101 allotment sites.
We have 101 allotment sites in Leeds, most of which have their own active groups or committees.
What is the average allotment size?
Allotments are traditionally measured in rods or poles (they’re the same thing). A pole is a measure of area equal to 16.5 by 16.5 sq ft, or 272.25 sq ft. This is approximately 30 sq yards or 25 sq metres. The size of an allotment plot includes half of each of the surrounding paths.
What is a good size allotment?
approximately 250 sq m
A full allotment plot is 10 rods (approximately 250 sq m/300 sq yd), but half plots are usually available if this is too much to manage. Most, but not all, sites have water; but check what other facilities are available, such as storage sheds, compost and toilets.
How big is a starter allotment?
Ten poles is the standard size of an allotment and is equivalent to 250 square metres. That can be too big for beginners, so some local authorities now offer half and quarter-size plots for lower rents.
How large are allotments in the UK?
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.
Can you sleep at your allotment?
b) Overnight sleeping on the allotment is strictly prohibited. clearly displayed in a prominent position at the front of the allotment plot. The font size must be large enough to easily identify the plot number.
Is it hard to keep 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.
What should you not do in an allotment?
Five Things NOT to do When You Get Your First Allotment
- Don’t try to do it all at once.
- Don’t expect supermarket veg.
- Don’t lose sleep over the weeds.
- Don’t ignore your neighbours.
- Forget Instagram-ready plots.
Can an allotment feed a family?
If managed properly, an allotment can produce enough food to supplement a family’s weekly shop, with fresh fruit and vegetables over the year.
Can you fence an allotment?
There is no specific restriction on fencing around plots, but any fence must not affect any neighbouring allotment tenants. In general, if you wish to train climbing plants up trellis, this should be at least half a metre away from the path.
Should you dig over an allotment?
You will still need to dig the plot the very first time you get it, but not from then on. Instead lightly fork and rake over the top layer of soil before each planting season and add organic matter if needed.
Can you sell what you grow on 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.
What is the first thing to do on an allotment?
Clear your plot one section at a time, then you can start planting in the first cleared area sooner. This will give you a good variety of tasks each time you visit your allotment. Dig the soil twice to catch all weed roots, bring air into the ground and aid better drainage. Apply a layer of compost before planting.
Where are allotments most popular?
The cities with the most allotments
Carlisle has the highest number of allotments per 100k citizens at 66. In West Yorkshire, Wakefield has 35 allotments per 100k people, spread over an impressive 1.3 million square meters of space.
What is the best allotment path?
Paths within the plot use cropping space and are best avoided, but are essential for working beds. Permanent paths between raised beds can be kept weed-free with a membrane or chipped wood. Council tree contractors often supply allotment sites with chipped timber. Temporary paths can be left as bare soil.
Are allotments expensive?
Allotments are usually very cheap to rent, just an annual payment AFAICR. There may be a bit of intital outlay on tools, hoses or buckets etc but you might be able to buy second hand from the allotment society, or borrow.
Do allotments have toilets?
A plot holder may not, under any circumstance, install a toilet on an allotment plot. It is a health hazard and a nuisance. The council does not install conventional toilets on allotments.
Can I put a shed on my allotment?
A shed measuring no more than 4.32 square metres (8ft x 6ft) should be sufficient for use on an allotment plot. Securing them with a padlock or d-lock is highly recommended, as is chaining up any equipment left inside them.
Do allotments have power?
Most allotment sites don’t have mains power connected but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have some electricity on site.
What are the disadvantages of allotments?
Allotments that have been used to grow fruit and vegetables for many years (some for over 60 years) will harbour many pests and diseases. As the land is never allowed to go fallow, pest populations can build-up and can be difficult to eradicate.
Can animals be kept on an allotment?
Animals must not be kept on allotments, or anywhere else, unless their welfare needs can be provided for (as set out in the Animal Welfare Act 2006). Allotments and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.