Choosing a new allotment - advice please

peggyprice · « **on:** June 02, 2008, 16:04 »

Going this evening to look at a potential plot at a site I don't know - what should I be looking out for?

Have already got on my list:

Vehicle access
Water
Overall security of site
Weediness :!:

But have a feeling there's lots of other possible plus or minus points that would only occur to you when you've already had a lottie ...

Any comments gratefully received

Lynne · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2008, 16:18 »

Hi Peggyprice. I wouldn't worry too much about weediness, it probably will be this time of year if its been untended. It might be as well to check what the soil is like.

In addition to your other things, I would say check out the rules about sheds or other structures. Some sites have no shed rules or only a certain size. Also check out bonfire rules - it's so much easier if you are allowed to have them. Neither of these are insurmountable, it's just best to find out.

Also, and from personal experience, if it has been untended for a long time, see how much rubbish might have been dumped on the site and if it's a council run site try and negotiate a free skip for it. We filled 2 full size skips with the junk on ours which would have cost £300 if we had been expected to pay.

Good luck

Celtic Eagle · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2008, 16:27 »

Check for restrictions on greenhouses and polytunnels

pets, kids, ponds are they allowed use of power tools Rotavator strimmer

woodburner · « **Reply #3 on:** June 02, 2008, 16:53 »

I had a choice of two very different plots on two different sites. I actually opted for the weedier one with the slope, a lot of shade and only a stream for water, and nearly 100yds from the carpark. Why? Because the other site was right by a very busy road and I would have to travel and cross that road, whether I drove or walked there.

For me it was location, above all else.

Paddywack · « **Reply #4 on:** June 02, 2008, 16:56 »

Check see if you can have your girls on there,

Mine love it, there a great help clearing the weeds
and when it gets dug over they pick out all the pests

Good luck with it,

crowndale · « **Reply #5 on:** June 02, 2008, 21:18 »

Are there really sites that restrict access of children? And ban the use of rotavators? My temporary bub is becoming quite famous on our plot and all the older chaps ask after her and how she's been in the night etc. was even called a young lady myself today, not bad for an almost 47 year old!

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