To see a map showing all Brighton & Hove allotments and general information see this useful website

National Allotments Week is a week to promote the awareness and availability of allotments both locally and nationally and to demonstrate the strength of support and interest for the heritage of allotment culture. It is coordinated by the National Allotments Garden Trust and organised locally.

There are a series of open days in Brighton during this week, several are listed below.

Moulscoomb Estate Allotments. Thursday 12th, 1pm to 3pm.

Come and see the observation bee hive and hear all about the bees. Then chat with allotment plot holders on an allotment tour. Drop in on the hour. Meet: access via the main gate at the top of Natal Road, then follow main track to T junction and meet your guide.

Bee keeping is crucial for cultivation and under threat. There was a great BHOGG meeting on this described in January’s’ blog - the birds and the bees . . . and honey traps.

At Moulscoomb there are all mod coms…even a compost toilet set in the woods.see above.

Moulscoombe Forest gardens open day. Friday 13th.

The day will start with a guided tour and history of the project. There will then be an opportunity for networking and workshops, ending with a pick and cook event.

Probably the most exciting youth community allotment scheme in the south of England tailored for kids disenchanted with school, motivating them in amazing ways.

Roedale Valley Allotments Open Day. Saturday 14th, 10am to 2pm

Come and find out about our community event days, bird box building, compost and compost bin making, and many more useful ideas for your garden or allotment. Gardening hints and tips. Sale of plants, veg. and seed grown on the allotments. Tea, coffee, home made scones & cakes and perhaps jam!

Vegetable fritters made with allotment produce, and other home made produce.

One of the most beautiful allotments sites anywhere, set on rolling hills with views to the sea. It is also one of the most challenging with step hills, thin chalky soil, rabbits and badgers that enjoy the site.

Foredown Tower is pictured above

Foredown Allotment Open day Saturday 14th, 1pm to 4pm

Foredown allotments and Belgrave Community allotment will be open to new and existing Foredown tenants as well as friends and family.

A new organic site but sadly not open to most of us to see.

for more on Brighton's organic gardening see BHOGG's website <"www.bhogg.org">

Weald Allotments Open Day Sunday 15th, 10am to 4pm

See Tony on his plot above

Enjoy a plot by plot tour of Weald allotments in Hove. Groups will be led by plot holders to view plots and told all about growing and allotment life. Tours will leave from the shop at the end of Weald Avenue roughly every hour. Also come and view the ‘living room’ prototype structure, inspired by arts and crafts visionary architecture and artist retreats.

Weald has been described as one of the best kept secrets of Brighton (Hove actually). The largest site with over 400 tenants, it is on level, fertile clay soil and is host to a range of community allotments ranging from those with disabilities to Brighton’s own organic gardening group.

These sites show dramatically why Brighton needs to conserve its heritage and greenness by opening more new sites and to reduce the waiting list. It is not an answer for most families to have half a plot, though half a plot is better than none and fine for some. Two good plots are about right for serious gardeners who want good food throughout the year.