Why rent an allotment? you ask yourself - let me give you several good reasons!
Lots of people today have concerns about the food they are eating either because of its taste, or the possibility of chemicals that have been used to produce it. People have a right to be concerned, because most of us can only buy food from large supermarkets, which in turn buy from large commercial producers. Naturally, they attempt to produce as much as possible, and tend to use vegetable varieties that produce larger quantities, which very often do not have a very good taste or eating texture.

The allotment movement nowadays countrywide is expanding as people realise that they can enjoy growing their own vegetables, enabling them to choose tastier varieties of vegetables. They can also have complete control over their growing conditions. If you decide to rent an allotment in the near future, you will be able to make a choice for yourself of what you eat, knowing when you come to consume them exactly what they are and how they have been grown. You will be in control and can decide whether or not, like many people, you choose to grow your vegetables organically, or of course, you may wish to use chemicals to keep them free from insects or disease. It is your choice. An added advantage is home grown vegetables cooked straight from the garden only take a few minutes to cook and tastes so much better!!!!

Are you a complete novice?
There really are not any mysteries to growing high-quality food from your own allotment. It may be that you have never grown any vegetables at home and you are questioning whether you would be able to succeed. No need to be concerned. The allotment movement attracts many people from all types of backgrounds, some of which have many years of experience, so there is a wealth of knowledge there for you to draw upon. After 30 years working in horticulture, I can hardly ever remember an occasion when I have met fellow gardeners, who have not been willing to be helpful as possible in offering good advice and suggestions. In addition there are plenty of publications in the local library and TV stations that broadcast programmes with helpful advice and suggestions not forgetting the web!

Choose which varieties of vegetable you grow.
The home and allotment grower has plenty of choice as to which vegetables and fruit they grow. There are quite a number of seed firms whose catalogues can readily be acquired. Also, as mentioned earlier, becoming a member of Alsager Gardens Association allows you access to a range of seeds and sundries at very reasonable prices. There are also organisations nationally, who can provide seeds from organic sources. Also available are some of the older and sometimes treasured varieties made available to people through the organisation Heritage seed library.

*Gardening is a good hobby.
If you choose to rent an allotment from the association by the way they have four sites spread throughout Alsager, which will be in easy reach for most people. You will be able to take advantage of the healthy exercise cultivating a small piece of land can bring. If you would like to inquire further as to the availability of allotments for next spring, do not hesitate to contact one of the committee members, whom will be able to help and advise.

Arthur Jervis