Cottonmill and Nunnery Allotment Association

Taking on an allotment can initially seem very daunting. That's why we've provided a few hints and tips to try and make it easier to convert that patch of weeds into rows of fresh vegetables.

Plan your plot carefully and divide it into manageable areas that you can swiftly and easily weed and have ready for cultivation.

Hopefully, you can't resist getting some of it dug over. Digging is hard work so work within your capabilities. Once you've made a start, concentrate on keeping what you've done in good order. It is better to visit the allotment a few times a week for short periods rather than a long session every few weeks. It can be disheartening to see how much quicker the weeds grow  than your seedlings. Then tackle some of the plot that is under cover. You'll find that after a few months, the weeds will have died back and the soil is much easier to dig. Don’t expect to have your whole plot under control this year.

A well tended allotment will take at least one day a week to break and maintain and in the summer you’ll probably need to visit your plot on at least two additional evenings for harvesting and watering.

Sow some lettuce or radish just so that you can get an early crop. Not much beats the feeling of taking your own produce home! Try potatoes as well as they act as a weed suppressant and help break up the soil.

Play psychological tricks on yourself. Reward yourself with a drink or a rest after digging over a row.

Look at other plots on the allotments to see what others do and don’t be afraid to ask your neighbours for advice.

Plant crops which are easy to grow and expensive to buy in the shops – see below. Don't plant the whole packet. Just plant what you think you can eat. Don't forget that some crops are successional - for instance, sow lettuce every four to six weeks.

Plan to plant some fruit bushes. Raspberries and blackcurrants grow really well here.

Pigeons are a major pest (net young plants) as are slugs – be aware

Make or buy a compost bin and start using it. See our guide here.

What are the best veg that you can sow this spring for success in your first summer ?

The following veg are all easy to grow, crop well on our allotments, should give you your first taste of horticultural success and are either expensive to buy in the shops or much tastier when grown yourself.

Courgette, leek, lettuce, kale, onion, perpetual beet, potato, radish, runner bean, squash and tomato

If you find that you are struggling to get you allotment under control, talk to your plot officer or a member of the committee to see what can be done.