Page 40 - ALG Issue 4 2024

EAST MIDLANDS
This year, two starter plots have been created at Margaret Road Allotments
in Kettering.They are intended to help people who haven’t had an allotment before to see if it’s for them and gain the confidence to start growing their own produce at very little cost.The idea was replicated from the excellent information from Ashbourne Road District Allotment Association’s website.They had created starter plots with just this idea in mind. They let plots in a ‘good to grow’ state with soil turned over and tools and support provided for one year, with the chance to move onto a permanent plot after that.With the committee’s approval, I began work clearing the rubbish and weeds so the plots could be split into
two smaller plots. Digging and levelling uncovered quite a collection of buried rubbish! Six soil beds were created, splitting it into manageable chunks – weeding a set bed would seem easier than a whole plot.
A small seating area was created at the back; weed suppressant membrane paths were laid down in between the beds (no grass, so plotholders wouldn’t have to worry about cutting it, especially if they didn’t have the tools). Four water butts and two compost bins were put onto each plot to encourage good gardening practices.
Costs were kept very low. A broken shed was kindly moved to one of the plots, with the help of other field stewards, fixed and guttering put on to collect water. Tools were donated where possible or
INITIATIVE
STARTER
PLOTS
bought from a car boot if they couldn’t be found freely (e.g. 2 good forks for £3). Old wheelbarrows were scavenged to make two good wheelbarrows.The sheds were painted, and the plots themed on butterflies and ladybirds. In the end, each plot had a hoe, fork, spade, rake and wheelbarrow (colour coded to that plot) as well as watering cans, table and chairs and shed structure to use.The tenants were also given seed potatoes and vegetable plants when they started to have something
to plant right away, with support always available if they needed it.
Amanda Matthews, one of the first starter plotholders, says:“Providing the equipment and preparing the ground was
a great head start.We planted quickly and have been so excited to start harvesting. It’s given us the opportunity to talk to other established plotholders and understand the work involved in getting it established”.
Codey Pollard says: “When I first saw the plot, I was surprised because I had been preparing myself for the work ahead, but when I got there, I saw a lovely little plot
surrounded with a fence and a painted butterfly. Bec, the steward is great, she’s really helpful. Bec gave me lots of different plants to get me started and even helped me plant them”.
Amanda and Codey have been getting on great and are looking forward to having a permanent plot of their own. So, the cycle can re-start, giving new people a taste of allotment life.
Bec Profit, one of the Field Stewards at Margaret Road Allotments
“Bec, the steward is great, she’s really helpful. Bec gave me lots of different plants to get me started and even helped me plant them”
40 | Issue 4 2024 | Allotment and Leisure Gardener