The theme for 2026: Small is Beautiful
As judges, we’ve realised how easy it is to unintentionally focus on themes that larger plots can deliver in spades, such as produce or display plantings, or feature installations.
So, we decided that this year, it’s time to let the small plots have their moment! Our selection criterion is: 4 square poles or smaller.
Traditionally, a standard full size plot is around 10 poles. But changes in society since the 1970s have shifted allotment cultivation from a necessity to a leisure activity, and people want something they can manage. These days, on the Stockingstone site of 80 plots, 16 are 4 square poles or smaller.
Plot 22D (Sebastian), 4 poles, Winner
This was a rather unpromising, small patch of grass of only 4 poles, which had been semi-neglected for several years. Each new tenant’s enthusiasm had fizzled rather quickly, so any signs of cultivation were quickly camouflaged by vigorous weeds and grasses. And in the centre, a slowly emerging fruit bush.
Now, the plot is a delighful space. Things are in proportion. The now big fruit bush acts as a centrepiece. There is a small poly tunnel, small raised beds, and even a tiny orchard with mini fruit trees. All the work was completed in the first growing season, in less than 12 months. It’s definitely a plot under cultivation and shows promise for the future.
Although we were focused on the small plots, we did look at all the plots on the site. We’d like to recognise that 2026 has been a difficult year for all allotment holders, with the heat and long periods of no rain, leading to hard to dig soil and reduced crops.
Note
If you recognise the phrase ‘Small is Beautiful’, you may be thinking back to the title of the influential book on economics by E F Schumacher. Schumacher was an economist, a farmer, and president of the Soil Association in the 1970s. Small is Beautiful was a best seller when it was published in 1973.
Stockingstone Road Allotment Association 