Hi, my name’s Rose and I am an amateur gardener / allotment owner. A complete novice. This is my first allotment and I have no idea what I’m doing (seriously… no clue)!!!
I registered for my allotment in 2009, 4 years ago, to be honest I’d forgotten that I’d registered for one, but I got the call and thought “great, why not”. So off I went to take a look at it. I’d been warned prior that the plot was a bit neglected but wow, it was a bit of a shock (photos below). I was also really surprised how big it was and mine is only a half plot.
The allotment manager filled me in on a the rules and regulations, how much it cost per year and how much work would be needed to clear it and maintain it.
Basics (may vary between councils)
- I would have a 3 month probation period
- The general rule is that a plot must be “cultivated and weed free”
- 60% must be cultivated with fruit and veg, 40% can be flowers and other plants
- No chickens allowed
- If you want to erect a shed or other structures, it has to be signed off by the committee
- The cost for 1 year was £35
- Once a plot is cultivated you would need to visit it little and often, every couple of days for an hour or so at a time (especially in summer when everything is in fruit).
An allotment is a big commitment and I wanted to do it justice, plus the waiting lists are long so it would be unfair to take it from someone else if I didn’t put 100% in. So I went home to think about it for a few nights: Could I really manage it with working through the week (I don’t usually get home before 7)? Could I afford the equipment and supplies? Was my heart really in it or would I get fed up? After much thought I decided I’d give it a good go and signed the papers.
An allotment is a great way to spend time outdoors, it’s good exercise and can be a very good stress release as well as providing food and cut the shopping bills. It’s also a great place to meet people and become part of a community.
I searched the internet for help on allotments and couldn’t find much for an absolute beginner with no clue (me) sothat’s why I decided to blog about it as well. I hope I can share my experiences and even some tips along the way.
So this is where it begins… I hope you enjoy the read
My Allotment Garden 
Good luck, Rose!
Thanks Paul
I’ve had my allotment for 5 years – a little and often is the key and plant so you don’t have gluts. you’ve still got time to plant things this year so go and dig a small patch and out some salad in straight away that way you’ll see some benefit this year
Hi Frank, thanks for the advice.
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