2026 Chronicle

March '26 and everyone is preparing their allotments for the growing year ahead, including some new allotment holders. Raised beds are very popular and a growing trend is to use metal raised beds as shown below. However, we still have some allotment holders who prefer the traditional ways and their allotments are also looking good. Click on the images to see them full screen.

May '26 and a late frost has knocked back some plants which were optimistically planted out early but a hot spell has accelerated some crops (see the onions compared to the March photo above). We had our major spring sale of plants which was well attended and a great success for the shop. A new, outside seating area has been created and is especially popular on those hot days.

June '26 and the veg is coming along but we mustn't forget the flowers, without those we wouldn't have as many pollinators around!

July '26 and the weather has been very hot with three heatwaves so far. Crops which like the warmer weather have been romping away and if you leave them for just a few days you may end up with monsters! There are many flowers across the site of all shapes and sizes and this year we are doing much better for pollinators. The vegetables we associate with autumn are already in evidence, especially pumpkins and other squashes.

August '26 There have been more heatwaves and some crops are ripening earlier than normal. Conditions have become more challenging as the year has gone on and some people are struggling with some crops, such as runner beans. However, other crops which like the warmer weather are galloping along. Many flowers are looking very good this year and dahlias are doing very well without too many slugs around, hopefully we will have entries for the Dahlia Cup on September the 5th, our open day.