We get a 50% discount on seeds from Kings Seeds, for CAA members. Catalogues are given out in August, we collect members’ orders and distribute the seed packages in October.
Month: August 2015
Discounts
We secure discounts for CAA members from retailers of gardening-related materials and equipment.
Talks on topics of interest to gardeners
We arrange talks on topics of interest to gardeners by expert speakers, taking place in Colchester.
Noticeboard
Through this website, we operate a noticeboard for members who want to sell, give away or exchange garden-related items.
Colchester Council
We have a friendly relationship with Colchester Council and are able to convey the concerns of our members to them.
Great Pumpkin Competition
On the last Sunday in October, we have the Great Pumpkin Competition at Bergholt Road site, with refreshments and the all-important weighing of pumpkins.
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Newsletter
We circulate a newsletter to members four times a year, with useful advice about allotment gardening, information and news relevant to members.
Support new allotment holders
We support new allotment holders and help them to get established.
Allotments in Colchester
There are 19 allotments sites controlled by Colchester Borough Council. Go to the CBC website for locations and further details.
How to get an allotment
You can apply to CBC via its website.
What does it cost?
Allotments are rented by the year – see the CBC website for current rental rates. You should also consider set-up costs such as tools, a wheelbarrow and a shed.
Allotment buildings
Structures such as sheds, greenhouses and poly-tunnels can be put up on allotments, but there are size limits and permission must be obtained from CBC.
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What can I grow?
Almost anything – flowers as well as vegetables, certainly. Your contract with CBC will have details, but basically your plot should be kept cultivated and tidy and you can grow anything that won’t damage the site for others.
How much work is required?
Allotments require regular work, especially in the main growing season (April to September) – exactly how much depends on the size of the plot and what is being cultivated – see the CAA advice notes for more detail.
Strong black tubing
Strong black tubing, various lengths over 2m; cut uniformly they would support a polytunnel or netting
01206 728 111
Home-grown long bamboo canes
Home-grown long bamboo canes, 3-4cm diameter, free if collected – take some or all.
01206 728 111