A new plot for tasty crops

Taking on a new allotment needn't be hard work. By simply following a few easy tips you can have bumper crops in no time, just like Alessandro Vitale

- Alessandro Vitale

My journey into the world of gardening began with my grandfather in northern Italy. This inspiration led me to cultivate my very own natural oasis right in the heart of London. Together with my fiancé, we transformed our front yard into a flourishing edible garden, offering a year-round supply of fresh herbs and medicinal plants, which we utilise to concoct natural remedies, saving us money. Additionally, our modest backyard, spanning just 40 square metres, yields an impressive variety of fruits and vegetables.

Despite these successes, I have long aspired to secure an allotment to expand our endeavours. I am a firm believer in the critical role these urban green spaces play- not only in providing fresh produce but also as vital sanctuaries for insects and wildlife, which I am eager to protect and enhance.

Back in August 2022, I finally secured my allotment, but due to pressing work commitments, I couldn't start working on it until spring the next year. The plot is a perfectly positioned 120 square-metre space, south-facing and free from any light obstructions, making it ideal for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. As the growing season was rapidly approaching, I knew it was crucial to begin setting up the garden quickly. However, the plot was completely overgrown with tall grass and weeds, and even had a young oak tree in the middle.

The very first thing I did, even before beginning to plan the layout, was to set up a compost bay to the right side of the existing shed. It seemed impractical to waste all the available green and brown material, which could be transformed into valuable compost to enrich the soil.