Renting a Plot
If you would like to enquire about renting a plot, please read the information under Things to consider before you take on an allotment to check you are aware of some of what’s involved in maintaining an allotment.
Things to consider before you take on an allotment
Time Commitment
You do need to think about whether you have a regular amount of time that you can commit each week to work a plot.
We recommend visiting plots at least twice a week to stay on top of weeding and other jobs. The number of visits you make during the growing season, to water and harvest crops for example, may be considerably more than this and if you don’t have an effective watering system you may find during very hot or dry weather that you have to visit daily!
If you work full time or have other commitments be realistic about the amount of time you have available and the distance you need to travel to your plot.
Tools & Equipment
You will need some tools and equipment to work your plot and if you are buying new there will be a cost involved. You could buy second hand tools on the internet.
If you do not have storage for your tools on site you will need to consider how you will transport them.
Children
Many young children are very enthusiastic about growing things and allotments can be a great place for children to learn.
However there are things you need to consider - an allotment plot, particularly one that has not been worked for a while, may have some safety issues you need to address before taking young children onto the plot (broken glass, weeds such as bramble or stinging nettles, etc).
Please bear in mind that although you may be very committed a young child may lose interest very quickly - you need to consider what you can do if your child is not as interested as you!
Plots
When available we offer 1/4 plots for people new to allotmenteering. This is so you can find out if you enjoy allotment life and for us to ensure new members will look after plots.
All new plot holders will be given a probationary period.
Learning what to do and when
If you have not grown vegetables before then you will probably need to learn as you go along. There is lots of advice available from books and websites and also from other tenants who are often very willing to give advice.
While you are waiting to be offered a plot you could try researching books and websites, attending a vegetable growing course or even getting in touch with the local allotment association for advice. Carshalton Community Allotment runs Drop In Sessions:
Maintaining motivation
Having an allotment is definitely an activity for the patient! Maintaining motivation, especially during the first year or so, can be difficult.
While you are waiting to be offered a plot you may want to draw up a plan of what you would like to see on your plot so that when you get a plot you can start work towards this.
When you have a plot take plenty of photos so you can see how your plot improves and keep referring to your plan to see what you’ve achieved.