Vasiliki Makri, the new volunteer and community engagement coordinator for the Plot, invites people to join the friendly community of voluntary growers.
If you’re reading this column, it means you care about locally, sustainably, and organically grown food. You may recognise the personal and environmental benefits of consuming fruit and veg that are grown within 10 miles of your home, without the use of pesticides or chemicals. By supporting these local initiatives, you contribute to the important farming practices that take place at the Plot every week.
But do you know what these practices involve? The excitement of ordering the seeds is full of the promise of delicious vegetables growing in front of your eyes. Sowing seeds and watering them, watching them break through the hard seed coat and the soil, reaching for the light, and growing taller and stronger each day. Protecting them from weeds, slugs, excessive rain, and too much sun. Seeing their leaves, fruits, flowers, and roots form slowly at first and then faster and faster as the days lengthen. Finally, harvesting those that made it, taking care not to damage them, so that people can enjoy a beautiful product, grown with care and love.
It is not always easy. Climate change is a challenge for even experienced gardeners. The rain, the wind, the cold and the heat, the pests, and the tiredness can test the most motivated amongst us. It is not always hard either. Through good company, through sharing life experiences, and through both serious and fun conversations we navigate the challenges and enjoy the journey. Growing food is hard and extremely rewarding, but the more people that do it the better.
It also has numerous health benefits. It keeps you physically active and helps with your mood. Getting in touch with the soil and plants releases chemicals that benefit serotonin levels in your brain. Lastly, the socialising that happens in group gardening is a great way to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Join our small and friendly community of volunteer growers and experience for yourself the joy of growing
Learn about organic farming from Dennis, talk with Ellen about the technicalities of running an organic market garden and join Vaso and the volunteers in weekly sessions. The sessions involve food-growing activities, breaks with teas, coffees and cakes and a lot of chit-chat in between!
Sessions run every Wednesday, 9 AM-1 PM, at the Old Holly Farm, Cabus Nook Lane, Preston, PR3 1AA. Contact: engagement_theplot@lessuk.org or 07522504345 or just show up.
You can support the Plot by signing up as a FoodFriend and donating £5 monthly. By doing so, you will also be entered into a draw for 6 monthly prizes.
Additionally, you can buy some delicious local produce through Gather North Lancs Food Hub, where organic fruit, vegetables, and herbs from the Plot are sold.
