Plot twist: the life-changing power of allotments 

From tending crops to building community, allotments offer far more than just fresh food. For National Allotments Week (11-17 August), ION communications officer and trained nutritional therapist Catherine Morgan explores the body and mind benefits of these humble green spaces. 

A few months ago, I was handed the proverbial keys to Plot 14 of a local allotment – a little space in which to grow a bit of veg, if I was lucky. What I didn’t realise at the time was that this small piece of land would bring more than just lettuce, chard and potatoes (and sweetcorn, if the rats hadn’t got to it first). It would become my happy place, too. A space for peace and quiet (when the kids aren’t in tow), contemplation, physical activity, and new connections.  

That’s not to say there haven’t been challenges (thanks, rats, aphids, moles, heatwaves…), but the rewards have been just as plentiful. And whilst the long-haulers might not share the same wide-eyed enthusiasm of allotment newbies like me, there’s clearly something that keeps them coming back. Perhaps it is just the tasty food, but I suspect it’s more than that. 

Growing for health

Regular gardening on allotment sites has been associated with improved physical, psychological and social health. A more recent study co-led by University of Nottingham lecturer in positive psychology, Rhys Furlong, found that allotment time can also boost people’s sense of identity as they ‘green up’ the urban world. As part of his PhD with the University of Derby, Rhys and his colleagues explored the experiences of allotment gardeners from low-income areas of Nottingham.

The team found that allotments benefit individual wellbeing and provide a safe and private place for tenants to retreat to, supporting their mental health and offering a sense of relaxation and calm. Half the participants expressed a sense of connection with their upbringing through allotment gardening, and they also rediscovered a sense of empowerment and control. Once accustomed to the allotments, the social connection between tenants on the site became a central component of their experience. 

Could the humble allotment be good for our health? It would seem so.  

Allotments offer many benefits for working-class people; they can be safe and private places to escape the stresses of daily life

Rhys says: “The experiences that gardeners at St Ann’s allotments shared reveals a true sense of belonging, comfort, community and meaning. Aside from the obvious benefits of getting outdoors for mental health, the participants loved getting to know their neighbours and feeling empowered through working with the land. 

“Allotments offer many benefits for working-class people; they can be safe and private places to escape the stresses of daily life and get respite from mental health issues; they offer a space to connect with the community; and having local greenspaces mean less time commuting and reduced transportation costs, both welcome savings during the cost of living crisis.” 

Next-gen growers

The good news is that allotments are no longer just the domain of older gentlemen – something I regularly point out when asked about my flat cap. There has been a welcome shift in recent years, with more women and younger people taking up the mantle – or trowel. According to the National Allotment Society, half of allotment holders are 65 or older, 20% are aged 30-49, and 30% are between 50-64.  

A new generation of allotmenteers seems to be embracing the grow-your-own movement – and that might have something to do with the rise of allotment bloggers like Chloe Taylor, aka Wildly Chlo.  

At just 27, Chloe isn’t your typical allotment owner. In fact, she says she shied away from telling too many people about her allotment at first, just to avoid the raised eyebrows. But things have changed – and now, she shares her allotment life with over 55,000 followers on Instagram.  “It’s still seen as a bit of an old man’s hobby,” she says. “But that’s definitely changing, and I’m proud to be part of that shift. More younger people are taking on plots, and you certainly don’t need to be a gardening expert to start. You just need a bit of curiosity, a few spare hours a week, and probably a willingness to fail a few times.” 

Chloe was exposed to gardening from a young age – both her mum and grandad were enthusiastic growers – but it wasn’t until she moved into her current home, which she notes doesn’t have much of a garden at all, that she truly got back into it. “There seemed to be such a lack of advice or content about growing in small spaces that I decided I’d try to be the voice for small-space growers,” she says. 

As she got more into it, Chloe started looking more into food security and where our food comes from, which led her down the path of wanting more growing space – in the form of an allotment. “I wanted to grow my own organic produce and have a bit more control over what ended up on my plate,” she says. “That, of course, has now spiralled into me becoming a full-blown allotmenteer!” 

The times they are a-changin’ 

So, the demographics of plot owners are changing – but why?  

Chloe believes it’s because people are craving something real and hands-on after so much digital overwhelm – yet paradoxically, it’s the digital world that has helped more young people get into allotments. “I’d like to think that when people see allotmenteers like me – and many others who aren’t of retirement age – getting stuck in and showing that growing your own food can be accessible and even cool, it encourages more people to give it a go.” 

Chloe also says there has been a big shift in attitudes around food security and knowing where your food comes from. “People are more aware of what’s actually in the food they eat, why organic matters, the air miles attached to supermarket produce, and the benefits of eating seasonally,” she says. “That awareness naturally leads people to reflect more on what’s on their plate – and how they might take back a bit of control.” 

Alongside of all this, Chloe says she’d like to think that more people are trying to reconnect their children with the natural world and show them where food really comes from. “That’s something I feel quite passionately about,” she says. And I’m with her on that – it’s part of the reason I signed up for an allotment in the first place.  And whilst the peace is shattered when my kids are there, it’s pretty wonderful to see them pulling up radishes, sowing seeds, eating peas straight from the pod, and watering the plants – and themselves.  

Good for body and mind

Like many others, Chloe’s says her mental and physical wellbeing have benefitted from her allotment. “Mentally, it gives me something practical to focus on when life feels busy or overwhelming,” she explains. “There’s always a task to get stuck into, whether it’s planting, weeding or fixing something. I’ve never really been someone who gets on with formal meditation, but I now understand why silent gardening tasks are practised in monasteries around the world. There’s something surprisingly mindful about doing something hands-on like setting up a trellis or digging a bed – even if it doesn’t look like it on the surface.” 

Physically, the allotment also helps keep Chloe moving and mobile – without it feeling like structured exercise. “I’m regularly bending, stretching, hauling compost bags from the car boot, crouching down to plant seedlings,” she says. “It keeps your body working in a really natural, useful way. It’s not exercise in the gym sense, but it definitely gets you shifting and using your body in ways that matter.” I know the feeling – and my achy muscles are testament to the post-allotment visit.  

Another pleasant surprise for Chloe was the community at her allotment site. “Most of the plot holders around me are retired,” she explains. “So, they love a bit of social interaction – even if it’s not about gardening! There’s a lovely practice on my site where we all pass surplus plants around to each other, so you end up with a bit of all sorts. You meet people you might never cross paths with otherwise, and everyone is incredibly generous with advice (and surplus courgettes).” I agree – I’ve already been gifted corn plants (yes, the ones that were eaten by rats – sorry Bob!), leeks, pak choi, squash, and more.   

I’ve never really been someone who gets on with formal meditation, but I now understand why silent gardening tasks are practised in monasteries around the world

If you don’t have an allotment – or are patiently waiting for one (it can take years) – remember that you can still grow your own in smaller spaces. “It doesn’t need to be a full-scale operation,” says Chloe. “Just a pot of herbs on the windowsill, salad leaves in a crate, strawberries in a hanging basket… If it holds soil and drains, it can grow food!” 

Having an allotment does take time and effort, of course. But how much really depends on the size of your plot, its condition, the season, what you’re growing – and ultimately, how much time you have to spare. I was almost put off by people warning me how much work was involved, but I’m so glad I went ahead. Admittedly, my plot is quite small – so it’s manageable… for now. Chloe makes another good point: whilst she tries to get to her plot a few times per week, she says it’s not about being perfect.  “Some weeks I’m barely there – and that’s okay too,” she explains.   

“Just do it!”

Whether it’s a sprawling allotment or crate of salad on a balcony, growing your own can bring so much more than food. It’s time, space, connection – and a real boost for body and mind.  

If you’re currently on the allotment fence, Chloe has some simple advice: “Do it!”.  

“You’ll never feel completely ready – but that’s the beauty of it,” she says. “When I took on my allotment, it was completely overgrown, full of persistent weeds and plastic rubbish. I had a mini panic once I started and thought, what have I done?  But looking back now, I’m so proud of how far it’s come and the work I’ve put into it. 

 “If you’re unsure, I’d recommend buddying up with a friend and sharing a plot – loads of people do that where I am, and it’s a great way to ease in without the pressure of managing it all yourself. You learn as you go, and every mistake just becomes a funny story or a valuable lesson.” 

Follow Chloe on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for growing tips, small space ideas and allotment shenanigans – or visit her website.

What is National Allotments Week?

National Allotments Week, established in 2002, is an annual celebration dedicated to raising awareness of the vital role allotments play in promoting healthier lifestyles, sustainable living, and stronger communities. Spearheaded by the National Allotment Society, the event highlights the incredible benefits of allotments and encourages individuals, families, and communities to connect with the land and with each other. 

Allotments have long been a cornerstone of sustainable living, offering people the opportunity to grow their own food, enjoy time outdoors, and adopt more active lifestyles. In addition to their physical and mental health benefits, allotments foster meaningful connections and friendships while contributing to the development of vibrant, cohesive communities.