Watercress Gardens, our newest allotment site, is continuing to flourish, with plot holders making great progress and creating a real sense of community at the site.
New Alresford Town Council is responsible for the overall management of the town’s allotments at Watercress Gardens and Spring Gardens, working alongside the Allotment Society, who support the day-to-day running and maintenance of both sites.
One particularly lovely initiative at Watercress Gardens has been the creation of a dedicated plot to grow fresh produce for the local food bank.
Plot 26 had previously been used to store manure and had become quite overgrown. This spring, around 10 volunteers came together to clear the area, completing the work in about an hour and still finding time for tea and cake afterwards!
Potatoes were the first crop to be planted, followed by tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, peas, beans and winter squash as the weather warmed. The plot has produced well throughout the summer, with fresh vegetables donated to Alresford Foodbank every week.
The volunteers are already looking ahead, with plans to plant fruit trees over the winter and grow an even greater variety of vegetables next year, helping to continue those regular donations.
The project is a wonderful example of what allotments can bring to a town, providing opportunities to grow fresh food, enjoy the outdoors, meet others and support the wider community.
New Alresford Town Council would like to thank the Allotment Society and all the plot holders involved, particularly those giving their time to the food bank plot.
We look forward to seeing both the Watercress Gardens community and the food bank plot continue to grow.