Leicester’s Growing Spaces

Welcome to the home of Leicester’s allotments and community growing spaces. If you’ve ever considered growing your own fruit and vegetables why not apply for an allotment or growing space?

Quick links

Following the recent pandemic, growing your own food is back in fashion. We currently have 43 allotment sites across the city and community growing spaces springing up in local neighbourhoods.

The national demand for vegetable seeds and growing equipment is soaring. The need for growing sites is increasing and outstripping demand. We value these growing spaces and are determined to safeguard them for future generations.

Allotments

Leicester has 43 allotment sites and over 3,000 plots. Nine of these sites are managed directly by Leicester City Council with the remainder managed by local allotment societies.

The annual rent can vary from £6.50 to £25 per plot (depending on the size and facilities).

There are many benefits of growing your own food. You could:

get more exercise
enjoy the outdoors
meet new people
reduce stress
share and gain knowledge from others
learn new skills.

Allotment societies

Allotment members are happy to meet with anyone interested in leasing an allotment, to discuss their individual plans and requirements, offer advice and calculate annual charges.

The 22 allotment societies in Leicester all provide full-time stewards who look after the day-to-day management. Societies may also offer the opportunity to buy compost, fertiliser, seeds and other gardening supplies on site - often at discounted prices.

We recommend that beginners go with an allotment society-managed plot, as first-timers can find the advice and resources provided at these sites extremely useful.

Everyone is made very welcome, so don’t be put off if you are a complete beginner - there are always experienced gardeners available to offer guidance and advice.

Community growing hubs

In addition to traditional allotment plots there are a number of community growing hubs located around the city. These can be established in areas to the side of community centres and libraries, or on green spaces near to you, which can offer areas to grow free of charge.

Some community growing hubs have raised beds and fruit gardens, as well as orchards. A group of local residents will share the space, visit regularly and grow their own crops together. They share knowledge and camaraderie, so if you are new to growing your own food, you will gain in many ways.

How do I apply?

Use the quick link above to the map to find your nearest allotment/growing space.
To express your interest complete the online application form.
You can apply to be on more than one list at once (maximum of four sites).
Once we receive your application form, we will provide you with contact details for each of your chosen site/s.
If you would like to proceed, please use the details supplied to contact the site directly.
Once added to the waiting list, you will be informed when a space becomes available.
If you wish to accept an allotment plot, you will need to sign a tenancy agreement (see the attachment at the bottom of the page).