Humber Avenue
Community Allotments

Welcome to Your First Year on the Allotment

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So you've just got your first allotment plot — congratulations! Whether you're dreaming of juicy tomatoes, rows of runner beans, or a peaceful patch of green to escape to, your first year is going to be an adventure.

Here’s everything you need to know to get off to a strong start — no pressure, no perfection needed.

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👣 Take It One Step at a Time

First things first: don’t rush. You don’t need to dig the whole plot in your first week. In fact, taking your time is often the best approach. As a general guide we would expect in the first three months 25% of your plot to be cultivated, within six months 50% cultivated, 9 months 75% cultivation and finally fully cultivated at the end of your year.

• Walk around your plot.

• Notice where the sun shines, where water collects. Plan your vegetable beds to face the sun. Remember fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers need a good amount of sunlight but leafy greens such as cabbage and lettuce don't need as much and some will grow in shadier parts of the allotment.

• See what’s already growing — there might be hidden treasures (or persistent weeds).​

🧭 Start Small and Plan Ahead

It’s tempting to go full steam ahead, but you’ll thank yourself for starting with a manageable section. A few raised beds or a couple of rows are plenty for now.

Think about:

• What do you like to eat?

• How much time do you have each week?

• Are you growing from seed or buying plants?

A rough sketch of your plot and a simple crop plan can go a long way. Aim to clear one area of the plot and then grow something in those beds and then cleaar another part. This way you will feel the benefits of growing your own vegetables whilst tackling the other areas of your plot.

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🌾 Soil Is Everything

Your soil is your foundation. The better you treat it, the better it will treat your plants.

• Add compost or well-rotted manure.

• Avoid digging too much — “no-dig” gardening is great for soil health. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to gardening. Some gardeners like the feeling of digging whilst others don't. Take a look at YouTube or other videos to learn what is the best for you.

• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

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🌿 Weed Early and Often

Weeds are part of life on an allotment, especially in year one. Staying on top of them from the start makes a big difference later.

Tip: Lay cardboard and mulch over areas you’re not using yet — it’ll smother weeds and save you work later.

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🧰 A Few Tools Go a Long Way

You don’t need a shed full of gear. Just the basics:

• Spade and fork

• Hoe and hand trowel

• Gloves and boots

• Watering can or hose (if allowed)

• Notebook (or phone app) to track what you plant and when

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🌼 Learn from Your Neighbours

Allotment communities are full of knowledge! Introduce yourself, ask questions, and learn from the experience around you.

A few things you might ask:

• What grows well here?

• Are there any local pests to watch out for?

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📅 Celebrate the Little Wins​

Your first courgette. The smell of tomatoes on the vine. A bucket of weeds that used to be brambles. All of these are wins worth celebrating.

Not everything will go perfectly. And that’s okay.

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🌻 You’re Not Just Growing Veg…

…you’re part of a growing community here at Humber Avenue Allotments. 

Come along to the social hub on a weekend between 10am and 12pm and enjoy a chat and a cup of tea, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. We’re so glad to have you with us.

Welcome to the allotment. Your growing journey starts here. 🌱

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