Plot Holder Spotlight
The Art of Circular Gardening
Welcome back to the blog! This week, we want to shine a light on one of the most powerful and sustainable practices in our allotments: circular gardening. It’s the simple idea that everything we take from the soil can and should be returned to it, creating a vibrant, living ecosystem.
While many of our plot holders champion these values, we owe a special thank you to our Open Day Coordinator, Monique Wyatt (Plot 120), for her passion for permaculture and for constantly inspiring us to think more sustainably.
The Magic of Compost
The Heartbeat of Your Plot
The cornerstone of circular gardening is composting. It’s the ultimate form of recycling, turning kitchen scraps, cardboard, and garden waste into “black gold”—a rich, nutrient-dense compost that feeds our soil.
- Compost is not a waste: Every leaf, every weed, and every vegetable peel is a valuable ingredient for your compost pile.
- A Living Soil:Compost isn't just a fertilizer; it's a home for the beneficial worms and microbes that make our soil healthy and our plants thrive.
- The Power of the Pile: By composting, we drastically reduce our waste and create a self-sustaining system where we don't have to rely on external, chemical fertilizers.
Reusing & Upcycling
Finding New Life on the Plot
The commitment to circularity extends beyond composting. On our plots, you’ll see ingenuity everywhere you look!
- From Pallets to Planters: Old wooden pallets are transformed into raised beds or vertical planters.
- Plastic Bottles as Protection: Cut-off plastic bottles become mini-cloches to protect young seedlings from the cold.
- Creative Containers: Old sinks, broken wheelbarrows, and even discarded boots find new life as unique planters.
This philosophy of reusing everything—from old bricks to salvaged wood—not only saves money but also gives our allotments their unique, resourceful character.
Limiting Plastic: A Small Change, a Big Impact
We also believe in being mindful of what we bring onto our plots. While plastic has its uses, our plot holders are making a concerted effort to limit its presence. By choosing reusable pots, avoiding single-use plastics, and finding alternatives for everything from labels to netting, we are collectively reducing our environmental footprint. Every small choice contributes to a healthier, more sustainable home for our plants and wildlife.
Our Open Day is a chance to see these principles in action. Visit our plots to see creative upcycling, ask a plot holder about their composting secrets, and get inspired to bring this circular approach to your own garden!
Your Open Day attendance helps us continue this important work, and all proceeds go directly to the Chipping Barnet Food Bank.
