Grow your own greens

Supermarkets in EC1 may notice a drop in sales of fresh vegetables and salads this summer.

Residents can now grow their own produce on free mini-allotments funded by EC1 New Deal for Communities. The mini-allotments, located at the St Luke’s Centre on Central Street, were built with help from Islington Council’s Youth Offending Team and other volunteers.

Mini-allotment holder Cliff Thorpe who lives in Gambier House on Mora Street in EC1 said:

“It’s a good idea – it shows what can be done in a small space. I live in a flat with no outside space – not even a balcony. So when I heard about this I jumped at the chance. I’m going to grow vegetables: beans, tomatoes, lettuce etc.”

Mini-allotment holder Jean Grout who lives on the Pleydell Estate on Radnor Street in EC1 said:

“Gardening is so therapeutic; you forget your problems, get out in the fresh air and it’s so satisfying to nurture a plant and see it grow. At the allotments you can meet like-minded people and share tips.”

The mini-allotments were launched at a “Grow Your Own Day” of gardening workshops at the St Luke’s Centre on Saturday 26 April. The Mayor of Islington Councillor Barbara Smith attended and around 70 EC1 residents learnt how to take cuttings, sow salad seeds in window boxes, paint plant pots and much more.

All the mini-allotments have now been allocated but any residents who would like to be placed on the waiting list should contact Heather Stabler at EC1 New Deal for Communities on 020 3142 5049 or hstabler@ec1newdeal.com.