Start an allotmentWhy have an allotment?

More and more people are seeing the value of growing their own fruit, veg and herbs. Underlying reasons may include an interest in organic food and a reaction against the food miles and wasteful packaging often associated with supermarket produce.

You can grow an amazing range of fresh food on an allotment

The problem is most gardens, especially on modern housing estates and in cities, lack the space to grow more than a few pots of salad and the odd row of beans. And that's where allotments come in.

Traditionally, a standard ten-rod allotment (approximately 250 sq m) could produce enough cabbages, potatoes and root vegetables to keep a family going for most of the year.

These days, people grow an amazing range of fresh food on their allotments, from high-value crops like asparagus and French beans, to exotic produce reflecting our multicultural society.

The value of allotments

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say allotments satisfy a basic human need: in an increasingly high-tech world, to be in touch with the soil and outside in the fresh air is good for our mental as well as physical well-being.

And renting an allotment will probably cost you only around £30 – far cheaper than joining a gym!

Allotments allow people without a garden to have a plot of land to call their own – and national and local initiatives are attracting all sorts of people from all walks of life.

Get the kids involved in growing healthy, organic veg

There's often a great sense of camaraderie on allotment sites, and many are involving the wider community, including children and the less able.

Healthy food

As most adults know, eating plenty of healthy food, such as fresh, home-grown veg is good for you. 

But children need a helping hand – and a great way to get them eating their five-a-day is to involve them in growing the food. 

Nearly a third of British kids are classified as overweight or obese. Which? is currently campaigning against the marketing of unhealthy foods to children – see our for details.

Read more about growing your own fruit and veg with our guides to growing edible plants, growing peppers in pots, growing soft fruit, growing your own winter salad, growing your own herbs or growing tomatoes in hanging baskets.