Edible Gardens Become Trendy
EcoLocal, a community based charity in Carshalton, are delivering one of only 10 Lottery funded ‘Local Food’ programmes in England. As part of the scheme, EcoLocal have created a community training allotment in Carshalton where people can learn how to grow their own fruit and veg.
Growing your own has never been so popular – all allotments in the borough now have waiting lists, whereas just a few years ago there were large unused allotment areas. So if you want to follow the trend, then you really need to plant your own edible garden this year!
“If you have a few pots on your balcony or windowsills, an allotment, a garden or anything in between – we can now help you become an edible gardener.” says Poppy Berelowitz, EcoLocal’s community food gardener.
EcoLocal, are now offering six-week food growing courses which teach you everything from preparing your growing area and planning what to grow to ongoing plant care, soil fertility and how and when to harvest and store produce. EcoLocal also offer one day workshops on keeping chickens, bees, herb gardening and more.
Poppy explains the benefits of growing your own; “It’s a fantastic way to save money on your food bills, and the food you grow yourself is the freshest you can eat! I love gardening – it get’s me outdoors in the fresh air, I’d rather be gardening than in the gym.”
Ecolocal’s six-week course is subsidised by the Lottery and is only £60. You can choose from evening courses starting Wed 25th April and Saturday mornings starting 28th April. One day workshops are only £20.
To find out more visit www.localfoodnetwork.org.uk or call 020 8770 6611
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