Allotments in the News

So it was National Allotments week 13 to 19 August. Did you notice? I’ve got to say, I didn’t. Didn’t hear a thing about it, until it was all over and somebody emailed me to ask why I hadn’t mentioned it on the blog, and the answer is simple – I didn’t know! I think there’s a communication gap somewhere …

In other news:

Gardeners who want to grow their own vegetables are being forced to accept allotments a quarter of the normal size because of a surge in popularity. Rising interest has led councils to divide land set aside for plots into patches measuring 75 sq yards in an attempt to reduce spiralling waiting lists.

Local authorities are under growing pressure to ensure they meet statutory obligations to provide 15 allotments per 1,000 households. Strict rules also mean that no more than six people are allowed to be waiting for a plot at any one time. But there are fears that smaller allotments could create tension because growers will be crammed together.

I can see both sides - on the one hand, a whole allotment is a big commitment unless you are already an avid vegetable gardener or retired. On the other hand, tiny plots soon become restrictive and frustrating, and not being able to rotate crops properly will lead to more diseased soil and transfer of disease and pests. Whichever way a council jumps, the growing desire for allotments is surely a healthy sign?

And in Edinburgh, residents hoping for plots at some of the city's allotments face a wait of up to seven years. Local gardeners are calling for the city council to provide more sites after a new study revealed the waiting list has topped 1000 – in a city which has only 1400 plots!

Labels: allotment-building, allotment-news