[CarlC]

Hey all
I am rreally getting into my gardening, and although i`m still a noobie i am reading my book and am learnign a fair bit.But i want to grow stuff like spuds and cabbages and runner beans french beans fruit etc.And so i`m thinking of applying to my local council for an allotment.But i`m just wandering if any body can give me any advice wether important or just opinion type advice.all s welcome.

Cheers

Carl.

[richyrich7]

I would go down to the plots myself rather than approaching the council 1st off, Sunday morning is good . Allotment shops etc are usually open then. Speak to committee members and find the lay of the land.

if you want one on our site you can start in the morning  

[CarlC]

So like go down to the alootment and just talk to the people/gardeners?.

[richyrich7]

Yep as a general rule we don't bite and are pretty friendly especially with anyone who shows an interest. Ask about see who knows about vacant plots waiting lists etc, be polite and remember not to go on any plots without an invite  

[CarlC]

i dunno, i`d fell like a *i* askign them bout plots, or what would i ask em? soz i ain`t stupid i just liek things clarified.I`ve already seen like the plots and not paid to much attention to em cause i wasn`t into gardneing then but am now, and it`s been months since i`ve seen em.

[richyrich7]

silly s*d,  just ask 'em if they know about any plots available or who might know. Sometimes its not what you know it's who  

[CarlC]

silly s*d,  just ask 'em if they know about any plots available or who might know. Sometimes its not what you know it's who  

oh kk, just i thought you had to go through council for plots.Is £25 standard fee?

[SalJ1980]

All sites have different fees, from £5 to £60-odd. Ours are £25.

[richyrich7]

It depends on who actually runs the sites as well carl, council's may own but they don't always run, ours is council owned but the committee makes all the decisions etc fee's are variable depends on the site ours are £18 a year.
Good luck with your hunt and you may even get 1st year free if they have some neglected plots  

[digalotty]

i went in to my local council website, got a link to allotments, this gave me all the names of the local sites, i then google earthed them to see what looked available then went to visit and spoke to local plotters, as ritchie said they are friendly and helpfull people who welcome all interested parties.   then armed with the phone numbers off the net, phoned and phoned and they give me a plot in less than a month. that way you may find one a mile further  with available plots rather than a waiting list.