Improving Allotments

Improving Allotments

Loose fertile soil, often found in managed allotments or raised beds is ideal for vegetable growing. When managed correctly the combinations of nutrients and plant spacing will yield a perfect growing environment for years to come.

The ideal soil for vegetables to develop long running roots and take up nutrients is a crumbly loam which is both easy to work with and retains moisture while allowing air to freely enter the soil. Our standard Multi-Purpose Topsoil or Veg & Fruit Topsoil provides the perfect growing media to match these properties, but if you plan on using your existing soil our range of composts and soil improvers can modify your existing topsoil into a fertile loam suitable for growing.

Step by step guide

Step 1

To improve your existing topsoil, first rake over the soil and remove any turf, weeds or any other unwanted materials.

Step 2

It’s important to cycle what you grow to limit the chance of disease or pests settling in the area. If you are improving an existing vegetable patch be sure to remove the vegetables you no longer wish to grow.

Step 3

Add our compost or soil improver to the existing topsoil to at least 2 inches in depth to allow for a good layer of nutrients. There is no need to mix the compost in with the existing topsoil, nature will handle this for you.