Renting an allotment is incredibly rewarding but it is also hard work. Before you consider an allotment you need to make sure that you have the time to cultivate and look after your plot.
You need to invest at least 8 hours each week, probably more, in the growing season for planting, weeding, hoeing and harvesting. You will also need time to sew, pot on, prepare the ground and plan during the winter and spring months. After harvesting you will need time to prepare your harvest for eating, freezing, preserving or bottling. It is amazing how much time this takes.
You will be expected to keep your plot weed-free and you need to cultivate at least 75% of your plot, with the remainder set aside for sheds, greenhouses, composting etc. You also need your transport as every weed and waste that is not compostable needs to be taken from the site to the tip or your green bin.
If you do not have this amount of time then renting an allotment is probably not for you. If you do have the time, the rewards are wonderful.
