My allotment shop is for beginners and more experienced gardeners who want to have access to labour-saving tools specifically geared towards allotment holders and vegetable growers. I have also documented a month-by-month and season-by-season diary of my allotment year and the produce I am harvesting.

  • What I planted

    Homegrown vegetables taste like no shop-bought product ever could. Have a look at what I planted.

    Vegetable seeds and plants 

  • The tools I used

    Here's a shop where you can get every gardening tool that I used for my allotment and more. It will supply you with all your garden needs.

    Allotment tools and products 

  • Some expert gardening help

    Here's a page full of tips from top gardeners and people who love growing vegetables.

    Youtube links 
1 3

Ignite your passion for self-sufficiency. Cultivate your own green dreams.

Have a wander around this plot, and you can pick up some tips and even some tools.

  • My Journey began here

    I began my allotment journey with very little knowledge about how to grow my own vegetables.

    Read my story 

  • The year in pictures

    I transformed this plot into an allotment that has started to give me and my family an abundant source of vegetables.

    See the progress in pictures 

Beginnings of progress

Part 2

A Year in the Life of My Allotment: October 2024

As the days grew shorter and the nights began to chill, October arrived, bringing with it a sense of urgency. With my impending trip to Paris looming, I knew I had to prepare my allotment for a long hiatus. After all, nothing says “dedication” like ensuring your plot doesn’t turn into a wild jungle while you’re away!

First things first, I had to tackle the weeds. The bindweed and mare’s tail had been relentless companions since I started my gardening journey. They always seemed to pop up at the most inconvenient times, like an unwanted guest who just doesn’t take the hint! This time, I was determined not to let them win. I spent several afternoons digging, pulling, and cursing under my breath as I wrestled with those pesky invaders. I was sweating like a pig and feeling like a gladiator in the arena, but I knew that clearing the ground was essential for my future crops.

Once I was satisfied with the weeding, it was time to implement my strategy for maintaining progress while I was away. I decided to use dust sheets and weed suppressants to cover the plot. I can’t stress enough how crucial this step was! With the unpredictability of the British weather, I wanted to ensure that my plot remained as weed-free as possible in my absence.

I laid down the dust sheets and weed suppressants like a protective blanket over my plot, weighing them down with bricks and paving stones to prevent them from fluttering away in the wind. I might have even given them a cheeky pat for good luck—after all, they were my only line of defence against the onslaught of weeds!

Once everything was securely covered, I took a moment to admire my handiwork. It was like putting my allotment to bed for the winter. Of course, I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos for Instagram. I posted a picture of my covered plot with the caption: “Preparation is key! While I’m off to Paris, my allotment is ready to weather the storm. Here’s to planning for long-term success!”

In the caption, I also included some tips for my fellow allotment holders. I mentioned the importance of regular weeding to prevent any invasive plants from establishing themselves. It’s like that old saying: “A stitch in time saves nine.” If you can manage those weeds early on, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle down the line.

Back to the plot

Part 3

A Year in the Life of My Allotment: March 2025

Oh, the joy of returning to my allotment after a long winter away! March 2025 greeted me with a wave of excitement, as I could finally dive back into the world of gardening. The thought of planting my first crops—those glorious spuds and vibrant tomatoes—filled me with anticipation. After months of dreaming about the fresh produce I’d soon be enjoying, it was time to get my hands dirty once again!

The first order of business was chitting my potatoes. For those who might not be familiar, chitting is the process of encouraging seed potatoes to sprout before planting them in the ground. I’d read up on it extensively, and it seemed like a fun little project to kick off the season. I gathered my Maris Piper and Task Force potatoes and placed them in egg cartons—those little gems were the perfect size for supporting the potatoes while they sprouted.

As I arranged the potatoes in the sunny corner of my kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel a bit like a proud parent. Each potato was a promise of the delicious meals to come—roasted, mashed, or perhaps even a cheeky potato salad. I made sure to keep an eye on them, turning them occasionally to ensure they sprouted evenly. It was all very exciting, and I took a few pictures for Instagram to share my chitting triumph with my followers. “Getting ready to grow! Chitting my potatoes and dreaming of delicious harvests to come!” I captioned, with a wink emoji.

But it wasn’t just potatoes on my agenda. I also set about starting seeds indoors for my tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach. With the weather still a bit chilly outside, the greenhouse was the perfect sanctuary for my little seedlings. I filled trays with compost, gently pressed the seeds into the soil, and gave them a good watering. Watching those tiny seeds go into the soil felt like planting little hopes for the future. I imagined them germinating and growing into lush, productive plants.

To document the whole process, I decided to create time-lapse videos of my planting sessions. It was fascinating to see the transformation of the trays over time, and I thought my followers would enjoy witnessing the magic of gardening unfold. I added a catchy tune and posted the videos on Instagram, captioning them with something like, “Watch as my dreams take root! 🌱 #GardeningMagic #TimeLapse.”

Spring has sprung into action—just like me

Part 4

April 2025

April rolled around, and boy, was it a busy month! The arrival of spring brought with it a burst of energy, and I found myself in full-on planting mode, ready to embrace the season of growth. After the long winter months, it felt exhilarating to finally get my hands dirty with all sorts of goodies.

As I stepped into my allotment, I was greeted by the sweet scents of spring. The air was fresh, and the sun was starting to warm the soil, creating the perfect environment for planting. I decided to channel my inner green thumb and made a list of all the crops I wanted to sow: sweet peas, red lettuce, cauliflower, red onions, red peppers, cucumbers, and even Brussels sprouts. It felt like I was preparing for a grand feast, and I could hardly contain my excitement at the thought of all the vibrant colours and flavours to come.

I started with the sweet peas, those delightful climbing beauties that always remind me of childhood gardens. I carefully sowed the seeds in neat rows, imagining them climbing up their trellis and filling the air with their sweet fragrance. As I planted, I thought of all the lovely spring days I’d spend picking fresh peas—there’s nothing quite like the taste of a sugar snap pea straight from the garden!

Next on my list was red lettuce. I love the idea of having fresh salad greens right at my fingertips, and the thought of vibrant salads danced in my head. I sprinkled the seeds into the soil, covering them lightly and giving them a gentle watering. It’s amazing how such tiny seeds can yield such bountiful harvests, and I felt a sense of satisfaction as I tucked them into their new home.

Then came the cauliflower and red onions. Planting cauliflower is always a bit of a gamble, but I’ve learned that with a bit of care and attention, they can thrive beautifully. I made sure to space them out properly to allow for good air circulation, which is key to preventing any pesky diseases. As for the red onions, I nestled them into the ground, eager to see those vibrant bulbs peeking through the soil in a few months’ time.

Red peppers and cucumbers followed suit, and I was particularly excited about the cucumbers. There’s something so refreshing about a homegrown cucumber, especially when it’s tossed in a summer salad or served with a dollop of tzatziki. I planted them in a sunny spot, ensuring they’d have plenty of room to sprawl and climb. I could almost taste the cool crunch of fresh cucumbers in my salads as I planted!

As I worked my way through the various crops, I couldn’t help but marvel at the transformation taking place in my allotment. The once-barren patch of earth was now a vibrant tapestry of potential. Each seed I planted felt like a promise—a promise of fresh produce, home-cooked meals, and the joy of nurturing something from the ground up.

Brussels sprouts were the last crop on my agenda for the day. They may take a bit longer to mature, but I’ve found that patience is key in gardening. I planted them with care, envisioning the towering stalks adorned with delicious little sprouts that would become family favourites come winter. It was a bit of a gamble, but I was willing to bet on the rewards of my labour.

As I stood back to admire my handiwork, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. The plot was now brimming with life, and I was eager to see how everything would grow over the coming weeks. Spring truly felt like a season of hope and renewal. I snapped a few photos for Instagram, capturing the cheerful chaos of my planting frenzy. With a caption saying, “Spring has sprung! 🌱🌼 Ready to watch these beauties grow! #AllotmentLife #SpringPlanting,” I shared my excitement with my followers, hoping to inspire others to get their hands dirty too.

In addition to planting, I took the time to enjoy the beauty of the season. The blossom on the fruit trees nearby was a sight to behold, and the buzz of bees filled the air, busy at work pollinating the flowers. It was a reminder that gardening is not just about the produce—it’s about the entire ecosystem that springs to life in the warmer months.

April was a whirlwind of activity, and I loved every minute of it. It was a month filled with promise, laughter, and the joy of reconnecting with the earth after winter’s grip. I couldn’t wait to see how the crops would progress and to share updates as they sprouted and flourished.

As I closed the gate to my allotment at the end of the month, I felt a sense of anticipation for what was to come. With the sun shining and the soil warming, I knew that the best was yet to come. Here’s to the journey ahead, filled with learning, laughter, and the sweet satisfaction of homegrown...

Recycling old pallets into a perimeter fence

Part 5

Building a Pallet Fence for My Allotment: Recycling Old Pallets

As I continued my journey at the allotment, one of the projects I was most excited about was building a pallet fence. Not only would it serve as a practical boundary for my plot, but it would also add a rustic charm that suited the garden's vibe. Plus, using pallets was cost-effective and eco-friendly, allowing me to upcycle materials while creating something functional and beautiful.

The first step in my pallet fence project was gathering the materials. I scoured local shops and online marketplaces for used pallets and found several suppliers eager to offload their surplus stock. I managed to collect enough pallets to create a sturdy fence around my plot, thrilled by the variety in wood textures and colours.

Once I had my pallets, it was time to prepare the site. I measured the perimeter of my allotment to determine how many pallets I would need and where to place them. With a bit of chalk, I marked out the corners and straight lines, ensuring everything was even. Planning the layout was crucial, as a well-thought-out design can save you a lot of hassle later on.

Next came the fun part: assembling the fence! I set my pallets upright and secured them in place using sturdy wooden stakes. I dug holes at intervals along the marked line, approximately two feet deep, to ensure a strong foundation. Once the holes were dug, I positioned the pallets and poured concrete mix around the bases for extra stability. It was essential to check that each pallet was level before the concrete set; nobody wants a wonky fence!

To create a dynamic look, I decided to alternate the heights of the pallets. Some were cut down to different sizes, while others remained intact, providing a playful visual effect. This also allowed me to incorporate planters into the design for climbing plants like sweet peas and runner beans, effectively maximising space.

As I worked, I realised that building a fence was not just about functionality; it was also a chance to express creativity. I painted some pallets in vibrant colours, adding personality to the fence. Using non-toxic, weather-resistant paint ensured the colours would last through the seasons. Each brushstroke felt like a celebration of my gardening journey.

Once the paint dried, I began attaching the pallets together with screws for a sturdy connection. The assembly process was surprisingly therapeutic, allowing me to immerse myself in the project while enjoying the sounds of nature around me—birds chirping, bees buzzing, and leaves rustling in the breeze.