No shed, no greenhouse?

[anneatkins]

Hey all, I have been told by one of the villages just outside Maidstone, that I might receive some news (get an allotment) at the end of May.

However, I've been told that due to vandalism/theft in *other towns* I cannot have a greenhouse OR a shed and that because of this rule, there have been no thefts to date (LOL! What are they going to steal? A load of tatties?).

However, no greenhouse? No shed? Is this normal?

One of the main reasons I *want* an allotment is so I have room for a greenhouse for things.

Also, we're supposed to bring all our tools, etc with us each time?

[Snadger]

A chest buried in the ground with a lock on it is an easy way round the ruling!
Doesn't have to be any thing fancy, in fact pallet wood would make a good coffin like chest! You would need to keep your tools well oiled as it will get damp though!
You could disguise it in some way by building a cold frame on top of it!

[NOG]

Some site have odd rules.

One site I know does not allow sheds and Green houses but every plot gets a locker. There is a brick built shed with a central corridor and a room for each plot.

If you want the plot you have to agree to the rules.

[Juniper and Thyme]

We have just started on our allotment and the rules are that currently no sheds or greenhouses are allowed. In-fact, the Town Council have had their planning application for sheds and the carpark refused by the District Council as the allotment site is in an area of outstanding natural beauty... We take all our tools with us when we go, as we can't store them on the site. It does seem a little silly to me !

[Matt.]

I don't have a shed or greenhouse and take all my tools with me. At least you know they won't be stolen or vandalised. Just grow things that don't require a greenhouse. As for tools I can still carry a fork and spade when I go on my bike I just use a rucksack that has straps on the side!

[Alison]

To be honest I'd have been very disappointed if I'd not been allowed to have a shed on the plot, it's not just good for storage but it's also a point of shelter etc. Whilst I don't keep things of value there, it is handy to store some things, whether it just be balls of string and plant ties which would be a pain to take up every time and I'd be bound to forget when I need them. My best tools go home every time but then again I need them at home for the garden there. In addition, I share the plot with a friend, we're not up there that often together as we have different commitments in the rest of our lives so we tend to leave each other notes there saying what we've done and what needs doing. However, I suppose if it's that or nothing then at least it's land you can use.

[Nicos]

Our first site didn't have a shed- not allowed anything which could be seen from a protected area-- as it would spoil the view!

most stuff ended up permanently in the boot of he car.

Hosepipes were easily hidden under tarps.

Musch happier with a shed and greenhouse- although they are a sitting target!

[Growem]

Sheds are technically allowed on our site, but no one has one except for one old guy who banged up some pallets together as a sort of shack. Others have chests which I think are a good compromise for keeping stuff in to keep your plot tidy. Where we are, sheds would stick out like a sore thumb and just be a huge temptation for anyone of a shady disposition, or even just some teenagers out for a thrill.

I think if you start off without a shed, you'll soon get used to it. Myself and one other leave our tools at our plots, just covered with heavy-duty plastic for a bit of protection. Everyone else without a chest just brings what they need.

[Pumpkin Becki]

Our private allotment has a 'no sheds/greenhouses' rule too. It doesn't worry me, but OH was looking forward to having a shed. He said that was the whole point of having an allotment (tongue in cheek).

We leave some tools, horticultural fleece, rain jackets and that kind of thing in a big garden storage box, tub trugs, watering cans, spades, forks and a wheelbarrow are all left there in the open, and that pretty much covers our needs. We do take the petrol strimmer home with us each time we've used it. I wouldn't be happy about leaving that.

[NOG]

A mate on his site dug a hole and dropped a wheelie bin in it and camoflarged the top. Took a bit of digging but its.

[singleseeder]

A mate on his site dug a hole and dropped a wheelie bin in it and camoflarged the top. Took a bit of digging but its.

That is just brilliant!!

[Sprocket*]

Having no shed means that you do not have to go through the trauma and expense when some little B*****D burns it down!

[jonohanson]

Luckily our private site allows sheds/greenhouses. Were just in the process of finnishing our shed/greenhouse, its 4m*3m, but I still dont think it will be big enough, as we have 2 plots together i'm already planning the 2nd one(just have to convince the missus we need one each )