How to apply. Please complete the request an allotment form. On offer of an allotment, you will be required to provide proof of residency, evidence of your concessionary status if applicable and sign a tenancy agreement. Sample tenancy agreement.
How do I get an allotment near me?
Finding an Allotment – How to Find an Allotment
- Local Council. Your local council is probably the best place to start.
- Libraries. Libraries are good sources of information – once again, ask a librarian rather than wander round.
- Contact the Site Manager or Rep.
- Check the Facilities.
How much does it cost to rent an allotment UK?
Allotment rent
The annual rent for an allotment plot is £13.98 per 25 square metres, plus a flat charge of £9 for water. We will be increasing annual rent to £14.26 per 25 square meters from 25 September 2022. This water charge does not apply to plots at Lyncombe Vale, which has a stream rather than piped water.
Can you live on an allotment?
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.
How do you get an allotment in the UK?
Contact your local council to apply for an allotment near you. They will either allocate you a plot or, in many cases, add your name to a waiting list.
Do councils have to provide allotments?
All local authorities have a mandatory obligation to provide allotment provision under Section 23 of the 1908 Small Holdings and Allotments Act.
How do I get a good allotment?
Working your plot
- When clear of weeds the soil can be broken up and ideally add organic matter by digging or rotovating, or while building raised beds.
- Take a soil test to find out the soil pH and whether it is lacking in any nutrients.
- Outfit the plot with compost bins, a shed and other useful items.
What are the disadvantages of having an allotment?
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.
How many hours a week do you keep an allotment?
Q: How much time should I spend each week on my allotment? A: This is down to you, but you’ll probably find that once you start planting things, you will need a minimum of four or five hours a week to keep things ticking over in terms of weed and pest control, planting and picking the produce.
Is it worth having an allotment?
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.
Can I sleep in 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.
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.
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.
How much time does an allotment take?
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.
Can you be self sufficient with an allotment?
People generally assume that allotments are all about self-sufficiency, ‘the good life’, producing all the vegetables and maybe fruit that you possibly need. And yes of course you can do all of that. You can grow flowers too.
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.
What are allotment 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 you have a BBQ on an allotment?
Site Reps are representatives of the Council and must be treated with respect. There is not a reservation list for individual plots, this will be at the discretion of the allotment officer. You are allowed to have BBQs and social gatherings on your plot, but this must be limited to plot holders and helpers only.
Can I BBQ in allotment?
You are not permitted to erect any other type of building or structure on the allotment site. You may have a barbeque on your plot for your immediate family, provided that you consider your neighbours and do not spoil their enjoyment of their plot.
How often should you go to the allotment?
Challenge 3 – Time Management! Allotments need regular visits. It is recommended to visit at least twice a week to keep on top of the weeding and in hot weather you might need to water your crops every day. Have a think about how you would realistically fit this into your routine, or rope your family into helping.
What grows first in a allotment?
Here’s a list of the easiest allotment ideas for beginners to plant:
- Salad Leaves – sow three weeks after planting up until late Autumn.
- Radishes – sow three weeks after the last frost up until late summer.
- Potatoes – sow Feb/March up until September.
- Peas – sow March-June and harvest two-three months later.