Like the outdoor furniture we sell here at Lazy Susan, allotments hold a special place in our hearts and are part of our country’s fabric. They provide practical benefits, personal fulfilment, and a connection to our local communities.
Even though we might be pushing it to say they’re “trendy” (although we think they are), they’ve certainly experienced a significant increase in popularity in recent years, and they are now seen as a desirable lifestyle choice for many.
Gone are the days of wonky sheds, unruly veg plots, and marrow growing competitions. Not that there's anything wrong with that but now there’s growing interest in sustainable living, healthy eating, locally sourced, kitchen gardens, etc.
Many of us are seeking out ways to grow our own and the modern allotment is a plethora of different types of herbs, fruit, veg, and innovative growing techniques.
Why does the Lazy Susan team love allotments?
An allotment or veggie plots offers us a peaceful escape from urban life, providing a space to escape the rat race and reconnect with nature.
Tending to plants, growing food, and working outdoors provide numerous (scientifically proven) physical and mental well-being benefits. If you’ve never grown your own, the sense of satisfaction from planting, nurturing, and harvesting produce is truly wonderful.
Allotments enable us to grow our fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and trust us when we say, it is always fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than any shop-bought produce.
Gardening is a great form of exercise too, offering both physical activity and mental chillaxation. Working on an allotment has helped us to stay active, and the food we grow is a great way to eat a healthier, more balanced diet.
Allotments are also a great way to foster a strong sense of community and meet like-minded souls. Many people you meet will share tips, seeds, plants, flowers, veg, fruit, tools, and advice, leading to new friendships and a supportive, close-knit community.
Renting an allotment is relatively affordable, the food savings you make can be quite substantial so a lot of the fees are offset, and they are the perfect solution for those without large gardens or outside space.
Historically, allotments have also played a vital role during times of hardship, such as during both World Wars, when they were central to the "Dig for Victory" campaigns.
Here in the UK, we have a long-standing tradition of growing food in times of need and it remains an integral part of British culture. Here at Lazy Susan, we’re keen to see that heritage preserved for future generations.
Why do we need garden furniture in an allotment, vegetable patch or kitchen garden?
You might think we’re crazy; allotments and kitchen gardens are for growing food, not garden furniture.
However, it makes a lot more sense than you might first think and the right outdoor furniture can enhance the entire gardening experience.
Gardening can be back-breaking work, so we think having a comfortable spot to rest and enjoy the fruits of your labour is a must. You can kick back with a cup of tea or coffee, take in the fresh air, and simply admire your plot in peace.
For us, an allotment should be a social hub. Adding some outdoor furniture means you can invite fellow gardeners, family, or friends to sit down, chat, etc. It's a nice way and place to build community and socialise.
Being on your plot isn't just about tending plants too. Sometimes it's great to just spend time outside. Furniture encourages you to slow down and enjoy those natural surroundings and the changing seasons.
We often stress that while outdoor furniture should look stylish it should be functional and practical. A garden table and chairs, wherever you decide to put them, will give you a place to pot seeds, lay tools, or prep your freshly harvested crops before you take them home or give them to friends or family.
If you enjoy eating outside, then they will allow you to enjoy a meal with fresh veggies right from the garden. There's something lovely about eating what you’ve just grown in the space where you grew it.
The right pieces of garden furniture will bring charm to your allotment. It will transform your plot into a mini oasis, blending function with beauty, and giving it a homely, personal feel. The best ones are more than just a worksite, they’re a little escape where you can unwind.
So, while, yes, the allotment is for gardening, it can also be a place for rest, socialising with loved ones, and enjoying nature - well-chosen outdoor furniture is the best way to make all of that just a little bit better.
What are the best types of outdoor furniture for your allotment space?
When choosing outdoor furniture for an allotment, it’s important to balance practicality with comfort and durability.
You want pieces that are weather-resistant, low-maintenance and sturdy, but also comfortable for resting after a long day tending to your plot.
In terms of the types of furniture, here are some of our favourite sets or pieces for the allotment:
1. Garden Chairs
Folding or stackable garden chairs are ideal for allotments because they are portable and can be easily stored in a greenhouse, shed or lean-to when you’re not using them. They don’t take up much space and can be moved around the allotment as needed. Look for chairs made of powder-coated aluminium like our range or high-quality plastics. These materials are lightweight, weather-resistant, and durable, so best suited to allotment conditions.
2. Garden Bench
A garden bench is a simple, practical piece of furniture that can offer a quiet rest spot or even a gathering place if you're sharing the allotment with friends or family. For allotments, we like either treated wood (like teak or oak) or cast aluminium as they’re both long-lasting options. If you go for wood, and you don’t like the weathered look, make sure you oil it regularly and cover it during the winter months to prevent weather damage.
3. Picnic Table
A classic picnic table is a fantastic multi-functional piece of furniture for an allotment or kitchen garden. You can use it for resting, eating meals, or even sorting seeds and potting plants. It's perfect for those who enjoy spending extended periods of time at their allotment. It has to be a solid wood like cedar or pine but be sure to protect them with weatherproof varnish. Alternatively, you can opt for a lightweight, foldable plastic picnic table. They don’t have the look but they’re easier to clean, move and store.
4. Storage Bench
Combination furniture, like a storage bench, can provide a place to rest and space to store gardening tools, gloves, cushions, etc. They will help maximise space on a small allotment plot but make sure you opt for heavy-duty weather-resistant plastic or treated wood options. Also, make sure they come with good sealing and a locking mechanism to keep what’s inside safe and moisture out.
5. Garden Stool
A garden stool or kneeling bench is perfect for allotment holders who spend a lot of time close to the ground, planting or weeding. A foldable kneeling bench that converts into a stool is a versatile, lightweight option that saves on space while offering comfort and convenience. These stools or benches are often made from tough HDPE plastics with padded seats or foam for comfort when kneeling or sitting.
6. Portable Table
A small, portable garden bistro is the perfect set in our collection for an allotment or kitchen garden. They can do everything from setting out lunch to working on small gardening tasks like seed sorting or potting. Lightweight and compact, they’re easy to move around or store. Made from our signature cast aluminium they’re highly weather-resistant and feature our trademark allotment-friendly classical styling.
How to choose the right furniture for your allotment plot
Of course, you don’t need to buy new. Better to have that in your garden, and then recycle what you replace as allotment furniture.
When picking pieces, what you do want to choose is furniture that can withstand year-round weather conditions in the UK, including rain, frost, and strong sunlight.
Materials like our powder-coated aluminium, treated wood, or high-quality resins are all excellent choices for allotments.
Allotments, whilst often having space for planting, tend to have limited space, so look for portable, stackable or foldable furniture as they’re easy to pick up, move, and store during bad weather.
Once the hard work is done, your allotment needs a space to relax. A place to enjoy the fruits of your labour. You don’t want to have to spend time maintaining said furniture.
Choose materials that require minimal upkeep, such as plastic or powder-coated aluminium, which are easy to clean and don’t require any specialist treatments or coatings to keep them protected from the elements.
If your allotment is in an area with high traffic or isn’t fully secure, then don’t spend too much. Shop in the sales or look for second hand. You want inexpensive, sturdy furniture that you won’t mind leaving outside or lightweight pieces that can be stored in a locked shed to prevent theft or weather damage.
Here at Lazy Susan, we love an allotment for the sense of connection they provide to nature, to our local community, and to the traditions of self-sufficiency. When it comes to outdoor furniture for an allotment, practicality, durability, and low maintenance are the key considerations.
If you have our outdoor furniture in your allotment, we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.
