A new opportunity is coming to Bath which is ideal for families who would love to grow their own vegetables and fruit, and perhaps pass on a few lessons about where our food comes from to their children in the process.
Roots Allotments will be available at the Tuckers Meadow site in Newbridge, Bath, from mid-March, with tools, seeds, compost and online courses from allotment specialist Charles Dowding available too.
“The idea for allotments that were available to everyone without having to sign up for a huge waiting list came to us one evening when we were reminiscing about our childhoods in Bath,” recalled William Gay (pictured above with twin brother Josh), one of the founders of Roots Allotments. “We thoughts it would be great to have allotments that meant anyone can get involved straight away, complete with ready to plant patches, community tools and friendly experienced advice.
“Many people are scared to take on an allotment due to the time people think it would traditionally take due to the back breaking old-fashioned digging techniques. No dig methodology pioneered by Charles Dowding completely changes this meaning you could have a really productive allotment for just one to two hours a week of work. A small plot would easily grow up to two of your five a day for the whole year – peaking during summer months of course.”
Will explained that the no dig principle uses a cardboard layer covered in compost to kill weeds and plants below, which then seeds and seedlings are planted straight into. This means there is no need for digging the soil and far less weeding and water needs to take place. Studies have shown yields are up to 15% higher with this method which requires considerably less time and effort. Plants are simply put into the ground using a dibber – gardening speak for hole maker.
“We aren’t just building an allotment site, we are building an inclusive community space to help people get back in touch with nature, to grow their own and to learn brilliant new skills. It’s also an ideal way to let children see where their food comes from and really be part of the growing process. It’s also been shown that gardening really benefits children through sensory development, helping build healthier more robust immune systems for children and promoting the value of healthy food.
“The site along with allotments will have wild flower borders, meadows and areas to relax, socialise and meet other plot holders. There will be community events and special educational courses held on site.”
The cost for the allotments starts at £20 a month for a small plot, with discounts available for people on income support schemes or NHS and Service personnel.
For more details, go to www.rootsallotments.com