Three things to consider when building an allotment/kitchen garden

If you’re thinking of starting your own kitchen garden or taking on an allotment, first of all—welcome. There’s something deeply grounding about growing your own food, and whether you’re starting with a few raised beds or a full-sized plot, the rewards go far beyond what ends up on your plate.

But like any good recipe, a thriving kitchen garden needs a bit of planning. Before you dive headfirst into seed catalogues and Pinterest boards, take a moment to consider these three key things. They’ll help you start off on the right foot, avoid common frustrations, and get you closer to a garden that truly works for you.

1. Know Your Space (And Work With It, Not Against It)

It sounds obvious, but it’s surprising how many people get swept up in ideas of what they want their garden to look like, rather than what the space is actually telling them. Your first job is to really get to know your plot. That means understanding where the sun falls throughout the day, how the wind moves through it, where water tends to collect, and how easy it is to access.

Start by spending a few days simply observing. Is your space in full sun, or does it only get a few hours of light? Are there areas that stay boggy after rain, or are there dry, dusty corners that will need more watering? Is it close to your house or allotment gate, or do you need to factor in how you’ll carry tools, compost and watering cans?

Once you understand the natural conditions, you can start designing with them. Put your thirstiest crops where the hose can reach. Place compost bins where they’ll get sun and airflow. Reserve shadier spots for leafy greens (I love growing lettuce underneath beans as they love the shade!) and save your sunniest areas for fruiting plants like tomatoes and courgettes.

You don’t need a perfect plot. You just need one you understand!

2. Grow What You Love to Eat

This might sound simple, but it’s something a lot of people overlook(including me - this paragraoh comes from experience!). When you first get into gardening, it’s easy to be seduced and influenced by the idea of growing unusual or exotic crops, or by whatever’s trending online. But if you wouldn’t buy celeriac in the shop, are you really going to enjoy growing, harvesting and cooking it?

Focus on the vegetables, herbs and fruits you actually enjoy eating regularly. That might be lettuces, spring onions, or strawberries in the summer; chard, kale and carrots in the colder months. Think about the meals you cook most weeks. Which ingredients could you grow yourself? This kind of thinking not only makes your garden more practical, it also keeps your enthusiasm going.

There’s a real joy in walking into your garden and picking something for dinner that you know you’ll actually use. It’s far better to have a few reliable favourites than a glut of things you’re not sure how to store or cook.

Once you’re confident, of course, you can branch out. But start with the things you love and will EAT!

3. Set Yourself Up for Success

This is the part where you really need to be honest with yourself. How much time can you realistically give to your garden? What’s your budget? How much lifting, digging and watering do you actually want to do?

The answers to these questions will help you make smart, sustainable choices. Raised beds, for instance, can be a great way to keep things manageable—they warm up quickly in spring, drain well, and reduce the amount of bending over you have to do. Mulching with compost or bark can reduce weeds and lock in moisture, saving you time. A simple drip irrigation system can be a lifesaver during dry spells.

You might also want to consider how you organise your time. It’s better to do little and often than to burn out trying to do it all in one go. A quick 20-minute check-in a few times a week can keep things ticking over beautifully.

And don’t be afraid to start small. One well-kept bed is more satisfying (and productive) than five that are constantly overwhelming you. Gardening should feel like a pleasure, not a chore.

In Summary

If you know your space, grow what you actually eat, and set yourself up for success, you’ll be amazed at how enjoyable and abundant your kitchen garden can become. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection. With your food, your environment, and a slower, more intentional way of living.

And the best part? You get to eat the results.

So take your time. Plan well. And enjoy every soggy, muddy, sunny, step of the way.

Rosa x