Everything you need to go from the waiting list to a productive plot:
The first step on your allotment journey is actually securing a plot. Demand for allotments in the UK has surged in recent years, with some areas reporting waiting lists of 5 years or more. But don't be discouraged, there are ways to improve your chances.
Most allotments in England and Wales are managed by local councils, though many are run by independent allotment associations or parish councils. Start by contacting your local authority. Search for "[your town] allotment waiting list" or check your council's website. Don't limit yourself to one list; join several in your area to increase your chances.
Waiting times vary enormously. Urban areas like London can have waits of 10+ years, while rural areas might have plots available immediately. Some tips to move up the list faster:
When you're offered a plot, you'll usually get a chance to view it first. Don't feel pressured to accept the first plot offered. It's worth considering:
Pro Tip: While you're on the waiting list, start planning! Use VegPlotter to design your dream allotment layout so you're ready to hit the ground running when your plot comes through.
Congratulations! you've got the keys to your plot! Before you start digging, take time to properly assess what you're working with. Many new allotment holders make the mistake of diving straight in without a plan, only to regret their hasty decisions later.
If possible, speak to neighbouring plot holders or the site secretary about your plot's history. Has it been neglected for years? Was the previous tenant a keen gardener who left behind established fruit bushes or perennial herbs? Knowing what's been grown there before can help you plan crop rotation and identify any problem areas.
Many new allotmenteers inherit plots that look like jungle clearings. Don't panic, and definitely don't try to clear everything at once. A sensible approach:
Walk your plot with a notebook (or your phone) and record everything: existing paths, sheds, fruit trees, water butts, compost bins, and any permanent structures. Note where the sun rises and sets, and which areas get shaded during the day. This information is invaluable when you come to plan your layout.
Dig a few test holes around your plot. Is the soil heavy clay that clumps together, or light and sandy? Does water drain away quickly or pool on the surface? Most UK allotment soil benefits from regular additions of organic matter, compost, well-rotted manure or leaf mould. Regardless of its starting condition.
Pro Tip: Take photos of your plot from all angles before you start any work. You'll be amazed how motivating it is to look back at the "before" pictures once you've transformed the space!
A well-planned allotment layout will save you time and effort for years to come. This is where you transform your assessment notes into a practical design that maximises your growing space while keeping maintenance manageable.
Paths are often an afterthought, but they're crucial for a functional allotment. Consider:
For most allotmenteers, beds no wider than 1.2 metres (4 feet) work best. You can reach the centre from either side without stepping on the soil. Orienting beds north-south gives the most even sun exposure, though this matters less than avoiding shade from nearby structures.
Think carefully about where to place permanent features:
If you've had your allotment for years, using a planning tool like VegPlotter can help you rethink layouts that have evolved haphazardly. Sometimes moving a path or reorganising beds can dramatically improve workflow and productivity.
One of the most exciting, and overwhelming, decisions for new allotment holders is choosing what to grow. Seed catalogues are seductive, but filling your basket with exotic varieties is a recipe for disappointment. Start with reliable crops and expand as you gain experience.
These vegetables are forgiving, productive, and well-suited to the UK climate:
Some vegetables need more attention or specific conditions:
Be honest about how much time you can spend at the plot. If you can only visit once a week, avoid crops that need daily picking (like climbing beans at their peak) or constant watering. Consider:
Pro Tip: Grow what you actually eat! There's no point dedicating half your plot to cabbages if your family won't touch them. Focus on vegetables that are expensive to buy or taste dramatically better home-grown.
You've got your plot, assessed it, planned your layout, and chosen your crops. Now comes the part that trips up many allotmenteers: timing. Sow too early and seedlings rot in cold soil; sow too late and crops don't mature before autumn frosts. Getting it right is the difference between a productive plot and a frustrating season.
The UK's maritime climate means our growing season varies significantly by location. A plot in Cornwall might be frost-free by early April, while allotments in Scotland could see frosts into late May. Key dates to know:
Rather than trying to remember everything, a month-by-month planting calendar keeps you organised throughout the year. VegPlotter automatically generates this for you based on your location, but the general UK pattern looks like:
One of the secrets to a productive allotment is succession sowing. Planting small amounts regularly rather than everything at once. Sow a short row of lettuce every 2-3 weeks from April to August, and you'll have fresh salad all season rather than a glut followed by nothing.
We want you to triumph and deliver your most organised and productive allotment ever!
No more forgetting what you wanted to plant, when or where. Design your allotment in minutes using our intuitive drag-and-drop interface, then plan out your planting calendar as far into the future as you want.
Whether you're a complete beginner who's just got the keys to your first plot, or an experienced allotmenteer looking to get better organised, VegPlotter helps you make the most of your growing space.
"Fantastic! I'm thrilled. You've done truly excellent work and made a tool that has made gardening loads easier."
VC Smith
"I just discovered your website over the weekend to plan my garden! It was very user friendly and helpful!!"
S Watkins
"Thanks so much for that great app (saving lots of paper!). We are using it to plan all our garden this year and so far it's been quite a success."
Anonymous
Using some twine or counting strides will quickly give you rough measurements of your allotment and beds
Use the simple drag and drop interface to recreate your allotment layout
Plan your allotment month by month, adding plants as they go in or planning months ahead
Use your smartphone to check and update your monthly plans while you're at the allotment
Easy for everyone to use! Have your allotment planned in minutes.
Plan all aspects of your allotment as far into the future as you need—from when to sow seeds, to when to put up bean poles or fleece.
Perfect for allotmenteers who can only visit at weekends and need to plan ahead.
Our Allotment Planner shows you which plants grow well together.
Select a plant on your plan and see a list of good companions—great for maximising space in intensive beds.
Avoid plant pests and diseases by rotating your crops properly.
VegPlotter warns you if you're planning to put brassicas, potatoes or other family groups in the same bed too soon.
Track your allotment's progress by adding notes and photos to your plan throughout the season.
Photograph seed packets so you never forget planting instructions or variety names.
Plan on your computer at home, then check your schedule on your phone while you're at the allotment.
