Growing More Than Veg at Claver Hill

by Janet Swan from Claver Hill

It’s Spring (how did that happen?), when everything just starts growing again. We see it all around us with the leaves and blossoms lighting up the trees, but also happening in quieter, less obvious ways too. We’ll be noticing insects becoming more active, which then provide food for hedgehogs, bats, and birds. Are these creatures waking up where you are?

For gardeners it is a busy time to get things in the ground as the soil starts to warm up and the days get longer. At Claver Hill this now means that we have new potatoes in the ground, along with onions and garlic. These are the most popular crops grown by the members of Claver Hill’s “Spud Club”, which is the group of people who grow food together to share. And we’ll soon be growing other things like beans, peas, and cabbages too.

Anyone can become a member of “Spud Club”. The way it works is that members pay a small subscription each year (it works out at £1.65 per month!), and do what work they can to help in the sowing, planting, and composting that’s needed. Some people can only do light jobs about once per month, others do more and see it as a way to stay fit and active. But there is nearly always food to harvest and share.

“It’s a win win situation” says Chris, who is a recent member. “I couldn’t manage a whole allotment so this is good for me. It’s helpful for clearing my head, giving me space to think, as well as feeling like I’m getting lots of lovely fresh veg into the bargain”.

If you want to come along and see what we do at Claver Hill, it is best to come on a Monday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday. But we also have a special event coming up where there will be a nature trail walk, a tour of the orchard and then a picnic demonstrating just how much we love to share! This is on Thursday 23rd April at 1.00 p.m. Bring some food along to share if you can (though it doesn’t matter if you forget).

You can book here, or just turn up to Ridge Lane, Lancaster, LA1 3JY.

We think you will enjoy seeing the amazing signs of Spring and all the vegetables, fruit and flowers that are growing. We look forward to welcoming you!