Allotment garden
A rented plot for growing food and flowers, often with a small shed or hut
An allotment garden is a small plot of land rented to individuals or families for non-commercial gardening, usually to grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers. These plots are common in many European countries and offer city dwellers a place to garden, relax, and connect with nature, often including a shed or small hut.
- Plots are rented for non-commercial gardening, mainly vegetables, fruit, and flowers
- Many allotments include a shed or small hut for tools and shelter
- The Schreber Movement in Germany helped popularise the idea in the 19th century
- Allotment gardens were vital for food security during both World Wars
- Waiting lists for plots are common in cities like Copenhagen and Oslo
What is Allotment garden?
An allotment garden is a small parcel of land, usually part of a larger area divided into many plots. Each plot is rented to an individual or family for personal gardening. Most allotments include a shed or small hut for tools and shelter, and some have pavilions or summer houses. Gardeners grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers, and the plots are often arranged in neat rows. The gardens are places for relaxation, play, and learning about nature.
Where does Allotment garden come from?
Allotment gardens began in Europe in the 19th century, often as a response to urbanisation and poor living conditions. Cities and employers provided land so workers could grow their own food. In Germany, the Schreber Movement started in Leipzig in 1864, giving rise to the term 'Schrebergarten'. Denmark's first allotment was in Fredericia in 1778, and the idea spread to other Nordic countries. Allotments became especially important during the World Wars, when they helped provide food security.
How Allotment garden is made
To create an allotment garden, a piece of land is divided into plots, each assigned to a member of an allotment association. Members pay a small fee and agree to rules about use—usually only for gardening, not permanent living. Plots are used to grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers, and often include a shed or small house for tools and shelter. Some associations provide water, compost, and shared facilities.
When and where Allotment garden is used
Allotment gardens are used by people of all ages for growing food and flowers, relaxing, and spending time outdoors. They offer a space for children to play and learn about plants, and for adults to garden and meet others. In many places, there are waiting lists for plots. Some allotments allow summer stays in small huts. The gardens are especially busy in spring, summer, and autumn, when planting, tending, and harvesting take place.
Forms of Allotment garden
Allotment gardens go by different names: Schrebergarten or Kleingarten in Germany, volkstuin in the Netherlands, kolonihage in Norway, and family or collective gardens in France. Some allow only gardening, while others permit small summer houses. The size and rules vary by country and city. In Malta, allotments were introduced in 2011, paused, and then revived in 2019 with special rules to protect archaeological sites.
What Allotment garden means
Allotment gardens have played a key role in food security, especially during the World Wars. They are seen as places for relaxation, social contact, and learning. In some countries, they are protected by law and supported by national federations. Allotments are valued for their contribution to urban green space, biodiversity, and community life. Waiting lists in some cities show their continued popularity.
Traditions that use it
Questions people ask about Allotment garden
What is an allotment garden?
An allotment garden is a small plot of land rented to individuals or families for growing vegetables, fruit, and flowers. The plots are usually part of a larger area managed by an association, and are meant for personal, non-commercial gardening.
Where did allotment gardens originate?
Allotment gardens began in Europe, with early examples in Denmark in the late 18th century and Germany in the 19th century. They spread as a way for city dwellers to grow their own food and relax in nature.
What can you grow in an allotment garden?
Gardeners typically grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers on their plots. The specific plants depend on local climate and personal preference, but the focus is on home use rather than commercial sale.
Are allotment gardens still popular today?
Yes, allotment gardens remain popular, especially in European cities. In some places, demand is so high that there are long waiting lists for plots.
What role have allotment gardens played in history?
Allotment gardens were especially important during the World Wars, providing food security for urban residents when supplies were scarce. They continue to offer social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Good reading and sources
- Allotment (gardening) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Allotment (gardening)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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