The joy of growing your own - National Allotments Week

National Allotments Week is an annual initiative, which began in 2002, that aims to raise awareness of allotments and their role in helping people live healthier lifestyles, build stronger communities, provide sustainable spaces for people to grow their own food, and help boost biodiversity.

This year the annual awareness week will run from 11-17th August 2025, and the theme is “Allotments and Wellbeing”.

According to the National Allotment Society, which was founded in the early 20th century and is the leading representative body for UK allotment holders, the benefits of allotments include:

• Rich green spaces - Allotments are rich in biodiversity, creating green spaces for wildlife and pollinators throughout the country. Natural England acknowledges allotments as a firm part of 'Green Infrastructure' – a network of connected green features in the landscape that play an important role in urban and rural environments. They improve health and wellbeing, air quality, biodiversity, nature recovery and resilience to and mitigation of climate change.

• Social and community - From community open days to educational projects, to community hubs offering workshops, mental health projects, food sharing schemes, sensory gardens for those with disabilities, collaboration with community payback schemes and green social prescribing by GPs – the beneficial community uses for allotment sites are immense. 

• Health and wellbeing - There is a growing awareness of the role that gardening plays in improving mental health by spending time in nature and physical health through staying active tending to your plants and plots.

• Value of growing your own food - If managed properly, an allotment can produce enough fresh fruit and vegetables to supplement a family's weekly shop throughout the year. Allotment gardeners can choose to garden organically and avoid consuming chemicals that are more likely to be present on fruit and vegetables bought from shops.

I spoke to Abby Gower, who has owned her own allotment in Stoke-On Trent since March 2024, about the joys and challenges of managing her own allotment...

What was the biggest lesson you learnt after the first year of having your allotment?

The biggest lesson that I have learnt is the art of patience. I'm not a naturally patient person and having an allotment has definitely helped with this! Things don't grow overnight, unless it's a weed it seems. 

You have to wait for the right time to sow your seeds or plant out your crops and you also have to hope that the weather goes in your favour! I've gone down to my plot many times with a plan but the weather had different plans for me.

Where did you go for support and learning when you first started out?

I am lucky to have a few friends with allotments who gave me lots of help and advice but I've also learnt lots from social media, watching videos of allotment transformations, how to best plan out your plot and top growing tips has been brilliant.

Abby Gower - @abbyslotment

What is your favourite meal that you have prepared with food from your allotment?

This year I made a delicious warm salad of beetroot, squash and french beans in a mustard and olive oil dressing, topped with feta and flaked almonds! I also made some great savoury cheese and courgettes muffins. They went down a treat with my family.

Have you found a sense of community with other people who have an allotment near you? 

I have honestly never been part of a more wonderful community. My plot neighbours have been so kind and welcoming. There are social gatherings and even a Christmas party. Everyone is there to offer help and advice. 

A special shout out to Trevor and Matt, a father and son team whose knowledge has proved invaluable to me. They are always there if I have a question or need advice from the experts! One day I hope that I can help them as much as they have helped me. 

Why do you believe allotments are important and should be protected?

I never understood the importance of having an allotment until I had my own. I am a wildlife rehabilitator and my job can be extremely busy and sometimes distressing and upsetting dealing with sick and injured wildlife. 

It doesn't matter how badly my day has gone or how exhausted I feel as soon as I get onto my plot all the noise in my mind just disappears. It's so calming, grounding and the best thing I've ever done for my mind. 

I've never experienced anything like it. My friend is convinced allotments should be prescribed on the NHS and I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree.

Follow this link to find National Allotments Week events in your area and get involved. Also, click on this link to follow Abby's allotment journey on Instagram.

By Eveline Vouillemin ©