Hoping for An Allotment, But...

[Helgalush]

...are allotments only meant for local people? ie people of that town or village?

About 2 weeks ago I put my name on the waiting list for the two allotments nearest my house. They both have a good two year waiting list. There may be one or two others nearby I can try, but I suspect it is the same situation.

Last weekend we were out driving in a nearby village (10 mins drive from my house) and I noticed they had plots available. We drove in to it to have a good nosey and people were lovely, waving to us as they were enjoying a little sit down. So we rang the number but the guy is away until the weekend.

I have been steadily getting more and more excited about the prospect of maybe getting a plot....but am worried that because I live out of their village that I may not be allowed. Even though I would happily just use it for a year, make it good over winter and grow a season's worth of stuff, if someone local wanted it next summer (after I've had me goodies that is).

Does anyone know what the rules are with that kind of thing?

I'm so keen to get started on some proper land and away from all my container gardening - that would continue but it would be great to properly go for it!

[taff]

depends whether it's private or council run I'd imagine, and what their rules are. We've only got one lot of private allotments here, despite ringing and ringing and petitioning and putting names down on lists for when they actively turn something into allotments, so there are people who don't live here with them too.

and good luck

[Helgalush]

Thank you Taff. I think its council run. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but at the same time, planning all the work ahead!!

[rustylady]

The rules vary from site to site. You really need to wait till you speak to the guy in charge, and find out what the rules are. You say it's 10 minutes drive from home, but do you drive or will you have to wait for lifts? In other words would this site be a realistic option?

[binley100]

Is your name on our list Helga? I know our secretary wrote to some people on the list. It also helps if you pop in regularly to see how things are progressing.

[pauco]

Well here's wishing you good luck anyway.

paul.

[Helgalush]

Thank you for all the well wishes. Rustylady, thank you. I think it is a realistic option as I would nearly always have to drive (or get public transport) to an allotment anyway, apart from one which is within walking distance, but due to my illness I would be better to drive so I can save energy for the allotment itself (I know thats not environmentally friendly but a question of priorities for me). I'm not driving myself at the minute due to medication but I can drive and my husband will help me on the lottie at weekends- he is keen to get involved as well.

Is your name on our list Helga? I know our secretary wrote to some people on the list. It also helps if you pop in regularly to see how things are progressing.

No I'm not yet, but yours was the other one that I wanted to put my name down for I will ring this weekend Thank you.

[binley100]

Best thing to do is come along on a sat morning . Committee meeting till about 10 tho' this Sat but from then on until 12-ish there'll be someone there and you'll get shown around etc... then keep in touch regularly .

[Helgalush]

Best thing to do is come along on a sat morning . Committee meeting till about 10 tho' this Sat but from then on until 12-ish there'll be someone there and you'll get shown around etc... then keep in touch regularly .

Thank you I'm not able to get there this weekend though (having a big DIY jobby done), do you think that someone may be around on Sat mornings most other weeks?

[binley100]

The hut is open every Sat morning (and the gates) until about 12 ish. Last Sat of the month there's a committee meeting usually about 9-10 and the first sat of the month is a site meeting usually about 10-11 but if you avoid those times then there's always someone around to help .

[Helgalush]

The hut is open every Sat morning (and the gates) until about 12 ish. Last Sat of the month there's a committee meeting usually about 9-10 and the first sat of the month is a site meeting usually about 10-11 but if you avoid those times then there's always someone around to help .

Excellent, thank you so much. I hope to head up there very soon.

[Helgalush]

Sorry for not updating this thread sooner, I have been moved out of home for a couple of weeks while we were having a big DIY project done in the house.

The good news is that I have been offered an allotment at the aforementioned site...its massive (to me anyway - I think its 3/4 of a full plot), comes with a shed, BUT is totally overgrown with weeds, including thistles. They are pretty tall so its going to take some good cutting back. I'm guessing that this is probably par for the course, since not many people are going to hand back a thriving, healthy allotment.

On the other hand, having spoken to a few more local allotment sites nearer home we could potentially have one nearer home in the next 12 months (one we had left a message for but never heard, then when my brother put his name down was told he could have one by January so we rang back and are next on the list after him).

We are going to make a start on the village allotment, but what if we put all that effort in only to move nearer home in a year or two? But then again I have no other option if I want to get growing more things right now, which I really, really, really want to do.

So does anyone have any tips as to site clearance and getting rid of the roots of the perennial weeds? I have started to do some research but would really appreciate any advice. Thank you.

[zazen999]

I'd say to just chop the weeds back, and cover with cardboard [weight it down with stones, bricks, milk cartons filled with water - digging out just the perennial roots for now. Then plant through the cardboard where you can. Clear one space for overwintering onions and garlic [plant these in a block]. If you get any brassicas - plant through the cardboard. As perennials grow through - just remove those as they grow.

I'd also make a cold frame area up - so that you can get some seed sown now in modules that you can just plonk down if you get your new lottie next year. And clear properly as you need it for peas, broad beans etc if you are going to grow those.

[Helgalush]

Thank you Zazen, great tips there, really useful