New to Allotments?

STARTING YOUR PLOT - WHAT'S INVOLVED

SO WHY TAKE ON AN ALLOTMENT?

Rising costs of fresh fruit and vegetables in the supermarkets
Cheaper than joining a gym
Control over chemicals sprayed onto crops
Healthy activity for the whole family
Kinder to the environment, no packaging on food
Good for the local eco system, encourages good insects
Plenty of exercise, using a wide range of muscle groups
Encourages recycling of kitchen and garden waste to make compost

BENEFITS OF HAVING AN ALLOTMENT ARE:

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Regular outdoor exercise
Fresh air
Making new friends
Knowing where your food has come from
Rediscovering your taste buds
Satisfaction; reaping what you have sown

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TAKING ON AN ALLOTMENT:

Not all plots are in good condition, the majority may be overgrown
Do you have enough spare time? Expect to spend 9 hours or more per week on your plot in the spring/summer months. Allotments require a lot of attention, as the plants grow, so do the weeds!!
Are you physically fit enough to dig a plot? An allotment is not recommended for someone who has back trouble or any other disabling condition; however, some sites may have facilities for disabled people, so please contact one of the Allotment Liaison Officers for more information.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I GET AN ALLOTMENT?

Not all allotment gardeners are horticultural experts, and novices will be in the company of knowledgeable gardeners who can offer tips and, often with little persuasion, seeds, plants or cuttings.

It may take 3 or 4 years to get on top of your plot so don’t feel you have to accomplish everything in the first season. The key is ‘little and often’ and controlling the uncultivated areas by strimming or spraying weed killer.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I GET AN ALLOTMENT?

The majority of plots are of a standard size? Category B/C = 300-500 sq.yds

Some sites do offer larger plots: Category D/E = up to 600 sq.yds

Smaller one: Category A = up to 200 sq.yds

All sites have water supply and we have a Pavilion building that also houses a store for general horticultural needs, as well as toilets, common room and office. Many of our plots have sheds which can be rented for £1 a year) plot holders are responsible for maintenance).

Walkers Heath is run by an Allotment Association; membership is £2 per year (this allows access to the stores and a vote at meetings). There will be an additional charge of £10 for gate and Pavilion key deposit.

STARTING YOUR PLOT

TEN TOP TIPS FOR NEW GARDENERS

1) Conserve water, use water butts and avoid over-watering which can weaken or destroy crops. Add mulch or organic matter annually. Only use hosepipes to fill containers, not for watering crops.

2) When you start your allotment, don’t try to do it all at once. Put bin bags over a portion of the garden to kill off any weeds and just cultivate a portion of the land that you feel comfortable with at the beginning.

3) Dig in early. If possible, turn the soil in autumn as the winter frosts will break down the clods of soil.

4) Buy good quality seeds and plants to avoid disappointment.

5) For the best crops, do your research! Know when to plant. Libraries will have books that can help.

6) With non storable crops, such as lettuce, it is best to plant a little but often, say one row at a time to avoid waste.

7) Be sure to think crops out as they grow to avoid clustering. This will result in better quality plants.

8) Pick crops quickly, early and often. Enjoy the food whilst it is fresh.

9) Tackle problems promptly. The worst thing you can do is leave a problem. There is help available’ speak to the allotment secretary and if they can’t help then there is an Allotment Liaison officer who will be only too happy to help.

10) Be Green! Compost green material and kitchen waste like egg shells and potato peelings in the bin at your allotment.

Above all, remember allotment gardening is fun, healthy and it’s a great way to meet people so the most important thing is to enjoy your allotment!

(Information provided by Lisa Nelder, Secretary, Walkers Heath Allotments)

USEFUL WEBSITES:

Birmingham City Council:

www.birmingham.gov.uk

BBC Gardening

www.bbc.co.uk/gardening

Allotments UK

www.allotments-uk.com

National Society of Allotments and Leisure Gardeners:

www.nsalg.demon.co.uk

Allotment and Kitchen Garden:

www.kitchengardens.dial.pipex.com