Monday the 12th of August marks the 22nd year of celebrating allotments all around the UK. Each year adopts a different theme, the topic for 2024 is all about celebrating Biodiversity on Allotments.
But first, let's have a quick rundown on what allotments are exactly; Allotments are small plots of land rented out to people for gardening, growing crops and in some cases keeping livestock. These small areas of land provide green spaces in the land and have many health and well-being benefits for us and the planet. Over the years allotments have grown increasingly popular, so popular in many areas of the UK that waiting lists have been created, many homeowners have transformed their gardens into personal allotments a cheaper and environmentally friendly method of growing their fruit and vegetables.
Biodiversity is short for ‘Biological Diversity’, a variety of lifeforms you can find in one area, such as animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. Each of these organisms makes up their very own ecosystem. There are three levels of diversity: Species, Genetic, and Ecosystem diversity.
Biodiversity in allotments is essential for its health and resilience for all-round planting. Allotments are havens for wildlife, plants, and pollinators. Biodiverse allotments aid in natural pest control, and pollination by planting a mixture of flowers, fruit, and vegetables this creates the perfect environment for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. As well as improving soil health by adopting gardening methods such as crop rotation, organic gardening, and no digging. This improves soil structure and fertility.
To celebrate National Allotment Week 2024, the National Allotment Society has shared tips and tricks on how to build a biodiverse allotment, these include:
Plant fruit, flowers, and vegetables together whilst also planting a range of flower heads to attract pollinators. Having a variety of crops in your allotment can also act as a natural pest control. For an aesthetic look all year round it’s recommended to plant bulbs for the springtime and hellebores during the winter, this ensures your allotment is bursting with colour during every season and not just the warmer months.
To add more biodiversity to your allotment why not add a small water feature, this could be a small pond if you have the room, or if you’re struggling for extra space this could even be just some water in a pot. Adding fresh water to your allotment provides a drinking spot for various wildlife, whilst also creating a habitat for frogs and various small aquatic species. Similar to strategic planting, having a small pond or water feature can act as another form of pest control. Insects such as ladybirds and hoverflies are natural predators of common garden pests such as caterpillars, mealybugs, flea-beetles, woodlice, slugs, and snails. A water source and the environment the standard allotment provides encourage these insects' presence which will deter these garden pests.
Composting is a standard practice for any avid gardener, an easy and environmentally friendly way to make use of your garden waste. Composting is the natural process of recycling organic garden waste, these can include:
Composting is one of the most efficient methods to support biodiversity. Composting nurtures soil and also provides shelter for insects. Composting also helps contribute to the wildlife food chain, worms, woodlice, and slugs among many other invertebrate feast on the decaying compost material. These pests provide food for animals such as birds, hedgehogs, toads, and various other wildlife.
A Hedgerow is a line of closely placed shrubs, planted and trained to form a barrier, in this case, a hedgerow would separate allotment land. As well as providing privacy for your plot, hedgerows are also great for boosting biodiversity, acting as a wildlife corridor, they provide nesting and breeding sites for various wildlife. They also help to improve air quality by capturing and trapping carbon emissions. Therefore, providing better growing conditions for crops.
Most importantly, DO NOT USE PESTICIDES! Using chemical deterrents makes all the above practices useless, resulting in your allotment being harmful to wildlife and the environment. The National Allotment Society encourages gardeners to ‘give up the bottle’.
Weather Instrumentation tools are essential to successful allotment gardening, Especially Garden Thermometers and Hygrometers.
Thermometers are a crucial tool for gardening, temperature has a direct impact on the growth and health of crops and plants. By including a thermometer in your gardening tool set, thermometers allow you to monitor:
Soil Temperature, to help determine the best times to plant seeds and grow your crops. Whilst also monitoring air temperature which influences plant growth. Monitoring air and soil temperature allows gardeners to manage their allotment and take action to maintain optimum temperature conditions or healthy crop and plant growth. The best thermometers for allotment gardening are Soil Thermometers and Min/Max Garden Thermometers.
Hygrometers are also an essential gardening tool; useful for measuring humidity in the soil and the air around your allotment. Hygrometers are a great aid for seed germination, monitoring soil quality, and helping gardeners determine when to water their plants and detect a risk of overwatering and dry spots in the soil.
Hygrometers also help gardeners ensure the optimal humidity levels for specific crops, for plants and crops such as tomatoes and peppers lower humidity levels are desired. Whereas tropical fruit and veg, as well as leafy greens, thrive in higher humidity levels.
When humidity levels in the air are high plants will eventually rot, when the humidity levels are low plants begin to release moisture therefore resulting in an increased need for gardeners to fertilise.
National Allotment Week is an opportunity to raise awareness for the countless benefits allotment gardening has on individuals and the environment. 2024 is focused on celebrating biodiversity and the impact building greater biodiversity has on your allotment. Biodiversity can be achieved by several factors, planting a variety of different crops. Adding a small water feature to deter pests and attract various wildlife such as frogs and aquatic creatures. Composting helps improve soil quality, sheltering insects, and contributing to an ecosystem food chain. Finally, hedgerows create privacy on your allotment, improve air quality by capturing carbon emissions, pest control, and acting as its own habitat, providing nesting and breeding areas for various wildlife including, birds, bats, and bees. Thermometers and Hygrometers are essential tools to help gardeners monitor their allotments at a glance. Keeping track of temperature and humidity levels allows gardeners to make accurate and informed decisions on how best to maintain their plots.
For more information on National Allotment Week 2024, and how to get involved in the NAS events and activities visit: https://thenas.org.uk/NAW-24
1. How do I apply for an allotment?
Contact your local council or association to apply for an allotment. They will provide information on available plots, waiting lists, and the application process.
2. How much does it cost to rent an allotment?
The cost of renting an allotment varies by location and size of the plot. Typically, fees range from £20 to £100 per year. Some areas may have additional charges for water or maintenance.
3. How do I start planning my allotment layout?
Start by assessing the size and shape of your plot, the soil quality, and sunlight exposure. Plan for paths, raised beds, compost areas, and any structures like sheds or greenhouses. Consider crop rotation and companion planting to maximize space and productivity.
4. What is the best way to start a new allotment?
Begin by clearing the plot of weeds and debris. Improve the soil with compost or manure. Plan your layout and start with easy-to-grow crops. Gradually expand and diversify your plantings as you gain more experience.
5. Can I grow exotic or non-traditional crops on my allotment?
You can experiment with growing exotic or non-traditional crops, provided they suit your climate and soil conditions. Ensure that growing these crops does not violate any allotment rules.
6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when starting an allotment?
Common mistakes include overplanting, neglecting soil health, not planning for pests and diseases, and underestimating the time and effort required. Start small, plan carefully, and seek advice from experienced gardeners.
7. How do I keep my allotment productive year-round?
Plan for year-round gardening by growing seasonal crops, using cold frames or greenhouses for winter growing, and planting cover crops to protect and enrich the soil during the off-season.
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