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Worcester City Council allotments newsletter |
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Hello allotment growers,
Welcome to the very first issue of our new Allotment Newsletter!
Whether you’re a long‑standing tenant or a brand‑new gardener just getting your hands in the soil, we’re excited to bring you regular updates, tips, and stories from across our allotment community.
Each edition will share seasonal advice, news from our sites, upcoming events, and practical guidance to help you make the most of your plot.
We’ll also be highlighting the achievements of our growers, celebrating successes big and small, and offering space for you to share your own experiences, questions, and ideas.
Our allotments aren’t just places to grow food, they are thriving green spaces where community spirit, wellbeing, and sustainability all take root. We hope this newsletter becomes a valuable, enjoyable companion throughout the growing year.
Here is to a productive season ahead!
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Top tips for your allotment in March |
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🌼 March on the allotment
March brings longer days, rising temperatures and the first real signs of spring. Although the weather can still be unpredictable, it is the perfect time to plan, prepare and get things moving for a productive growing season.
🌱 Sowing under cover
If you have a greenhouse, polytunnel, cold frame or bright windowsill, you can start your early crops now: - Cauliflower, broccoli, celery, early cabbage and lettuces
- Onions and leeks
- Spinach and salad leaves
- Early potatoes (chitting or planting in bags/tubs)
Keep seedlings in good light, avoid overwatering, and ventilate on warmer days to reduce fungal issues.
🛠️ Plot maintenance & early Spring jobs
Before things get busy, take time to check structures and plan ahead: - Turn compost heaps
- Repair loose greenhouse panels or polytunnel tears
- Check sheds, roofs and guttering
- Inspect water butts and taps
- Fix or replace fencing, netting and supports
- Identify areas needing mulch or compost
- Sketch out new beds or improvements
A little maintenance now saves bigger repairs later.
✂️ Pruning
There’s still a short window for essential pruning: - Fruit trees – light formative pruning
- Berry bushes – prune before buds swell to encourage new growth
Avoid pruning stone fruits (plums, cherries, apricots) until summer to prevent disease.
🌾 Preparing your soil
Healthy soil makes healthy plants. March is ideal for preparing beds for the season ahead: - Add well-rotted manure or compost
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Check soil pH before planting
- Warm beds with fleece or cloches if planning early sowings
🐛 Weeding & pest control
Stay ahead of early-season problems: - Remove perennial weeds before they take hold
- Protect young plants from slugs, snails and birds
- Use netting where needed
- Plant pollinator-friendly flowers to support beneficial insects
- Rotate crops to reduce pests and diseases
- Consider organic pest controls if issues arise
Wishing all tenant’s a productive and enjoyable growing season!
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Unfortunately, we have received several reports of break ins across allotment sites over the last few weeks.
We are working with the Police and have arranged to meet a Rural & Business Officer from West Mercia to visit sites that have reported criminal activity.
If you have been the victim of damage/vandalism or crime, please report it to the Police.
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Water management - please help us save water - Please minimise mains water use.
- Sprinklers and permanent watering systems are not allowed.
- Report leaks immediately to your site coordinator or online
- Do not leave hosepipes unattended. Turn taps off and remove hoses after use.
- Water will be switched on the last week of March/beginning of April
- Tenants should use water butts where possible.
- No old baths, sinks, toilets or similar containers permitted.
- Contact the allotments team before using large IBC containers.
- We have repurposed wheeled-bin water butts available please contact allotments for more information.
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Ponds on allotment plots
Ponds can be a valuable addition to allotment plots, offering important benefits for biodiversity. When well managed, they can support local frog populations and attract a range of wildlife.
Amphibians are also natural predators of slugs, providing an environmentally friendly method of pest control.
To ensure ponds remain healthy and safe, regular maintenance is essential. This includes choosing an appropriate location, maintaining good water quality, removing fallen leaves before they decompose, and cutting back vigorous plant growth. Ideally, around half of the pond’s surface should be kept clear. Periodic clearing may also be needed to maintain a balanced environment.
While ponds offer many advantages, they can also present safety risks if not managed responsibly.
Ponds must be clearly visible to all visitors, and children should always be supervised when near them.
Tenants are also encouraged to consider the depth of their pond, ensuring that ponds have escape routes like pebble shore on one side or a shallow ramp along an edge, or similar features to allow small animals to exit safely should they fall in. There are plenty of tips and further information on the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website.
By taking these precautions, ponds can be enjoyed safely while continuing to support local wildlife.
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Deliveries to allotment sites
We kindly remind all tenants that any delivery to an allotment site must be pre‑approved by the Site Coordinator and/or the Council. If you are unsure whether a delivery is permitted, please contact your Site Coordinator in the first instance.
The Council is able to arrange deliveries of woodchip where required.
Please note that tenants who arrange their own deliveries assume full responsibility and liability. The Council strongly recommends that tenants obtain appropriate public liability insurance and complete a risk assessment before organising any contractor access.
Any damage caused on site by a contractor arranged by a tenant will remain the responsibility of that tenant.
To ensure site security, please do not provide padlock combination numbers or keys to delivery drivers or any third parties.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to maintain the safety and smooth operation of our allotment sites.
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Competition entries for this year's Worcester Show are now OPEN.
This year's Show takes place on Sunday, 9 August between 10am and 5pm.
There are 14 sections and over 170 classes, ranging from flowers and floral decorations to handicrafts and photography,
There is something for everyone, including children and teenagers. No need to be an expert. Everyone is welcome to join the fun! |
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Allotments and wellbeing
Find out more about what’s going on in the community, stay informed with local events, and find out more information.
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All tenant updates
If you would like to stay informed, please see our all-tenant update, this is available shortly following our quarterly allotment site coordinator meetings.
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