Allotment - the Where, When, Why and How - How to choose an allotment

So you want an allotment - good for you! But beware, there are both prizes and pitfalls on the way to becoming an allotment holder and a few hours of forethought and research can save you years of heartache and hard work.

Begin by finding out what types of allotment are available locally. Believe it or not, the plots of land (usually measured in rods) offered by your local authority may not be the only option. Some allotments are now called community gardens and are often provided to the residents of a particular area, an estate or even just a block of flats, who don't have gardens of their own. Others are provided for specific purposes, so there are 'green gym' gardens, where you can work on the land and get fit with the assistance of an appointed 'green gym leader' and there are organic plots, supplied by local authorities, housing associations or charities, that have strict rules about what you can use on their land, so no chemicals or pesticides are permitted.

Second, drive or walk around and look at all the locations - you may find that the best allotment for you isn't the nearest. A friend of mine, for example, drives four miles to his, although there are allotments in walking distance of his house. Why? Because on his allotment of choice the soil and climate conditions are perfect for his chosen vocation - growing grapes to make his own wine. The nearby allotments, although convenient, don't offer any like the same opportunities to indulge his hobby.

Third, check the waiting list. Some areas have a three or four year waiting list, some only a couple of months - you can bet the best allotments are hardest to get hold of, but are you willing to accept second best to get a plot quicker?

Fallow allotment photograph author's own