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Plot cultivation

View across allotments
Colchester Borough Council undertake regular inspections of allotment plots to ensure that all plots are cultivated. Please see the below information to find out how we do this.
 How do you ensure that all allotments are being worked?

All allotment plots are inspected approximately every five to six weeks during the growing season by the allotment site steward for the site. Any plot which is not deemed cultivated is sent a Notice to Quit the plot unless it is cultivated within one month.

What do you consider to be a cultivated plot?

A plot is considered cultivated if 50% or more of the plot is in productive use, i.e. perennial fruit, flowers or vegetables, or soil is overturned. There should be little or no long vegetation on the allotment plot.

What do you consider to be the growing season?

The growing season is generally between March and October (weather depending). We normally start inspections after the Easter holiday, depending when Easter is, and we would expect plots to meet our definition of a cultivated plot by this time.

 Why have I seen uncultivated plots on allotment sites yet there is a waiting list?

There are a number of reasons why a plot is not being cultivated. These are listed below: 

  • A Notice to Quit the plot has been served and we are in the one month period we are legally obliged to give to re-enter the plot.
  • A new tenant has just taken on the allotment plot. New tenants are given a three month grace period before the plot is inspected.
  • The plot holder may be ill or experiencing personal problems making it difficult to for them to work the plot for a period of time.
What condition can I expect my plot to be in when I am allocated it?

As the majority of allotment holders give up their allotment plot because they are struggling to maintain it many plots can be in an uncultivated state. This doesn't mean that the allotment hasn't been worked for years, just a few months and the weeds have grown.

Allotmenteering is hard work throughout the first year and a lot of time and dedication is required to maintain it. It can be useful to take advice from fellow allotment holders and there is also a lot of advice which can be sought from websites and reference books.