There was plenty of excitement in Valley Street Community Garden this week as volunteers dug up the first potatoes of the season.
After months of planting, watering and weeding, the team harvested around 20lb of potatoes from one raised bed. The crop was shared between volunteers, visitors to Valley Street and members of the Clean & Green team, giving everyone the chance to enjoy some of the produce they’ve helped grow.
The harvest is just the beginning, with another five raised beds still to be lifted over the coming weeks.
Elsewhere in the garden, sweetcorn, cucumbers, peas, tomatoes and chillies are all growing well and look set to provide plenty more fresh produce before the season is over.
The garden’s success is thanks to a group of committed volunteers who have worked hard throughout the year to keep everything growing. Among them is Tim, who has become a familiar face in the garden and has spent countless hours helping to care for the crops.
Despite the results, Tim is quick to brush off any compliments.
“I’m an engineer, not a gardener,” he says with a smile, though anyone who has seen the raised beds packed with healthy vegetables might have a different opinion.
The Community Garden has become a space where people can spend time together, learn new skills and enjoy being outdoors, and has ultimately proved that when people share their time, knowledge and enthusiasm, they can create something which benefits everyone.
With plenty more vegetables still to harvest, volunteers are looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season brings and sharing the rewards with the wider community.
If you’d like to get involved, the Community Garden welcomes new faces every Wednesday between 11:00 and 15:00 at Valley Street Community Centre. No gardening experience is needed, just a willingness to get stuck in, meet new people and enjoy spending time outdoors.