Nurturing the land, and your wellbeing, at Woodclyffe Allotments, Wargrave
Discover the beauty and fun of allotment gardening at Woodclyffe Allotments, Wargrave.
Scroll for more information on securing your own plot, notification of events and growing advice from our experienced plotholders.
Click here for latest news and events
and here for growing resources
The Successful Start Guide
A successful plot begins with patience and observation. Before your first sow, clear perennial weeds meticulously and observe the sun’s path across your soil. We recommend a ‘no-dig’ approach: lay a thick mulch of rotted organic matter to suppress weeds while feeding the soil biology below. Start with hardy basics, broad beans, onions, and potatoes, to build momentum throughout your first season.
Last Frost Window: Typically early-May. Monitor night forecasts carefully after early warm spells; a late frost can set your season back by weeks.
Hydration Routine: Focus on deep morning watering. Providing humidity to the roots before midday heat ensures your new starts established deep root systems.
What's going on in May
Did you know the chance of frost decreases by 80% after 20th May?
LOCAL CLIMATE DATA
What we're sowing
With the likelihood (but no guarantee!) that the last frost is now behind us, May is always a turning point on the allotment. Seedlings that have been carefully nurtured under cover are finally being planted out, and sowing is in full swing. Almost every variety of vegetable is now going into the ground, from beans and courgettes to carrots and sweetcorn. There’s a real sense of momentum as beds fill up and plans drawn-up over winter take shape.
What we're harvesting
Harvests are still on the lighter side, but there’s plenty to enjoy. Early crops such as salad leaves, radishes, and the first cuttings of herbs are making their way home. And this year is proving to be an excellent asparagus year! Overwintered crops are also still providing, bridging the gap before the abundance of summer begins.
What we're up to
It’s been a busy and slightly unpredictable start to the growing season. The warm spell towards the end of April tempted a few of us into thinking winter was firmly behind us, but a sudden dip to -2°C (significantly colder than forecast) caught many by surprise. Unfortunately, this late frost damaged a number of potato plants and claimed a few young beans. A reminder, if ever one was needed, of how changeable the weather can be!
Now, with more settled conditions, there’s a hive of activity across the site. Tomatoes that were grown under cover and carefully hardened off are being planted out, and beds are being prepared for dahlias and annual flowers once they’re robust enough to withstand the ever-present threat of slugs.
We’re also delighted to have welcomed several new plot holders this season and look forward to seeing how their plots develop over the coming months. With so much being planted and plenty of enthusiasm in the air, it’s shaping up to be a productive and rewarding year.
Allotment Gatherings & Events
Informative workshops, seasonal gatherings, and community seed swaps.
Upcoming Events
TRHA Plant Bring and Buy SaleSun 31 MayTRHA Store
The Big Mow! Wk comm 8th JuneMon 08 JunWoodclyffe Allotments
Open Allotments - Part of the Wargrave Festival 'Open Gardens' EventSat 13 JunWoodclyffe Allotments
Woodclyffe Allotments Society
The Woodclyffe Allotments Society (WAS) is at the heart of our community.
We manage communications between plotholders and the Parish Council ensuring Woodclyffe remains a thriving, sustainable space for everyone.
Our role is to:
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Promote and raise awareness of the allotments
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Work towards ensuring the site is preserved for future generations
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Represent allotment holders in Wargrave
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Act as a forum to bring allotment holders together
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Support allotment holders in any way necessary
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Ensure that the sites are maintained satisfactorily
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Hold events to raise money to support improvements at the allotments
For information on WAS membership and any other matters relating to the allotments, please contact our friendly society members below. Please note, Rowena is our most experienced member who works tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly and can answer most queries.
Secretary
Rowena Perry
woodclyffeas@gmail.com
Acting Chair
Julia Kendell
julia@kendellco.com
Treasurer
Stephanie Brown
woodclyffeas@gmail.com
Site Coordinators
Annie & Ffion
woodclyffeas@gmail.com