Before considering applying for an allotment, come down and visit our site, we are open to the general public on Sundays between 10.00 & 12.00. Applications for allotments can only be made in person at Longbarrow so call in at our shed on site and speak to one of our committee memebers who will go through the paperwork with you. Have a look round the site and talk to other plot holders. Consider the time you will need to spend on the plot to keep it in a well cultivated state.Consideration will have to be given to cutting the grass borders that adjoin the plot and if you border a hedge, the maintenance of this will be your responsibility.

Tools will have to be purchased, so consider the possible outlay before committing yourself. Having said all this, don’t be put off, an allotment can be a rewarding experience and a social one as well, we pride ourselves on being a very friendly bunch.Longbarrow Allotments, along with the three other major sites in the borough have a considerable waiting list, so it might be some time before you get the offer of a plot.

Getting Started

Once you have rented your plot you can begin in earnest. Plot rentals usually run from October each year. This gives you the quieter months of the year to dig, weed, manure, build raised beds if required and in general plan for your future crops. Time spent in preparation is never wasted. ‘A little bit and often’ is a good maxim to be applied to working an allotment. It is generally easier to make small beds that you can work easily, than to garden the whole area at once.

Crop rotation is essential; you should not plant the same vegetables in the same beds each year. This is designed to alleviate some of the diseases which affect crops. You will also need to read up or ask fellow plot holders about the manuring of crops. For example you should never plant carrots on fresh manure. This will cause carrots and also parsnips to ‘fork’. There are plenty of reasonably priced books and garden magazines to help you and there is always someone on site with words of wisdom and years of experience!