Choosing an Allotment

[utterlyslutterly]

Yeah! I had a phone call today from the local council letting me know that I am top of the list for an allotment. There are 8 that have apparently just been made free (think the annual invoices have been sent out).

My question is, what should I be looking for in choosing the best out of the 8 (I'm first to view and choose)? I love gardening but haven't had an allotment before.

[WynkenBlynkenandNod]

Congratulations ! How close they are to water if there is some on the site. Whether there are any trees shading it, condition of plot, what there is already in there are my suggestions. Am sure others will be along with more.

[Dawnywoo]

Wow. That's pretty good. Round here, you have to wait for someone to die! I would view them all and go with one that:

is not horrendously overgrown and full of crap (usually the case)
is a manageable size for you (some are huge)
is easily accessible (some may be closer to the road / lane / parking than others - handy when you are lumping things back and forwards)
Has a bonus of any raised beds / pathways / outbuildings / greenhouses / chicken sheds etc etc
Has some established plants / trees (ours had fruit trees / rhubarb)
Water tap handy (each allotment usually has it's own)

That's all I can think of for now but hope it helps.

Good luck. It's hard work but has great rewards!

[dreamingofsun]

what are plots either side like , eg overgrown with lots of weeds looking to jump to your area. top of bottom of a slope - ie is it going to be waterlogged? you lucky thing, i'm still waiting.

[Nat38]

I`ve just gone on a waiting list for an allotment about 2/3 weeks ago, so will watch with interest ready for when I get my allotment!!

[radiohelen]

Look for paths that are already in place. Not too weedy with pernicious weeds like twitch (my personal bane), bindweed, knotweed etc. Something that has been dug in the last three years is helpful too! Greenhouse - I am green with envy of the people who get a greenhouse on their plot! I had no choice and no greenhouse. Not too far from the gates is always useful.
Not too hilly, nice neighbours. If they look too tidy beware - I get regular letters of complaint because my allotment is a bit freeform and the people either side are proper regimented! They hate me.