Allotments have always been a popular past time. However, these small chunks of green-and-pleasant-land are in demand more than ever – so much so that most now have a waiting list. If you're lucky enough to have recently got one of your own, here’s what you may need in terms of equipment.
What you need
What you can install on your allotment will depend on the rules or the lease, but in general there's a few essentials that every gardener is likely to need.
Allotment essentials
- Spade and fork
- Watering can or hose
- Rake
- Trowel
- Gardening gloves
You might also need
In addition to the essentials, there's a few other items you'll probably want to invest in to get the best from your allotment...
- Weed control fabric
- Wheelbarrow
- Hoe
- Compost bin
- Canes
- Netting
- Kneeling cushion
- Secateurs
- Raised planter
- Water butt
Storage
Because you probably won't want to lug your equipment to and from the plot each day, you'll need somewhere to store it all. If your allotment provides storage, check if it needs replacing before you fill it with all your stuff.
If no storage is available you'll probably want to invest in your own. Depending on how much equipment you have, consider an allotment shed, a compact tool tidy or perhaps an outdoor storage box. Whichever you choose, make sure your tools are secure and protected against theft with a sturdy lock.
Sheds (left and centre) are perfect for secure storage of allotment equipment. Raised planters (right) are ideal for keeping veggies out of the reach of rabbits. All these products are available to buy online from the Somerlap website