Allotments

Allotment Sites in Crawley

There are 20 allotment sites located in almost all neighbourhoods within Crawley. To find out where your nearest site is located and to view the waiting list, please see below.

To view a map of allotment locations please follow this link .

How much does it cost?

Allotment charges depend on the size of the plot, as they are charged per square metre. There is also a discount for senior citizens. To view the current charges for allotments please view our Fees & Charges directory.

How to apply

Allotment tenancies are renewed every October, but you can apply for one at any time of the year. You can apply online with our Allotment Application Form or get a copy from the Town Hall. Please be aware that due to the allotments being hugely oversubscribed we are currently operating a policy where you can only lease one allotment at any one time.

Allocation of plots

When you have reached the top of the waiting list for your chosen site, we will contact you and give details of the site representative who you arrange to meet on site to view the plot.

Once an agreement is completed, cultivation can start and an invoice will be sent for payment.

Bee-keeping

Bees can be kept at allotment sites, on plots or possibly in other areas. Please contact the Allotments team for further information.

Sheds

With written permission from the council, tenants are allowed to erect a shed, no bigger than 6x4, on their plot.

Site security

All sites have gates that are locked with a padlock. Tenants are issued a key or a combination on allocation of a plot.

Water supply

All allotment sites have standpipes where you can fill buckets and watering cans however, hosepipes are not allowed.

The supply is turned off from October to April each year (exact dates depend on weather forecasts) to prevent frost damage to pipes and taps.

Supply of water is included in your rent.

Site inspections

Regular site inspections are carried out at each allotment site to ensure plots are being cultivated properly and our inspectors expect to see at least 75% of the plot cultivated. If you are a new allotment holder it will be 25% for the first month, but 75% by the end of the first year. If plots are not cultivated, tenants run the risk of having their tenancy terminated.

Handy tips for your allotment

Here are some useful tips to make allotment gardening easier and more fruitful:

• Make a compost heap. Compost from recycled garden waste will improve your soil.
• Don't grow the same crops in the same place each year, to avoid diseases. Rotate crops for the best results.
• Have a go at organic gardening - by avoiding chemicals you can grow healthier and maybe tastier produce for you and your friends to enjoy.

If your plot is overgrown:

• Avoid rotavation, as it cuts up the roots and spreads weeds (please note the council does not provide a rotavation service)
• Try to dig out the perennial weeds, it pays off in the long run
• Try planting through slits in black polythene sheeting. The weeds will die from lack of light

Links

Crawley Horticultural Society

Tips on Watering Your Allotment

The National Allotment Society

Royal Horticultural Society

Garden Organic – the national charity for organic gardening