Plotting Wellbeing

16.06.2023 - 05:42 / blog.theenduringgardener.com

I was recently invited to judge some local allotments (not, I hasten to add, the one where we have our own plot) and it made me appreciate, yet again, that allotments are about so much more than growing fruit and vegetables. Of course there were fabulously productive plots overflowing with serried ranks of magnificent vegetables, but there are many that may not be the neatest, or grow exhibition quality vegetables, but are clearly cherished nonetheless. Rather than simply award a ‘Best Allotment’ prize, which would inevitably go to the tidiest and most productive plot, I thought it would be fairer and more encouraging to others, if we devised a number of categories. Eventually, after much deliberation, we decided on the following:

Best Work in Progress

Here the plot holders are tackling a steeply sloping site with well-designed landscaping that is both attractive and functional. These tasks are best tackled early on, even if it does mean productivity is put on hold for a while. I’m not entirely sure what the foundation is sure – but I admired the work that has gone in to it!Most Improved & Inspiring New Plot

In less than a year the new holder has transformed the plot from an overgrown slope to an impressively organised and productive space with the use of innovative techniques – including hugelkultur – that has allowed him to make use of the fertility from all the weeds and other waste material on this (and other) allotments, without waiting for them to compost down in the conventional way. This is a great technique for anyone taking on a neglected plot.Most Colourful & Inviting Plot

Not everyone has a garden at home and this was a fine example of how an allotment can fulfil the criteria required of