Why does the UK have allotments?
In the UK, allotments are small parcels of land rented to individuals usually for the purpose of growing food crops. There is no set standard size but the most common plot is 10 rods, an ancient measurement equivalent to 302 square yards or 253 square metres.
Allotments are plots of land given to local community members so they can grow their own fruit and vegetables. The tradition dates back hundreds of years, to when poorer people needed the land as their main source of food. Nowadays you rent an allotment from your local council or a private landlord.
An allotment is an area of land, leased either from a private or local authority landlord, for the use of growing fruit and vegetables. In some cases this land will also be used for the growing of ornamental plants, and the keeping of hens, rabbits and bees.
If managed properly, an allotment can produce enough food to supplement a family's weekly shop, with fresh fruit and vegetables over the year. Allotment gardeners can choose to garden organically and avoid ingesting chemicals that are likely to be present on shop bought fruit and vegetables.
How much does an allotment cost? The current cost of an allotment is £9.20 per rod/per 25.3 square metres, per annum. Accordingly, the cost of a 5 rod plot for 2022 is £46.00 for the year. A 10 rod plot is £92.00.
If access to the allotment site is by way of a padlocked gate, the tenant shall ensure that the gate is kept locked after entering and leaving the allotment site. b) Overnight sleeping on the allotment is strictly prohibited.
Contact your local council to apply for an allotment near you. They will either allocate you a plot or, in many cases, add your name to a waiting list.
Allotments are only disbursed once a month. The system withholds half of the allotment amount from the mid-month pay. This amount is held by the system until the second half is withheld from the end-of-month pay. The full amount of the allotment will disburse to the designated account on the 1st of every month.
An allotment is a plot of land that you rent from your local council or a private landowner on which you can grow your own food. Allotments are communal places, so you rent a plot from an allotment site and share utilities such as water and fertiliser with the other plot owners.
A list of common disadvantages of owning an allotment: Allotments that have been used to grow fruit and vegetables for many years (some for over 60 years) will harbour many pests and diseases. As the land is never allowed to go fallow, pest populations can build-up and can be difficult to eradicate.
Do allotments save money?
Unlike most hobbies, it actually saves you money. Yes, you can spend a small fortune on equipment but you don't need to. The few tools you absolutely need can be picked up for a few pounds second hand. Electric propagators and rotovators are great but you don't absolutely need them.
Evidence also suggests that gardening on allotments improves general health, aids recovery from stress, increases life satisfaction, promotes social contact and provides opportunities for low to moderate–high intensity physical activity, all of which promote mental well-being.
Allotments are usually very cheap to rent, just an annual payment AFAICR. There may be a bit of intital outlay on tools, hoses or buckets etc but you might be able to buy second hand from the allotment society, or borrow.
Taking on an allotment is hard work but it's also very rewarding. As well as providing fresh home-grown vegetables (that are free from artificial additives), fruit and flowers, allotments allow you to meet new people and enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle.
What is an allotment? Allotments have been in existence for hundreds of years, with evidence pointing back to Anglo-Saxon times. But the system we recognise today has its roots in the Nineteenth Century, when land was given over to the labouring poor for the provision of food growing.
Allotments are traditionally measured in rods or poles (they're the same thing). A pole is a measure of area equal to 16.5 by 16.5 sq ft, or 272.25 sq ft. This is approximately 30 sq yards or 25 sq metres. The size of an allotment plot includes half of each of the surrounding paths.
There is a water supply on nearly all sites, and the cost of water is included in the rent. The supply is turned on in early April and off at the end of October each year. The water is the same as the domestic water supply, and is drinkable.
Whether you are interested in gardening, growing, cooking or indeed eating, tending an allotment is ideal. You can grow a range of fruits, vegetables and herbs for the kitchen, and even grow ornamental plants for a productive and attractive plot. See if you can designate a piece of your garden to growing crops.
Most allotment sites don't have mains power connected but that doesn't mean that you can't have some electricity on site.
They are shelters from the elements and spaces in which to keep your tools – but this doesn't mean you can't make them homely and welcoming. Many allotment societies hold 'Best Shed' competitions and often you'll find them doubling up as canteens as everyone congregates for an afternoon cuppa!
Are bonfires allowed on allotments?
Plotholders may have bonfires to burn diseased plants and material which is difficult to compost, but may not burn material that may harm the soil – no paint, bitumen (roofing felt), plastics, etc. The bonfire must be managed safely at all times and must be left in a safe condition when the plotholder leaves the site.
The origin of the modern allotment began back in the 1600s, known as the enclosures. The process of enclosure started by previously common land, once held in an open field system being divided up and enclosed by new hedging; the use of the land became restricted to the owner.
A list of common disadvantages of owning an allotment: Allotments that have been used to grow fruit and vegetables for many years (some for over 60 years) will harbour many pests and diseases. As the land is never allowed to go fallow, pest populations can build-up and can be difficult to eradicate.
This is just a basic guide to give you some idea, plot sizes vary greatly in different parts of the country. An allotment plot is normally 10 poles. 10 poles are 302.5 square yards. One pole is an area 5.5 yards' x 5.5 yards.
Allotments are only disbursed once a month. The system withholds half of the allotment amount from the mid-month pay. This amount is held by the system until the second half is withheld from the end-of-month pay. The full amount of the allotment will disburse to the designated account on the 1st of every month.
| discharge | dismissal |
|---|---|
| dismission | expulsion |
| firing | rejection |
| refusal | keeping |
Contact your local council to apply for an allotment near you. They will either allocate you a plot or, in many cases, add your name to a waiting list.
The Danish tradition for allotment gardens later spread to the other Nordic countries: first Sweden, then Norway and Finland. Today, most allotment gardens are on land owned by the municipality which rents the land to an allotment association. The association in turn gives each member a plot of land.
A regular-sized allotment can feed a whole family.
Allotments can use up a lot of time, so require some planning. Go for a plot size suited to your needs - half a plot is adequate for most people and ideal for beginners. This might need eight hours' work a week for inexperienced gardeners, but half that for experienced ones.
How often do you need to go to your allotment?
Challenge 3 – Time Management! Allotments need regular visits. It is recommended to visit at least twice a week to keep on top of the weeding and in hot weather you might need to water your crops every day.
