Dig For Victory

Something which I have really gotten into over recent years is gardening and this year I decided to take things a step further by getting my own plot at a local allotment.  Growing your own vegetables has so many benefits, some of which are more obvious than others.  A clear plus point is that you always have the option of incredibly fresh food to put on your table.  Trust me when I say that nothing tastes better than a Sunday roast where all of the potatoes, swede, carrots and parsnips are home grown!
Maybe it's the sense of achievement you get from a serving up a truly homemade meal or the fact that you know exactly what has (or hasn't!) been used to treat, alter or preserve the food you're eating, but either way nothing beats the taste of homegrown vegetables.

Growing your own produce also works out considerably cheaper than relying on the supermarket for every meal.  Growing from seed is by far the cheapest way to grow your own, as you can potentially grow hundreds of crops from one seed packet costing as little as a few pounds.  It's possible to grow a wide array of fruit and vegetables in your own back garden in pots or growbags but if like me you want a bit more space then an allotment may be the way forward.  Most allotments will charge an initial joining fee and then an annual fee for all members which is usually very reasonable, ours is no more than a few pounds!

One of the real bonuses for me is the health benifits.  Gardening is a fantastic way of getting some gentle exercise without it really feeling as though you are!  Digging out a vegetable patch is an excellent workout for your core muscles that won't cost you a penny!

Although the majority of sowing is usually done it the springtime to produce a summer harvest, you haven't missed your chance.  There are still plenty of options for planting now if you fancy trying your hand at a spot of cultivating. Beetroot, French Beans, Peas, Turnips and Carrots (which are a great crop if your new to gardening by the way!) amongst others can all be sown in July.  As we head towards the colder months you can sow things like Cabbage, Lettuce, Onions and Garlic for harvest in the Spring.

If you are interested in getting your own plot on an allotment then contact your local council offices for details of your nearest facilities.  Maybe you already have your own vegetable patch or are utilising your garden? I'd love to know what you're growing so be sure to drop me a comment below!