Can you feed a family from an allotment?

Having your own allotment is the best way to provide affordable, fresh, healthy fruit and vegetables for you and your family.

Is it possible to be self sufficient from an allotment?

If you have a full-size allotment and you're looking to become self-sufficient in fruit and veg, go for as much variety as you think you can handle and, where possible, try to stagger planting times for crops that have to be harvested quickly, like salads and lettuce leaves.

What should you not do in an allotment?

Can I sell veg from my allotment?

Usually proceeds go to the allotment association, so they are not regarded as a form of “business”. So, while there is some room for interpretation, legally allotment gardeners can trade a surplus (off site), and councils or associations can let vacant plots to market gardeners.

Can you make money from an allotment?

Sell Organic Produce At The Market

The perfect garden enterprise – the organic market. You can grow fruit and vegetables in your personal allotments and then sell on to hungry buyers. This is a larger project that will require more time, experience and money that others listed here – but the rewards will be worthwhile.

Can an allotment feed a family?

Can I sell food from my allotment?

The key legal restriction is contained in the Allotments Act 1922, whereby there is a general prohibition on any “trade or business”1 being conducted on the allotment garden or any part thereof.

What are you allowed to do on an allotment?

Allotment gardeners may grow vegetables, flowers and fruit on their plot. You should only plant dwarf stock fruit-trees in the middle of your plot, not on the edges where they may cast shade over neighbouring plots.

Can I sell things I grow on my allotment?

Usually proceeds go to the allotment association, so they are not regarded as a form of “business”. So, while there is some room for interpretation, legally allotment gardeners can trade a surplus (off site), and councils or associations can let vacant plots to market gardeners.

Are you allowed to share an allotment?

A tenant may, by arrangement with the local site manager, share an allotment plot with a friend. The tenant remains wholly responsible for the entire plot, the actions of the other person and the payment of rent. When the tenancy is terminated, the plot will be let to the next available person on the waiting list.

Do allotments have rules?

The allotment rules are given to each tenant at the start of their tenancy, and also sent with the rent reminder whenever the rules are reprinted. The tenant is responsible for any person they invite onto the allotments and for making them aware of the rules and health and safety guidance.

Can I sleep on my allotment?

If access to the allotment site is by way of a padlocked gate, the tenant shall ensure that the gate is kept locked after entering and leaving the allotment site. b) Overnight sleeping on the allotment is strictly prohibited. clearly displayed in a prominent position at the front of the allotment plot.

How many hours a week does an allotment need?

Allotments can use up a lot of time, so require some planning. Go for a plot size suited to your needs - half a plot is adequate for most people and ideal for beginners. This might need eight hours' work a week for inexperienced gardeners, but half that for experienced ones.

Do you get rats on allotments?

Large quantities of food left on your plot will attract rats. Ensure water butts and water for livestock is covered and secure.

How hard is it to maintain an allotment?

Allotments can use up a lot of time, so require some planning. Go for a plot size suited to your needs - half a plot is adequate for most people and ideal for beginners. This might need eight hours' work a week for inexperienced gardeners, but half that for experienced ones.

How often should you go to your allotment?

It is best to allow around four to eight hours a week in the beginning, in case you need to perform some TLC. If it's going to be a while between watering sessions, add bark mulch to cover and shade early on to retain moisture, or consider other ground-shading plants.

How do I get the most out of my allotment?

Can I have a bonfire on my allotment?

Plotholders may have bonfires to burn diseased plants and material which is difficult to compost, but may not burn material that may harm the soil – no paint, bitumen (roofing felt), plastics, etc. The bonfire must be managed safely at all times and must be left in a safe condition when the plotholder leaves the site.

Can you have a pond on an allotment?

Having an allotment pond is a great way to have an even more eco-friendly allotment and contribute to the well-being of wildlife.

Do I need raised beds in my allotment?

Raising soil by 15-50cm (6-20in) can improve drainage, ease the management of plants, and reduce the amount of back bending needed. Busy gardeners and those who have clay soils, a wet climate, or health or strength problems all find raised beds especially helpful.

What is the easiest thing to grow on an allotment?

Can you sell flowers from your allotment?

The answer is yes. Or possibly no. Perhaps the best answer is “it depends.” Whether you are allowed to sell fruit, vegetables or flowers you've grown on your allotment depends on a number of factors, including your tenancy agreement, where you're selling, and what you're selling.

Can you sell flowers you grow in an allotment?

Usually proceeds go to the allotment association, so they are not regarded as a form of “business”. So, while there is some room for interpretation, legally allotment gardeners can trade a surplus (off site), and councils or associations can let vacant plots to market gardeners.

Is it legal to live on an allotment?

The individual gardeners are usually organised in an allotment association, which leases or is granted the land from an owner who may be a public, private or ecclesiastical entity, and who usually stipulates that it be only used for gardening (i.e., growing vegetables, fruits and flowers), but not for permanent ...

What is the first thing to do in a new allotment?

What is the first thing to do on an allotment?