Glossary of Allotment Terms
Allotment: A plot of land, typically leased by individuals, for gardening or growing crops.
Association: An organization formed by allotment holders to manage and represent their collective interests.
Cold Frame: A small, enclosed structure with transparent sides and a hinged lid used to protect young plants or extend the growing season by providing a sheltered, slightly warmer environment.
Companion Planting: The strategic planting of different plants in close proximity to benefit each other by deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects, or enhancing growth.
Compost: Decomposed organic matter, such as kitchen scraps, garden waste, or manure, used to improve soil structure, fertility, and moisture retention.
Crop Rotation: The practice of systematically changing the types of crops grown in different areas of the allotment over several seasons to maintain soil health and prevent the buildup of pests or diseases.
Dip tank: Metal troughs with ball-cock systems to disperse harvested rainwater from the central source around the allotments.
Fruit Cage: A protective structure, often made of netting or wire, erected around fruit bushes or trees to prevent birds or other animals from accessing the fruit.
Green Manure: A cover crop, such as clover or rye, grown specifically to improve soil fertility, suppress weeds, and prevent erosion. It is later tilled into the soil as organic matter.
Harvest: The process of gathering ripe crops or produce from the allotment for consumption or preservation.
Mulch: A layer of organic material (such as straw, wood chips, or leaves) or inorganic material (such as plastic or gravel) spread over the soil surface to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Pest Control: The management of pests, such as insects, rodents, or diseases, using methods that minimize harm to the environment, including biological controls, traps, or organic sprays.
Pest-Resistant Varieties: Plant varieties specifically bred or selected for their resistance to pests or diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Plot Inspection: An assessment carried out by committee members and the Plot Steward to ensure that plots are being maintained according to the rules and regulations.
Pollinator: Insects, birds, or other animals that transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating plant fertilization and fruit production.
Plot Holder: An individual who rents or owns an allotment plot and is responsible for its cultivation and maintenance.
Plot Plan: A diagram or map of the allotment site indicating the location and layout of individual plots, access paths, common areas, and communal facilities.
Raised Bed: A planting bed created by elevating the soil level above the ground, typically framed with wood or other materials, to improve drainage, soil quality, and ease of cultivation.
Seed Saving: Collecting and storing seeds from mature plants to grow new crops in subsequent seasons, ensuring biodiversity and preserving heirloom varieties.
Water Butt: A container used to collect rainwater for irrigation purposes, typically connected to a gutter system to capture runoff from sheds or roofs.
Weeding: Removing unwanted plants, known as weeds, from the allotment to prevent competition for resources and promote the healthy growth of desired crops.