As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the allotment enters a quieter but no less important phase of the gardening year. From September onwards, it’s all about harvesting the last of the summer crops, preparing the soil, protecting your plot from the cold, and setting the stage for a strong start in spring.
Here’s a guide to key allotment jobs from autumn into winter:
1. Final Harvests
Many crops are ready to pick before the first frosts arrive:
- Pumpkins and squashes – harvest before frost and cure indoors
- Maincrop potatoes – lift and store in a cool, dark place
- Beetroot, carrots, and parsnips – lift as needed or mulch heavily to leave in the ground
- Apples and pears – pick when they come away easily in your hand
- Late brassicas – kale, sprouts, and cabbages will thrive into winter
Make sure you store produce properly to avoid spoilage – cool, dark, and dry places are best for roots and squashes.
2. Clearing and Composting
As beds become empty:
- Remove old plants and weeds
- Cut back any spent foliage, but leave some wildlife-friendly areas if possible
- Compost healthy green waste (avoid diseased material)
- Dig out perennial weeds while the soil is still workable
It’s also a good time to turn compost heaps and check if you need a new bin or bay in time for next season.
3. Plot Preparation
Autumn is ideal for ensuring flood resilience, and improving your soil:
- Spread well-rotted manure or compost on cleared beds
- Mark all your belongings, weigh down water butts and sheds
- Sow green manures like field beans or rye to hold your soil in place
No-dig gardeners can mulch with cardboard and compost to suppress weeds and nourish the soil over winter.
4. Winter Planting
There are still things you can plant at this time of year:
- Garlic – plant from late September through November
- Overwintering onions and shallots
- Broad beans – varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ can be sown in November for an early crop next year
Make sure beds are well-drained before planting to avoid rot over winter.
5. Protection from the Elements
Autumn weather can be wet and wild. Take time to:
- Check and repair shed roofs, fences, and cold frames
- Clear and store canes, netting, and hoses
- Cover vulnerable crops with fleece, cloches, or polytunnels
- Keep paths clear and safe to prevent slips in wet or icy weather
6. Wildlife and Pollinator Support
Encourage biodiversity by:
- Leaving seed heads for birds
- Building a log pile or leaving a wild corner
- Installing a hedgehog house or bug hotel
- Cleaning and topping up bird feeders and baths
This helps maintain a healthy ecosystem on your plot over the colder months.
7. Plan for Next Year
Winter is the perfect time to reflect and plan:
- Review what worked (and what didn’t!) this season
- Start sketching a crop rotation plan
- Order seeds early – popular varieties can sell out quickly
- Clean and organise tools, labels, and seed trays
And of course, take time to enjoy the fruits of your labour with warming meals made from your harvest!
Final Thoughts
Though the pace slows down, autumn and winter are far from idle times on the allotment. Good preparation now makes for a smooth and productive spring. Wrap up warm, make a hot drink, and enjoy the peace of your plot as it settles in for the season ahead.