Information sheet for new plot holders

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 Before you apply to take on a plot, please consider these questions: -
1. Do you have the time? Looking after an allotment can be hard work and time consuming. You might have friends or family who could help you.
2. Is the allotment near where you live? If it is far away, you may not feel like popping in to do a bit of work when you have the odd hour or two.
3. Do you have the energy? Your plot may be overgrown when you take it on, and it can be hard work clearing it.
4. Have you got the commitment? It may take nine months to grow vegetables. Will you be around to water it, weed it or harvest it over the summer or do you go away for weeks at a time. Weeds do not take holidays!

WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP? -  Taking on a plot can be rewarding but it is challenging, tiring and fun. Here is some information that may help you.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? -  Growing your own food can be rewarding in lots of ways – watching your seeds grow through its stages and ending up as fresh veg on your table is a very satisfying feeling. In addition, you can be confident that your food has not chalked up any air miles, which has been grown organically (if this is what you have chosen to do) and is exactly what you want to eat. Not only is having an allotment good for your physical health, but it is also good for mental health.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? Challenge 1 – Clearing your Plot - The plot you take on may not have been well cultivated by the previous tenant or have been vacant for several years. You will need to be prepared to put in some hard work to get the site into a good condition for planting. Often the best strategy is to cover part of the plot whilst you concentrate on another section. Some plot holders will recommend digging it over, but a technique known as “No Dig” is becoming increasingly popular especially if you decide to use raised beds. However, you will still need to weed. 

Challenge 2 – Keeping Those Weeds at Bay - You are required to keep your plot tidy and weed free and you will need to decide how to manage your weeds. You may decide to try a variety of methods. Whatever method you choose it is likely to require physical effort. Weeds are persistent so you will need to make regular visits to your plot to keep them at bay, especially during the growing season. Weeds affect your neighbours so please be mindful. Plot inspections will take place throughout the year. You should read “Minimum Standards of Cultivation.” This is what is expected of you. You may lose your plot if you do not maintain your plot. 

The first year and Spring is the busiest time, and you should estimate that you will need to spend at least 5 hours per week on the plot. Smaller or half-plots obviously require less time.

Tenants are responsible for clearing their plot and responsible for removing all rubbish and waste materials they may find. Bonfires are only permitted in March and November, but you are allowed to build compost bins where vegetable matter will rot down ready to use next year. We do try to hire a skip during the year to help with this, but you should not rely on this as funding may affect this. 

Challenge 3 – Time Management - Allotments need regular visits. Little and often is the best advice. 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.

Challenge 4 – Tools and Equipment - Basic tools include: a spade, a fork, a trowel, and a rake. You may inherit a shed or put one on your plot, but allotment sheds are often the target for thieves and vandals. Sites do not have cover for individuals’ tools, and it is unlikely that your household insurance will cover them. Do not keep anything of monetary value or sentimental value in your shed. 

Challenge 5 – How Do I choose what to plant? And where to plant it? And all the rest - Start by planting the things you know you or your family will enjoy eating. At one time plot holders were encouraged to grow potatoes as this meant the ground was dug repeatedly. Some people are now growing potatoes in buckets using compost or woodchip. Fruit bushes will often give fruit in the first year if planted early enough but be mindful of how big they get and keep them pruned. 

The first year of your plot may not provide large quantities of fruit and veg as you may find your plot needs a lot of planning and preparation. As time goes on you will learn about your plot – what grows well, where it goes, how often to water, what fertiliser or mulching is needed. If you are realistic about what you can achieve, plan well and act with patience, you are sure to reap all the rewards of being an allotment holder in the fullness of time.