New Mills Allotment & Gardening Society

13/06/2026

28/05/2026

The Lost and Unusual Vegetables of the Allotment

Beyond potatoes, carrots, and onions, there is a whole world of forgotten and unusual crops that once filled European gardens — and are now quietly making a comeback on allotments.

One of the most fascinating is skirret, a sweet, starchy root vegetable once grown widely in Roman and Tudor times before slowly disappearing from our plots. Alongside it are other heritage and unusual crops such as oca, Hamburg parsley, salsify, Good King Henry, and yacon.

These crops may be lesser known, but they offer something special — unique flavours, interesting histories, and in many cases, low-maintenance or perennial growing habits that suit modern allotments well.

Have you grown any unusual or “lost” vegetables on your plot?

We would love to hear what is thriving on your allotment — and what forgotten crops you think deserve a comeback

21/05/2026

Should Allotment Cultivation Rules Be Relaxed for Wellbeing

Allotments are traditionally managed with a strong emphasis on cultivation, with many sites operating a 75 percent or higher cultivation requirement. However, with increasing pressure on green space and a growing recognition of the benefits allotments bring to health and wellbeing, should these requirements be reviewed?

For example, would a 50 percent cultivation requirement allow greater flexibility within plots, enabling more space for informal green areas such as seating, picnic spaces, and even small family-friendly features like swing sets?

Allotments have always played a vital role in food growing, but they are also increasingly valued as places that support wellbeing, connection with nature, and time spent outdoors.

We would welcome your views. Should allotments remain primarily focused on cultivation, or is there room for a more flexible approach that better reflects their wider social and environmental benefits?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

09/05/2026

May on the allotment is in full swing

Growth is accelerating, beds are filling fast, and this is the month where staying one step ahead really pays off.

Our latest blog takes you through exactly what to focus on right now — from sowing and planting, to keeping weeds, pests, and fast growth under control, plus a few key tips experienced growers swear by.

If your plot feels like it’s suddenly taken off, you’re not alone — May is where it all happens.

👉 Read the full guide here: https://thenas.org.uk/May-%20allotment-%20jobs

09/05/2026

29/04/2026

This Saturday is our 9th Annual Garden Sale held on Coop Car Park in New Mills.

Come on down and grab a bargain between 9am and 2pm, with plants, tools and a variety of garden items being sold.

All the money raised will support our work in the community.

📆 Saturday 2nd May
⏰ 9am - 2pm
📍 Coop Carpark, Church Road, New Mills

22/04/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌍💚

This year the theme is ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, reminding us that we all have the power to take small daily actions and make choices that support the Earth and protect land, air and water.

Action could be to plant a seed, tend a garden, make responsible consumer choices or get involved in local projects to restore nature or build local renewable energy. Or join together with others through an environmental campaign group.

When millions of people take small actions, they ripple out and have the potential to make big changes.

And it really matters for our happiness. Studies show spending time in nature has a positive effect on our mental health and wellbeing.

What’s one thing you can today to show love for the Earth? 🌍💚