Private allotment

[Adamant]

Hi,
I've never had an allotment before, mainly due to the length of waiting lists, but have come across a farmer who is offering his land for allotments.

The problem I have is that Im an absolute beginner and need to know what I should be looking for in the land (the land is currently grassland on the side of a valley).

Any comments about what I should be looking for and what you'd recommend I do first would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Adam

[tallkenny]

Close to a water source would save time and effort!

[Adamant]

its near a canal, Im not sure how good the water quality is (there is a lot of wildlife and fish though) and Im not sure if there is any legal reasoon why I shouldnt be using canal water.

[Chickenjane]

the soil thing is easy;
you want the impossible deep rich crumbly loam. Well drained but moisture retentive with lots of organic matter. Roughly neutral ph. & stone free. also not contaminated with club root or any nasty chemicals.

The site should ,ideally be level-ish or have a gentle south-west slope. Be near water but not at risk of water logging or flooding.


Re the canal water, there may well be legal reasons why you can't use it, but if no-ones looking who's to know. (a length of hose & a stirrup pump might be useful). the water quaity sounds fine for plants, but if you're raising seedlings in pots tap water would be preferable to avoid damping off.

any chance of a pic of the prospective plot.
with the current increase in veg growing i wouldn't be surprised if many other land owners don't offer small packets for rent in similar manner.,