How hard is it to get an allotment?

In most cases you'll be added to a waiting list. Make sure you ask how many are on the list and how long it typically takes to get to the top… even though it's likely to be quite dispiriting when you're told you are number 110 and it'll take 5 years before you get a plot, at least the clock's started ticking!

Is having an allotment hard work?

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.

What is the average waiting time for an allotment?

In preparation for the launch of a new piece of activist art, researchers found that across Britain, 174,183 applications were sitting on local authority allotment waiting lists. The average waiting time for an allotment was three years, while residents of Islington, north London, faced a 15-year wait.

Is having an allotment worth it?

It promotes a sustainable way of living, and arguably, the impact to society of living unsustainably will come at a much higher cost. It is just at the individual level, and certainly at the start, it is likely an allotment holder will spend more on their plot than they will save on their food bill.

What makes a successful allotment?

Keeping on top of weeding is one of the most important jobs on the allotment. Weeds often grow faster than vegetable crops and can out-compete them for water, nutrients and light. Regularly removing weeds will ensure your crops have everything they need to grow.

ADVICE FOR YOUR FIRST ALLOTMENT PLOT / ALLOTMENT GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS

How can I get an allotment fast?

If there appears to be no allotments in your area, then we recommend you find five like minded people who would like an allotment and are on the electoral roll or registered council tax payers. Then individually and collectively, submit a formal letter to the local council.

What is the first thing to do on an allotment?

What should you not do in an allotment?

What is the average size of an allotment?

An allotment plot is normally 10 poles. 10 poles are 302.5 square yards. One pole is an area 5.5 yards' x 5.5 yards. This gives 160 poles to one acre, which is 16 plots of ten poles each to the acre.

What is the best size for an allotment?

An allotment is traditionally measured in rods (perches or poles), an old measurement dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. 10 poles is the accepted size of an allotment, the equivalent of 250 square metres or about the size of a doubles tennis court.

What are the rules for having an allotment?

Keeping the plot to in reasonable state; weed-free and tidy. Not to use for commercial use; for personal use only. Not to cause any issues for the occupiers of other allotments or obstruct any path used by the other occupiers of surrounding allotments. No subletting the plot without the written consent of the landlord.

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 do I get the best out of my allotment?

Can I sell from my allotment?

Your Tenancy Agreement

Some councils have strict rules. However it's more likely that your tenancy agreement will simply prohibit selling on or at your allotment: by law that is a strict no-no. The Allotments Act of 1922 forbids any trade or business being conducted anywhere on the allotment plots.

Can you live on your 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 ...

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.

What is the biggest allotment?

The St Anns Allotments are the oldest and largest detached town gardens in Britain. The St Anns Allotments have been used by the people of Nottingham for more than 600 years and because of its rich history the 75 acres have been declared a grade II listed site.

What are the two types of allotments?

Meanwhile, any active-duty service member can set up allotments or payroll deductions from their paycheck to pay or repay certain expenses. There are two types of allotments: discretionary and nondiscretionary.

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.

Should I put manure on my allotment?

Because of the potential of transmitting harmful bacteria to humans, such as E. coli, fresh manure should never be used on vegetables or fruits. If you are growing produce where the edible portion is in contact with the soil such as carrots, or potatoes, you should apply manure at least three months prior to harvest.

Can you feed a family from an allotment?

Growing in your allotment

Feeding your family with organic, home grown produce is extremely rewarding. Not everything will be a success, you will battle with slugs and snails, but don't give up. Here is a list of top vegetables and fruits to grow in your allotment.

Can I give my allotment to a friend?

It is the tenant's responsibility to make the site manager aware. The council or site manager will not be able to provide refunds. You are responsible for the allotment and may not sublet it or pass the tenancy on to anyone else, and you must notify the site manager in writing if you intend to give up your plot.

What to ask about an allotment?

Are you allowed a greenhouse on an allotment?

A modestly sized greenhouse is all that you need for an allotment perhaps 8ft x 6ft, you're not running a commercial operation and this will give you all the capacity required for sowing seed and potting on while growing indoor tomatoes and other crops that require just that little bit of extra warmth.

Who is responsible for allotments?

The duty of councils to provide allotments. Under SHAA 1908, councils are under a duty to provide a sufficient number of allotments if they are of the opinion that there is demand for allotments in their borough, urban district or parish.