Community Allotment Gardens: A Members' Guide

Welcome to the Meadowbank Community Allotments. Our gardens provide members with a plot of land on which to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as a friendly community of fellow gardeners. This guide explains how the allotments are run and what we ask of every member. Please read it carefully and keep it for reference, as it sets out the rules that all plot-holders agree to follow when they join.

Getting a plot

Plots are allocated from a waiting list, and new members are offered a plot as one becomes available. Because demand is high, there may be a wait of several months before a plot is offered. When you accept a plot you will be asked to pay an annual rent, which is due at the start of each gardening year in March. The rent is deliberately kept low so that gardening remains affordable, and it helps to cover the cost of water, shared tools and the upkeep of common areas. Members who are aged over sixty-five, or who are receiving certain benefits, are entitled to a reduced rate; please ask the site secretary for details.

Looking after your plot

Members are expected to keep their plots reasonably cultivated and free of weeds. A plot does not have to be immaculate, and we understand that everyone gardens at their own pace, but a plot that is completely neglected creates problems for neighbouring gardeners, as weeds and pests spread easily from one plot to the next. If a plot is left uncultivated for a long period without good reason, the committee may write to the member and, in the last resort, reallocate the plot to someone on the waiting list. If you know you will be unable to tend your plot for a while, perhaps because of illness or travel, please let the site secretary know, and we will do our best to help.

What you may and may not grow

You are free to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers for your own use. The allotments are intended for personal use only, and produce grown on the site may not be sold for profit. Small fruit trees are permitted, but please choose varieties that will not grow so large that they shade neighbouring plots. The use of chemical weedkillers and pesticides is strongly discouraged, as many members prefer to garden organically and sprays can drift onto neighbouring plots. If you do need to control pests, please speak to experienced members first, as they can often suggest natural methods.

Water and sheds

Water is available from the taps located around the site, and members may fill watering cans from these. To conserve water, the use of hoses connected directly to the taps is not allowed, but you are welcome to install a water butt to collect rainwater from a shed roof. You may keep a small shed or greenhouse on your plot, but you must ask the committee for permission before putting up any structure, and it must not exceed the size limits set out in the site rules.

Being a good neighbour

The allotments work well because members look out for one another. Please keep the paths beside your plot clear so that others can pass with wheelbarrows, and do not let your plants or compost heaps encroach onto shared paths. Bonfires are permitted only on designated days and never at weekends, when many people are relaxing in their gardens, and you must never leave a fire unattended. Dogs are welcome on the site but must be kept on a lead at all times, and owners must clean up after them.

Getting involved

Several times a year we hold working parties, when members come together to maintain the shared areas, repair fences and clear communal paths. Taking part is voluntary but greatly appreciated, and it is a good way to meet other gardeners. We also hold an annual produce show in late summer, at which members can enter their best fruit, vegetables and flowers, and a plant sale in spring. Details of all events are posted on the notice board by the main gate and sent to members by email. If you have any questions that this guide does not answer, please contact the site secretary, whose details are on the notice board.