Apply for an allotment

Southampton City Council provide allotments for local people to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers. Our allotments are for use by people who live within, or in a mile of, the Southampton city boundary. Check if you live within our boundary at find your local council.

We have over 1800 plots in 27 sites across Southampton.

How much of a commitment is an allotment plot?

Allotments can take up a lot of time. Maintaining an allotment is not a weekend hobby you can dip in and out of. It is a weekly routine that needs to be woven into your lifestyle, just like going to the gym or walking the dog. 

The time needed depends on the size of the plot and how intensively you want to garden. For a half plot, expect to spend four to five hours per week in the summer months to maintain it to the required standard. In the winter, expect to spend one to two hours per week. Many people find they spend considerably longer than this on their plots.

For more information, see:

• How Much Time an Allotment Takes and Why It’s Worth It - The National Allotment Society
• Allotment basics - RHS Gardening

Our duty

Southampton City Council has a duty to ensure that the city’s allotment plots are put to good use. This is not only for the benefit of the people on the waiting list, but also because neighbouring plots can be affected by weeds spreading from neglected plots.

Plots are inspected monthly. If a plot is not being cultivated, we will send a letter requesting that it is returned to cultivation within a month. If it is not returned to cultivation, we will take back the plot and offer it to the person at the top of the waiting list.

Applying for an allotment

When you apply for an allotment you can select up to two sites as your first and second choice.

Please check the current estimated minimum wait times and the location of the allotment's site before selecting your first and second choice. This is to ensure that the location of the site is suitable and that you are aware of the waiting time for your chosen sites.

Allotment agreement

If we offer you an allotment you have two weeks, from the date of your offer letter, to accept the plot. If you do not respond to this offer the plot will be offered to the next person on the waiting list.

If you accept the offer of an allotment to rent you will sign an allotment agreement which is a legally binding contract in which you agree to

• To look after your plot and allotment site
• Follow the terms and conditions in the agreement and the rules and guidance or you may be evicted

Change in contact details

Please email allotments@southampton.gov.uk if any of your contact details change

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address