Manor Road allotment in North Sheen. The plastic bottles help to keep birds away. Manor Road allotment in North Sheen. The plastic bottles help to keep birds away.

About allotments

Get ready for the allotment competition 2012

The allotment competition has now been set for the week of 16-20 July 2012.

Competition entrants should note that judging will be scored, based on the following criteria:

  • quality of crops - 25 points
  • variety of crops - 25 points
  • cleanliness 20 - points
  • pest and disease control - 10 points
  • companion planting/originality - 10 points
  • compost - 10 points

Details of other judging criteria, as well as information on how to enter your plot will be posted soon.

Apply

Allotments provide a great opportunity to grow your own fruit, vegetables and plants, while getting plenty of exercise and fresh air. Although interest in plots is usually high, you can register your interest and join a waiting list by completing an application form.

Sites

There are 24 allotment sites in the borough. Some are managed by the Council and some are self-governing. The majority of the plots measure about 125m2 (5 'rods'), although there are a few smaller plots provided on some of the sites.

All the sites are fitted with communal water taps and generally they are within easy reach of most plots. We don't provide sheds, but sometimes new tenants may be able to negotiate to take over a shed owned by the outgoing tenant.

Renting an allotment does not require any experience or knowledge. They are open to everyone. There are experienced gardeners on most sites who will be happy to support new plot holders. There is also a large range of books available on the subject.

You can find out a little more in the Garden Rules(pdf, 45KB) and the Allotment Tenancy Agreement (MS Word, 176KB).

Rents

Rents are calculated on an annual basis according to their size. Currently the price for residents is £8.40 per 25m2 approx (per rod). There are 50% concessions available for those residents who are over 60, unemployed, claim disability benefits, students or those on low income.

All non-residents all pay £16.80 per 25m2 approx (per rod) and there are no concessions.

You can pay your allotment rent online.

Keys

If you have mislaid your allotment key you can order and pay for a replacement key online.

The keys cost £12 each (non - refundable) and will be posted to you within five working days.

Alternatively, you can call our contact centre on 08456 122 660 and order a replacement key over the phone.

Allotment Strategy

The strategy(pdf, 154KB) outlines the process for managing the borough's allotments for the next five years.

A steering group assists the council in implementing the strategy. They meet every two months. Call 020 8831 6110 to find out the date of the next meeting.

Steering group minutes 2011

Royal Paddocks Allotments, Bushy Park

These allotments are self-governing and not run by the Council. If you would like to find out more about having a plot here the site office is open every Sunday between 11am and 12noon, apart from Bank Holiday weekends. You can also find information on their website: www.paddocks-allotments.org.uk.