WELCOME TO BURYDELL LANE ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION

 WWW.BURYDELLALLOTMENTS.CO.UK

Frequently asked questions

How do I get an allotment?

You don’t have to be a member of the association to have an allotment – however we encourage all plotholders to join the association. For full details on how to get an allotment in St. Albans see the Council website and application form.

Below is a mini-guide to the process:

· Call Leisure Services on 01727 819329 to find out if plots are available - some sites may have waiting lists (ours does)

· Arrange to view available plots – this will be done through the Council and the plot officers. Please note that most sites are secure and therefore you will need to be accompanied in order to look round

· Allotments are usually measured in poles (approx 30 sq yards. Plots can vary in size from 5 poles (150 sq yards) to the normal 10 ples (300 sq yards)

· Select the plot you would like and arrange payment to the council. Half plots cost approx. £15 per year to rent. Concessions are available for those over 65

· Receive key and introduction pack

· Start digging and growing!

· Consider association membership… as we say, you don’t have to be a member of the association to have an allotment, but we can provide information and support to new plot holders, as well as running an active social calendar and providing insurance cover – all for £5 per year.

What should I first do when I get a plot?

· Cover any land that you can’t clear quickly with a weed suppressant membrane (e.g. Mypex) or black plastic (note that the use of carpets is actively discouraged as it is being phased out nationally)

· Plan your plot carefully and divide it into manageable areas that you can swiftly and easily weed and have ready for cultivation

· Buy a good basic gardening or allotment book

· Look at other plots on the allotments to see what others do and don’t be afraid to ask your neighbours for advice – we are a friendly bunch!

· Don’t expect to have your whole plot under control this year

· Have an area of standing fruit if you plan to retain the plot for a few years

· Crop rotation prevents diseases building up and nutrition being depleted

· Plant crops which are easy to grow and expensive to buy in the shops – see below

· Plan to plant some fruit bushes. Raspberries and blackcurrants grow really well here

· Rabbits are a problem on our site. You will need to dig rabbit-proof fencing all round your plot. This means digging a trench at least 12” deep  with wire netting of minimum 1inch mesh buried in the trench to prevent the rabbits burrowing under the netting. Rabbits are also good jumpers so the fencing needs to be at least 4ft high

· Pigeons are a major pest (net young plants) and slugs – be aware

· A well tended allotment will take at least one day a week to break and maintain and in the summer you’ll probably need to visit your plot on at least two additional evenings for harvesting and watering

· Buy a compost bin and start using it

· Don’t panic – we’ve all been there!

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