Had an allotment for many years and grown a lot of fruit and veg in that time.
Tried many different styles of gardening in that time, constantly experimenting and trying new things.
Came to the conclusion last year that the Summer's are now so harsh it is best not to grow much in the way of annual veg and to focus more on perennial fruit bushes and trees. Once they are established they look after themselves with the exception of the odd prune.
I'm actually eyeing up a new plum and 3 new apple trees to go on my plot; in place of the veg beds.
On my allotment you have to apply for planning permission because they don't want plots with only trees on them.
I can't really see the problem providing they aren't shading a neighbour - but there you go lol - someone always has a problem.
The heat loving plants like tomatoes and peppers do well but a lot of stuff needs constant nannying and I'm just not up there often enough to keep plants watered. That's the case for most people lol. Maybe up North the summer's aren't quite so harsh and dry but down south you may as well not bother with annuals unless you can come up every evening or morning to water in mid-summer.
One thing I will say is though that any root veg usually does well. I never water my potatoes and they always give a good crop. Carrots are a bit on the delicate side as they go all small and hairy if you don't provide a fair amount of moisture. Shade is a prime real estate on my plot.
For me it's basically : cabbage, carrots, potatoes, garlic (over-winter), tomatoes and peppers in the greenhouse (annuals)
And for perennials : plums (different varieties), apples, gooseberries (dessert varieties), rhubarb, herbs (sorrel, rosemary, thyme etc etc)
I'm looking at adding a few more (and widely unheard of plants) to my plot, like Welsh onions - a type of perennial onion.
There's a great resource called plantsforafuture.org and they provide information and publications on what plants do well and where.
It's a nightmare trying to fight for the water when everyone is up there as well lol.
Even if you manage to get the water, at peak time all the pressure gets drained from someone else using the water from another tank. You end up standing there with a dribble coming out the hose - just a ball ache.
