Some general tips for beginners

• Start small! If you’re a beginner, a 5x10m plot is recommended.

• Grow the easy stuff first. Squash, broad beans, leeks, garlic, kale, purple sprouting broccoli, Swiss chard and corn salad are easy to grow, and will even put up with some shade.

• Get to know your neighbours. The best people to speak to about your plot’s history are the old timers neighbouring you.

• Give the soil priority. Getting the soil fertile is more than half the work done, and will give satisfying results.

• Having good tools and a secure place to keep them, makes things easy.

• Become aware of the weather and your garden. If you listen and watch carefully, it will tell you what needs doing next.

• The real value of allotments is in salad greens and fruit and veggies that are very expensive, are best eaten freshly picked, or aren’t commonly found in the shops.

• Consistency is key - short, regular visits is better than a full day blitzing the plot once a month.

• Remember you have other commitments as well as your allotment - don’t neglect other important things for the sake of a few weeds!