What to consider when looking at potential allotments?

The site Secretary contacts you to let you know that an allotment plot has become available and you arrange to meet them at the allotment gates. This can be straight forward or with options. Either they have just one plot to offer you so it’s the choice of take it or leave it or maybe they will show you two or three allotments that are available and the choice is yours, which one do you take?

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VIEWING ALLOTMENTS
Does the allotment already have a shed or a greenhouse?
– Whatever buildings are already on site will come with the allotment but check with the Secretary as some sites request a donation which will either be passed onto the previous owner or put into the allotment site bank account.

How close to the water source to your allotment?
– In the height of summer you want to be as close to the water as possible unless you are going to use your own water tanks to collect rain water.

Is it close to a road?
– Some sites have internal roads and this will come in handy if you need to transport bags of manure to your allotment. Do you really want to walk across the entire site to get to your plot?

How social are you going to be?
– If you want to be left alone then maybe the site far away from the main path would suit you. If you like a chat with fellow plot holders then be close to any communal paths.

Are there large trees close by?
– Lovely large trees may look nice in Winter but will they cast too much shade in Summer.