When you get to the top of the waiting list

While you are waiting…

After applying for a plot it may be some time before your name comes to the top of the waiting list.  In the meantime why not use the time helping a friend with their garden or allotment or doing a gardening course – you will then have a head start of experience once you get your own plot!

When might you hear?

Plots will generally come available in Spring (once the first survey has been done, and any that are not being cultivated will be given notice to quit), and in Autumn (after the rent invoices go out – any tenants that don’t pay are given notice to quit)

However people do give up for other reasons throughout the year so plots can come up at any time.

What happens then?

When you get to the top of the list you will either be sent a letter by the council asking you to contact the Site Rep for your chosen site, or will receive a phone call from your Site Rep.

The Site Rep will arrange a time for you to visit the site and choose your plot (or in the situation that there is only one plot – to view your plot!).  Please remember Site Reps are volunteers so its really helpful to them if you call them back promptly and be as flexible as possible when arranging to meet them.

Now you have your plot…

Once you have chosen, or been allocated a plot, you will be given or sent a tenancy form which you should complete immediately, and will receive a key for the site (some sites require a small deposit for keys).  You will be able to (and should) start work straight away.

Not sure where to start?  Check out our other pages in this section for information.  But the most important thing is DO SOMETHING.  You can be the most inexperienced gardener – but if you work hard you will enjoy some rewards.  However even the most experienced gardeners often fail because they simply don’t turn up!