Just got an allotment (Merged)

RAS

Hi

Do you know what state the plot is in?

butterfly72

I was looking our local authority site and they have sites available. I was thinking of getting one. Do you think now is a good time of year to get one, bearing in mind that we might be moving at the end of this year? Would it be worth it or should you really have the allotment for a few years to really benefit. Would I get some produce this summer if I started it soon?

thanks

kazwookie

I'm on a very very long waiting list

jess444_2

Hi,
We have had ours for about 2 months and have managed to dig over enough to plant some potatoes this year and have covered the rest. Have been told it will take 2 to 3 years to get weeds under control (lots of horsetail) and have all of the plot ready to cultivate. I would think this would be a good time of year to get a plot if you were not thinking of moving as you would have lots of good weather to prepare for next year. I don't think you would have enough time to prepare and plant enough for this year to make it worthwhile.

squiggle37

Hiya just been in touch with an allotment association, they have 3 allotments vacant am going thursday evening to have look they got one thats 200sq yard and two thats 600 sq yard he siad they are all in state and all need lots of work doing to them.
He also mentioned they are all private and you have you own gate and they got hedges round them so you have to keep them trimmed which sounds like extra work.
Rent is 6pence per sq yard and water is 4 and half pence per sq yard, no idea how much that is as im rubbish working out sums.
Anyways will go have a look and see whats whats as my council waiting list is over a year.

wallbash

costs £21 or £63

all need lots of work doing to them.

Would you have to rotavate or would they at least do that ( to start you off)

I was once offered an allotment which was one mass of black berry bushes.
It was too much for me

lottiegirl

Fab have a look . See where nearest water tap is, whether you can use hoses, is there an allotment shop, not essential by any means, toilet facilities, rules for what you can or can't keep on the plot ie allowed sheds, and max sizes of sheds? fruit trees? allowed to have bonfires. Will you have to pay extra for anything as it is private ie association fees, grass cutting, water how do they monitor how much you use and how often You did quote price for water but didn't fully understand how they will work that out, yearly ? meter? ?Access for hedge trimmers & any power source or will you have to cut hedge by shears or petrol trimmer.

Had an allotment for 3 years(council owned) and in January took on a second plot both 5 rods,1st allotment was completely overgrown with taller than me ( but I'm only 5 ft 2 !) brambles, did it myself the hard way by cutting down, burning and digging out roots, no chemicals, no rotavators (skin torn to pieces at times). Rotavators, are quick but, if you have bind weed horse mare will just chop roots into tiny sections and can multiple the problems for years.

Love my allotments-grow everything its fantastic, but hard work at times, if you are a beginner don't try any do it all at once. Talk to other people on their plots, usually they will be fantastic source of knowledge, will help and advise probably lend some tools and seeds or plants.

Good luck, let us know how you got on.

squiggle37

ooo lovely thanks for advice will ask some of the questions i never thought about what you have said...i cant wait to go have a look.

Gebo26

Take a look at the plot and consider how much time you can put in each week. If you like the look of it and the site then go for it. 200 square yards is likely to be big enough. Be prepared to spend quite a few hours every week on tending the plot even when you get it cleared and under control.

Don't be tempted to take on 600 square yards - on our site it's the bigger plots that get overgrown as the tenants don't have enough time to look after them.

I would start by clearing a small area and planting something to keep you going (courgettes?, beetroot?, spinach beet?, runner beans?) whilst you work on some more of the plot.

If you haven't done allotment gardening before, then be prepared for a life-changing experience!

squiggle37

Its only a small one i want i moved to this house in Jan and my back garden size of a postage stamp compared to my last one cant really grow much in this garden thought i would give an allotment a go, i can spare at least 6 hours a week and all of the weekend.

Its just off putting when the man said its all hedged round it, dont know if can i get advice and scrounge spare plants from other allotment holders if im hedged in. Anyways it may not be as bad as it sounds..fingers crossed.