Submitted by: Iain Surman
Choosing the right allotment plot can be a daunting task for the inexperianced. Before taking on a plot, do a little research. Most allotments have open days – a good opportunity to meet people and learn about the site.
Choosing the Plot
Before taking on a plot, do a little research. Most allotments have open days – a good opportunity to meet people and learn about the site.
Size – Whole Plot, Half or Quarter?
As allotments sprung from the needs of the 18th century peasant, it could be said to be entirely fitting that the arcane measurements – the pole, the perch and the rod – are still customarily used in allotment circles. All three are the identical measurement, the distance between the back of the plough to the nose of the ox, or 27.5 m (301?4 yd). The full-sized allotment of 10 poles therefore is 275 sq. m (329 sq. yd). This was considered the right size to supply a family of four with vegetables all year round. This is a large area to keep up to scratch unless you are able to give it almost daily attention through the growing season. A wartime cropping plan recommended that half the plot be taken up with potatoes. This was calculated to bring in a massive 450 kg (10 cwt) a year, which is more than a family is likely to need these days. So be realistic as to how much time you will actually be able to spend on the plot and how much produce you and your family will actually consume. You can grow plenty of crops in half a plot, or even just a quarter one. These are becoming more commonly available now as the demand for plots continues to soar. The most common mistake for newcomers is to be overambitious, only to find that they have taken on a little more than they can handle. The best way to get the low-down is to chat to other plot holders.
If there is a choice of plots check out:
* The neighbours – Your plot will be a place to relax and unwind, so it is important that you will get on well with your neighbours. It is also a good idea to avoid a neighbouring plot with a lot of weeds, which will seed themselves all over yours.
* The soil – This can differ on different parts of the same site. Look at neighbouring plots to see if the plants are growing well.
* Aspect The ideal aspect is south facing. You should be able to move your beds to face in that direction unless the plot is on a slope, in which case the beds would need to go across it, or if it is shaded by trees on one side.
* Weeds – If the plot is full of perennial weeds, it is going to be a big job to clear it.
* Access – Good access means less barrowing of manure etc.
* Water – It is a great advantage to be near a tap as water is heavy to carry.
* Shelter – Wind is very damaging to plants.
* Privacy – If you like a bit a peace and quiet when you garden, a corner plot might suit you best.
* Frost pockets – You can’t grow food in them.
* Overhanging trees – These will make the plot too shady for growing produce, and the tree roots will soak up nutrients and moisture from the soil.
The Lease
Rents vary but are always the best bargain in Britain, bar none. Legally, rents are set at what a tenant can ‘reasonably be expected to pay’. The average rent is between 25 and 50 a year, possibly with additional concessions for retired allotment holders. Some of the parish church allotments are as little as 1 per annum. The lease will include provision for a tenancy to be ended by either party. If the authority wishes to end a tenancy it will need to give a year’s notice, expiring on or before Lady Day (25 March) or after Michaelmas (29 September) each year. However, if the tenant fails to pay the rent or breaks the rules, one month’s notice is all that is required.
About the Author: Extract taken from The Allotment Sourcebook, published by New Holland Publishers, price 20.00. Visit
newhollandpublishers.com/allotmentsourcebook
to order your copy.
Source:
isnare.com
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