[boosmummy]

when choosing an allotment what should i look for?

[Y.E.A.H]

With the long waiting lists i don't think you'll get to 'choose' your allotment. but if you do look for sometimes in the sun, preferably with a little shade 

[DD.]

With the long waiting lists i don't think you'll get to 'choose' your allotment.

I think you nailed it there!

[boosmummy]

thank you very much xx

[Yorkie]

I'm going to move this over to GYO in case more people want to comment.

You do get a choice on our site, even with the length of the waiting list.

Look for extent of shade, degree of slope, location of water - if any, whether there's parking, what weeds there are, how much hard landscaping stuff you'd have to clear etc

[weirdsowing]

I had to wait 3 years for mine and was so grateful it was on the site closest to my home I accepted before seeing it.

[Doddy]

If you do get a choice - consider availability of water (e.g. if there's a few stand-pipes dotted about then being close to one is a major advantage).

Have a look for existing sheds, condition of fences, gates etc - if the cost of adding / repairing these is an issue for you.

If you're looking for a bed-system, consider any pre-existing beds.

Generally - if the plot is (likely) overgrown - have a look at how much material you're going to have to clear off-site (particularly the non-organics).

[boosmummy]

i should have added, i think there maybe be a potential choice, the allotments are privately owned and the gentlemen who owns them has 'created' more to 'rent out' per year.

when we spoke on the phone he said i could look at the plots and see what i thought, but we did say i would most likely like a small ish plot to keep the chickens and grow some veg which also wont be too difficult to maintain

xx

[Caretaker]

When I first contemplated taking on a allotment I asked my self how much time I can spare each week as I was in full time employment then, but will retire in 3 years time.
I then applied for a plot from our local council with knowing there was a 2 year waiting list.
TWO weeks, yes 2 weeks and he emailed me with a plot, I was gob smacked, that was over 6 years ago now, in fact after having the plot for the first year they offered me a second plot, guess what it was the plot I was already on.
As for what to look out for I would say water and how others get there water (secret hose pipes), shed, don't worry about weeds, and time, do not rely on any help from others.
Take the good with the bad oh and distant to travel.
Reg

[boosmummy]

thank you all for your help xcx

[AnneB]

Try and make sure that it does not have horsetail present if at all possible.  We will be digging out this terrible weed for the rest of our lives I think.