National Allotment Society Celebrates Britain’s Best Plots with GARDENA

The National Allotment Society (NAS) is proud to have partnered with GARDENA to sponsor and support the first-ever Top of the Plots competition, a nationwide celebration of the UK’s thriving grow-your-own community.

“Working alongside GARDENA to champion allotment holders and gardeners across the country has been a real privilege,” said Mike Farrell, Chairman of the National Allotment Society told That's Food and Drink.

“The standard of entries was truly inspiring — from long-established plots brimming with biodiversity to creative new growers transforming small spaces into productive, beautiful gardens.”

The NAS congratulates all the category winners, including overall winner Steve Mills from Barnet, North London, whose remarkable allotment, complete with a three-level fruit and flower tunnel, earned him the title of Plot of the Year 2025. 

Special recognition also goes to Roger Atkinson, Donna Harris, Victoria Holden, Rebecca Hale, and David Gallacher for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s gardening community.

“These winners reflect the very best of what allotments represent,” Farrell added. “They’re places of innovation, wellbeing, and togetherness. Through their hard work and creativity, they remind us why protecting and promoting allotments is more important than ever.”

Recent NAS research shows that:

91% of plot holders say their allotment has improved their mental health.

84% report eating more fresh produce since taking on their plot.

72% say their allotment has helped them feel more connected to their local community.

Despite rising costs and waiting lists, more than half of respondents described their allotment as their “happy place”.

These findings highlight the vital role allotments play in improving wellbeing, sustainability, and community resilience across the UK — values that the Top of the Plots competition proudly celebrates.

About the National Allotment Society

The National Allotment Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading voice for allotment holders. Founded in 1908, the NAS works to protect, promote, and support allotments nationwide. The Society provides advice, advocacy, and research to ensure that allotments remain accessible, sustainable, and beneficial for communities across the country.

https://thenas.org.uk

Grow Your Own Vegetables & Herbs at Home: A Guide for Beginners

There's something deeply satisfying about harvesting and eating food you’ve grown yourself. 

Whether you have a garden, a patio, or just a sunny windowsill, growing your own vegetables and herbs is rewarding, cost-effective, and surprisingly simple — even during hot, dry spells.

Here’s how to get started, plus tips on water-wise gardening and composting to keep your green space healthy and sustainable.

Why Grow Your Own?

Fresher produce – You can't beat the flavour of just-picked tomatoes or snipped herbs.

Saves money – Reduce your grocery bill by growing essentials like lettuce, basil and carrots.

Boosts wellbeing – Gardening is great for reducing stress and getting you outdoors.

Top Veg & Herbs to Start With

Ideal for beginners and the UK climate:

Tomatoes – Thrive in pots or grow bags.

Lettuce – Quick to grow and perfect for salads.

Carrots – Great in deeper pots or raised beds.

Courgettes – High yield from a single plant.

Basil, Mint, Chives – Easy herbs for pots and windowsills.

Gardening in Dry or Drought Conditions

As summers become warmer and drier, water-saving tips are essential:

Water early or late to reduce evaporation.

Mulch soil with straw, bark or compost to lock in moisture.

Choose drought-resistant herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Install a water butt to collect rainwater from roofs or sheds.

Composting Tips for Beginners

Composting turns kitchen scraps into rich, nourishing soil. Here’s how to start:

Use veg peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells, tea bags (plastic-free!).

Avoid meat, dairy, or oily food to prevent pests.

Mix green (wet) and brown (dry) materials – e.g., grass clippings with cardboard.

Turn the compost regularly to speed up decomposition.

Quick Gardening Tips

Start small: A few pots or a grow bag can be enough.

Use containers if space is limited – herbs love a sunny windowsill.

Label your plants to keep track of what’s where.

Enjoy the process – gardening is as much about patience and care as it is about the harvest.

Growing your own food is a journey that brings joy, saves money, and makes a difference. Whether you're nurturing basil in your kitchen or tending tomatoes on a balcony, every little bit helps. With water-wise habits and a compost heap on the go, you're well on your way to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Let us know what you’re planting this season – and don’t forget to share a snap of your garden using #GrowYourOwnUK!

A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Your Own Herbs and Vegetables

Growing your own herbs and vegetables is a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy fresh, organic produce right from your garden, balcony, or windowsill. 

Whether you have a spacious garden or just a small space to work with, this beginner’s guide will help you get started on your home-growing journey.

Why Grow Your Own?

There are a number of benefits to growing your own herbs and vegetables, including:

Freshness – Enjoy the unbeatable taste of homegrown produce.

Health benefits – Avoid pesticides and grow organic, nutrient-rich food.

Cost savings – Reduce grocery bills by growing essential kitchen staples.

Sustainability – Lower your carbon footprint by reducing food miles.

Therapeutic value – Gardening is a great way to relieve stress and connect with nature.

Choosing the Right Location

The success of your home garden depends on where you plant your herbs and vegetables. Consider these key factors:

Sunlight – Most herbs and vegetables require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil quality – Good drainage and nutrient-rich soil are essential for healthy plants.

Space availability – Whether you have a garden, balcony, or windowsill, choose the right containers or beds to maximise growth.

Protection from pests – Use natural methods to keep insects and animals at bay, keeping chemicals to a minimum. 

Easy Herbs and Vegetables for Beginners

Herbs

Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow and require minimal maintenance. Here are some beginner-friendly choices:

Basil – Perfect for salads, pasta, and pesto, basil thrives in warm conditions.

Mint – Grows rapidly and is great for teas, cocktails, and garnishes.

Parsley – A versatile herb that adds flavour to many dishes.

Rosemary – A hardy perennial that adds a fragrant touch to roasts and soups.

Thyme – Low-maintenance and perfect for seasoning meats and vegetables.

Vegetables

If you’re new to vegetable gardening, start with these easy-to-grow varieties:

Lettuce – Grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times.

Tomatoes – Great for containers and ideal for fresh salads and sauces.

Radishes – Fast-growing and perfect for adding crunch to dishes.

Carrots – Easy to grow in loose, well-drained soil.

Courgettes – Prolific growers that provide a bountiful harvest.

Essential Gardening Tools

To make your gardening experience smoother, invest in these basic tools:

Trowel – For planting and transplanting.

Hand fork – Useful for breaking up soil and weeding.

Watering can or hose – Essential for keeping plants hydrated.

Gardening gloves – To protect your hands from dirt and thorns.

Pots or containers – Ideal for small-space gardening.

Planting and Caring for Your Herbs and Vegetables

Prepare the Soil – Use well-draining compost or nutrient-rich soil for best results.

Plant at the Right Time – Follow seasonal guidelines for each herb and vegetable.

Water Regularly, but sensibly – Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Feed Your Plants – Use organic fertilisers or compost to nourish your plants.

Harvest Often – Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the plant’s lifespan.

Dealing with Common Gardening Challenges

Pests and Diseases

Use companion planting (e.g., planting marigolds with tomatoes to deter pests).

Make natural insect sprays from garlic or neem oil.

Keep plants healthy to reduce vulnerability to diseases.

Weather Conditions

Use mulch to retain soil moisture in hot weather.

Provide shade for delicate plants during heatwaves.

Cover crops with fleece to protect them from frost.

Final Thoughts

Starting your own herb and vegetable garden is an enjoyable and fulfilling endeavour. With a little patience and the right approach, you’ll soon be enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour.

 Whether you have a garden, patio, or just a sunny windowsill, there’s always a way to bring fresh, homegrown produce into your kitchen.

Have you started growing your own food? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.