Allotment Plans for 2022

A new growing season is fast approaching, and I’ve started to think about what I will grow in the allotment this year. I was unsure whether or not I wanted to continue with the allotment, but I’ve decided to give it another go. Join me as I create my allotment plans for 2022! What are you growing this year?

Potatoes

Potatoes grow well at the allotment. I’m doing a bit of crop rotation and growing them on the opposite side this year. My plan is to grow earlies and main crop, and I’d like to grow three varieties – Carolus (main), Charlotte (earlies) and some leftover potatoes that sprouted in our storage cupboard. I planted my potatoes last weekend given that it was a beautiful sunny day and I’m going to be busy the next few weekends. Fingers crossed for a good crop this year!

Beetroot

The beets also worked well last year. For 2022, I’m not going to bother starting them indoors, I’ll just direct sow them. I’d like to plant regular (red) beets and golden beetroot.

Squashes

This is where the magic happens! The allotment is a good environment for all types of squashes. This year, I’m planning on growing, pumpkins, butternut squash, marrow, and courgette (zuchinni).

Leeks

I’d like to give the leeks another go, but they need deeper trenches/mounds than I managed last year.

Borage

The bees absolutely loves the borage, so I’ll grow some for them!

Misc. Plants

There is still some free space at the plot which isn’t allocated to specific plants. Lucy is thinking about trying to grow comfrey again, and possibly asparagus. We shall see what we end up growing!

Lessons Learned

I learned three main things about tending an allotment last year that will help me with my allotment plans for 2022:

Don’t let false spring fool you. I planted out delicate seedlings way too soon and they died in the cold weather. I’m waiting until late April/early May to sow seeds.
Slugs are my enemy. There are lots of plants that just won’t grow at the allotment because of slugs, snails, and other pests. I’m not wasting my time this year with beans, peas, or sunflowers, for example.
Weeds. Last year I got overwhelmed by the weeds. The thing is, the weed cover added moisture which helped keep the plants happy when I didn’t go up to water. I will try harder this year to balance weeding to maximise space and keep pests down, but not worry too much if I don’t get the time.