How Do You Get An Allotment?

Finding A Plot
Costs & The Work Involved

Allotments are no longer the preserve of men in flat caps, getting a bit of time away from the missus. Today's allotment owners are just as likely to be young mums or elderly couples. But if you fancy giving an allotment of your own a try, how do you get started?

By Emma Jones

wheelbarrow-garden-wellies. Get An Allotment

It's easy to see why allotments are becoming fashionable again. Apart from the obvious benefits of homegrown food - organically produced and fresh to the table - working a plot can be a great way to reduce your stress levels whilst keeping fit. And, like all good hobbies, you could find yourself making friends while you learn new skills.

During the war, allotments were vital to communities, but their appeal diminished over the years as supermarkets and ready meals took over. Recently, however, the idea of 'growing your own' is seeing a bit of a resurgence, as we realise how useful it is to know the provenance of our food - and how satisfying it can be to produce it ourselves.

Finding A Plot

Your local authority will usually be your first point of contact. The vast majority of allotments are run by the council, although some allotments are run privately, or by the local parish, and some are managed independently by allotment owners via an association. Your local council's relevant department (probably Leisure Services, or similar) will be able to advise you where the nearest allotments are and if there are any available.

If you're lucky enough to live in an area where plots are easy to come by, it's definitely worth visiting the allotment you're interested in before taking on a plot. Take a walk around and, if you can, chat to some of the plot holders. Allotments across the country vary greatly, both in size and in terms of what facilities they can offer.

What Size Allotment Should I Look For?

Have a good think about what sort of size you're looking for. What might be seen as a 'full plot' in some allotments would only be a 'half plot' in others, but most are between 100sq metres and 300sq metres. If the only plots on offer look huge, ask if you can rent a half plot, or if you can share the plot with someone else.

(NOTE: Although square metres are the legal way of measuring an allotment, you will probably hear of plots measured the old way - by 'pole', 'rod' or 'perch'. Each of these is the same measurement - around five metres - so if your plot is 250sq metres, that's around 10sq poles, or '10 poles'.)

What Facilities Are Included?

Facilities can include anything from a basic water butt to a shed, greenhouse, portaloo and composting bins, so make sure you know exactly what you'll be getting for your money before you make any commitments. You may have to pay an extra charge for some facilities, but at the very least you should expect running water on site and security such as a locked gate and sturdy fences or hedges, for your rent.

Are There Any Rules To Abide By?

Watch out for rules about what you can and can't do on your plot. Must a certain percentage of the land be cultivated? Does a certain percentage of what you grow have to be fruit and veg? Are plotholders allowed to keep hens, or bees?

The government's guide to owning an allotment