Allotment alternative rents garden space for cash

A new scheme aimed at garden owners could see pensioners earn cash in return for the use of part of their land, it has been suggested.

As waiting lists for allotments in the UK continue to grow, people who are no longer able to maintain their gardens could benefit from letting out their lawns and planting areas to keen gardeners seeking a plot.

The I Dig Allotments initiative would involve older Brits renting out space in their gardens to growers and green-fingered enthusiasts for up to £500 a year, the Express and Star reports.

One participant in the scheme, 58-year-old Paul Ware told the regional newspaper: "It will be good as I can't really look after my garden, but it's nice to have somewhere nice to sit outside.

"What's more, having someone come around regularly to look after the garden will be lovely company to me – and hopefully I'll get some fresh fruit and veg out of it too."

Allotments are usually 25-square-meters and rented for growing fresh fruits and vegetables.

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