This Allotment blog is a predominantly pictorial whiz through the seasons of the year and different countries in celebration of allotments and allotment gardens for National Allotments Week.
2020 has been the year when many people began gardening or found more in their garden as a direct result of Covid-19 and lockdown. It may have come as a shock to those who thought they’d get use out of an allotment to find that there’s a waiting list – often of some year’s length.
Whilst this is frustrating on an individual basis, we should view it as a positive in the larger, communal sense. That there are a lot of us out there with gardens that are too small or no garden at all who want a plot on which to grow fruit, vegetables, salads and flowers. Perhaps we should be pressing for larger gardens in new housing developments, or perhaps the inclusion of allotment space as well as play areas and community garden. And of course, for flats with balconies that are a size which enables the growing of plants as well as a sitting space. What do you think?
The majority of allotment sites are owned by local authorities and may be termed ‘statutory’ or ‘temporary’. Statutory allotment land is protected under the 1925 Act and requires the Secretary of State to grant a Section 8 Notice to release it for other uses. Temporary allotment land is ultimately destined for some other use.
I’ve looked at some of the history of allotments in other blogs (see links below) so here I’m sharing anecdotes and snippets of information in between the pictures. And the photos try to show you aspects of the allotment which might not be the first images that would spring to your mind.
A Bird’s Eye View
Entering the Allotment
Generally these days, allotments are secure sites, with fences and padlocked gates. Sometimes they’re in the middle of busy areas, and sometimes they’re more secret. There may be a public footpath breaking up the allotment site, or occasionally one that actually crosses it – this latter preventing a secure site for the plot holders.
Historically, allotments were not always fenced off, but security is important for many allotmenteers. Gardening tools are left in sheds, which they wouldn’t want stolen. And crops picked by a thief overnight is not a desirable outcome for your weeks of hard work!
What Grows on your Allotment ?
Allotments have been known by many names, including Pit Gardens, Field Gardens and Potato Gardens. This last name most probably derives from the fact that since the nineteenth century, potatoes have been the most commonly grown vegetable on an allotment.
People at Work and Play on their Allotments
The standard size of an allotment – 9 or 10 poles, roughly the size of a doubles tennis court can be dauntingly large. There is flexibility on many sites to offer half plots or even quarter plots. This had the advantage of making the waiting lists shorter and encouraging newcomers to gardening and allotments.
As to how much time you ‘ll need to spent tending your allotment is a bit like asking the length of a piece of garden twine! It depends on whether the plot is overgrown when you take it on and what fruit, vegetables and salads you grow. To give you a rough idea: – 2 ½ – 4 hours per week during the growing season on a half plot (5 poles) during the main growing season.
But being an allotment holder isn’t all about digging, mulching, weeding, watering….There are times to make a brew or open your flask, sit down and relax – or even have a bit of a party.
Winter
And of course, just a trio of snow covered views to remind us that winter gives us time to mend tools in the shed and to plan for the spring.
“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle … a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream.”
Barbara Winkler
As We Close the Gate on the Allotment Tour…
And if you’re wondering how this fits in with the National Allotment Society’s 2020 theme of ‘Growing for health and well-being’ – have you not been relaxing and rehydrating whilst reading and perusing the pictures? Then you’re refreshed and ready to get back to the life of an allotmenteer who needs a back with a cast iron hinge, if I may mis-quote Charles Dudley Warner. As even if you’re practising a no-dig method on your allotment, there’s always seems to be some physical work!
I do have a few suggestions for making your gardening and allotmenting life an easier one – but you’ll need to enjoy some Garden Coaching sessions where I come to you to find out. Drop Plews an email to ask for more information
And for further gardening advice and inspiration, check out Plews Potting Shed blogs, including the selection below and our monthly Tipsheet – You could come and find us on Instagram Pinterest and Facebook too.
Related Gardening articles you may enjoy from our Award Winning Blog
Allotments
Allotments and Allotment Gardens
Growing Methods for Gardeners
What are Green Manures? Your Kitchen Garden in September
National Allotments Week 2018
So What Might a Plews Gardening Lesson Be Like?
Garden Visits – Kitchen Gardens
