The body of Lea Adri-Soejoko, also known by her maiden name of Lea Hulselman, 80, from the local area, was found inside a lock-up store at the allotments in Sheaveshill Avenue, NW9.
At around 02:05hrs on Tuesday, 28 February officers attended the location as part of the search for Lea, who had been reported missing at 01:40hrs.
As a result of the searches officers found a body in a lock-up store. Lea was confirmed dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination took place at Northwick Park Hospital on Wednesday, 1 March; cause of death is not being disclosed at this time.
An incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command.
He said: “At the moment we do not have a motive for Lea’s murder and I am appealing to the public to help us piece together her movements before her death.
“I want to trace anyone who saw Lea or spoke to her from about midday on Sunday through to when she was reported missing.
“Had anything happened in her life that we should be aware of that might provide a motive for what happened? If you have any information at all, no matter how small, please contact us.
“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone with links to these allotments, who might have visited or been in or around the area throughout Monday, 27 February into the early hours of the following morning.
“An elderly woman lost her life in the most tragic way possible and was left inside a storage unit similar to a garage. If you know anything please contact us.”
There have been no arrests at this stage.
Anyone who can help is asked to contact police at the incident room on 020 8785 8099, via 101 or @MetCC.
Alternatively, to remain anonymous call, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.