Growing food on an allotment is a wonderful way to connect with nature and produce fresh, healthy produce for yourself and your family. Growing your own food is a rewarding and sustainable way to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on groceries and enjoy the freshest possible produce.

When choosing what to grow on your allotment, it is important to choose plants that are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. These plants should be hardy, disease-resistant and able to thrive in a range of weather conditions. This is particularly important if you are new to gardening or have limited time to spend tending to your plot.

Here are the top ten easiest plants to grow on an allotment:

1. Snap peas - These hardy plants produce sweet, crunchy pea pods that are perfect for snacking on or adding to salads.
2. Zucchini - Also known as courgette, these plants are prolific producers and can be used in a wide range of recipes, including stews, soups and pasta sauces.
3. Garlic - Garlic is a low-maintenance plant that produces flavourful bulbs that can be used in a range of savoury dishes.
4. Peppers - These colourful vegetables are packed with vitamins and add a sweet, spicy flavour to salads, stir-fries and casseroles.
5. Carrots - Easy to grow and versatile, carrots can be roasted, steamed, grilled or eaten raw as a healthy snack.
6. Green beans - A great source of protein and fibre, green beans are easy to grow and can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried or added to salads.
7. Spinach - High in iron and other important nutrients, spinach is a versatile green that can be added to smoothies, quiches, salads and more.
8. Radish - Quick to grow and easy to harvest, radishes add a spicy crunch to salads, sandwiches and other dishes.
9. Lettuce - A staple in salads and sandwiches, lettuce is low-maintenance and can be grown in a range of soil conditions.
10. Tomatoes - A popular fruit in many cuisines, tomatoes are easy to grow and can be used in a wide range of recipes, from pasta sauces to tacos.

It's important to grow the food you love to eat because you will be more motivated to care for and harvest your plants. This can help you

10 of the easier crops to grow! 

Tomatoes 

Growing tomatoes can be a rewarding experience for gardeners in the UK. Not only do tomatoes taste delicious, they are also packed full of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet. In addition, they are relatively easy to grow, and can be grown in containers, making them suitable for gardens of all sizes.

To grow tomatoes well in the UK, it is important to choose the right variety for your growing conditions. Tomatoes prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and need plenty of water to develop properly. Regular feeding with a high-potassium fertiliser is also important to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

To ensure a successful harvest, it is also important to keep your tomato plants sheltered from strong winds and to provide support for the plants as they grow. This can be achieved using stakes or cages, which will help prevent the plants from collapsing under the weight of the fruit. Regular pruning is also important to keep the plant healthy and to encourage the development of new growth and fruit. By following these tips, gardeners in the UK can enjoy a healthy and bountiful crop of tomatoes throughout the growing season.        

Lettuce 

Lettuce is a highly nutritious and versatile vegetable that is widely grown across the UK. It is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and is low in calories. It can be eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, or cooked in soups and stews. Growing lettuce is also a great way to save money and reduce food waste, as it can be harvested as needed and does not spoil quickly. Additionally, growing your own lettuce can be a fun and rewarding activity, providing a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

In order to grow healthy and flavorful lettuce in the UK, there are several important tips to keep in mind. First, it is essential to choose a sunny and well-drained location for your lettuce bed. The soil should be rich in organic matter and slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It is also important to water your lettuce regularly, but not too much, as over-watering can lead to wilting and other problems. Finally, it is recommended to plant lettuce at different times throughout the growing season to ensure a steady supply of fresh greens. By following these tips and caring for your lettuce plants properly, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy harvest of fresh, home-grown lettuce.

Radishes 

Radishes are a versatile, quick-growing crop that can offer a range of benefits for home gardeners in the UK. Not only are they easy to grow and care for, but they can provide a nutritious addition to meals, as well as being a fun and educational gardening project for children. Radishes are also a great crop for beginners, as they can help improve soil quality, attract pollinators to the garden, and can even be grown in containers or small spaces.

To grow radish successfully in the UK, it's important to select the right variety for your region and soil type. Radishes prefer cool temperatures, so it's best to plant them in early spring or late summer, and they perform best in well-draining, moist soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. Try to plant seeds 1-2cm deep and 2-5cm apart, and keep the soil moist during germination. Radishes require consistent watering, especially during dry or hot weather, and may benefit from regular application of fertilizer or compost. Harvest radishes when they're firm and crisp, usually within 30-40 days of planting, and enjoy them raw or cooked in a range of dishes. With these tips, growing radish in the UK can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for gardeners of all levels.

Spinach 

Spinach is a highly nutritious and versatile leafy vegetable that boasts an array of health benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, vitamin C and K, and folic acid. Eating spinach can improve digestion, boost the immune system, promote healthy skin and hair, and even lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

In addition to its nutritional value, spinach is also relatively easy to grow in the UK. Spinach thrives in cool weather and is suitable for growing in early spring and early fall. It can be grown in garden beds, containers, or pots, and requires well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. To grow spinach successfully, it is essential to keep the soil moist and free from weeds. It is also important to provide spinach with adequate sunlight or partial shade and to fertilize the soil with compost or organic fertilizers. Lastly, it is recommended to harvest spinach regularly to encourage continuous growth and to prevent the plant from bolting.

Green beans 

Green beans are an excellent crop to grow in the UK due to their adaptability to cooler climates and relatively short growing season. One of the significant benefits of growing green beans is their high nutritional value. They are low in fat and calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Green beans also add to the biodiversity of gardens and allotments, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. As a legume, they also have the ability to fix nitrogen, which means they can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use, improving soil fertility in the process.

To grow green beans well in the UK, it's important to plant them in a spot with plenty of sunlight, away from any shade or wind. They grow best in well-draining soil with a pH level ranging between 6.0 to 6.8. It's also recommended to wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting them outside. Regular watering is important, and they should be fertilized with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser such as compost or manure. As a climbing plant, green beans need support, so planting them near a trellis or fence is recommended. It's vital to pick green beans regularly to encourage more production and to prevent the beans from becoming tough and stringy. With these tips, growing green beans in the UK can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for any gardener or grower.

Carrots 

Carrots are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. They are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber and are a great addition to any healthy diet. Growing your own carrots also comes with many benefits, including saving money, ensuring freshness, and reducing your carbon footprint.

To grow carrots well in the UK, it is important to choose the right type of soil. Carrots prefer loose, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Before planting, remove any rocks, sticks or debris from the soil to create a smooth surface. Next, sow seeds directly into the soil, making sure they are spaced at least 3 inches apart. It is important to keep the soil moist but not wet, as too much water can cause the seeds to rot. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and reduce weed growth. Finally, make sure to thin out the carrot plants as they grow to allow for proper root development. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious carrots.

Peppers 

Growing peppers is a fruitful hobby that brings many benefits to gardeners. Apart from their delicious taste, peppers are high in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Potassium, and Iron. They are also a great source of antioxidants and can protect against several chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. Peppers are also versatile in the kitchen as they can be eaten raw, pickled, roasted, or used in cooking, giving a flavor boost to many dishes.

To grow peppers successfully in the UK, it is essential to choose the right variety and timing. Peppers require a long growing season and require warm and sunny conditions to thrive. Sowing the seeds indoors in January or February is ideal for an early harvest. It is also crucial to ensure that the soil is well-draining and fertile, and peppers require regular watering and moisture. To retain moisture in the soil, it is recommended to mulch around the plants. Peppers also benefit from consistent feeding with organic fertilizers such as compost or manure. It is also important to protect peppers from pests and disease, such as aphids and blossom end rot. However, with the right care and attention, growing peppers in the UK can yield a bountiful and flavorful harvest.

Garlic 

There are several benefits to growing garlic in the UK. First and foremost, garlic is a highly nutritious herb that is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B6, and selenium. It is also known for its natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. In addition to its nutritional benefits, growing garlic also helps to repel pests and insects that can otherwise damage other plants in your garden.

To grow garlic well in the UK, there are some key tips to keep in mind. Garlic should ideally be planted in the fall, between September and November, so that it can establish roots before the winter frost. It can be grown in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground with well-draining soil. It is also important to ensure that the garlic receives plenty of sunlight and water while growing. Additionally, it is recommended to space the garlic cloves about 15cm apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Once the garlic is harvested, it should be allowed to dry out in a cool, dry place for a few weeks before being stored for later use.

Zucchini 

Growing courgette in the UK has a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it is easy to grow and maintain, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. Secondly, courgettes are an extremely healthy and versatile vegetable that can be used in numerous recipes, ranging from soups to salads and pasta dishes. Moreover, it is a very prolific vegetable that can produce an abundance of fruit throughout the growing season.

To grow courgette well in the UK, there are a number of tips and tricks to keep in mind. First, it is important to choose a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden with well-drained soil. Second, regular watering is essential, especially during hot summer months. Third, it is important to regularly harvest the courgettes while they are still small, otherwise they can become tough and bitter. Fourth, it is recommended to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth. Lastly, to encourage more vigorous growth, it is recommended to add a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to the soil before planting. By following these simple tips, growing courgette in the UK can result in a bountiful harvest of healthy and delicious vegetables.

Snap Peas 

Snap peas, also known as sugar snap peas, are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in the UK. They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and K, and are a great way to add flavour and texture to your dishes. One of the main benefits of growing snap peas is that they are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

To grow snap peas well in the UK, it is important to choose the right variety for your climate. Snap peas prefer cool weather, so it is best to plant them in early spring or late summer when the temperature is between 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. They also require moist soil and full sun exposure. Therefore, it is essential to keep the soil moist and mulch the base of the plants to help control soil moisture. Additionally, it is recommended to use a trellis or support system to ensure the plants grow upright and do not topple over. Regularly harvesting the snap peas when they are ready for picking will also encourage the plant to produce more pods. 

Overall, growing snap peas in the UK is a great way to add flavour and nutrition to your meals while enjoying the benefits of gardening. With proper care and attention, snap peas can be a bumper crop for your home garden.