Allotments

Thinking about applying for an allotment?

The most common reason quoted for giving up an allotment plot is that it took much more time and energy to look after than anticipated. For example, heavy compacted clay soil or a long neglected plot will not become a bountiful garden of plenty overnight.

Television and radio programmes can sometimes give the impression that it can all be managed with very little time spent. Most current allotment tenants would disagree! Think about how many hours you have available. Are you looking to grow most of your vegetables yourself or simply supplement the weekly shop? Talk to allotment holders about how much time they spend on the plot at different times of the year.

If you do not have a lot of free time, you might like to think about growing in your flower beds or in pots or grow-bags at home.

We don’t want to put anyone off having an allotment! But it is worthwhile being realistic about what you can do and what the plot requires.

Some useful links are;

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/allotments/allotment-basics

https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-start-an-allotment

We have one allotment site in Dibden Lane. The site has about 100 plots of varying sizes.

We hold a waiting list for people interested in having an allotment.  If you live within the Town Council boundary and wish to have an allotment please contact us.

Currently the annual fee for allotments is £63 for a full plot.

The allotments are actively monitored and holders are required to sign an annual contract including the terms and conditions for such.  Once a year the Council holds Allotments Awards to which all holders are invited, a number of presentations and awards are given out at the event