Access to land and growing space is an issue for many community groups and individuals. However, almost any space can be used for growing and can become an abundance of edibles.
The Food Growers Collective met at Tranent Muirpark allotments on Friday, 17 June, to learn more about what can be achieved with not a lot of space. Dr Stan da Prato was a fount of knowledge around what is possible to grow in small spaces. A huge thank you Rosanne, Chair of Muirpark allotments, for hosting us at the allotments!
Food resilience is a critical adaptation response to the climate crisis and all scales of growing are essential to build that resilience. There are many incredible examples to pull learnings and inspirations from, from the allotment history in the UK and Scotland, to further afield.
You can find a note of some of the key lessons from the event, below.
If you want to join the ELCAN Food Growers Collective and attend future events, please email: tess@eastlothianclimatehub.org
Our next Food Growers Collective gathering is on Thursday 20th August in the evening at Fairhill Rise. This event will be combined with the Biodiversity Collective and will look at the many ways that the Fairhill Rise initiative supports biodiversity and food growing at the base of the Lammermuirs. It’s a wonderful, inspirational and luscious place!
Ten key takeaways from the ELCAN Food Grower’s gathering with Dr Stan da Prato
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Onions! Japanese or Welsh onions grow in clumps so are economical on space (but they really don’t like weeds!)
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Potatoes. Can buy many types easily and cheaply in East Lothian. However, ‘earlies’ or new potatoes are a delight which can be picked around the solstice.
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You can then sew plants like cabbage and squash in their place for later in the year. Sew these around late June/July.
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Lettuces for beginning of summer can then have perennials such as chard or spinach in its place.
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Strawberries are great but not economical in a small space as they are annual and only produce for a few weeks of the year.
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You can plant small salad leaves in pots and leave at your front door for easy picking for quick meals!
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For summer sowing, try not to sew after solstice to maximise the light!
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When working with small spaces you still need to stick to the sewing/planting distance guidelines or you wont get the crops you want.
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Thornless brambles are good for small spaces, but don’t have much taste unfortunately.
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As blueberries are a bog plant, they need lots of water. Can plant in pots so you can manage their soil needs separately (though don’t forget to water regularly!).
