Allotments & community growing
More than
gardening
Our allotment is about sustainability, fresh food, wellbeing and community — and helping people live more affordably. Everyone is welcome, especially beginners.
“The best thing I grow on the plot is community.”
Allotments & community growing
An allotment is more than a garden
Our plots are where sustainability gets practical. We grow real food a short walk from home, share what we learn, and prove that living well doesn’t have to cost the earth — or a fortune.
-
Sustainability
Fewer food miles, less packaging, home-made compost.
-
Food growing
Seasonal veg, fruit and herbs, grown the simple way.
-
Wellbeing
Fresh air, gentle exercise and a break from screens.
-
Community
Seed swaps, shared tools and friendly faces.
-
Living affordably
Home-grown food helps stretch the weekly budget.
-
Learning together
Beginners welcome — ask anything, get muddy.
Growing calendar
What’s happening on the plot
A simple guide to the allotment year in East London. Timings shift a little with the weather — ask on the plot if you’re unsure.
Sow
- Carrots, beetroot and radish
- Peas and broad beans
- Salad leaves and spinach
- Tomatoes and courgettes (indoors)
Plant out
- Onion sets and garlic
- Early potatoes
- Strawberry plants
Harvest
- Rhubarb
- Purple sprouting broccoli
- Spring greens and leeks
Plot tip: Watch for late frosts — keep fleece handy for tender seedlings until mid-May.
Sow
- Salad leaves every few weeks
- French beans
- Spring cabbage and kale
Plant out
- Tomatoes, courgettes and squash
- Leeks and winter brassicas
- Runner beans
Harvest
- Strawberries and raspberries
- Peas, beans and courgettes
- New potatoes, salads and herbs
Plot tip: Water in the early morning or evening, and use water butts wherever you can.
Sow
- Broad beans for next year
- Green manures on empty beds
- Overwintering onions
Plant out
- Garlic cloves
- Fruit bushes and trees
- Spring cabbage
Harvest
- Squash and pumpkins
- Apples and pears
- Maincrop potatoes and beetroot
Plot tip: Collect fallen leaves to make leaf mould — it’s free, brilliant soil food.
Sow
- Chillies and peppers (indoors, late winter)
- Chit seed potatoes
Plant out
- Bare-root fruit
- Rhubarb crowns
Harvest
- Leeks and parsnips
- Kale and Brussels sprouts
- Winter cabbage
Plot tip: A great time to plan beds, fix paths, turn the compost and order seeds.
Getting started
How to get involved
No plot? No problem. Here’s the easiest way in.
-
01 · Visit
Step 1 — Visit
Come along to a growing day
Drop me a message and I’ll let you know when we’re next on the plot. Just bring gloves and curiosity.
- Friendly, relaxed and beginner-focused
- Tools and seeds shared
- No commitment needed
-
02 · Help
Step 2 — Help
Help on a shared plot
The quickest way to learn is by doing. Help with sowing, weeding and harvesting — and take home a share.
- Learn seasonal growing hands-on
- Meet other local growers
- Fresh food to take home
-
03 · Apply
Step 3 — Apply
Join the waiting list
Most allotment sites in Waltham Forest have waiting lists run by the council or local allotment societies. It’s worth getting your name down early.
- Check Waltham Forest Council’s allotment pages
- Ask local allotment societies about vacancies
- Consider sharing a plot with a friend
-
04 · Share
Step 4 — Share
Grow, share and swap
Once you’re growing, pass it on: swap seeds, share surplus crops and help the next beginner find their feet.
- Seed and seedling swaps
- Surplus sharing with neighbours
- Compost and know-how, freely given
Life on the plot
Photos, updates & community moments
Seed swaps, harvest days, compost sessions and the odd rainy afternoon — here’s what we’ve been up to lately.
Summer on the plot 
Carrot day 
Compost club 
Wildlife corner 
Harvest share
Allotment questions
New to growing?
Can’t see your question? Drop me a message — I’m always happy to help.
I’ve never grown anything. Can I still join in?
Absolutely — beginners are the best bit. We’ll show you everything from sowing seeds to harvesting.
How much does it cost?
Joining a community growing day is free. If you later rent your own plot, the council or allotment society will set the annual fee.
How do I get my own allotment in Waltham Forest?
Most sites have waiting lists managed by the council or local allotment societies. Get your name down early and help on a shared plot in the meantime.
What should I bring?
Gloves, sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting muddy. Tools and seeds are shared.
Can children come along?
Families are very welcome on growing days — just keep little ones supervised around tools and water.
Join a growing day
Come and get muddy
Tell me a little about yourself and I’ll let you know when we’re next on the plot.