The GrowMad Definitive Guide to Allotments

An allotment plot is a piece of land (up to 250 sqm) which is available to rent, usually from a local council.

It can be used for the production of fruit and vegetables for your own consumption. Some allotments allow the keeping of livestock including chickens and Bees.

An allotment garden as defined in 'The Allotment Act of 1922' is as follows:

Having an allotment can be incredibly rewarding. As well as being able to grow what you like how you like, it’s an easy alternative for getting some exercise and is good for the mind and soul.

Horticulture has long been used as a therapy for both mental and physical illness as well as an excellent treatment for stress. Doctors can now even prescribe allotments as a medication for certain conditions!

Allotment gardening is also a highly social affair, giving you a chance to share time and experiences with like-minded people while getting some fresh air.

Not only will you benefit from renting an allotment yourself but they are a great place to teach children about how some of their food is produced.

Children can get proper hands-on experience about nature and wildlife in general.

The environment gains too. As well as creating a habitat for nature, growing your own results in less shop-bought produce being consumed, in turn reducing the need for transport miles.

There is evidence to suggest that allotments have been in existence in one form or another for hundreds of years, dating back to at least Anglo Saxon times in the 5th Century.

The earliest allotments resembled the plots we all know of today and have changed very little.

We even still use the Anglo Saxon system of measurement, Poles, Rods and Perches.

The term allotment, seems to stem from the “allotments of land” handed to the peasants in compensation for the restrictions and loss of ‘common land rights’ brought about by the enclosures of the 17th century.

Up until this point, much of the land in agricultural use was common land of shared usage (open-field system/collective) but from the early 1700’s, land gradually came under new laws whereby wealthy land owners gained legal ownership.

The “Inclosure Acts” (Enclosure Acts) were a series of bills passed in Parliament which literally enclosed land in the countryside which had been previously free for all to use.

Between 1604 and 1914, no less than 5200 separate Enclosure Acts were passed enclosing land well in excess of 6.8 million acres (2.8 million ha). This was 1/5th of the total land in the UK.

This ‘land grab’ was further fuelled by the agricultural revolution and the huge demand for wool demanded by woollen mills.

This left many peasant farmers struggling to survive in the countryside and this ‘landless working class’ were forced to move into the cities and work in industry.

This was the transfer of feudalism into capitalism in its purest form.

Some of this divided land, that was enclosed with extensive hedging, can still be seen today. These fields often remain uncultivated and still have the original ‘Ridge and Furrow’ undulation clearly evident (a ridge and trough pattern created in fields from medieval ploughing techniques).

After the passing of many Acts of Parliament (see below) during the last century, modern day allotments were popularised by the Victorians and their love of gardening.

At their peak, during the First World War, there were around 1.5 million allotments in use in the UK. During the Second World War, the number had dropped but with the advent of The ‘Dig for Victory campaign’ rose again to 1.4 million.

During the 1990’s the figure had dramatically dropped to 265,000 with at least 44,000 vacant plots. This was primarily driven by the convenience of supermarket food.

However, as people have become more conscious of their health and with more work/life related stress issues, the figure has now surged upwards once again.

The desire to lead a more wholesome lifestyle has pushed allotment participation up to 330,000 with at least 100,000 on waiting lists.

In some areas, waiting lists stretch beyond an estimated 10 years!

For a more detailed history of Allotments, you can read posts by fellow allotmenteers and bloggers here:

Allotment Heaven

Allotment Garden

BK this and that...

After the Enclosure Acts of the 17th and 18th century; during a time of much civil unrest (see Newton Rebellion), much of the common land in England had been taken away from peasant farmers.

The first sign of change was with the Public Act in 1819. This Act passed by government aimed to appease poverty among the poor living in the countryside.

The Act gave powers to local Parish Wardens for the letting of 20 acres (8ha) of land to the poor and enabled them to produce crops and keep livestock once again.

This was followed by the General Enclosure Act 1845, which set aside land as allotments to allay rural poverty.

It made for the provision of field gardens for the poor and restricted the size to a quarter of an acre.

This was followed by the Allotment Act 1887. It was the first Act to force local authorities into providing affordable allotment gardens whenever the demand arose.

You can find a full summary of ‘The Allotment Acts’ and Legislation below:

Allotment law in Scotland is in principle very similar to the rest of the UK with some slight variations.

Some of the previous legislation regarding allotments was repealed and replaced by:

The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015

In 2015, the Scottish National Party (SNP) were given the green light to forcibly divide plots into smaller areas to cut allotment waiting lists in Scotland. 

Under the 2015 Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act, local authorities should ensure the number of people on waiting lists does not exceed half the number of allotments they have, and nobody should have to wait more than five years for a plot.

They also have their own Allotment Acts.

There are several types and formats of allotments but they will generally fall into one of three main categories:

• Council Owned and Managed
• Publicly Owned but Privately Managed
  (by an allotment association / society)
• Privately Owned and Managed

Council Owned sites fall into two groups:

Statutory: whether managed by the council or an allotment association/society, are designated for the sole purpose of providing allotment gardens for rent-paying tenants.

They can only be sold or used for another purpose with the consent of the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government & Regions.

Temporary: are provided for use as allotment gardens on land that is ultimately destined for another use at some point in the future.

Temporary allotments are not protected by law in the same way as statutory sites.

Privately owned sites normally belong to local farmers’ / land owners, the church, the railways or the National Trust.

However, if you find there's no allotment area in your community, you do have a legal right to form a petition - this is a request addressed to your local council for them to provide allotment facilities.

Before joining any allotment, council-owned or private, you will be required to sign a Tenancy Agreement and follow a Code of Conduct.

Don’t be put off by any legal jargon, these forms are of standard layout and a normal procedure as part of allotment life. As a tenant, they are for your benefit.

Sample Tenancy Agreement and Rules Allotments

The conditions of tenancy for any allotment will be clearly stated in your tenancy agreement.

This agreement is a legally binding document between you and the landlord, normally your local council or allotment association/society.

It will contain your rights and responsibilities as an allotment holder that will include specifics on rent, length of lease and what you can/can't do with your allotment.

If you are looking for an allotment, the best place to start is by visiting your local site or an area of allotments that you would like to be present on.

Simply chat to other plot holders and ask about availability and the procedures for getting your hands on one.

Many allotments will have associations or societies; you could approach the secretary directly or go to one of their monthly meetings. An alternative approach is to contact your local council. Most allotment sites are council owned.

You can apply with your local council here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-allotment

This is probably a good time to point out that many sites, whether council or privately owned, tend to have a lengthy waiting list.

There was a time when allotments couldn’t be given away, but sadly this is no longer the case. It's estimated at least 100,000 people are on a waiting list at any one time in UK.

So, GrowMad strongly recommend the following:

• Get on the waiting list as soon as possible
• Be patient
• Check on your position on the list with occasional contact
• Don't be too fussy when a plot is offered (it may not be much now, but it can be)
• If you no longer wish to have an allotment, or your circumstances have changed, let them know asap, so they can remove you off the list for someone else

Your local council has a duty under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 to provide allotments in their borough if there is sufficient demand for them.

However, be warned, although legally obliged to provide allotment land, they are not required to provide it in any given time frame. Many authorities will choose to use this legal loophole as an excuse to drag their feet.

If you wish to approach your local council to provide allotments in your area, all that is required are six like-minded people that are registered voters to sign a petition.

You can find details of your local council here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

If all other avenues are exhausted and you can’t find an allotment site, you could always look for an allotment alternative.

Community Gardens are areas of land (often waste ground) where people of all ages and abilities, can come together to participate in outdoor activities such as gardening (veg and flowers) and get to know nature a little better.

There are literally hundreds of community gardens spread across the entire country.

It may be something to at least tide you over until your own plot becomes available.

We have a community garden project near us at GrowMad HQ. You can watch the video about The Green Patch here: Green Patch in Kettering, Northants

If you would like further help and advice on community gardening, you can find a list of community gardens here: RHS Community Garden Directory

More often than not, especially when coming off a waiting list, you won’t have the luxury of being able to select your own plot.

Some may offer refusals, but our advice would be to simply take what you are offered. If, however, you're given a choice of multiple plots, then take time to consider the following:

Plot Position
Look for a plot located near a water supply - this will make the arduous task of carrying water more manageable over a shorter distance. A plot away from public roads and footpaths, ideally not in too much shade, will allow for a more peaceful and controlled environment. If possible, try and find out your allotment neighbours - do you really want to be next to the allotmenteer from hell? 

Plot Size
Do you want a full-size plot, half-size plot, or even a quarter-size plot. Consider which would be sufficient to begin with.

Condition of Plot
Check the soil condition of a prospective plot and have a closer look at the weed varieties and quantity (has the plot been regularly worked on/cultivated). 

Sheds and Greenhouses
A plot which has the added bonus of a shed or a greenhouse could save a considerable amount of time and money.

Plot Orientation
A south facing plot will always be preferable as it'll have the best light levels.

Soil Type & Drainage
Take a closer look at the type of soil your plot may have by checking the pH level. Do you really want to be working on a heavy clay allotment or a recently manured one? Does your perspective plot have adequate drainage or will it be forever waterlogged in wet weather?

To find a comprehensive list of soil testing kits and soil analysis companies, please click here.

Allotment plot sizes, whether council or privately owned/managed, have traditionally always been measured using the Anglo-Saxon system of Rods (sometimes referred to as Poles or Perches).

A standard size allotment is normally 10 Rods (10 sq Rods).

If you find the thought of a full-sized plot a little daunting, why not consider a half-plot?

Some allotment sites even offer ‘taster plots’ at a fraction of the size and cost of a full plot.

It should be noted that as a result of the high demand for allotments, some providers are at present only offering half plots and for newbie growers, only ‘taster’ plots.

As an alternative, why not share a plot with friends or family or consider joining a community gardening project?

Rents will be set in accordance with your tenancy agreement and will normally be paid annually in advance, although some councils will consider monthly instalments.

In some cases, where the management of certain allotments has been devolved to the allotment association/society, monies will be paid to the society's representative.

Rent payments go towards the upkeep of the allotment site in terms of maintenance and repairs, administrative costs and promotions. Associations/societies are run as not-for-profit entities.

In certain circumstances, a reduced rent may be applicable for plots that are in a less than desirable condition.

Annual rents for 10 Rod allotments vary greatly but are always good value. Rents can be as little as £5 per year to as much as £150 depending on location, condition, facilities and length of waiting lists. Charges for smaller plots will be pro rata.

As an example:

GrowMad’s very own Chris ‘The Shed’ Bustin has two ‘10 Rod’ church-owned allotments in Bedfordshire and pays just £7.50 each per year including water.

The provision of allotments should be made for everybody and there should be no barriers for any user group including people with disabilities.

Anybody over the age of 18 can apply for one regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, race or religion.

Regardless of disability, allotments are for everybody! 

The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) exists to ensure people are not discriminated against on the grounds of their disability.

An allotment site should be able to supply as a minimum:

• Main access for vehicles with modifications
• Accessible roads & pathways with hard-standing areas
• Toilet facilities
• Provision for shelter
• Variable height beds with wheelchair access
• Adjacent to conventional plots

• Gardening with a Disability
• Garden Organic
• Thrive
• RHS
• Gardening for the disabled Trust
     
• Royal National Institute for the Blind
  
• Remap
• NHS UK
• Arthritis Action 
• Shaw Trust

Grants and Funding for Disabled Gardeners:

• CLA Charitable Trust
• Disability Grants
• National Garden Scheme
• RHS Gardening Grants
• Social Farms & Gardens
• Gardening for the disabled Trust
• Gov.uk

Gardening Tools & Equipment for the Disabled:

• Essential Aids
• Focus on Disability
• Fred Shed
• Complete Care Shop
• Ability Superstore
• Living Made Easy
• Flowerpot Man
• Healthcare Pro
• Welcome Mobility
• Mobility Smart
  

An allotment plot should be used solely for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables for you and your family's own consumption. The only other permitted activity is the keeping of livestock.

There are no laws against selling surplus fruit and veg but there is no provision at present for the running of any commercial business or enterprise from allotments.

Don’t be fooled by TV celebrities making the ‘Good Life’ look like a walk in the park, believe me it isn’t!

Getting a plot is hard enough but the real effort kicks in with commitment.

An allotment of your dreams will take a lot of hard work and time, come rain or shine. I'm sure there'll be days when you won’t feel like getting up and going off to the plot, especially if the weather is less than desirable.

There'll be days when you're less motivated and things might start to get on top of you; weeds growing out-of-control, pest and disease infestations and complete crop failures. These are all part of the allotment experience and will happen at some point during your vegetable gardening adventure. And I say wholeheartedly to embrace them.

Usually, on closer inspection, the best plots on any allotment site are tended by retired gardeners with much more experience and plenty more time on their hands.

A commitment of at least 10 hours per average week is required to run a full-sized plot (less in winter, more in summer).

Think carefully about just how much time and willingness you can commit to your personal project, before embarking on the road to allotment heaven.

Be warned, a neglected allotment may invalidate your tenancy agreement and be terminated.

Enquire about potential neighbouring tenants; perhaps it isn't ideal to be next door to the horticultural allotmenteer from hell, or even a plot holder who is constantly neglecting their plot. As an allotment covered in weeds will eventually seed on to your own plot with the promiscuous invaders.

On the flip side; good neighbours can make an incredible difference, sharing their own experiences and giving useful advice on the allotment - especially against potential wildlife pests such as pigeons, rabbits and deer which you may encounter.

You can be advised on what grows well on your plot and which crops struggle.

Having good neighbouring tenants will add more eyes and ears when it comes to security and crime prevention.

An allotment is not only for growing fruit and veg; for most it's an escape from everyday life and a focus point to look forward to.

The allotment should be a sanctuary, a place of enjoyment and each plot holder will have their own personal way of gaining pleasure from it.

Good etiquette should be practised, period.

Please be considerate of others:

• Noise levels (just because you enjoy loud music, doesn’t mean the next person does)
• Bonfires
• Untidy or unkempt plots
• Annoying kids
• Dogs
• Chemical 'drift'
• Bad-smelling compost heaps
• Weed ridden plots
  
  

Your tenancy agreement may list restrictions on the way you conduct yourself, remember, it is a legally binding document.

• Speedy Hire
• HSS Hire
• Plant Tools Hire Centres

The simple answer is to grow what you and your family like to eat. Some crops are more challenging than others, so please experiment.

Everything is possible but check on the growing conditions of your individual plot and be realistic with your skill level and growing experience.

See our detailed growing guides for a wide range of vegetables to grow:
The GrowMad Growing Guides

Or see our comprehensive list of seed suppliers:
The GrowMad Seed Company Directory

And finally, for a comprehensive list of gardening products:
The Growmad Product Directory

A good way of finding out what will grow well on your particular plot is to simply see what others are growing. Never be afraid of asking others, they will be only too willing to offer up advice.

If you get a chance, chat with the ‘old guys’ they will know better than anybody. Experience is everything.

We recommend starting with either Garlic or Potatoes - this will depend on the time of year you get your allotment, but getting a feel of growing on your own plot will give you extra motivation and help embed you in as an allotmenteer. Even if your plot has a lot of weeds or work to do, clear a small space and start growing - then continue on with the labour intensive work. Giving you a small boast when your crop is ready to harvest.

All good allotments will provide water.

With some allotment authorities/associations, the charge for water will be built into the annual rent. Please check with your tenancy agreement.

If not, expect to pay between £10 and £20 per year towards the water on a full-sized plot (pro-rata on smaller plots).

Even with the water provided, it may be quite a walk to fetch it. In dry weather you may have to queue at the tap, so save as much water as you can yourself by installing water butts.

Connecting water butts to the roofs of sheds and greenhouses is a great way to collect free water.

You can find a comprehensive list of water butt suppliers on our product directory: Waterbutt Suppliers

Always a tricky one on allotments unless they have communal loos.

The alternatives other than the hedge (only joking) are going home or popping into a local pub or supermarket.

A more convenient solution may be to consider your own chemical toilet.

Check out our GrowMad recommended suppliers to see if there is an option for you: Chemical & Eco Toilets

Ah, the glorious shed - surely no allotment is complete without one.

The great thing about allotment sheds is that they can be built from virtually anything you like, and in whatever style or fashion you desire. It can be such a personal thing and very rarely will you find brand-new sheds on allotment plots.

Your allotment shed is an extension of your own individual personality.

If creating your own shed is something you might be interested in, GrowMad’s very own Chris ‘the shed’ Bustin has built one of his own on his allotment.

Not only is it incredibly unique, but it made the final of George Clarke’s Shed of the year 2016 on Channel 4.

So, if building wacky sheds is your thing, you might find this link an interesting one:
https://www.boxwoodgardens.co.uk/shedovations/

Although if the idea of building your own shed is not for you and too labour intensive, then going down the brand new shed route is fine, check out our product directory to find the perfect one for you: Sheds and Workshops

Always remember to site your shed away from roadways to give added security and never store items what you can’t afford to lose.

Some allotment associations will have communal storage with your own provided personal locker. This is certainly a more secure option and will allow for more space in production. Check with your local association to find out.

Also, read carefully the following section on allotment security (found later in this article) for more advice and tips with your shed and allotment.

A greenhouse on your plot, if resources can stretch to it, is a very desirable asset.

It will provide those young seedlings and plants protection from inclement weather and is invaluable for extending the growing season at both ends of the year.

A cheaper alternative to a greenhouse is a poly tunnel.

If a greenhouse or poly tunnel is an option, always try and site it in full sun for maximum benefit. Remember to always use water butts to save water from any roof spaces.

Useful greenhouse information: Greenhouses Information

Useful Poly Tunnel information: Poly Tunnel Information

Useful Water Butt information: Water Butt Information

Please bear in mind, permission may be required for any structure you wish to erect, so check with your local authorities or association.

There will more than likely restrictions on size and height. More guidance can be found in your tenancy agreement.

When sighting either a greenhouse, poly tunnel or shed, please also take into consideration your neighbouring tenants - taking care not to cast shadows on your neighbouring plots.

As any vegetable gardener will tell you, weeds are going to be a serious issue. Get used to it!

It's unlikely your plot will ever be 100% weed-free. And if weeds are not a problem in one season, then it doesn't mean they won't be in the next - it may just be a matter of time until weed seed blows in and the weed headaches truly begin.

Annual weeds (one season only) will be easier to control and to keep on top of, whereas perennial weeds (recurring each year from dormant roots) will be more difficult. 

Ensure weeds are controlled early in their life cycle. If they are allowed to flower and produce seed heads, then the danger is of further seeding for subsequent seasons. Some seed is capable of lying dormant in the soil for many years.

If weeds are left to develop they will become stronger and a lot more difficult to remove, when weeds are undeveloped it's relatively easy to deal with them by just hand weeding, instead of hoeing. 

Weeds can be controlled in a few ways:

• Hoeing
  With some good old-fashioned manual labour
  
  
• Covering Areas
  Stifle their growth and weaken reproduction with weed suppressant membrane or black polythene
  
  
• Herbicides
  In extreme cases chemical weed killers may be used, take care when applying and be careful of drifting spray on to neighbouring plots. Remember, weed killers won't only kill weeds (see chemical & pesticides below)

Herbicides may have a residual effect on the soil, meaning they may remain persistent in the ground for some time. We recommend the ground to be left vacant for any cultivation or cropping during this time.

Do not be tempted to use old carpets as weed suppressant mats. They can lead to chemical contamination of the surrounding soil and look incredibly unsightly.

The use of any chemical on an allotment should be carefully considered.

If at all possible, try to use an organic regime of growing. It will be better for you and your family and in the long run, the environment.

If the need arises, and as a last resort, chemical intervention may be necessary, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember to consider neighbouring plots and plot holders.

Also, take into consideration any nearby wildlife and watercourses. And once done ensure sure proper disposal of empty chemical containers.

If in any doubt as to the guidelines on chemical usage, consult with the local authority or allotment association/society.

Do your children hate their greens? Of course, they do! it's just a kid thing.

A simple solution to the issue is to let them grow their own.

You'll find any type of veg your kids grow for themselves, whatever it is, they'll be dying to eat. Problem sorted!

Growing their own veg can be a great activity, but making sure it’s fun and adventurous for them can make all the difference. Please always respect your neighbouring tenants, they may not be quite so child friendly.

Children may respond negatively if they find an activity discouraging and will quickly become bored. It's essential for them to have a positive experience and failure to produce a crop is simply not an option. Our advice: keep it simple.

I'm sure they will love sowing, growing and harvesting the veg, and being outdoors on a sunny day will show - just watch their faces when they harvest the first fruits of their labour.

Make the experience as enjoyable as possible for them by letting them grow plenty of the veg types they like to eat, and any flower types they like the look of - and remember, above all, keep it simple.

Vegetable gardening with children can be fabulously rewarding, especially when educating them on exactly how their food is produced.  It's also great exercise for them ourdoors.

Here are some easy ideas to guarantee success:

• Let them have their own designated gardening area where they're in control. Put up a personalised sign with their names on it; let them know it’s their garden
  
  
• Make it wacky with colourful pots or old tyres, maybe bung a scarecrow up that they have helped to make
  
  
• Choose crops which mature quickly, your kids will want quick results (most of the above items will deliver!)
  
  
• Choose crops that require very little maintenance
  
  
• Keep them encouraged and give them praise even if the project isn’t going as well as hoped
  
  
• Try and keep it fun. Why not hold a competition with other children on site e.g. Who can grow the largest Marrow or tallest Sunflower?

• Gardening for Kids
• Gardening Works
• RHS Gardening with Children
• BBC/gardening with kids
• Farm Toys Online
• Garden Divas
• Burgon & Ball
• Garden Tool Box
• Wooden Toy Shop
• Harrod Horticultural
• TTS
• Mother and Baby
• Spotty Green Frog
• Primrose
• Jacques London
• Kids in the Garden
• The Kids Garden
• Growing Family

Some allotments are more than happy to allow you to keep some livestock.

This will probably be limited to Rabbits and Chickens (not cockerels) and even then not on commercial scales. Remember you are only on a local community allotment, not a full-scale farm.

You can discover more about keeping poultry on allotments here: https://www.bhwt.org.uk

A popular option is to share livestock with neighbouring plot holders, sharing the responsibility and rewards.

Some sites will permit the keeping of Bee hives but will require you in most cases to be a member of The British Bee Keepers Association and have your own public liability insurance.

More information about keeping bees on the allotment can be found here: https://www.bbka.org.uk/becoming-a-beekeeper

If you wish to keep livestock on your allotment plot, consideration should be given to:

• DEFRA regulations or restrictions
• Animal welfare and husbandry
• Animal housing and shelter
• Storage of animal feeds
• Rodent control
• Noise, smell or other nuisances

A compost heap is another allotment essential. It should probably be one of the first things to consider when taking possession of your plot and can be very simple to construct.

It will work as a dustbin for all of your compostable waste and in return will eventually provide you with beautiful organic material to enrich and condition your soil, and of course feed the billions of organisms that work at keeping it healthy.

A compost heap is easy to build and won’t take up too much of your valuable time to operate. It will reward you with fresh homemade compost, as long as you follow some basic rules:

• Don’t make your heap(s) too large, it will take forever to fill and with poor air circulation in the middle will fail to rot down evenly
  
  
• If you have room, build 3 bins. Have one bin ready loaded and composting, a second bin vacant to take suitable material as it becomes available and the third bin for immediate use
  
  
• Try to build your heap(s) up in layers of varying material (lawn mowing’s, manure, leaf litter, straw, etc) rather than just one single material. Think compost ‘Lasagne’
  
  
• Fill each bin as quickly as possible, half-filled compost heaps never have a chance to heat up
  
  
• Don’t allow your heaps to become too dry as the composting process will be delayed
  
  
• Equally don’t have an overly wet heap; you will just finish up with a sludgy mess
  
  
• Turn your compost heap(s) at least once to aid even composting and aeration
  
  
• Try and leave your compost for at least 6-12 months to mature
  
  
• Although often recommended, GrowMad is not a lover of adding egg shells or food waste to your compost; it has the danger of attracting Rats. Don’t do it
  
  
• The addition of newspapers or magazines to your compost is not recommended. Is printing ink really all that good for you? Probably not, hardly organic
  
  
• Never add diseased plant material or perennial weeds to the heap. You will only end up spreading trouble back onto your plot
  
  
• Try and avoid adding any ‘woody’ material as it is very slow to decompose. Shred it first if you have to add it
  
  
• Only ever add ash from a fire that has been fuelled by untreated wood, never from coal or smokeless fuelled fire
  
  
• Site your compost area in full sun if possible; it will help it to heat up
  
  

Discover exactly how a compost heap works and the best methods of building one in these GrowMad articles:

How to Build a Compost Heap

The Science of a Compost Heap

• Garden Organic
• Evergreener
• BBC Gardening Guides
• Master Composters
• Recycle Now
  
  
• Social Farms and Gardens
• RHS How to Make Compost
• School Gardening
• NRDC
• Less Waste

Some allotment providers will allow small fires, but common sense should be applied:

• If any green waste can be composted, compost it!
• Fires in very dry weather should be avoided
• Never leave fires unattended
• Take extra care with fires when children are present
• Don’t leave smouldering fires when you leave to go home
• Have consideration for other plot holders and properties in the area. Check the wind direction
• Some allotment sites have bans on bonfires. Always check first

You can check the government guidelines relating to bonfires here: https://www.gov.uk/garden-bonfires-rules

BBQs on the allotment are great to share with family and friends.

It’s also a good starting point for organising a get-together for the entire allotment site. Who needs an excuse for a party?

At GrowMad, we need no excuse to fire up the Barbie right in the raised beds.

We get some water boiling on it and then see just how quickly we can empty some container-grown spuds and get them into the pan. The current record is 3.5 seconds!

Try using one to make a stir-fry with freshly gathered produce straight from the plot. SUPERMARKETS TAKE NOTE - this is the true meaning of fresh!

Take as much care as you would with a bonfire. Enjoy!

Many allotment associations or societies will have affiliations with seed companies which can offer a substantial and worthwhile discount on normal catalogue prices.

If you have a favourite seed company, why not enquire if they run such a program?

Here are some nationally recognised organisations who offer seed discounts/schemes:

• NSALG
• Allotments South West
• Mr Fothergills
• Kings Seeds
• Suttons
• Thompson and Morgan
• Dobies

These organisations may offer other benefits too.

But if the seed companies on offer can't provide what you’re looking for, you can find another 100+ seed suppliers to choose from in the GrowMad Seed Directory

Most of the restrictions of your tenancy will be common sense. If in doubt, consult your tenancy agreement. These will be among the things you cannot do:

• Use hose pipes/sprinkler irrigation
• Sub-letting your plot
• Selling your plot
• Mining or quarrying
• Removing fences or boundary markers
• Using barbed wire
• Storage of any prohibited substances eg asbestos
• Storage of fuel
• Keeping of livestock other than permitted in your agreement
• No concrete hardstanding areas, only slabs or paving
• No fruit trees other than grafted stock (eg Apples M9 M26 M27)
• Restrict any inspection from the council
• Leave your plot uncultivated
• Encroach on neighbouring plots or paths
• Have uncontrolled dogs running loose
• Construction of buildings other than greenhouses or sheds

Having an allotment is without a doubt a very rewarding experience. However, there are a number of things that can, and probably will, go wrong at one time or another.

The easiest way to avoid a problem is to plan ahead. Here is a list of the most likely issues encountered in an average season.

Remember, prevention is better than cure.

Pest and Diseases:

Pigeons – Protect with netting

Rabbits – Protect with chicken wire

Rats & Mice – Put down baits

Slugs & Snails – Read the GrowMad article

Aphids – Spray

Caterpillars – Handpick them off, spray

Tomato/Potato Blight – Grow resistant varieties, don’t overwater

Mildew – Not a big problem, live with it 

Physical:

Weeds – Keep hoeing

Frost – Protect crops with fleece or keep them in the greenhouse

Heat – Shade greenhouses, keep the plot well-watered and enjoy it while it lasts

Drought – Keep up with watering

Heavy Rain – Stay off the ground, improve drainage, go put the kettle on

Gluts – Don’t overproduce, put in the freezer, give away or sell

Crop Failures – It happens, there’s always next year

Disappointing yields – Try harder next year, change variety, improve watering

Sadly, crime is in our everyday lives, and there is no escaping the possibility of it happening on the allotment.

Thankfully, a lot of sites have excellent security measures in place to prevent crime and it is very infrequent on many well-managed allotment sites. However, theft and vandalism do occur so please take precautions.

Preventing and deterring is always the better option against any type of crime, here are some basic guidelines to follow:

• Secure fencing and gates
• Avoid sheds with windows
• Ply line sheds. The extra layer will make it more difficult to break into
• Plant thorn-bearing hedgerows where fencing is not available
• Make sure you have adequate insurance cover
• Keep sheds and greenhouses locked
• Take tools home with you if possible
• Keep a list of serial numbers
• Security mark all valuable equipment with Smart Water or Selecta DNA
• Consider setting up dummy cameras
• Hire expensive equipment such as Rotovators and return them the same day rather than buying your own
• Don’t be tempted to buy cheap second-hand tools from unknown sources. These only fuel demand for stolen goods

If after taking all precautions you're still not comfortable then consider setting up a collective approach to security

Why not consider joining or setting up an allotment watch scheme? Ask your local neighbourhood watch or community policing for more details about setting up a crime prevention scheme.

If you are unlucky enough to be a victim of allotment crime, you'll definitely appreciate the value of having some specialist allotment insurance.

If you are not covered by insurance then maybe consider the GrowMad-recommended insurance brokers and let them quote for you.

It may also be worth enquiring about public liability insurance at the same time for added peace of mind and should you use contractors on your site, employers' liability insurance.

One very worthwhile solution would be to join NASALG or SWCAA as their memberships include the added bonus of certain types of insurance and legal advice.

You can find a comprehensive list of allotment insurance providers here:

Once you've settled into your new allotment plot try to get involved with activities going on.

Allotmenteers are a sociable, good-natured bunch of people and it's likely there will be something happening in the near future.

If not, take the initiative yourself. Some worthwhile activities could include:

• Organising a site BBQ
• Volunteer for helping out in the Trading Hut (if your site has one)
• Plant swaps
• Plant sales
• Have a site open-day
• Organise a vegetable show or competition
• Offer help and advice to others, particularly newcomers
• Help promote your own site
• Offer to be part of your association or committee
• Consider opening a shop to sell collective produce 

Many allotment sites are run and managed by local authorities/councils that have designated allotment managers which liaise with individual plot holders.

However, a great many sites do run their own affairs as Associations or Societies and are responsible for day-to-day management.

Once you're up and running with your own plot, why not consider joining an association or society, if your site has one? If you are not sure, make some enquiries.

It's a fantastic place to meet other like-minded people and to receive a lot of useful good-value advice.

Why not consider putting yourself up for election and getting on to the committee?

As well as local associations/societies, there are several notable ones at a national level.

GrowMad highly recommends you check out the nationally recognised groups listed below:

• The Royal Horticultural Society
• National Society of Allotments and Leisure Gardens (NSALG)
• Southwest Counties Allotments Association (SWCAA)
• Northern Counties Allotments Association (NCAA)
• Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society
• The National Vegetable Society (NVS)
• Garden Organic
• Social Farms and Gardens
• Allotment Online
• Soil Association
• Soil Association Scotland
• Permaculture Association
• The Herb Society
• The National Gardening Association

Instead of letting and managing allotment sites themselves, some authorities will lease sites to local associations or societies under devolved management schemes.

If you have no active allotment association/society in your area, why not consider getting a few like-minded tenants together and forming your own?

The association will then take responsibility for everything from tenancy agreements, collecting rent, maintaining the site and dealing with disputes.

The association will have to put together a formally elected committee with Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary as well as members and be backed by a robust legal structure or constitution. 

The association will lease the entire site for a fixed number of years. Management will then pass from local authority to the association; however, this can be a gradual process going from partial dependence to full autonomy.

Management Responsibilities

Once the committee has been formally elected, they will have legal duties. These will include:

• Tenancy agreements
• Legal documentation including the constitution
• Health and safety issues
• Holding regular meetings
• Providing Public Liability Insurance for themselves and other plot holders
• Setting and collecting rent
• Serving notice on non-compliant tenants
• Updating waiting lists
• Keeping site statistics
• Financial records
• Complaints, permissions and applications
• Site maintenance (maintenance records)
• Accident and injury records
• Site inspections
• Risk assessments 
• Site Security
• Facilities for the disabled
• Provision of toilet facilities

 Other duties the Committee could include:

• Organising site events for members
• Promotion and advertising (vacant, affordable plots, healthy lifestyle)
• Collating and distributing a newsletter
• Considering renewable energy – wind turbines/photovoltaic panels
• Organising an open day

As towns and cities expand, new residential areas will inevitably spring up and increase in size as the population broadens.

New developments are required by law to provide green spaces, such as parks and playgrounds - but increasingly the inclusion of allotment facilities has become a familiar prerequisite.

This new planning policy enables allotment developers and associations the perfect opportunity to design sites from scratch and ensure councils and developers meet their statutory duties and planning priorities.

You can discover more about developing new allotment sites (courtesy of NSALG) here:

If you'd like to take your allotment gardening to the next level then why not delve into GrowMad's carefully collated, highly advantageous, list for your own benefit.

Below you'll find links to hundreds of beneficial, essential and invaluable products and services:

• Allotment Finder
• Allotment Related Products
• Greenhouses
• Sheds
• Polytunnels
• Compost Suppliers
• Seed Company Directory
• Seed Potatoes
• Vegetable Growing Guides
• Veg Plot Calendar
• Growing Courses & Workshops
• Growing Related Articles 
• Recommended Books
• An Extensive Gardening Glossary
• Horticultural Magazines
• Useful Links & Contacts
• Gardening Blogs
• Gardening Podcasts

So there you have it, ‘The GrowMad Definitive Guide to Allotments’.

Hopefully, you've found some useful information within this comprehensive guide to getting and running an allotment and gained something from it as a result.

This guide and the resources within will be updated on a regular basis, so please feel free to revisit.

If you have found this guide helpful, please share on social media and subscribe to GrowMad below to join our growing community of like-minded vegetable growers. It would be great to be able to welcome you into our family.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.