First steps
You're usually assigned a garden, and you rarely have a choice. Examine it carefully, paying attention to the direction, slope, and soil type, as well as which areas receive a lot of sun or shade. If in doubt, simply decline.
Before planting, provide the soil with plenty of rotted manure and fertilizer.
If the soil is heavy and clayey, you should also add coarse sand, mushroom substrate or wood ash.
Then consider which plants are best suited to your garden. Herbs and lettuce are better suited to a garden by the house, on the balcony, or on the windowsill, because you need them almost every day. In your allotment, plant species that don't require as much attention.
You can also grow seedlings indoors and then plant them in your allotment.
Perennial species
The great thing about perennial plants is that they require little care—ideal for those with limited time. They're also quite hardy. You can choose from fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and gooseberries, various vegetables like perennial rocket and spinach, artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes, and, of course, rhubarb.
Comfrey is not edible, but deserves a place as a fertilizer source.
If planting tall trees is prohibited, dwarf forms may be possible. Alternatively, many fruit tree species can be trained on espaliers.
Water supply
Many allotment gardens have water taps, but the walk to them can be long. To conserve water, plant plants less closely together. This gives the roots more space to search for moisture.
Mulch between the rows reduces evaporation and keeps the soil moist. If you have a shed, be sure to install a gutter and a rain barrel.
Sheds and garden houses
A shed or garden house is practical because you can leave tools on site. However, you should install a solid lock. If you have a garden at home, you'll need some tools twice.
We recommend building a cold frame to protect young plants and a composter with several chambers to process green waste.
