1 minute read
Living the Good Life!
By ESTHER EVANS, Penley Grower’s Association
Would you like regular access to free, fresh organic produce? Are you looking for ways to combat the rising cost of living this year? Then look no further - Penley Grower’s Association have an opportunity for you do exactly that.
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Over the past twelve months, our members have been busy developing plots to grow an amazing array of vegetables, fruits and herbs. And the best part - it’s all free!
There is no better feeling of satisfaction than taking home a basket of delicious home-grown produce to cook for tea or to fill up your freezer.
How much time does it take?
Surprisingly, working on a plot for just one hour a week can reap benefits. Most of our members enjoy being out in the fresh air so much, they visit more frequently.
We took on a plot last year and there was a lot of weeding and digging to do at first. But now the beds are established, it’s quite easy to maintain and there is always something new growing, even through the winter months.
Can it actually save me money?
I’m certainly not an expert grower, but last Summer I started harvesting a couple of baskets of produce every week from our plot. To buy the equivalent amount of organic vegetables from the supermarket would be very expensive, especially in the current climate of rising food prices.
We enjoyed fresh beetroot, broad beans, spinach, courgettes, potatoes, green beans, strawberries and tomatoes to name a few. Honestly, if I can do it… anyone can!
Are there other benefits?
Our growers also benefit by keeping healthy and active, eating organically (we don’t use any chemicals or pesticides on our site) and learning something new. We are a friendly bunch of people who like to help one another, so it’s the perfect way to improve your lifestyle, this coming year.
Growing your own food is good for the environment too, because it will reduce your personal carbon footprint compared to shop-bought alternatives – and you will limit the packaging used.
Get the kids involved
It’s no secret that children love the magic of gardening. Get the children involved in the planting and watering and visit the plot together to check-in on their little projects. Learning about different varieties of fruit and veg is a wonderful way of helping children to understand where their food comes from.
How do I start?
You can rent a full plot or if you want to try it out first, why not rent half a plot? A full plot is £75 per year and we ask for a one off deposit of £20.
Location: Penley
Interested? Contact John on: 07753 101115
