Solihull garden centre makes 44 plots available from £5 a week for customers who want to grow their own food this year.
The initiative follows results of a survey of more than 300 local authorities, which revealed that demand for allotments couldn't be met, with almost six million people wanting to rent one and only 206,000 plots available across the UK.

Blooms Solihull garden centre near Hampton-in-Arden, is offering 44 grow your own plots to interested gardeners, who can rent a 90m sq plot from as little as £5 a week. For this price people can hire a basic plot, which will include a composter and access to a water trough.

For a weekly payment of £10, gardeners can rent a site that includes a greenhouse and a shed, as well as a water butt. The garden centre anticipates that around half of the plots will have a greenhouse and shed.

The whole site has been rabbit-proofed and plot holders are free to use all of the garden centre's facilities, including its toilets and restaurants. Garden centre staff will also be on hand to offer advice, while gardeners will also receive a free starter kit worth £15, which includes a selection of Gardman products, information pamphlets and a copy of the 1940s Ministry of Agriculture 'Dig for Victory' leaflet.

Garden centre manager Simon Millar said: "We hope lots of people get in touch as it's such a fantastic opportunity, particularly for anyone who doesn't have the space to grow their own fruit and vegetables."

He added: "Our plots are safe and pleasant. By creating them we're reacting to a demand from the general public to grow their own fresh wholesome food. These GYO plots offer people the opportunity to nurture and control how they grow their own produce."

Once people have harvested their produce, Blooms aims to create a market place for any surplus crops.

Application forms for those interested in renting a plot at Blooms Solihull can be picked up in store. Alternatively, people can register their interest by calling Mr Millar on 01675 442 866.