Getting started with your allotment should feel exciting, not overwhelming! Here’s a simple guide to help you on your way.
Planning Your Plot
First things first, sketch out how you want your plot to look. Think about where you’ll put your beds, paths, a nice spot to sit, somewhere for water storage, and a compost area. Make sure your paths are wide enough for a wheelbarrow, and keep your beds narrow so you don’t have to step on the soil. As part of your plan, you will need to consider crop rotation. This is essential to keep your plot healthy and productive. If you grow the same crop in the same place year after year you may get a build-up of pests and diseases specific to that crop. The simplest rule of crop rotation is not to grow the same thing in the same place two years running. In fact, the wider the gap between particular crops occupying the same piece of ground the better. You can learn more about crop rotation at
Clearing and Prepping
It’s best to start clearing in autumn or winter, when most plants are dormant. Dig over the soil to get rid of any stubborn weed roots and to help with drainage. If you can, use walking boards so you don’t compact the soil. Don’t try to do everything at once—focus on one section and cover the rest with fabric or cardboard until you’re ready. The rules state that only 25% of your plot needs to be under cultivation within 3 months. A plot is considered under cultivation when the plot holder is making regular, visible efforts to prepare, plant, maintain, or improve the land for the purpose of producing crops
Dealing with Weeds
Weeds are part of every plot. Pull out annual weeds by hand or with a hoe, and cover any seedlings with mulch or weed fabric to keep them down. For the tougher, perennial weeds, dig them out with a fork or spade. If you can’t get all the roots, just keep cutting back the top growth. Hoeing works best on dry, warm or windy days as the exposed roots will dry out quickly. This RHS page is really useful for identifying common weed on your plot Common weed identification guide
Improving Your Soil
Dig the soil to make sure you’ve got all the weed roots out. Even if you are hoping to adopt ‘no dig’ cultivation methods in the longer term, a one – off initial dig is still highly recommended to ensure good drainage and to remove perennial weed roots. Choose a dry spell and remember if the soil sticks to your boots, it is probably too wet for digging. Add plenty of organic matter—homemade compost or well-rotted manure is perfect. When making compost, layer up brown stuff (like leaves, twigs, or newspaper) with green stuff (grass clippings, veggie scraps, coffee grounds). Give it a turn now and then, and it’s ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and smells earthy. Manchester City Council offer subsidised compost bins and cheap compost to get you started. Check out Recycle for Greater Manchester for details on how to purchase.
Essential Tools
You don’t need loads of fancy gear. A border spade and fork make digging easier, especially if your soil is stony or heavy. A rake is handy for levelling and sowing seeds, and a trowel is great for planting and weeding. A hoe helps with weeds, and a wheelbarrow saves your back when moving stuff around. Water butts and watering cans are useful for collecting rainwater, and don’t forget secateurs for cutting back plants and harvesting. Gardening gloves are a must for protecting your hands.
Top Tips for Success
Begin with a manageable area and expand as you become more confident. Don’t worry if everything doesn’t go perfectly in your first year—gardening is about learning and trying again. Keep notes of what you planted, how it grew, and what worked best Enjoy the experience and celebrate every harvest, big or small.