Advice for staying warm on the allotment in this weather

[tobiasthedog]

I've been spending a lot of time tending my crops since January. It's freezing and I think it's taking a bit of a toll on me. Does anyone have any suggestions for staying warm during the colder weather? I obviously try to wrap up warm but being out for 3-4 hours at a time takes it out of me.

[tobiasthedog]

[Paulh]

What tasks are you doing?

My plot is too wet to dig or weed or mow the grass walks. I'm going there about once a week to pick a few sprouts or broccoli if there's any ready, but that's it.

Yes, there's some compost heaps to empty and refill, and some hedge and brambles to cut back, but I'd like it to be drier under foot first.

Wrap up well. Wear a beanie hat to cut out heat loss (and pull down over your ears), wear (fingerless) gloves if you can for the job, take a flask of tea or coffee - and stop before you get cold.

[tobiasthedog]

Hi, thanks for the advice – I appreciate it. I have quite a big plot (500m2) and mainly busy with clearing out some winter crops and tidying up the compost heaps, though I've also been trying to re-establish a few of my vegetable beds. The cold's been pretty relentless, so your suggestions about a beanie and fingerless gloves sound spot on. I've also tried using a mini hot water bottle which is great for about first 2 hours when in my pocket but loses its heat after rather quickly. A proper cuppa also really does the trick when the chill gets too much.

[Palustris]

Layers are better than one thick coat. Wool is warmer than acrylic. Thermal underwear is good too.

[Paulh]

So that's two full size allotment plots - quite a bit to handle!

My plot is half the old full plot size, which is what the council offers as standard now. That's plenty for me to manage.

[tobiasthedog]

Yes I got a bit lucky with the size of mine.

[small]

We've been working outside all winter, mostly hedging and ditching round an acre field. I wear extra wellie socks, waterproof overtrousers, a fleece jacket over my usual three layers of indoor clothes, a woolly hat and three pairs of gloves, ending in those red dipped ones. (Yes, I do look a complete sight!). I try to keep moving, working in the shelter of the hedge where possible, but I can't do more than two hours before I retreat. No use killing yourself....are bonfires allowed on your site? A good blaze certainly helps!

[sparrow]

I got a heated gilet for Christmas - it's been a gamechanger. I also have one of those dryrobe coats. It's a bit like wearing a duvet, and can be a bit bulky, but it does the job to keep the warmth in.