Meon Vale Allotments

Cultivating Community

"We are now a thriving little community of like-minded, friendly gardening enthusiasts, who share seeds, plants, ideas, and the desire to make Meon Vale Allotments the very best they can be."

Nurtured by the Community

Meon Vale Allotments, whilst they were initially inherited in a pretty poor state, a few years later, and with the commitment and contribution of many people, thousands of hours' labour, and a lot of TLC, they are now in the best condition they've ever been in, and are finally starting to fulfil their promise.

Space to Grow

23 main allotment plots

Plots in a range of sizes

30 community plots

Free to use plots

If you’re an experienced grower or just getting started, there’s something here for everyone.

Rooted in Sustainability

In partnership with the Meon Vale Eco Group, the allotments are also home to a small tree nursery, supporting local rewilding and environmental projects across Meon Vale.

A Garden for the Senses

The site also features a beautiful sensory garden, which comes alive in the warmer months with an array of colourful, fragrant blooms. It offers a peaceful retreat for visitors by supporting wellbeing.

Good Growing: Rules & Responsibilities

Every allotment has rules that all its members must follow to ensure that the plots remain well kept and safe for everyone to use. Each plot holder signs a 'contract' to confirm that they will abide by these rules when they take on a plot, and the Allotment Committee is responsible for making sure that all members follow these rules so the allotments remain a wonderful place to be.

You can find a top-line summary of our rules below and our full constitution will be made available on the website soon.

Our Top 10 Guidelines

Be a Good Neighbour

Stick to your own plot (unless you’ve been invited onto someone else’s). Respect others’ space and growing efforts.

Keep It Growing

Keep your plot cultivated (at least 75-80%). Your plot shouldn't be used for anything non-allotment related - e.g., no slides or play equipment, and no large patio or lawned areas (small seating areas are ok - we all need a sit down!)

Weed Kindly

Keep on top of weeds, including along paths and plot edges, and where possible, stick to organic methods.

Respect Shed Guidelines

Sheds must be no more than 6x4ft on full plots and well-maintained. If you’ve got a smaller plot, have a word with the committee about what’s allowed.

No Permanent Structures

Please avoid concreting or installing any permanent structures other than your shed.

Think Small with Trees

Only plant mini patio tree varieties - nothing that grows taller than 5ft. And keep tree planting to a minimum, no orchards, please!

Keep It Scaled to a Plot

No industrial-sized setups. That means no commercial-scale composting bins, oversized polytunnels, or anything similar.

No Fires or Hazards

Fires aren’t allowed. Please also make sure your plot is free from anything that could pose a risk to others.

Deal With Pests Promptly

If your plot has a serious pest or disease issue, take action quickly to avoid spread. Let nearby plot holders know and speak to the committee if needed.

Keep in Touch

If you’re unable to tend your plot for a while, just let us know.

Plots left uncared for may need to be reduced in size, or in some cases, reallocated.

Frequently Asked Questions

"What's it like to be an allotment holder?"

Brilliant - it's a friendly, sociable way to grow your own organic food with minimal food miles and maximum taste BUT don't underestimate the amount of hard work needed to get a plot - even a small one - weed free and producing well. An allotment plot is often described as a labour of love!

"How do I get a plot and is there a waiting list?"

Yes, there's usually a waiting list for a main plot but there may be smaller community plots available immediately. If you're interested in a plot of any size, just hop onto the 'contact' page, drop us a message to tell us what you're looking for, and someone will be in touch soon.

"What can I grow?"

You can grow fruit, vegetables, salad crops, and flowers; however, you may not plant trees unless they're mini dwarf varieties that will reach no more than 5ft tall when fully grown.

"Can I have a shed?"

Yes. Sheds of 6x4 feet are permitted on full plots but you are not permitted to use concrete for the foundations. All sheds must be well maintained and repaired as required. If you have a smaller plot, you'll need to contact the Allotment Committee to get approval before you erect a shed.

"Can I have a greenhouse or polytunnel?"

Non-permanent greenhouses or polytunnels are allowed but should not generally exceed 2x3m. Talk to the committee if you want something bigger or are looking to erect a more permanent greenhouse. Note that polytunnels can succumb to windy weather and if taken by the wind, can be destroyed and may cause significant damage to other plots. If you erect a polytunnel, please make sure that it's appropriately secured, and double check if poor weather is forecast.

"What happens if the plot proves too much work or if I can't tend my plot for a while?"

Talk to the committee! We can evict people who don't tend their plots so it's always better to talk to us first to see how we can help.

"Can I compost or burn my waste on the allotment site?"

Compost bins (up to 1 square metre) can be placed on site but owners are asked to be mindful of vermin and to tackle any issues promptly, should they arise. You can't burn any materials on site.

"How are the allotment rules enforced?"

Plot inspections are one of the main ways we can ensure that the plots remain properly cultivated and in good shape. This is for everyone's benefit. We aim to inspect all plots 3 times a year - but we may inspect more often if this is considered warranted (e.g., where a warning has been issued for plot improvement).

What if I (or someone else) doesn't follow the rules?

Firstly, contact the Committee if you are struggling to follow the rules. We will support you if we can.

If you have issues with a neighbouring plot, please feel free to discuss this with them directly if appropriate. Otherwise, you can contact the Committee.

Plots will be inspected on a regular basis. We'll notify you of inspection dates at least a week in advance. Plots that fail to meet the rules will be issued with a formal request for improvement. Plots will be re-inspected after one month, after which, next steps will be discussed with the plot holder. Failure to improve may result in termination notice being issued.