Hands working the soil among allotment plants

South Reading

Grow something good

A community of 82 allotment plots just off Hartland Road—growing food, sharing knowledge and looking after a little corner of Reading.

A place to grow

Goddard's Farm Allotment Site sits in South Reading, just off Hartland Road. Our plots are rented from Reading Borough Council.

Whether you are new to allotments or have been growing for years, this site brings together practical guidance, committee news and useful information for our plot holders.

Apply for an allotment through Reading Borough Council

Grow through the year

Reading sowing calendar

A practical guide for our local conditions. Choose a month to see what can be started under cover, sown directly or planted out.

Allow for a late frost

Reading has a relatively mild southern climate, but exposed allotment plots and low spots can still catch a late frost. Use late April as a working guide, then check the forecast. Keep tender plants—such as courgettes, beans, sweetcorn, squash and tomatoes—protected until the risk has passed; mid-May is the safer planting-out point.

September

Make the most of warm soil while preparing crops for shorter days.

Under cover

Start protected

Direct sow

Sow on the plot

This month

Plant and prepare

Treat this as a guide: varieties, soil temperature and the weather can shift sowing dates by several weeks. Always check the seed packet and use cloches or fleece when conditions are marginal.

For the other end of the season, the first autumn frost in Reading is often around late October or early November, but tender crops may need protection from mid-October.

Noticeboard

Latest news

Updates, events and committee information for plot holders.

Reading-wide seed swap · October 2026

Swap seeds with other Reading allotment tenants

Reading Borough Council’s Allotment Officer has shared a free online seed-swapping group for allotment tenants across Reading. You can offer vegetable, fruit, flower and herb seeds you have spare, or find seeds offered by other growers.

Visit the Reading Allotments group on Sow Revolution.
Join the Reading Allotments group. If asked for a referral code, leave the field blank.
Use the Discover page to find nearby swaps or exchange seeds by post.

Join the seed swap How it works

Sow Revolution poster explaining how Reading allotment tenants can join the online seed swap

Tap to enlarge

Council reminder · September 2026

Is your plot number clearly visible?

Reading Borough Council will begin allotment inspections in early October 2026 and will check that every plot number is clearly displayed.

Please check yours now. If the sign is missing, faded or damaged, replace or repair it before inspections begin. The council says a number that is not clearly visible is a breach of section 4.4 of the tenancy agreement.

Cartoon gardener hammering a clearly numbered sign into an allotment plot, with vegetables and a shed behind him

Sunday 4 October

Minutes now available

2026 Annual General Meeting

Held on Sunday 4 October 2026

Fifteen plot holders attended the AGM. The committee reported on plot allocations, Councillor Rachel Eden’s visit and this year’s social events, before the committee was elected for the 2026/27 season.

Read the AGM minutes

Eight winners from the 2026 Goddard's Farm Produce Competition holding their certificates and produce

Summer social

23 August 2026

Produce Competition winners

Thank you to everyone who came along, shared food and helped make the afternoon such an enjoyable occasion—and congratulations to all our winners, runners-up and entrants.

Around the site

Find your way around

The site map shows plot numbers, paths, roads, parking, water points, the shed and wildlife area.

For plot holders

Practical guidance

Simple ways to help everyone enjoy the site safely and successfully.

Main gate & parking

Keep the main gate locked at all times. Please park considerately to make the best use of the available space.

Only use internal roads briefly for loading and unloading so access remains clear.

Toilet & water

Leave the toilet as you would wish to find it. The water is turned off during winter, so manual flushing is then required.

Site water is not drinkable without boiling. Keep troughs accessible, report leaks promptly and do not alter the plumbing.

Safety on site

Drive slowly and remember that children may be present. Secure tools, cover cuts and wash hands before eating.

In hot weather, drink plenty, wear a hat and sunscreen, and take regular breaks. Use eye and hearing protection with machinery.

Your plot

Clearly display your plot number, maintain the surrounding paths and keep on top of weeds before they set seed.

Do not pick produce or remove anything from another plot without the plot holder's permission.

Waste & fires

Compost suitable material on your plot. Take non-compostable waste home or to Smallmead Recycling Centre.

Fires are a last resort for wood or woody prunings during the permitted season. Be considerate and extinguish them fully before leaving.

Looking after soil

Avoid working wet or frozen soil. Minimise compaction with beds, boards or temporary paths, and make as much compost as you can.

Consider no-dig methods, green manures and mulches. Test unfamiliar soil products on a small area first.

Watering wisely

A thorough weekly soak is generally better than a daily sprinkle. Prioritise seedlings and recently transplanted plants.

Water early or late, mulch to reduce evaporation, and use shade or windbreaks where helpful.

Pesticides & wildlife

Only use approved products and keep them securely at home. Spray in still conditions and avoid times when pollinating insects are most active.

Check the product's MAPP number with the Health and Safety Executive before use.

These are friendly guidelines intended to help plots succeed and prevent our actions affecting neighbours. If you need advice, ask another plot holder or raise it at a meeting.