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Introduction
Grow-Our-Own (GO2) is a practical action project initiated and managed by Sustainable Living Initiative. GO2 encourages and supports novice gardeners to grow their own vegetables on allotments and in back garden in Norwich. By providing relevant information and hands-on practical help to people to grow at least some of the fresh produce they eat regularly, GO2 aims to create a self-reliant community.
A Brief History of GO2
A pilot GO2 project was started in the autumn of 2004 with the publication of a leaflet ‘Grow-Our-Own’. Following the enthusiastic response from a number of people, one of the founding members of SLI, who already had an allotment in Bluebell South, Norwich (please see the map of Bluebell South Allotments), rented two more plots from Norwich City Council and started offering advice and practical help to potential growers. The 10 rod (250 sqm. ) size plots were divided into small sections depending on individual demand. All the growers had an opportunity to meet the mentor every Sunday morning to discuss about seed propagation, planting, weeding and harvesting the crop. In addition to the practical help, leaflets about what to grow, when and how were produced and distributed to the growers.
Encouraged by the success of this pilot project but saddened by the fact that so many plots were still left overgrown, we decided to expand the programme to bring in more people to work on allotments. Our experience has shown that it is important to create a welcoming environment and provide logistic support and advice to newcomers during their first year. Overgrown allotment plots with little or no support do not encourage newcomers, even those who have the necessary skills and interest in growing fruit and vegetable on allotments. We have also learnt that the average size of allotment plots (10 rod) is too big for any novice gardener to manage on her/his own.
Preparing a Plot for Planting
What GO2 Offers?
The success of the GO2 scheme in its initial years has lead to the expansion of the scheme. We now have a range of schemes such as, Pick Your Own, Growing at Home and Volunteering. Whilst the GO2 project has a universal appeal, we actively promote the participation of the younger generation, families with children and people from disadvantaged communities.
1. The Grow-Our-Own Scheme
Under this scheme, a 10 rod (250 square meter plot) is divided into mini plots ( see below for details) of varying sizes depending on the need and experience of individual growers. The plot comes with all the necessary training, tools, seeds, manure and hands on practical advice. It is the responsibility of the plot holder to maintain the plot in a reasonable condition at all times.
Apart from growing the fruit and vegetables of your choice and maintaining the plot, GO2 calls for continuity and collective action. To this end, it is important to promote sharing and caring between individual growers and be kind to nature.
Range of plots available:
Mini Plot - 1.20 X 6 metres X 1: For the absolute beginners who have no prior experience of growing fruit and vegetables. This size plot is also suitable for a single person. Cost £10 per year (October, 2006 –September, 2007).
Maxi Plot – 1.20 X 6 metres X 2: For those with some experience of growing fruit and vegetables, and for families with children. Cost £20 per year (October, 2006 –September, 2007).
Large Plot – 1.20 X 6 metres X 5: For those who are experienced in growing fruit and vegetables and for families with children. Cost £40 per year (October, 2006 –September, 2007).
Young Lettuce Plants
2. Community Support Scheme
If you are unable to come to the allotment but have some space in your back garden, we are happy to help you start growing fruit and vegetables in your own garden. We could provide all the help you need through our Centre based in Bluebell South Allotment site. At present, this scheme only covers the area around the Bluebell South Allotment site.
We offer you training on how to grow fruit and vegetables organically. You will also have the opportunity to come and meet the other growers on allotments and learn from their experiences. We could supply all the seed and seedling from our Community Nursery at no extra cost. The cost of joining the scheme at present is £5 per year.
3. Pick-Your-Own Scheme
For those who have little spare time or are physically unable to work on an allotment, we offer the opportunity to come and pick organically grown produce from our allotments once a week. Additionally, organisers of parties and special events could come and get fresh salad and herbs simply by contacting us in advance and then collecting their order.
The pick-your-own scheme would help people to see how the fruit, vegetables and herbs they eat are grown and get a regular supply of locally grown fresh produce straight from the land. It will also help us to raise funds by turning surplus produce into cash to be reinvested back into the project.
There are two ways of taking advantage of this scheme.
- Sponsorship scheme. Under this scheme, you promise to buy fresh fruit , vegetables and herbs from us on a regular basis. We can agree on a set price – depending on the quantity of produce you need weekly and you will have the first priority to get the supply of seasonal produce.
- Pay-as-you go. Just turn up and get whatever is available. We will post information about the availability of the produce on our website on a regular basis.
4. Volunteering
If you are interested in gardening and growing but are unable to commit your time on a regular basis, why not come and help us whenever you have spare time. Help is needed for a number of activities such as, plot clearing, sowing, potting, weeding, harvesting, etc. on a regular basis.
You do not need to have any gardening skills/experience to take part in this scheme. In fact, this is an opportunity for you to learn about growing fruit and vegetables. We also offer you fresh produce in return for your help.
If you are interested in any of the above scheme, please Contact us.
For a copy of the GO2 brochure, please CLICK here.