There’s something really special about having an allotment. Mine has become one of my absolute favourite places in the world. It’s not just a plot of land – it’s a little world I’ve created, tended to, and watched slowly transform with the seasons. It brings me a kind of peace I never expected, and more than that, it’s helped me truly appreciate the rhythm of nature.
I’ve always loved the idea of seasonal living, but having my own allotment has brought that to life in such a grounded, magical way. I now look forward to spring bulbs peeking through, the rush of summer growth, the calm and clearing of autumn, and even the stillness of winter when the soil rests (and thank goodness, so can I).
A Summer Evening Dream
One of my favourite things ever is a long, hot summer evening on the allotment. I feel so lucky – my little plot gets almost ten hours of full sun each day in summer, and it becomes the most peaceful, golden little retreat. I’ve got a picnic bench set up where I’ve had breakfasts with my sketchbook, slow afternoon teas surrounded by flowers, and evening picnics as the sun goes down.
There is such joy in watching something you’ve grown – something you’ve planted, watered, and cared for – blossom into life. It never gets old. I still feel a little thrill every time I see the first strawberry turning red or a rose beginning to open. This year, I’m growing everything from mini apples and blackberries to French beans, pumpkins and the strongest scented David Austin roses. I’m growing cut flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs, and it all brings me such happiness.
Inspiration in Every Corner
My allotment doesn’t just stock my kitchen, it also really encourages my creativity. I’ve always loved drawing, and being surrounded by nature has completely reignited that spark. I’ll often sit and sketch flowers, or draw out recipes in my sketchbooks inspired by whatever I’ve harvested that week. A bundle of courgettes becomes a summer pasta drawing. A bowl of raspberries turns into a crumble recipe illustration. There’s something so wholesome, calming and grounding about the whole process.
I also absolutely LOVE – love gifting what I grow. That’s a whole joy in itself. There’s something really special about being able to give people who visit my home a little bouquet of garden-grown flowers or a bag of homegrown veg. It feels personal, thoughtful and joyful in a way that just buying something never quite does.
What I’m Growing This Year
This year, I’ve really gone for it, and I currently have growing:
Fruit – Mini apples, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants.
Vegetables – Asparagus, artichoke, lettuce, peas, French beans, borlotti beans, radish, pumpkins, courgettes, beetroot, parsnips, rainbow carrots, onions, leeks, spring onions, potatoes, cabbages, cauliflower.
Herbs – Apple mint, thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary.
Flowers – Snapdragons, dahlias, sweet peas, zinnias, roses, cosmos, lupins, geraniums, lavender, and marigolds.
For Beginners – Easy Crops to Start With
If you’re just starting out with gardening or thinking about getting your own allotment, don’t worry – it really doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some of the easiest crops to grow in the UK that are perfect for beginners:
Lettuce – Fast growing and really satisfying. Cut-and-come-again varieties give you weeks of harvests.
Radishes – One of the quickest and simplest crops to grow. They don’t need much space either.
Courgettes – Just one plant can give you loads of produce. They love sunny spots and are quite forgiving.
Potatoes – Super easy and such fun to dig up. Great for containers too.
Strawberries – Perfect for containers or beds, and nothing beats picking your own sun ripened berries.
The Easiest Cut Flowers to Grow
If flowers are more your thing, there are some really lovely varieties that are ideal for new gardeners. These will give you beautiful results with minimal fuss:
Sweet peas – Climbing and fragrant, and they just keep on giving if you keep picking them.
Calendula (marigold) – Bright and cheery, and great for pollinators too.
Cosmos – Tall, airy, and flower all summer long.
Cornflowers – Hardy and charming, with lovely cut flower stems.
Zinnias – Colourful and easy to grow, they thrive in sunny spots.
Tools Every Gardener Needs
You don’t need loads of fancy tools to get started, but there are a few basics I wouldn’t be without:
Hand trowel – For planting, potting and digging small holes.
Secateurs – A good pair makes cutting flowers and pruning a dream.
Watering can – Preferably one with a fine rose for delicate seedlings. If your water source isn’t directly on your plot itself, it may be worth having a few.
Garden fork – For turning soil and lifting root veg.
Gloves – Protect your hands from thorns, nettles and general rough work (of which there is… a lot).
Growing in Poor Soil – Five Winners
If your soil isn’t the best, again, don’t worry! There are still plenty of things you can grow that can thrive in poor soil too:
Beetroot – Doesn’t need perfect soil, just decent drainage.
Chard – Hardy, colourful and very forgiving.
Lavender – Loves poor, dry soil and gives you scent and beauty.
Runner beans – Can be grown in less-than-ideal soil if you give them a bit of compost to start.
Nasturtiums – Edible flowers that thrive in poorer soil and attract pollinators.
My Happy Place
At the heart of it all, my allotment is my happy place. It’s a little sanctuary where the rest of the world fades out. I always leave feeling calmer, more grounded, and more connected to nature. Whether I’m planting, sketching, harvesting or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea, it brings me a kind of peace that’s hard to describe.
It’s not just about the produce or the flowers – it’s about the joy of creating something with your own hands. Of slowing down, of paying attention, and of finding beauty in the little things. And I honestly can’t imagine life without it now.
Ps. As lovely, whimsical and dreamy as this all is, it’s also probably worth noting that I’ve had numerous (and that’s putting it kindly) meltdowns. I’ve had rabbits eating my strawberries, birds stealing my tomatoes, and slugs decimating my dahlias before they even got going. It happens, and it’s all part of learning and growing with the garden. So if this is you, and you’re reading this… it’s honestly normal. It just wouldn’t make for the most exciting blog post, would it now?
