With so many of us yearning to get back to the great outdoors having spent months locked away in our homes, there is bound to be an upshot in hobbyist gardeners investing in their own allotments. Allotments are pieces of land dedicated to the growing and tending of fruit and vegetables and were very popular in the earlier years of the 20th century, when many homes didn’t have their own gardens.
They have seen a resurgence in recent years, as more young people become interested in growing their own food. But what do you need to get started with your allotment and how much will it cost?
Remember, running an allotment involves a lot of work. You don’t only have to remember to water your plants every day but keep paths clear and ensure that it doesn’t become wild and overgrown. As for what you’ll actually be allowed to achieve with your plot, that will depend on the landlord. You’ll strike top a tenancy agreement with them as you would when renting a house and that will deter what you can and can’t do.
You’d probably be better off exploring car boot sales or enquiring online. Then you’ll need the fruit buses and tress as well as the veg seeds and plants, which might set you back a pretty penny too. When you’re starting out, keep it simple. You can always expand later.
The latter represents the more practical and affordable option as they can be found in a range of sizes and can be put up and taken down very easily. They also work in exactly the same way as a greenhouse, though they might be seen as less secure by some. Still, whatever allotment option you choose, it’s always worth having somewhere to retreat to if the rain starts to set in!