Doing the spadework....

Last week I went down to the NCYC (Neston Community and Youth Centre) to have a look at the two beds there, and to outline what was going to be happening with them. We have decided to focus on one bed for the time being and get it ready for planting next year, and to complete the groundwork on the second bed in spring.

The huge amount of leaves in the area will also be collected and put into leaf mould compost bins, a medium-term investmentto make the most of what's available, cut down on waste and reduce spending.

A quick fix to our current compost dilemma was to get a large amount of 'soil conditioner' and dig it into the primary bed, improving the condition of the soil with lots of organic matter made from recycled garden waste.

 This arrived, much to Charlie's delight, in a huge skip, which was then tipped out on the NCYC front lawn.

Paul had already begun to loosen up the soil as it has a very dense, almost clay consistency, with lots of added stones, bricks and trumpets. After it had been broken up a bit, it was ready for the conditioner.

Several trips with a wheelbarrow were needed to get the compost down to the beds. Charlie helped us out by planting sticks,  scaling the heap and putting soil into the wheelbarrow with his tiny yellow spade.

After barrowing the soil conditioner down and spreading it out, we then began to dig it in. I imagine it will take Paul and I a good few days digging to get the entire bed done, as it was very hard going, although the soil is much better aerated for it and should be great for growing next year.

I think it has to be said that Paul has done a great job of digging out the turf and clearing the ground, after only a morning of digging I'm feeling quite tired and I'm pretty sure I'll be sore tomorrow!

No plantpots? No worries!

In a bid to cut down my spending and save by binmen labouring with my ever-growing recycling bins, I have made plantpots/holders out of old milk cartons. I use the smaller litre containers the most, although this technique works for all of the up to the 4 litre whoppers.

First, drink you milk and give your container a good wash (they can get a bit smelly if they're not cleaned!)

Next, get yourself a Stanley knife, craft knife or scalpel and cut around the line underneath the handle, where the smooth upper area joins to the textured lower area. There should now be two pieces. Don't worry too much about how neat the edges are, it doesn't really matter. Also, slugs apparently hate traversing the spiky plastic edges, so this will serve as a convenient barrier to stop them getting at your plants ;)

Now the magic happens; turn the top piece with the handle upside down and drop it into the the bottom section,. It should plop in there quite nicely.

Holy smokes! Whats this?! A milk carton plantpot! The hole at the back (what used to be the handle) is great for watering, and the bottom of the container will act as a reservoir.

Now plant with something! I've been filling mine with lettuce, although I intend to holepunch the back panel of platic and hand with string to make 'hanging basklets' next year. A bit of moss or similar in the bottom would stop them drying out so fast.

I had these on the presentation stand last week, and if you see any on there please take one! On a sunny window ledge these will do great. And some water-based acrylic paint would provide a great opportunity for young children (and creative adults of course) to decorate and brighten up the container.

And to think you were going to throw it away! :D

Paul Clarke Pays Us A Visit

Last night Paul Clarke, founder of Incredible Edible and man of many talents, stopped buy to have a chat with us (it was too informal and interesting to be a presentation or lecture) about why he started the Incredible Edible project, how it has expanded and infuenced other communities worldwide, and how local communities can solve their own problems, both socially and economically.

To say it was inspiring would be and understatement, as he mentioned guerilla orchards in Lidl car parks, temporary sand bag farms in Berlin and High School Fish-farming.

I will add in links as I pick them up, as he provided information on a vast wealth of online resources, although his emphasis was clear; keep a community project about the needs of the community.


After our half-hour 'seminar' everyone present (Paul included) proceeded to stuff themselves with all the food prepared by the volunteers, although there were a couple of the 8 apple cakes left at the end...!

A massive thanks to Neston Primary School for hosting the event, the volunteers for growing/making the food and setting up the room, St.Michael's Church for the loan of their kitchen facilities, Paul Clarke for his presentation and most importantly everyone that turned up to support our project!

The Cooking Continues!

Yesterday was again a flurry of culinary activity at St.Michael's (thanks again guys!) as we continued preparing for the evening's event.

Some of us, however, couldn't stand the heat and had to get out of the kitchen. We went on a forage to Burton Manor, who have a wonderful victorian garden, and soon a glasshouse, which has been funded by the lottery. The volunteers were most helpful and generous and we left with a large box of amazing vegetables and fruit. Thankyou!

I was most amazed by the Rhubarb and Figs, although the entire site was both well managed and beautiful, in a green leafy kind of way. It has definately inspired me to create little pockets of this throughout our town and community.

Let The Cooking Begin!

Today we began preparing for tomorrow's event with Paul Clarke, by preparing an industrial amount of cake and pastries!

Apples were peeled, onions were chopped and St.Michael's kitchen was a frenzy of activity!

Apparently the apple cake turned out great, and tomorrow we will complete all the preparation for the evening event, which will now fulfill both appetite for food and knowledge!

I also enjoyed my own small victory in a step towards growing my own food, with a salad to accompany my dinner, and a apple and blackberry crumble for dessert.

Although not quite 'feeding the family' as I aim for, it was a lot tastier than the supermarket lettuce I have grown used to, and Charlie loved making the crumble, as well as eating it!

So if you fancy finding out more about the Incredible Edible projects that Todmorden have run, and want to give us a helping hand (or mouth) working our way through 8 apple cakes, come down to listen to Paul Clarke tomorrow at 6pm at Neston Primary School.

Incredible Edible Promotion Stand!

Today we promoted the upcoming Paul Clarke visit and the Garden Share scheme, with a good amount of interest being shown. The individuals who were interested also knew of friends who would possibly become involved, and thus our Incredible army grows!

The stand looked great and some great conversations took place, opening new avenues to explore and increase this great community project!