Page 12 - ALG Issue 2 2023

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International Compost Awareness Week – May 7-13 2023
This year’s theme is ‘For Healthier Soil, Healthier Food...Compost.’
The theme for ICAW was chosen based on one of the initiatives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - Zero Hunger. Hunger is a serious world-wide issue that every nation, unfortunately, experiences. Hunger is a universal feeling that we have all felt at some point- some more than others.
The chosen ICAW 2023 theme focuses on how compost can have a role in helping to feed the world, by making our soil healthier which produces healthier food.
How does compost help? By recycling organics into compost and using it on our allotments and farmlands, we create healthy soils that produce healthier food and higher yields. It also reduces the need for fertiliser and pesticides, improves water quality and conserves water, as well as storing carbon in
soil, helping to reduce climate change. Compost can help the environment and decrease food shortages experienced around the world.
To celebrate, the NAS are running a composting photo competition judged by master composter Rod Weston and sponsored by Great Green Systems.
Photos can be submitted to three categories:
• Best allotment bin
• Best household bin
• Using compost
The winner from each category will receive one of the fantastic prizes provided by composting aficionados, Great Green Systems.
Winner 1. Great Green Systems MAZE 180LT TUMBLER
Winner 2. Great Green Systems GREEN JOHANNA 330 LITRE HOT COMPOSTER and Jacket
Winner 3. Great Green Systems BOKASHI BIN BY MAZE
Send entries with the category in the subject line to marketing@nsalg.org.uk.
Competition closes 10th May, winners will be announced 13th May.
2023 marks the 21st year of National Allotments Week
My rhubarb was covered with an upturned plastic dustbin with holes in to let the light in over winter. It’s amazing what a surprise it is when it is uncovered and you end up with early, succulent, straight rhubarb stems just waiting for the crumble mix!
Paul Loveday
For the past two decades, National Allotments Week has been a chance to engage non-growers in the world of allotments and explore the benefit of allotment gardening for communities, individuals, and the planet.
This year, National Allotments Week will run from 7th-13th August with the theme of Soil Health.
Soil health is a hot topic in the horticultural world with the peat compost ban coming into force next year and the global focus on improving biodiversity, ending food shortages, and dealing with the climate emergency.
Good soil health is widely accepted as
a way to improve yield when growing edibles but also contributes positively to biodiversity and the environment as the world faces more climate challenges. National Allotments Week will inform
and educate gardeners old and new about the benefit of caring for the soil and the ecosystems that inhabit it.
Allotment sites up and down the country are holding open days to show members of the local community what allotmenteering is all about and a brand- new NAS leaflet on Soil Health will be available to pick up for any budding gardener at these open days.
With lots of exciting announcements to come, visit the NAS website for more information and to register your open day!
12 Allotment and Leisure Gardener