The upkeep of your plot is best considered to be weekly “little and often” rather than monthly “periodic purges” and once you have your plot in good order it is far easier to keep it that way. You should allow for around 4 hours a week during the growing season whilst during the winter months this can obviously be more infrequent, although preparation during the winter months reaps it’s rewards in the growing season.
Numbering your plot is important and helps to establish your own identity for your plot. It also aids identification for the annual plot judging competition and some take this more seriously than others.
Your plot is primarily for cultivation and enjoyment and is to be kept in a good condition without neglect and with no detrimental impact on other plot holders. Paths should be kept tidy and mowed. There should be no stockpiling of debris. You may grow whatever types of vegetables, fruit and flowers you choose but flowers must not exceed 20% of your plot area. Fruit trees are to be of the dwarf type or cordons or espalier and not above 2 metres in height. Shrubs, hedges and standard trees are not permitted.
The layout of the allotment allows for a shed to the rear of your plot. You may also able have a greenhouse which needs to be sited on your plot. Please note – consent is required if either is proposed to be greater than 2.4m x 1.8m.
Think about setting up an area for composting normal weeds etc. No importation of green waste is permitted so as to prevent the spread of diseased or invasive plant types/weeds. Plastic style bins & their lids should be secured as they can travel in high winds, as can anything left lying about such as empty watering cans, chairs etc. and thereby cause damage elsewhere on the allotment.
The Committee hold three plot inspections during the year in March, June and October. This is to ensure that plot holders are not neglecting the cultivation and upkeep of their plot which is a nuisance with the spread of weeds etc. as well as being unsightly and disrespecting the vast majority of plot holders who diligently maintain their plot.