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Watford Borough Council
Allotments
Watford has a thriving allotment movement. There are thirteen allotment sites across the town that are managed by the Council.
Watford’s allotment sites provide a refuge for wildlife, including a number of species that are now scarce in Hertfordshire. Management for biodiversity is integral to the management of all Watford’s allotment sites. Over 500 native trees have been planted on allotment sites. New ponds are also being constructed which encourage species that are the allotment holders’ friends. Slow-worms, for instance, live mainly on a diet of slugs!
What are the benefits of having an allotment?
- Allotments are an excellent way of providing yourself with fresh, healthy food
- You can grow varieties of vegetables and fruit that are not obtainable in the shops
- Grow fresh food at little cost
- Allotments are environmentally friendly, as the food you produce has not been transported half way around the world and is not generally sprayed with lots of chemicals
- It’s a good way of keeping fit
- Fresh air, pleasant surroundings and being in contact with the earth is mentally calming. Allotments are a great way of escaping from everyday worries and stress
- Make new friends with similar interests
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Learn new skills and be creative
Can I be ‘organic’?
Organic cultivation is strongly encouraged by the Council, which has designated organic growing areas on some sites. Use of peat is discouraged as peat extraction damages the environment and is not necessary for a healthy allotment. Watford Council is a 'peat-free' council.
Facilities
All sites have water tanks, some have toilets and also trading huts where you can purchase reasonably priced seeds and sundries. You need permission to put up a shed. Fencing is not allowed.
Which tools should I buy?
You don’t need lots of tools. A fork, trowel, hoe and perhaps a rake, should be all you need.
Location of Watford allotment sites:
| North Watford | Briar Road Callowland Cherry Tree, Berry Avenue Garston Manor, Horseshoe Lane |
|---|---|
| Central | Tavistock Road Timberlake, Radlett Road |
| South | Brightwell, Scammell Way Chester Road Farm Terrace, Cardiff Road Holywell, Vicarage Road Oxhey Grange, Oxhey Avenue Paddock Road, Lower Paddock Road Wiggenhall, Longcroft |
How much does an allotment cost?
Currently the cost for a 5 pole plot is £11.00 per annum. Phone 01923 278333 for details about concessionary rates.
How do I rent an allotment?
Simply call us on tel: 01923 278333 to rent an allotment.
Tips for new tenants
Here are our top 10 tips to have a healthy, productive, environmentally friendly allotment, with the minimum of effort!
- If you put ground cover material on your plot, do not remove too much in one go. It helps keep your plot free from weeds and all you have to do is roll it back in stages when you need more ground to cultivate
- Don’t rush into doing lots of digging, it is not necessary to do things quickly
- Go organic!
- It is best to begin ground preparation in Autumn
- Start a compost heap. Avoid having bonfires, which are environmentally damaging and can cause a nuisance to your neighbours and local residents
- Do not sow seeds too early. Allow time for the ground to dry out and warm up in the Spring
- Water newly planted young seedlings
- Rotate your crops with a four-bed system of cultivation. Aim to get a succession of crops throughout the year
- Consider raised beds to build up a nutrient-rich top soil and for more easily managed smaller plots
- Enjoy your new hobby. Remember allotments should be fun, not a chore!
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