For Plotholders

Plotholder Tips

Everything you need to know to make the most of your allotment at GGAA. From trading hut hours to seasonal advice.

Trading Hut

Our on-site trading hut stocks a fantastic range of seeds, composts, fertilisers, onion sets, seed potatoes and other horticultural goods at below normal shop prices. It's also a great place to get knowledge from fellow gardeners!

Opening Hours

Mon – Fri

Closed

Saturday

1:30pm – 3:00pm

Sunday

11:30am – 1:00pm

Open to everyone! Non-plotholders are welcome to use the trading hut.

Note: There is a First Aid kit in the trading hut should you need one.

Site Rules & Guidelines

Important rules from our Terms & Conditions of Tenancy. Please follow these to keep our site safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.

Cultivation

Approximately 80% of your plot must be used for growing fruit, vegetables, or flowers. The remaining 20% may be used for shed, paths, etc. Keep your plot reasonably free from weeds.

Water Usage

Water is available April 1st to October 1st only. Use hand-held hoses with gun-type heads only. Sprinklers and irrigation systems are not allowed. Don't leave hoses unattended or on overnight.

Bonfire Rules

Only permitted Nov-Apr, after 4pm in Oct, and first Wednesday of Jul/Aug/Sep. Dense smoke is forbidden. Never leave fires unattended.

Site Security

Always lock gates behind you when entering and leaving (except when trading hut is open). Report any suspicious activity or fence damage to the committee immediately.

Dogs on Site

Dogs must be held on a leash at all times when on the allotment site. They remain your responsibility and must be kept under control.

Waste & Rubbish

No materials unrelated to cultivation may be brought on site. Compost green waste or use the provided container. Take non-organic rubbish home. No fly-tipping.

Parking & Vehicles

Park only in designated car parks. Parking is not allowed on grassed paths. Vehicles should only be on site when you are in attendance.

Gate Keys

Keys are available from the trading hut for a small charge. These keys must not be copied. Lost keys should be reported to the committee.

Additional Important Information

Plot Inspections

The committee conducts regular inspections. If your plot doesn't meet standards, you'll receive a written warning. You must carry out any required works promptly. Persistent failures may result in tenancy termination.

Personal Cultivation

You are expected to undertake the majority of the work yourself. Family and friends may assist, but subletting or having someone else mainly cultivate your plot is not permitted and will result in tenancy termination.

Sheds & Structures

No shed or structure may be erected without committee approval. Maximum shed footprint is 6' x 8'. Sheds must be located at one end of the plot to keep access paths clear.

Important: Bonfire Times

Bonfire times are strictly enforced by our lease agreement with Barnet Council. Please follow these rules exactly:

November to April: Bonfires permitted
October: After 4pm only
July, August, September: First Wednesday of each month only

Dense smoke and fumes are forbidden — if seen, the fire will be put out. Never leave fires unattended. Plotholders who consistently ignore these rules may be evicted. We receive more neighbour complaints about bonfires than anything else!

Seasonal Tips

Make the most of each season with these helpful gardening reminders.

Spring

Prepare beds by adding compost
Start sowing hardy vegetables
Plant early potatoes after last frost
Check for overwintered pests

Summer

Water early morning or evening
Harvest regularly to encourage growth
Keep on top of weeding
Net brassicas against pigeons

Autumn

Plant garlic and overwintering onions
Clear spent crops and compost
Sow green manures on empty beds
Collect and store seeds

Winter

Plan next year's crop rotation
Maintain tools and repair structures
Order seeds early for best selection
Spread manure on empty beds

Need More Information?

Check out our Growing Hub for detailed guides, or get in touch with the committee if you have questions.

Browse Growing Hub Contact Us