How do I get an allotment?

Contact Marlow Town Council and they will arrange for someone from the Marlow Allotments Association to show available plots. The Council's website has the link to apply plus the latest version of the Tenancy Rules and Regulations, which must be read before taking tenancy of an allotment plot. Once a plot has been chosen, the tenancy forms completed and fee paid to Marlow Town Council, the gate code will be supplied. This will work on all the gates for that site but must not be given to Trademen or visitors, to ensure security of the Allotments Site.

 

How much does it cost to rent an allotment?

Since these costs change every year, please refer to MTC website  https://www.marlow-tc.gov.uk/allotments/ for the present cost.

 

How big is an allotment plot?

The approximate size of a 5 pole plot is 10 meters by 10.5 meters, but some plots may vary from this.

 

What times of the day can I go and work on my plot?

The plot can be visited at any time during the day from 6am until dusk.

 

What is security like on the allotments?

Both allotments sites are surrounded by fences and have locked gates. It is the tenant's responsibility to ensure the gates are locked at all times and to take any necessary steps to secure their shed, greenhouse or polytunnel. 

 

Are children allowed on the allotments?

Children must always be accompanied by an adult and supervised in their activities on the plot - they must not wander around the site or onto other plots. Many children enjoy the opportunity to learn about growing their own fruit and vegetables, but they need to be guided and overseen or, as experience shows, they can get bored quite quickly. 

 

How to get started?

When first starting on an allotment plot it is usually a chalenge to get the plot in shape, especially if it was neglected by the previous tenant, and it can be a bit of a jungle! The best plan is to tackle one area at a time, whilst trying to keep the weeds down or the ground covered on the areas yet to be worked. Once there are seedlings growing the hard work will feel worthwhile, especially once the crop is gathered, it will taste the best!!!

 

Is there a social side to the Allotments?

Yes, MAA organises meetings, talks and Barbeque Events for members to attend from both sites. While working on the allotment plot, neighbouring tenants will introduce themselves offering help & advice, more time can be spent chatting than working on the plot.

 

How much time would I need to look after my allotment?

A survey of allotment holders by the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG) found that from November to February, a person spent between 2 hours and 6 hours a week cultivating their allotments. While from March to October, in the active growing season, they spent between 5 and 12 hours a week. This is just a guidline, it is important to allow time around the normal daytime activities.

 

Are there any restrictions on what I am allowed to grow? 

A full range of vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit bushes and fruit trees can be grown. It is best to be cautious when growing plants that can become invasive such as mint. The Tenancy rules do state that ornamental trees and certain plants are not allowed to be cultivated on an allotment plot. 

 

Where can I go to for advice on what to grow?

There is plenty of advice available from books and websites, plus of course from other tenants on site who are only too happy to give advice and perhaps  few seedlings or plants to help get started. Allotment Gardening is very different to the back garden in many ways, it is a very exciting tume wit new gardening experiences.

 

Is there water on site?

Yes. Tenants have funded the installation of a new water system and there is now a tap close to each plot, hose pipes can be used but the use of sprinklers is not permitted and there is no additional charge for the water used.

 

Is there electricity on site?

No. For any tools or equipment you wish to use they will need to be fuel or battery-powered.

 

Are there toilets at the allotment sites?

No, unfortunately. Plan ahead! 

 

May I have a shed and greenhouse on my plot?

Yes, however there are size restrictions. A shed must not exceed 12m², a greenhouse 15m² and a poly tunnel 30m² in accordance with the tenancy Rules.

 

Can I take my dog onto the site?

Dogs or any other animals accompanying their owners to the Allotment site must be kept on leads and under their owners' control at all times.​

 

Can I have a bonfire on my plot?

Bonfires are currently not allowed.

 

How much does it cost to join the Marlow Allotments Association? 

The cost is £5 ​per year, the Association was set up over 40 years years ago by tenants to protect the Allotments Sites. MAA does this in many ways, for example, monitoring the waiting list and ensuring plots are re-let as soon as possible, advising and helping tenants, monitoring local issues to ensure the itegrity  both sites, with regular meetings with the Council to cover matters of concern. Membership of the Association also bring benefits such as discounted seed orders, news & information is circulated regularly to all tenants.

 

How do I join the Marlow Allotments Association? 

Either contact a Committee Member or download a form from the link on our homepage.

 

Does the Marlow Allotments Association have a liability insurance?

Yes! All details can be found here: Certificate of Employers' Liability Insurance.