What are the rules of 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.

What should you not do in an allotment?

How many hours a week should you keep an allotment?

For an average sized plot, you are looking at around 4-5 working hours a week to keep it properly maintained. Taking on an allotment garden is no small task. For the aspiring vegetablist, a plot presented to them midsummer can be rather overwhelming.

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.

Is it legal to live on an allotment?

These pavilions can range in size from an old rebuilt railway car to a small summer house. Many people grow so fond of their allotment gardens that they live there the entire summer. In most cases, however, members are not allowed to live there the entire year.

10 MISTAKES TO AVOID ON YOUR FIRST ALLOTMENT PLOT / ALLOTMENT GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS

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.

Can I sell food from my allotment?

The Allotments Act 1922 has a general prohibition on any "trade or business" being conducted on an allotment. But allotments are allowed to have an allotment shop, which councils tend to regard as fund-raising rather than a business.

Do allotment holders need insurance?

Comprehensive Allotment Insurance

Should a visitor be unfortunate enough to suffer an injury that prevented them from working, the cost could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Even if a court decides you were not to blame, the cost of legal bills alone could run into thousands and may not be recoverable.

Can I take my dog to my allotment?

Dogs are allowed on the allotment sites, if they are well behaved and always remain on a lead. The plot holder is responsible for their dog and will need to make sure that any dog mess is picked up and disposed of accordingly.

Are you allowed dogs on an allotment?

Unless there is a local agreement allowing dogs on your site, you must not bring dogs into the allotment site, whether or not on a lead. This is principally for hygiene reasons. If Site Representatives want a local agreement, they should request a ballot of all gardeners on their site.

What is the first thing to do on an allotment?

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 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.

Do you get rats on allotments?

Keep your plot tidy and ensure that allotment gardens do not become overgrown or allow rubbish to build up e.g. timber, old carpet, stockpiled materials etc, as this provides cover for rats to live under (harbourage). disease, Salmonella and Leptospirosis among other things and they urinate wherever they go!

What is the best layout for an allotment?

The most popular way to lay out an allotment is to have a path through the middle of the plot. The path should be wide enough for you to walk up and down, and if you plan on using a wheelbarrow, then it should be wide enough for this as well.

Can you be self sufficient with an allotment?

Many allotment gardeners use their plot as a way to become more self-sufficient, growing fruit and vegetables for their own kitchen tables. However, it's not uncommon to use some or even all of the plot for flowers instead, particularly for those with a love of gardening who don't have outdoor space at home.

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.

What animals can you keep on an allotment UK?

Subject to certain conditions, you may keep rabbits, hens (but not cockerels) and bees. If you keep these animals on your allotment you must comply with animal welfare guidelines.

What animals can I keep on an allotment?

Under the 1950 Allotment Act, the keeping of hens and rabbits is permitted on allotments and viewed as an allotment holder's right, so long as they are for the tenants own use and not for business or profit.

Should I cover my allotment in winter?

Cover vacant beds. Heap any beds that will remain empty over winter with manure or compost and cover them with an old blanket or cloth. The manure will have chance to rot down before any live plants are introduced in Spring, greatly improving your soil.

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 can I use to cover my allotment?

Ideally, you need to use well-rotted manure, but if you are covering your beds in the autumn, then you can use less well-rotted manure as it has several months to break down. I will also cover the beds with tarps or weed membrane which helps keep the heat in and speed up the composting process.

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.

Can you sell flowers from your 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.

How to make money from my allotment?