What is an allotment (kolonilott)
Allotment is a plot of land is divided into smaller sections and rented out to individuals. The term "kolonilott" comes from the Latin words "coloni," meaning "settler" or "pioneer," and "lott," meaning "share" or "portion". Allotments are usually used for gardening, growing food plants and flowers.
History of allotments
Allotments were a feature in Germany as early as 1865, and it wasn't until many years later that they arrived in Sweden, with the first allotments being established in Malmö in 1895 and Lund in 1901. During difficult wartime and times of food scarcity, allotments played a vital role in food supply [1]
Allotments in Sweden
Allotments are a very popular in Sweden, where people use their plots to grow flowers, vegetables, and other crops. Many people treat their allotments like a garden, making them a pleasant and attractive space with seating areas, barbecues, and sometimes even a small shed for storage and shelter from the rain. Due to the limited availability of allotments, there is often a long waiting list, ranging from a few years to 10-20 years, and in some cases, up to 40 years.
Once you've secured an allotment, you'll pay a one-time fee for taking over the plot, followed by an annual membership fee and usage fee. There's no limit to how long you can rent an allotment, and it's typically a rolling contract. When you first get an allotment, you'll often be assigned one of the less desirable plots, as the best ones tend to go to existing members through an internal swap system.
Allotment rules
There are usually clear rules and regulations governing what you can and can't do on an allotment, such as building fences and greenhouses, and using environmentally hazardous products. Even if you have a small shed on your allotment, rules may prohibit overnight stays.
Preparations and Purchases
Once you've got your allotment, there are a few essentials you'll need to purchase. Common items you'll need include a spade, gloves, a watering hose, and wellies. You'll also require a significant amount of soil and fertiliser to get your garden up and running. There are many good chains that sell products specifically for gardeners and allotment holders, such as Plantagen, and other chains like Hornbach and Bauhaus, which stock the soil and tools you'll need for your allotment.
Plantagen. Photo by Sweden Herald
Allotment community
Renting an allotment means becoming part of a small community with rules and responsibilities. If you neglect your plot, you may receive warnings and eventually be excluded. The average age of allotment holders tends to be relatively high.
Growing your own vegetables can be a fun, educational, and rewarding experience, and the produce tastes even better when you've grown it yourself! An allotment is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a more peaceful and fulfilling way of life.
