Existing allotment gardeners, please help me solve this
I'm new to allotment life
Supermarket-free life just got a boost! Since being allocated my first allotment in August (2025), I’ve realised there are many differences between garden gardening and allotment gardening. For a start, there are no ‘what to grow’ rules in my own garden.
There’s no sunshine either. At least not in the winter.
That’s one big advantage of my allotment garden, we’re nearly at the winter solstice now and the sun is still shining on my winter vegetables. It’s shining on the frost too, which is another big difference. Frost in my home garden, just down the road, is a rare sight. Research your winter sun.
I apologise in advance for this slightly indelicate moment but here we go…
What do you do when you need a wee?
Let me explain the problem in more detail. My allotment plot is very open to public view. In most ways this is great and is helping me to get to know my local community better. But it does mean, when I need the loo, that there is no cover available. Luckily for me, the house isn’t too far away but with a middle aged bladder, muddy boots and a dog to consider, I have to leave plenty of time.
I’ve considered the following solutions:
- Installing a shed and bucket (great for the compost)
- Planting a willow ‘toilet’ enclosure (could be a laugh)
- Growing a tall hedge (which will take time to grow)
- Creating a tarp curtain arrangement (tricky on windy days)
If anyone has any better advice, do let me know.
So I have plenty of questions
If you’ve had your own allotment for a while now, you’ll know the answer to most of my questions. I’ve listed a few below but each day seems to throw up a new one:
- Is it okay to plant my food forest?
- How can I repair this hedge?
- What should I do with all this rubbish?
- Can I bring the dog to the allotment?
- How can I protect my plants from the wind?
- How can I stop people stealing my tools?
Luckily for me, my allotment neighbours are all really friendly and I’ve had the chance to ask them for the benefit of their experience. But I haven’t yet worked up the courage to ask them this question.
My most urgent question
Where on earth am I supposed to go when I need a wee?
My allotment is very much on public view, which is usually great and is helping me to get to know my wider community. But being on view means there’s absolutely no privacy when things get urgent.
I could always go home.
My allotment is just up the road from my house, but the combination of a middle aged bladder, muddy boots and a dog mean I have to leave plenty of time.
I’ve considered the following solutions:
- Install a shed and bucket (great for the compost)
- Plant a willow ‘toilet’ enclosure (could be fun)
- Create a very tall hedge (an expensive solution)
- Hang a tarp over a branch (awkward on windy days)
Can any allotmenteers help?
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