When you think of an allotment, what country comes to mind? If you answered “England,” then you’re not alone. Allotments are a common sight in the United Kingdom, but they also exist all over the world!
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular allotment types around the world and how they are similar and different from one another.
England
Allotments in England are public spaces where individuals can rent a plot of land for gardening purposes. Typically, these allotments have been around since the 1800s and were originally created to provide food during times of war or famine. Today, they’re highly popular among gardeners who want to grow their own vegetables but don’t have enough space at home.
France
In France, an allotment is called Le Jardin Potager. Plots are very similar to those typically found on an English allotment, though it may be more difficult to find one with certain requirements such as being located near water or having access to electricity.
The major difference between French allotments and those from other countries is that these cultivated areas often stay within a family and are passed down from generation to generation, rather than being publicly available.
Canada
In Canada, an allotment is more formally called a “community garden”, and they’re actually more common in larger cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. The difference between these gardens and those found in England or France is that they aren’t rented or purchased by private individuals but rather rented collectively for use among members of the same neighbourhood. Allotments typically require a small yearly membership fee, which provides access to both vegetables grown on-site, as well as educational workshops like cooking classes!
Austria
In Austria, allotments are called “Kleingärten” and much like in other countries, they’re a popular hobby for families who want to grow their own vegetables but don’t have the space at home. These gardens can be rented from the city, though it’s not always easy to find one without any strict rules or regulations (such as age restrictions). With the core focus on families, Austrian allotments provide an amazing opportunity for children in larger neighbourhoods with little green space!
The other major difference is that these plots of land are often allocated entirely to the tenant; unlike England where each plot belongs jointly to all tenants on site. This means Austrians usually build fences around their garden and cultivate them privately.
Germany
In Germany, arrangements here are a hybrid of Austria and France. The allotments are called Kleingarten, and whilst German families like to grow flowers and vegetables and home, they can rent these larger spaces if they don’t have enough space. As with France, these cultivated areas often stay within the family and are passed down from generation to generation.
Spain
In Spain, allotments are called “Huertas” or “Patios de Invierno” and they’re typically found on family properties. They provide a space to grow vegetables, fruit trees, flowers & herbs, all of which can feed the members of the household throughout winter. Patios de Invierno in Spanish translates to winter patio, and these are traditionally a courtyard that is covered by the home. This space can be paved with stone or tiles and typically includes seating areas to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The other major difference between Spanish allotments and those from other countries is their size – they’re significantly larger at around 800 square meters rather than the 100-200 metres found elsewhere
USA
In USA, allotments are called community gardens and they’re often found in large metropolitan areas. These gardens provide a space for people who don’t have their own backyard or yard to grow vegetables, fruit trees, flowers & herbs, all of which can feed the members of the household throughout winter.
Australia
In Australia, allotments are called “backyard gardens” and they’re typically found on family properties. They provide a space to grow vegetables, fruit trees, flowers & herbs etc. These gardens can be rented from the city, though it’s not always easy to find one given the limitation of plot availability.
Brazil
In Brazil, allotments are called “Hortas” which can be rented from the city, or privately owned depending on where you live in the country.
These plots of land are often allocated entirely to the tenant, unlike other places where each plot belongs jointly to all tenants on-site (ie: shared). This means Brazilian allotment owners generally build fences to isolate their plots and cultivate them privately.
As with some other countries, Brazilian allotments often stay within a family and are passed down from generation to generation, rather than being publicly available.
South Africa
In South Africa, allotments are called “kitchen gardens” and they’re typically found on family properties. The focus here is more around ornamental plants rather, like a traditional garden, rather than growing vegetables etc… Often these plots act as a space for relaxation or quiet contemplation in the centre of busy cities.
One of the main differences between allotments here and elsewhere is that plots remain privately owned in this country, meaning a common gardening space for vegetables such as at garden share schemes where they’re shared amongst tenants.
Garden share schemes are available in South Africa, but they’re privately managed rather than publicly available like in other countries.
Norway
In Norway, allotments are called “Solbakken”, and they provide a space to grow vegetables and herbs etc… In the past, these plots were privately owned and usually allocated by the landowner to 3rd parties in return for a payment, or services rendered.
Garden share schemes are available in Norway but they are rented from the city, rather than privately managed.
As you can see, allotments can be found all around the world in one form or another. Some are provided by the city, others are privately owned, providing a space for relaxation, quality family time, and predominantly for those that like an element of producing their own fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers.
We hope you enjoy this article on allotments around the world! If you have any thoughts or questions please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
