Growing seeds is so satisfying. Plant a seed and watch it grow. Seeds can be those we pop in a seedling pot or tray or they can be germs of ideas. At the last Committee Meeting, in September 2019 before Covid swept in, one of the agenda items was to make it easier to get goods and people into the shop by creating a ramp.
The Secretary had not forgotten and was working on it. The wonderful wooden ramp he created was first used on St Patrick’s Day 2021. The Community Shop is open on Sunday mornings. It is on site to provide a garden goods service to the plot holders and our local neighbours.
We use Cheshire based, KG Loach Wholesale Garden Supplies, whose business started in 1958 (about 50 years after Weaste Allotments started). They remain a family business. Whilst not exactly on our doorstep, they are just down the motorway. We know that they will try to multi-drop to other local groups too.
The late ’50s was a time when many gardening brands were getting off the ground and so they’ve all grown together. Whether it’s crop protection, ground cover, something for the greenhouse or shed, composts or soil conditioners K G Loach have it all. Our Community Shop is not massive. It stocks key items, but plot holders can ask the shop manager to arrange delivery of specific items, such as hay bales to create plot bed walls or for chicken bedding.
Local Community Growth
One of the ways in which we can grow the integration with our local community is to invite them in to the shop and events. The Sunday shop opening gives us a chance to do that for a couple of hours weekly.
During the Winter months it may be shut as it is a dark container. Until the solar lighting project is completed the community shop has restricted access to shop volunteers only. They let people know when they are on site via plot holders Facebook Group and notes in the Community Hut. Plot holders know who to look out for around the site to ensure they have everything they need to grow on their plots.
First Time Growing Seeds
This may look like any tray of seeds growing, but these tomatoes mean something special to one plot holder. RJ was delighted to share her excitement.
“ We only got the allotment last Summer, so last year was mostly about getting things cleared and ready for this year. For the first time in my life I have grown tomato seedlings. So excited! So many good ideas of what I’d like to grow this year.”
She also has seeds growing for sweet and chilli peppers. Have a feeling there will be a chilli con or sim carne appearing later in the year!
Want to have a go at producing your own food in Weaste, Salford, UK? Join our waiting list for a plot. Perhaps you don’t have any outside space, or a balcony you prefer to sit on than grow on? Is your garden full of flowers? contact us to put your name on the waiting list. Look out for our Community Day notices on the gates to get a chance to have a tour or meet some of the plot holders.