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Allotment volunteers shared their no dig style of growing food with local councillors at a special launch day at Epping Forest District Council’s community allotment in North Weald on Thursday 29 July.
No dig style
Volunteers have been using a no dig method to turn an overgrown plot into a productive space in just 3 months. They now grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables on the allotment at Wheelers Farm, North Weald.
Using the no dig method to plant seeds means the ground is not as disrupted as with digging and it gives the seeds a rich soil to grow in. The group installed 30 raised wooden beds and filled them with over 4 tons of soil.
The volunteers joined as complete beginners to growing food with very little or no experience. Each week they have been learning a wide range of self-sustainable ways to look after the allotment. They use natural materials including sheep’s wool to retain moisture in the ground for the seeds to grow; and use a wide variety of organic homemade fertilisers, such as banana skins, comfrey and nettle feed to feed the produce.
Tasty treats
On Thursday 29 July members of North Weald Bassett Parish Council, Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) councillors and staff from EFDC’s Community, Culture and Wellbeing team were invited to the plot to talk to the volunteers about their no dig style on the allotment and have a taste of what has been produced.
Guest were shown a variety of food including pumpkins, sweetcorn, runner beans and tomatoes.
Visitors also enjoyed summer berry fruit juices with a selection of cakes and fresh fruit and were able to take some of the organic crops home.
Get involved
No experience of growing vegetables or gardening is needed if you wish to become
a volunteer.
Sessions take place at:
- Wheelers Farm Allotments, Queen Road, North Weald, CM16 6JQ
- Thursdays
- 2pm – 4pm
For more details contact Victoria Robertson, Community Development Officer
- Call 07548 162271
- Email vrobertson@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
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