Ever thought about having an allotment but assumed it would cost too much or have a long waiting list?

Having an allotment is a huge commitment in time but the rewards are many.  Four Oaks allotments is a friendly place, where neighbours support each other with advice and you can always be assured of a friendly wave and a cheery hello.

The allotment year begins in October, so rents are due for renewal then and each year. If we aren’t your nearest allotment site, please do contact the one closest to you, contrary to popular myth, most sites across the city have vacancies.

Pros of having an allotment

·       A sense of community

·       Satisfaction of “growing your own”

·       Knowing what chemicals have gone onto your food

·       Nothing beats having your own vegetables on the table, especially at special occasions like Christmas. Imagine the bragging rights, when you have your own carrots, sprouts, parsnips and potatoes on the plate

·       An allotment can be a quiet reflective space of your own

·       An incentive to be outside more, which will improve your physical and mental health (have a look at our older members and how healthy they look)

·       Often there are free plants available as allotmenteers share their surplus

Cons

·       It’s a huge time commitment, need to be there at least once a week for nine months of the year, and visit over winter too

·       Endless battles keeping on top of weeds, cleavers, trailing buttercups, dandelions, possibly nettles and so many more

·       It is your responsibility to keep on top of maintaining your plot, think of your allotment neighbours, if you let your plot grow wild, your neighbours suffer and that’s just not kind

·       Not everything you plant will grow well, the reality of gardening

·       Also, there are weeds

Current vacant plots

Plot 1B

Full sized plot, annual cost £115 or for plot holder over 65 years £60.  

Pros:

·       Space to make plans and grow a variety of veg., fruit and flowers

·       Some shade on hot days, so you won’t be working in the heat of the sun

·       Recently worked, so the soil has been “fed”

·       Close to the car park

·       Large compost bins already erected on the site

·       Healthy, well established, rhubarb plant

Cons:

·       Plot situated at top of site near to trees, so it becomes dry

·       Not full sun so growing opportunities limited by this