Winter Allotment newsletter

Hello Allotment Growers!

Winter may be creeping in, but there's still plenty to keep us busy down at the plots. As the leaves fall and the frost starts to bite, it's a great time to tidy, plan, and prepare for another successful growing year. Grab your gloves, a flask of tea, and let's get stuck in!

Jobs for the Winter

• Tidy & Mulch: Clear away dead plants and weeds, but leave a few seed heads for the birds! Add compost or well-rotted manure to your beds to protect and feed the soil over winter.
• Plan Next Year's Crops: Rotate your plots to prevent pests and diseases, and order seeds early before the best varieties sell out.
• Check Tools & Sheds: Clean, sharpen, and oil tools. Give your shed a quick sort before spring chaos begins.
• Winter Growing: Garlic, broad beans, onions, and hardy salads like mizuna and winter lettuce can still go in if the ground isn't frozen.

Seasonal Spotlight: Overwintering Onions

Planting overwintering onions now means you'll be harvesting big, healthy bulbs by early summer! Try varieties like Senshyu Yellow or Radar — they're tough and reliable.

Compost Corner

Keep your compost heap active by layering greens (veg peelings, grass) and browns (leaves, cardboard). Turning it once in a while will keep it warm and working — even on chilly days.

Wildlife Watch

Remember, winter is tough on our feathered friends! Leave some seed heads, top up bird feeders, and put out shallow dishes of water (break the ice daily if needed).

Stay Connected

If you've taken any lovely frosty photos of your allotment or winter veg, send them in — we love to see them

Looking Ahead

Spring will be here before we know it! Start collecting loo rolls, yoghurt pots, and seed trays ready for early sowing indoors. The planning you do now will pay off come April!

Happy growing (and mulching)!