your allotment. 

How Do You Start With An Allotment?

  • If you’ve taken the plunge and have secured an allotment plot, now where to begin? There’s no right or wrong way, but if you’re looking for a few tips to get started, we have a few ready:
  • Planning - Spend some time planning the layout of how you want it to look, and how it will allow for good crop rotation. Traditionally, a set of rows with pathways is the best way forward. You’ll also want to plan what to plant! Depending on how often you’ll be able to get across to your plot, you might want to consider some perennial plants which take a bit less work, but produce more (think asparagus, raspberries or rosemary). 
  • Weeding and Soil - Take care of your land, that’s where your success begins and ends. Learn more about the soil type within your plot, and how to care for it, and take time to do some really intense weeding - dig out the weeds and their root system by hand - to serve you well in the long run, with minimal weeds for the rest of that system.
  • Waiting - Though an allotment is exciting, don’t spend too much too soon. Get to know your allotment before you splash a lot of cash. Things like equipment can be kept to a minimum, as basic tools will complete all the tasks you need as you get started. 

If you’re looking for your next home in the East Midlands that’s near an allotment, take a look at our available developments today.