How do I get an allotment?
You don’t have to be a member of the Association to have an allotment – however we do encourage all plotholders to join. For full details on how to get an allotment in St. Albans see the Council website.
Below is a mini-guide to the process:
- Call Leisure Services on 01727 819329 to find out if plots are available – some sites may have waiting lists (ours does)
- Arrange to view available plots – this will be done through the Council and the plot officers. Please note that most sites are secure and therefore you will need to be accompanied in order to look round
- Allotments are usually measured in poles (approx 30 sq yards. Plots can vary in size from 5 poles (150 sq yards) to the normal 10 poles (300 sq yards)
- Select the plot you would like and arrange payment to the council. Half plots cost approx. £15 per year to rent. Concessions are available for those over 65
- Receive key and introduction pack
- Start digging and growing!
Consider Association membership… as we say, you don’t have to be a member of the Association to have an allotment, but we can provide information and support to new plot holders, as well as running an active social calendar and providing insurance cover – all for £5 per year.
What should I first do when I get a plot?
- The Committee has put together a leaflet to help those new to growing fruit and veg. It contains the tips below plus more general information about the site.
- Cover any land that you can’t clear quickly with a weed suppressant membrane (e.g. Mypex) or black plastic (note that the use of carpets is not allowed as it is being phased out nationally).
- Plan your plot carefully and divide it into manageable areas that you can swiftly and easily weed and have ready for cultivation.
- Buy a good basic gardening or allotment book. There are also old gardening magazines in the communal shed.
- Look at other plots on the allotments to see what others do and don’t be afraid to ask your neighbours for advice – we are a friendly bunch!
- Don’t expect to have your whole plot under control this year.
- Crop rotation prevents diseases building up and nutrition being depleted.
- Plant crops which are easy to grow and expensive to buy in the shops – see below
- Rabbits are a problem on our site. You will need to dig rabbit-proof fencing all round your plot before you start growing. This means digging a trench at least 12” deep with wire netting of minimum 1inch mesh buried in the trench to prevent the rabbits burrowing under the netting. Rabbits are also good jumpers so the fencing needs to be at least 4ft high.
- Pigeons are a major pest (net young plants) and slugs – be aware.
- A well tended allotment will take at least one day a week to maintain and in the summer you’ll probably need to visit your plot on at least two additional evenings for harvesting and watering.
- Lastly, if you find yourself in difficulties with your plot, please do speak to the Council or Pat Solomons pat8168@yahoo.com as soon as possible. There are things that can be done to help if you are finding it hard to cope but don’t want to give up!
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