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Allotment Planner Calculator — Crop Rotation & Plot Layout
Plan crop rotations and plot layouts for allotment gardening.
How We Calculate This
The calculator divides your growing area into four equal sections for a standard four-year crop rotation.
Path area is subtracted from the total to give the actual growing area. Path widths of 60cm allow wheelbarrow access.
The rotation plan moves each crop family one plot clockwise each year, preventing disease build-up and balancing soil nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crop rotation means growing different plant families in different parts of the plot each year. This prevents soil diseases building up and balances nutrient use.
A four-year rotation is standard for allotments. Some growers use three-year rotations for smaller plots. The key is never growing the same family in the same spot two years running.
Main paths should be 60cm minimum for wheelbarrow access. Between beds, 30-45cm is sufficient for walking access.
A full plot is 10 rods (253 m², roughly 25m x 10m). Half plots of 126 m² are increasingly common and easier to manage.
UK allotment rents typically range from £25-£100 per year for a full plot, depending on the council. Some sites provide water and communal sheds.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates based on standard gardening guidelines. Results may vary with soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties.