Allotments

So you think you’d like to become an allotment holder?

Start by contacting your local authority for information on available allotment sites - these may be statutory, permanent, temporary or there may be privately owned sites available to rent.

Typically, a full plot is 10 rods (approximately 250 sq m or 300 sq yd), but half plots are usually available if this is too much to manage. Most - but not all - sites have water, but you need to check what other facilities – these may range from storage sheds, to compost bins and free compost provision, to toilets etc. Check also if there are any limitations in the lease which, for instance, prevents fruit tree planting or the installation of greenhouses, polytunnels or sheds, and if there are problems such as theft and vandalism. Be aware that popular sites may have a waiting list and sites that have huge problems may be available at the drop of a hat, so shop around, visit sites and talk to people before making a decision. It is heartbreaking to spend a year growing food only to have it destroyed by vandals or stolen.

Once you’ve got your plot, any areas not required immediately are best covered with carpet or similar, smothering the worst of the unwanted vegetation and weakening perennial weeds – that way your neighbours won’t complain about you spreading weeds into their plots.

When planning what crops to grow you should try to estimate their harvest time to avoid gluts – five types of tomato that all crop in the same week will definitely go to waste! Some crops - such as broad beans - are at their best for less than a week but can be preserved well by freezing but others - such as garlic and onions - are generally harvested all at once, leaving new, bare ground ready for cultivation.

If you don't plan to visit your allotment regularly then grow quick-maturing crops such as radish and lettuce at home, using the allotment for low-maintenance crops such as winter squashes and main-crop potatoes.

 

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