Although the current weather is warm, the soil at your allotment may need some assistance in getting up to the right temperature to allow seed germination. Cloches or polytunnels can be placed on the beds a week before you intend to sow your seeds. These will help to increase the soil temperature, which will give the seeds you sow the optimum conditions for growth.

Some thought early on can really help to get your crops off to a flying start.

Cloches can also be used to encourage some plants, such as strawberries to flower, and hence fruit earlier. Cloches can be used year after year and are an essential addition to any allotment holders equipment.