How big is an allotment plot?
Traditionally the size of an allotment is measured in rods – an ancient unit of measurement. A standard plot measures 11 rods, which is approximately 250 square metres or about the size of a doubles tennis court. However our plots vary in size and we have some smaller plots measuring 5 rods or less.
How much does an allotment cost?
The current cost of an allotment is £6 per rod, so a standard 11 rod plot would cost £66 per year. Bills are sent out in September for the year from 1st October to 30th September. We prefer payments to be made by electronic bank transfer, however cash payments at the Trading Shed are also possible. Please note that new members will also have to pay £25 for a share in the Society and a key charge where applicable. These are refundable if the plot is returned.
How long will I have to wait for a plot?
This depends on which site you are interested in. Some of our smaller sites have a very low turnover of plot holders so the waiting lists on these sites may move more slowly than others. We can advise you on how long you would expect to wait when you get in touch, but if you are flexible we would expect the wait to be less than a year.
How much time will I need to spend on my plot?
Again this depends on many different factors; in particular what state the plot is in when you take it over and what crops you want to grow. The amount of work required also varies a lot according to the seasons; you should expect to spend more time in spring and summer than in the winter months. A good rule of thumb would be approximately 1 hour per rod per week. Inevitably plots are usually in need of some attention when they become available, so initially more time may be needed.
What facilities do the allotments have?
Each of our sites has its own water supply, with standpipes around the sites.
The Park Road site has two soakaway loos.
The Trading Shed, the allotment society shop is on the Park Road site and is open to all WNAHS Members. It is generally open from 10 until 12 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Can my plot be taken away from me?
If you fail to cultivate your plot, keeping it tidy and weed free, you will receive a written warning. You will have 21 days to respond to this, after which time if we do not get a satisfactory response you will be served a notice to quit the plot within 14 days. You will be held responsible for the removal of ALL personal property, this can include crops but NOT fruit bushes/trees.
If you find you are having difficulty with the workload required to maintain your plot, please contact us as early as possible before things get out of hand.
Can I take my dog to the allotment?
Yes, dogs are allowed on allotment sites, but they should be on a lead at all times and not allowed to wander. As with all open spaces, you must always clean up after your dog.
Can I have a shed on my plot?
Please speak to your Convenor or Site Representative before constructing a shed, greenhouse, polytunnel or other structure on your plot. Structures should be a reasonable size, appropriate to the size of the plot. In addition you must get agreement for the position of any new structures; they must at least 18 inches from a path or track.
Can I bring my car onto the site?
Cars and trailers are allowed on the Park Road and Edington Road sites. Vehicles must be driven with consideration to other allotment holders and our neighbours. There is a maximum speed limit of 5mph. Cars can only be parked on the designated parking areas.
Allotment holders are asked to pay particular attention to noise levels when entering or leaving the site, especially in the early morning or late at night to avoid disturbing residents in neighbouring properties.
Is it OK to grow flowers on my plot?
Yes. In fact we would encourage all allotment holders to consider growing some flowers on their plot as well as vegetables to add colour and to encourage beneficial insects.
I’m new to allotment gardening, do you have any top tips?
There are lots of very experienced gardeners on the allotment sites who are usually only too happy to pass on advice and tips to newcomers, so asking your allotment neighbour is often a good place to start. They’ll be the ones who can tell you what grows well on the site, and what to avoid.
Here are a few general ideas which will help you make the quickest and most successful start to using your new allotment.
- Don’t rush in and try to do too much digging too quickly; split up the plot and prepare a small area to start with. Cover unused areas with membrane sheeting to reduce weed re-growth.
- Start your ground preparation in autumn – aim to complete all the digging in the first few weeks.
- Try to remove perennial weeds. If possible, avoid breaking their roots, as leaving pieces in the ground will cause them to re-grow, sometimes more vigorously than before. It's particularly important to remove weeds before they go to seed and spread, both to your allotment and neighbouring plots.
- Start a compost heap.
- Do not sow seeds too early; allow time for the ground to dry out and warm up in spring.
- Water newly planted seedlings regularly and try to collect as much rainwater as you can as it’s good for the plants and the environment.
- Put mulch down on bare soil, it will help to slow the growth of weeds and improve water retention.
- Grow fruit and vegetables you like. It sounds obvious but there’s no point in growing things that you don’t enjoy eating.
- Try and try again. Don’t be put off if something doesn’t grow one year. Learn from your mistakes and try again. All allotment holders will tell you that they have had failures with some crops depending on the weather.
- And finally, enjoy it! There’s nothing like the taste of produce that you have grown yourself.