News

Using Cardboard on Our Allotments

Ever wondered if cardboard is safe to use on your allotment? Plain, non-glossy cardboard can help suppress weeds, enrich the soil, and encourage worms, creating a healthier ecosystem—just avoid glossy or waxed boxes and respect each gardener’s approach.

Sustainable Gardening on the Allotment in February

Winter isn’t over yet, but the allotment is already alive beneath the surface. February is about working with nature — protecting soil, supporting wildlife, and preparing gently for the season ahead in a sustainable way.

What to Do While You’re on the Allotment Waiting List

Being on an allotment waiting list doesn’t mean doing nothing. While you wait, you can volunteer at existing plots or community gardens, start growing at home in pots or on windowsills, plan your future plot, and join the National Allotment Society for expert advice, seed discounts, and support in protecting allotments. Stay informed about council updates and plot availability so you’re ready to start growing as soon as your plot becomes available.

Make Every Drop Count – Rainwater Harvesting on Your Allotment

Collecting rainwater is an easy way to save money, protect the environment, and keep your plants thriving. Rainwater is often better for plants than tap water and helps reduce your reliance on mains supply.

Gardening Myths True or False?

From banana peels and nettle tea to milk sprays and moon-phase planting, gardeners have long relied on old wives’ tales. This article explores popular gardening myths, revealing which ones actually work, which are harmless traditions, and which are best left behind.

Where Our Hidden Helpers Go During Winter

Even in the quiet of winter, your allotment is far from empty. Many of the insects that supported your plot all year—ladybirds, hoverflies, lacewings and more—are still here, sheltering in hidden corners. Winter is just their pause, not their disappearance. Look a little closer, and you’ll discover your hidden helpers are still working behind the scenes, ready to burst back into action come spring.

Allotment Recycling Made Simple

Allotments are full of opportunities to reuse and recycle. From plastic bottles and cardboard to jars and old pallets, everyday items can be repurposed to save money, reduce waste, and boost creativity on your plot. Here are some simple ideas to get started.

Soil the Sleeping Giant Beneath Your Allotment

We focus on seeds, pests, and harvests… but the real magic happens underground. This winter, give your soil some TLC — feed it, mulch it, and let worms and microbes do their work. Healthy soil now means abundant crops next season.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Allotment from Frost

Frost can damage late-season crops and young plants. Mulch, cloches, cold frames, and windbreaks help protect plants and soil, keeping your allotment productive through winter. Read on to find out more.

Small Space Big Harvest with Container Gardening

Container gardening is perfect for patios, balconies and smaller allotments, allowing you to grow more with less space. With the right containers and compost, veg, herbs, berries, and even dwarf fruit trees can thrive in pots. Small spaces really can deliver generous harvests all year round.

Do You Need Insurance on an Allotment?

Accidents happen — a visitor trips, property is damaged, or a tool slips. Insurance protects individuals and associations from costly claims, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your allotment and support your community. The bottom line: yes, you need insurance.

Growing Food Security Through Allotments

Allotments grow more than food — they grow food security, healthier diets, and stronger communities.

Should You Winterise an Allotment?

As autumn fades, it’s tempting to leave your plot until spring — but winterising is about protecting your soil, retaining nutrients, and preparing for next year’s growth. Discover how no-dig methods, mulching, and green manures can keep your allotment healthy through winter and ready to thrive when the warmer days return.

What is an Allotment?

An allotment is a small rented plot where you can grow your own fruit, vegetables, and flowers. They’re great for anyone who loves gardening or wants to try it out, offering fresh air, good food, and a strong sense of community.

From Plot to Packet: A Gardener’s Guide to Seed Saving

Save seeds from your own vegetables to cut costs, preserve varieties, and grow crops perfectly suited to your garden—seed saving is simple, rewarding, and something any gardener can master.

Allotments for Everyone: Are Smaller Plots the Way Forward?

Traditional allotments are big—about 250–300 m²—and need 4–8 hours a week. But with demand soaring, 76% of councils now offer smaller plots, needing just 1–4 hours. For busy lives, that flexibility could be the future: a mix of full, half, and micro-plots so more people get growing.

Safe & sound on your allotment: Top 10 tips to avoid injuries

Your allotment should be pure joy — but all that digging and lifting is a workout, and without care, it can lead to aches and strains. Read on for tips to stay safe, injury-free, and enjoying your plot.

Is your allotment a pain in the backside?

Physiotherapist Paul Hattam marks National Allotments Week by exploring how tending a plot can boost health, happiness, and community. Drawing on fresh survey results, he reveals why time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable — it’s good for mind and body alike.

Grow with Confidence – How to Get Started on an Allotment

You’ve finally reached the top of the waiting list and been offered a plot—exciting news after months (or even years) of dreaming about growing your own food. But now that it’s real, you might be wondering… where do you actually start?

How to Care for Your Allotment During a Hosepipe Ban

With hot weather and water restrictions in place, it’s more important than ever to garden wisely. While hosepipes and sprinklers are usually off-limits during a ban, there are still plenty of ways to keep your plot thriving

Should You Remove All Weeds from Your Allotment Garden?

Not all weeds are pests. Some feed pollinators, improve soil—or even make a good lunch. Learn how to spot, manage, and use common UK allotment weeds.

How Much Time Does an Allotment Really Take?

We’ve been honest—it's not always easy. But stick with it, and an allotment can be one of the most rewarding things you do. Growing your own food, connecting with nature, and sharing the highs and lows with fellow plot-holders brings a deep sense of satisfaction—along with real physical and mental health benefits.

10 Simple Budget Tips Every Allotment Gardener Can Use

Looking to cut costs on your allotment? These 10 easy tips will help you garden smarter without breaking the bank.

Small Plots, Big Impact: How Allotments Help Save the Environment

Allotments are vital urban green spaces that support biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and manage rainwater. However, allotment land has decreased by 65% over the past 50 years, with the greatest losses in deprived areas. Protecting these spaces is essential for climate resilience and preserving wildlife.

Growing Vegetables in Scotland

Scotland’s cool climate may be challenging, but many vegetables thrive here. With the right techniques, Scottish gardeners can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce year-round.

Best Crops for First-Time Allotmenteers

Starting your first allotment is an exciting journey, and choosing the right crops can make all the difference. For beginners, it’s best to focus on plants that are easy to grow, low-maintenance, and productive. Here are some of the best crops to get you started

Top Ten Tips for Beginning an Allotment

Taking on an allotment is exciting but can feel overwhelming, especially with an overgrown plot. This guide covers the essentials, from choosing and clearing a plot to planting and maintenance.

Winter Wellness

As the days grow colder and shorter, it’s tempting to retreat indoors and hibernate until spring. However, what if stepping outside could be the key to feeling better, both mentally and physically?

Starting Your Organic Allotment

A Guide by The National Allotment Society

Building Biodiversity into our Allotments

NAS ambassador Zoe Claymore's guide to embrace biodiversity on the allotment

Membership Fee Increases

NAS membership fees increases in January 2025

No dig on allotments

No dig pioneer Charles Dowding explains the fundamentals of no dig

Plot your allotment on the map

Help to make allotment data the best it can be.

Winter warmers

Spice up your meal times with delicious recipes from Erin

Water - what you need to know

All you need to know about the water supply fittings regulations 1999

New NAS Ambassador

Meet multi-award-winning garden designer Zoe Claymore

Welcome to the latest news and articles from The National Allotment Society