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Allotment |
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We
have a thriving allotment at Ransom’s Rec tended by volunteers and our
regular teams of adults with learning difficulties. As well as
providing vegetables for us to use and sell, the allotment gives
healthy, invigorating outdoor exercise to our volunteers. It is also
managed as site for wildlife – gardened organically and with special
attention to slow-worms, which have been found on the allotments. |
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We have
now cultivated about three quarters of the allotment, leaving the rest
wild, with a twice yearly topping of the nettles to promote tender new
growth for caterpillars. We have removed the brambles altogether as they
provided cover for local cats which like to catch slow-worms, frogs, young
birds and small mammals. With the clearings from the plot, we have
created large composting heaps which give off heat as they rot down –
perfect for reptiles like slow-worms to curl up in and keep warm, and
for mammals like hedgehogs to hibernate in. |
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We
grow all sorts of vegetables at the allotment including courgettes,
green beans, runner beans, onions, mangetout peas, broad beans, , curly
kale, spinach, salad
crops and the delicious Italian black cabbage: Cavolo Nero. Inter-planting of companion plants like French marigolds helps
deter pests and encourage beneficial insects. |
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Last year we created a series of long low
raised beds to make cultivation and harvesting easier and to protect the
soil from being trodden on. This sounds like a lot of work but it makes
a huge difference to the soil texture if its not walked on, and that
makes everything grow better. We are very grateful to the Waitrose
Community Matters scheme for donating £263 to enable us to buy the
timber.
This year we are building some more
raised beds, this time at different heights, to enable wheelchair users
to access the growing area. The new beds have been laid out around a
central space which is overhung by a pergola, creating shade on hot days
and the opportunity to grow vines and climbing beans, etc. We plan to
use this area as a demonstration garden, showing how food can be grown
in amongst flowers in a small space. Your veg patch doesn't have to be
hidden away at the bottom of the garden where you rarely visit, or
a mile down the road at the allotment site. By growing veg and salads
side by side with flowers you'll deter pests naturally, encourage
pollinating insects, compete out the weeds, plus you'll be able to see
what needs doing every time you go outside. But best of all you'll have
a beautiful, productive garden to look at and enjoy.
For more information on this type of
gardening and other ways to grow food in a small space book a place on
one of our Grow Your Own workshops. |
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