A good soil for growing vegetables should be moist and full of nutrients. The soil at many allotments may have been used to grow crops for years, and when you first get your plot, spending some time to improve the soil quality will help greatly. Adding organic matter is the best way to improve the nutrient level, and also the consistency of the soil.

Digging in well rotted horse manure is one great idea. Try contacting local riding centres. They are often happy for you to take their waste away for free, some can even deliver.

In addition, pellets of chicken manure can dramatically improve nutrient levels, but make sure you follow the instructions! This can be used sparingly but have dramatic effects.

Green manure is another alternative for improving soil quality. This can be sown directly onto the allotment, and left to grow. Once fully grown, the plants can be then dug into the soil and left to rot, where they will re-introduce nutrients to the soil.

Whichever method you use, any attempt to improve the soil at your allotment will directly benefit the produce you grown in the soil. People often refer to feeding plants but if you feed the soil, the plants will look after themselves.