Allotment gardens get winter boost

Mid and East Antrim Council has organised a range of winter training workshops at Greenisland Allotment Gardens.

In addition, there are still plots available for green-fingered residents to rent out and enjoy. The workshops will provide tips on a range of topics - including composting and seed sowing – with the events running monthly from October 2016 to March 2017.

Mayor, Cr Audrey Wales said autumn and winter is a good time to take on a plot.

She said: “Winter is a great time to invest in your very own plot and get it ready for the new growing season. Workshops begin on site on Saturday, October 29, with the first one titled, ‘Getting your plot ready for winter’.

“It will look at the benefits of covering bare soil over in winter and discuss a range of options, including green manures, weed proof membrane, and organic matter. Materials will be available on site for plot holders,” she said.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has also made a number of significant improvements to the site this year including new fencing, gating and improved water provision on site. It also provided a series of training workshops on site throughout the summer months for plot holders and staff have worked with plot holders to progress the site.

“Greenisland Allotment Gardens is an important facility for the borough. Our training workshops and other initiatives have helped undermine our commitment,” Cr Wales added.