This week, Tanya Highet, secretary of the Laxey and Lonan Allotments Association, writes about the benefits of growing your own
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Beautiful sunny days have meant that many of us have been outside gardening recently.
Some of us are lucky enough to have sunny and sheltered places at home to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers but for those who need space, joining an allotment is the way to go.
There are many benefits to growing in a communal setting and the most obvious is having access to your own decent sized plot of land to grow fresh organic produce for your yourself and your family.
The Isle of Man has a relatively mild climate and there’s a lot you can grow outside. On my plot right now I’m growing asparagus, rhubarb, pak choi, spinach, runner beans, blueberries, globe artichokes, courgettes, garlic, purple sprouting broccoli, various wildlife-friendly flowers, and much more. It’s surprising what does well here and if this summer continues to be as warm as it is now then I can expect some golden cobs of sweet corn and great big pumpkins.
There’s a lot to learn to be able to grow such a variety of produce but you can start with easy crops first and then add more to your edible garden as you pick up knowledge and skills. Another great thing about growing in an allotment is that you can ask neighbouring plot holders about what they’re growing and any tips they might have for you. Gardeners are a generous sort, especially with their advice!
Having an allotment can be a wonderful way to grow your own, get out in the sun and fresh air, and teach your children about food and nature. However, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into keeping a plot productive and tidy so renting one is a commitment to taking care of the land. Tilling the soil, applying manure, weeding, and keeping on top of pests will keep you plenty busy especially if you garden organically as we do in Laxey. Still, it’s all worth it and if you put in a little bit of effort, often then the rewards will far out-weigh the work.
We’ve had quite a few people take up plots at Laxey and Lonan Allotment, who started gardening by sowing containers of beans on the patio or herbs in the kitchen window. It’s a hobby that seems to grow until you’ve got no space left to put anything else. The good news is that while allotments across the UK have waiting lists hundreds of names long, there are plots currently available in the Isle of Man.
There are allotments located across the island and some, including the Laxey and Lonan Allotments Association, currently have plots available. If you’re interested in renting out a plot or would like more information email lalaa@manx.net or ring 256474.