Category: Old

For our first inspection of 2026 the trustees will look at plots to see if they are in good order:  

• Is the soil is being prepared for planting?
• Are crops being harvested and not left to go to waste? 
• Are there are any safety problems like blocked or overgrown paths?
• Is there evidence of rat activity?

It is a nice time of year to be on the allotments. Things are growing and the birds are singing and the sun is shining (some times).

From 11 – 17 August 2025, National Allotments Week is set up by the National Allotment Society. Look out for local events.

This year’s theme, Allotments and Wellbeing, emphasises how allotments help boost physical, mental, and nutritional health.

Our AGM was held at Meanwood Institute on Monday, 18 November, at 07:00 pm. Our AGM is when we review the year just past and organise ourselves for the coming year.  Everyone gets a chance to find out what has been going on and to have their say. And ours is not the usual kind of “participation” event where you get to speak out, but then your words are promptly ignored. Your comments really do make a difference.

The minutes tell you what went on.

Great talks for Leeds allotment growers, especially those new to it. Book your place at Ticket Tailor.

West Yorkshire Organic Group‘s Potato Day for 2024. There will be 38 varieties available, plus stalls and a cafe. The web site has some useful tips, too.

Here are the minutes of the 2022 AGM.

Leeds Allotments Federation is taking part in the 2023 RHS Festival of Flavours at Harlow Carr. This year we explore the amazing heritage passed down to us in the food crops we grow.

Our annual autumn show of allotment produce will be on Sunday 10th September this year, with entries accepted from 11:30. Judging will be by Eric Wells and Roger Storr, starting at 14:00.

There will be delicious home-made refreshments available on a “pay as you feel” basis.

We will be have an exhibit of beautiful photos of our plots, so please let us have your best ones.

Here is the schedule of classes for the show.

The rainy weather in July has resulted in an early appearance of potato and tomato blight this year (2023). There is more information and advice on the Hollin Lane Allotments web site.

At this time of year parsnips are putting up flowering stems and lots of greens. Care is needed when handling these, especially on sunny days. The greens contain a chemical which can cause nasty blisters on the skin if exposed to sunlight (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsnip#Toxicity). Wear gloves, and keep your sleeves rolled down. Whatever you do, don’t attack parsnips with a strimmer!