It's Our World: Grow your own food for National Allotment Week

Aug 5 2009 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

TIME was, not that long ago, when they couldn’t give allotment plots away.

Now, thanks a national obsession with local produce and the much heralded economic downturn, we’re queuing up to grow our own.

On Monday National Allotments Week begins, aimed at promoting gardening and vegetable growing.

It’s run by the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Growers, who say waiting lists for some plots are now eight years long. They have seen a 180% increase in phone calls from the public asking for grow your own advice over the last year.

In response they have planned a week to promote the awareness and availability of allotments locally and nationally and to show the public and the local authorities the strength of support and interest for the heritage of allotment culture.

Plymyard Hall Allotments are throwing open their doors (or should that be gates?) on Sunday 16th August from 2 - 5.30pm.

They are allotments on an area previously used as the gardens of a very large house known as Plymyard. There will be produce on sale for charity, home made teas in aid of St John's Hospice.

Entrance next to Health Centre, Bridle Road, Eastham. There’s also the Wirral Flower & Vegetable Show on the 16th.

The fourth annual show for all who grow flowers, fruit and vegetables on the Wirral to show their wares.

The judging and open to the public from 12 noon to 4pm. Dogs allowed on a lead.

Growing your own certainly makes good financial sense.

Those that do spend on average £9.25 a week on fruit and veg whereas those that don't are spending on average £13.32 a week. A small saving, perhaps, but one that adds up. And that doesn’t take into account the exercise and social benefits of allotment keeping.

For more on National Allotments Week see www.nagtrust.org or for individual events www.plymyardhallallotments.co.uk www.wirralfedallotments.org.uk/events.