We moved into our first flat three years ago, and about a year in I realised something was missing: being outside, gardening, and growing things. I grew up in a council-owned maisonette with my mum, and even with just a little back garden we always found space to grow vegetables. It was never anything fancy, but it gave us a huge sense of pride to say, “I grew this!”
When we first moved into the flat in April, that summer was all about unpacking and adjusting to living on our own for the first time. But by the following year, the absence of an outdoor space really hit me. I missed having somewhere to escape to, to dig in the soil and watch something grow. So that summer, I researched allotments in my local area and put my name down on every waiting list I could find. I didn’t care what size plot I got — I just wanted somewhere.
A year later, the call came through: a plot was available. I jumped at the chance, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The Journey to Getting My Allotment
Although there are 10 allotment sites in my local area, most councils will only let you apply to the ones near your home. I applied for three, and when I asked about the waiting lists I was instantly disheartened — one told me the wait could be six years!
Because I live in a rented flat, I also knew that if we ever moved I’d lose my place on the list and have to start again. Luckily, after just one year, I got the call.
The very next day, I went to meet the allotment committee chair for a tour and my first ever viewing of the plot. Honestly, I was expecting the worst — it was already May and I had visions of a waist-high jungle of weeds. But the universe was on my side. The plot was perfect: it already had raised beds, tidy paths, two chairs, a storage box, and even a compost bin. The previous owners were moving away, so I had the rare gift of inheriting a plot in fantastic condition.
The moment I saw it, I started imagining what it could become. In the UK, allotments are still measured in the old-fashioned unit of “rods.” Mine is a half-size plot, roughly 125 square metres, which is plenty for a beginner.
I also owe a huge thank-you to my mum and my partner, who helped me tackle those first few weekends and gave me the encouragement I needed to get going.
The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of an Allotment
One of the biggest surprises of having an allotment has been just how much it’s improved my health.
Physically, it’s a proper workout — and not in the “drag yourself to the gym” kind of way. Digging, hauling compost bags, bending, squatting, lugging watering cans… it all adds up. I’ve noticed I’m stronger without even trying, and my step count on allotment days is always through the roof. After a busy evening on the plot, I sleep like a log. There’s nothing quite like fresh air and tired muscles to knock you out.
But it’s not just my body that’s benefitted. The allotment has become my reset button. When I’m there, the world slows down. I’m not thinking about work emails, my to-do list, or the million other things buzzing in my head. I’m just there, hands in the soil, listening to the birds, and it’s like instant mindfulness. Even on the tough days — when weeds are winning or slugs have had a feast — I leave feeling calmer and lighter.
Honestly, it’s therapy disguised as gardening. And I finally understand why people say gardening is good for the soul.
The Joy of Growing Your Own Food
Nothing compares to the taste of food you’ve grown yourself. The first time I harvested from my allotment, I brought home a bunch of radishes like they were trophies. Though simple, they felt special. I’d sown them, watered them, watched them grow, and now they were on my plate. That first bite tasted fresher and spicier than anything from the supermarket.
There’s something magical about eating seasonally too. Instead of buying strawberries in December or forcing salad leaves all year round, I’ve learned to anticipate each season’s offerings. Rhubarb in spring, beans and courgettes in summer, pumpkins and squash in autumn — each harvest becomes a celebration. Cooking has become more creative as well. You’ll find yourself Googling “what to do with 5 kilos of courgettes” and discovering recipes you’d never otherwise try.
And let’s be honest: there’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing your meal cost pennies instead of pounds. A single packet of seeds can yield weeks of fresh food while reducing plastic packaging and food miles at the same time.
If you’re just starting out, try something simple like a grow-your-own herb kit. I still remember using my first home-grown basil in pasta — a complete game-changer. And when the inevitable glut arrives, having preserving jars handy means you can turn extras into jams, chutneys, or pickles to enjoy later in the year.
Finding Community Through My Allotment
Another unexpected benefit has been the community spirit. My plot happens to be the very first one by the gate, which means I see and chat to almost everyone as they come and go. Some might find that annoying, but I love it.
When we first moved into our flat, I really felt the loss of community. We didn’t know anyone in the area. But through my allotment, I’ve built connections and friendships again.
Allotments also have this reputation of being an “older person’s hobby,” but honestly, I love it. The older generation of gardeners are full of knowledge and more than happy to share tips if you just ask. I’ve picked up everything from pruning advice to the best rhubarb recipes simply by stopping for a chat.
Skills I’ve Developed as a New Allotment Gardener
In my first year, I was so focused on planting and watering that I didn’t think about the bigger picture — spacing, planning, or setting things up for success.
Case in point: I crammed six tomato plants and four peppers into a tiny corner of my plot. If you’ve ever grown tomatoes, you’ll know that’s basically asking for chaos. They got huge, tangled together, and I never even pruned them. It turned into a full-blown tomato jungle. Honestly, I’m shocked none of the other allotmenteers staged an intervention! Unsurprisingly, the plants caught blight and had to be pulled up early.
This year, I took a different approach. I planned the layout, spaced things properly, and built a simple twine A-frame to train my tomatoes upwards. The difference has been night and day. I’ve also started experimenting with companion planting — using the natural relationships between crops to boost growth and deter pests.
One book that really helped me was Garden to Save the World by Joe Clark It’s easy to follow, super practical, and opened my eyes to more sustainable ways of gardening.
Challenges and How They’ve Helped Me Grow
I won’t sugar-coat it: having an allotment isn’t always the dreamy cottage-core vibe you see on Instagram. There are muddy days, setbacks, and times when you wonder why you signed up. But those challenges have taught me the most.
Weather has been my biggest teacher. One summer was so wet everything exploded with produce, and the next was so hot I spent evenings hauling endless watering cans while harvests dwindled. Gardening has taught me patience, resilience, and how to adapt.
And then there are the pests. Nothing prepares you for the heartbreak of seeing slugs reduce your seedlings to stumps overnight. I’ve tried everything from organic pellets to netting, and I’ve learned prevention is always easier than cure. If you’re just starting out, a simple protective netting set will save you a lot of heartache (and lettuce).
Balancing time has been another challenge. Between full-time work and everything else, it’s easy to see the allotment as “another job.” But now I treat those visits as little appointments with myself. Even half an hour of weeding makes a difference — and it’s taught me to value small, consistent effort.
The truth is, every failure has made me better. Each setback has given me more determination, more patience, and more problem-solving skills — not just for the allotment, but for life.
Conclusion: Why You Should Get an Allotment Too
Getting an allotment has genuinely changed my life. It’s given me better health, improved my mental wellbeing, brought new friendships, and filled my kitchen with food I grew myself. It’s also given me skills I never thought I’d have, from companion planting to preserving.
Yes, there are challenges — but that’s part of the beauty. The setbacks make the successes taste even sweeter (sometimes literally).
If you’ve ever thought about applying for an allotment, take this as your sign to do it. Put your name on the waiting list, be patient, and when the call finally comes through, grab the opportunity. Your future self — surrounded by fresh food, flowers, and a sense of community — will thank you.
