Applications for the 2025 Learner Plots are now open! Please fill out the online form here by midnight on Friday 28 February 2025
The right hand side of the community garden is divided into learner plots. These give beginner gardeners the opportunity to manage their own plot of land whilst also contributing to the life of a productive community garden. We also have a large raised bed which will also be used as a learner plot for those who find it easier to garden without bending down.
We look for local residents who are interested in planning and managing each plot each year, so look out for recruitment opportunities in February of each year. Priority will be given to those without a garden who are planning to develop their own growing site or community garden.
In return for the use of the space, we request learners to attend the Sunday sessions regularly, you may also attend on a Wednesday, and to engage with the life of the community garden
The following guidelines explain what we expect from the learners and what we offer in return.
Our offer to you
The community garden will provide:
- Use of a learner plot within the community garden, for one ‘gardening season’. That is normally mid March until December. You will be able to access the plot for a few weeks after Christmas until February, dependent on the garden’s opening arrangements
- There will be ongoing advice and support from our community gardener during the gardening season, with a mix of workshops and individual guidance. You will learn how to plan, start, and maintain your plot, and the gardening techniques you will need for growing success.
- Advice about preparing a planting plan.
- Use of garden tools, compost and seeds
- Supportive and friendly environment with help from other volunteers when necessary – for example, on jobs which need extra man power such as digging or building frames
- Regular social events giving you the opportunity to meet other gardeners and exchange ideas and advice
- Support and advice in setting up your own growing space where you live or work
Your commitment to us
We ask you to commit to the following:
- Adequate care of your bed throughout the gardening season, including watering and keeping weeds at bay.
- Regular visits to the garden. You should plan to visit the garden once a week during the busy period from April to October or arrange cover with your other Learner Plotters to water when you are on holiday. Note, if you do not attend for three consecutive weeks throughout the gardening season, without specific agreement from the Community Gardener, we will assume that you no longer wish to have the plot and this will be reassigned.
- Creation of a planting plan to be shared with volunteers and other visitors
- Any surplus produce to be shared with volunteers or sold to raise money for the community garden
- Attendance at an evaluation meeting at the end of the growing season to discuss your planting plan and any notable successes and failures
What to do next
If you would like to be part of next year’s project please check this page again in early 2025. We will explain how to apply and the deadline for expressions of interest.
