Allotments
Potton Town Council currently manages one allotment site at Everton Road, Potton SG19 2PD. what3words ///binders.overlaid.enacted
There are 44 full size allotment plots.
There’s nothing quite like the joy of growing your own food — from juicy tomatoes to crisp lettuce — while soaking up the outdoors and becoming part of a local green community. But before you get started, it’s important to understand what’s involved in allotment life.
Time Commitment
Maintaining an allotment takes regular, year-round effort. From watering and weeding to planting and harvesting, you’ll need to spend around an hour a day on average — more in peak growing seasons.
Spring means planting prep
Summer brings relentless weeds and daily upkeep
Autumn & Winter require clearing, digging, and feeding the soil
Allotments can quickly become overgrown if neglected — be realistic about whether this fits into your lifestyle.
Clearing your plot
New or neglected plots may need significant effort to clear before planting can begin. Be prepared for some hard graft — or enlist help from friends or family. It’s a big job, but also a great way to connect with your plot from day one.
Costs
Allotments are one of the most affordable hobbies around! Don’t forget to factor in annual rent and extras such as seeds, tools, compost, and optional extras like sheds or water butts.
Start simple — you can build up your kit over time.
Long-term vision required
An allotment isn’t a short-term project. It needs ongoing care and attention, season after season. Make sure you’re ready for the long haul, even if life gets busier or circumstances change.
From digging to lifting compost bags, gardening is physical work. It’s rewarding, but also demanding — make sure you’re comfortable with the physical side of allotment life.
Waste Management: Keep it clean
The Town Council do not offer a clearing and ploughing service.
All green waste must be disposed of responsibly; compost what you can; take non-compostable items home or to a recycling centre; keep your plot tidy and safe for all.
Security
The allotment site is secured by an entrance gate. This gate can be opened by entering the security code. The Town Council will inform tenants of the security code when they are offered an allotment plot. For security reasons, this code is not to be shared with anyone except the tenant.
Register your interest
If you are interested in having an allotment plot, please email enquiries@pottontowncouncil.gov.uk to add your name to the allotment waiting list, giving your name, address and a contact telephone number. We will be in touch with you using the contact details you have provided as soon as an allotment plot becomes available.
The Council has resolved that tenants must be resident in Potton. It is estimated that it will take nine months to twelve months to be offered an allotment plot, however, this may vary depending on demand.
Plot fees
The allotment rental year runs from 25th September to 24th September and rent will be invoiced at the end of August for the allotment calendar year ahead. The agreed fees for 2026/2027 can be found here: Allotment Fees 2026/2027.
The Town Council accepts payment for allotment plots by cash or bank transfer and details will be listed on the invoice or offer letter that tenants or new tenants receive.
So, if you wish to grow your own fruit and vegetables, have a more active lifestyle and eat healthily, there is a thriving allotment community with tenants of all ages helping and advising each other. Allotment holders often share young plants and seeds and help themselves to a free supply of horse manure. The Council has provided a water supply and a notice board. Allotment holders are not allowed to keep livestock, but a small shed is permitted with permission.
The Potton Allotments Association has its own Facebook page and all allotment holders are encouraged to join.
Below is a copy of the allotment tenancy agreement which was updated by the town council on the 1st November 2016.
You can find lots of growing advice on The National Allotment Society website and some of the NAS leaflets are below:
NAS Bonfires & Allotments
NAS Clearing an overgrown plot
NAS Water use on allotments
NAS Why make compost?
NAS Obtaining and allotment and what you can expect
NAS Planning out and designing an allotment plot
NAS What can your plot do for wildlife?
NAS Health and safety on allotments