Jimmy's plots prove popular at Ballyrashane

Jimmy Caldwell was a dairy farmer for many years, but in 1995 when the business he worked so hard at wasn’t going well he decided it was time for a change.

After working at a number of other jobs, Jimmy struck upon an idea that would utilise the land he had on his farm at Ballyversal Road at Ballyrashane, Coleraine.

“I worked at a few other things after giving up the dairy farming but after a while I thought I should use what I had in terms of ground on the farm,” he explained.

“I decided that I would set up allotments, create plots of land where people could come in and grow vegeatables, flowers or whatever they wanted to grow.”

With a decision made to set up J and J Allotments, the next stage was to prepare the ground.

Jimmy continued: “A lot of work was needed to get the site ready.

“We fenced off the individual plots, each measuring 105 square yards, put in running water to each plot, and set up proper lane ways.”

Running the allotments is relatively simple process.

Anyone who wished to take a plot signs an agreement running for eleven-and-a-half months, then at the end of that time will have the option to renew for a similar period.

Now a year on since the business began, Jimmy has time to reflect on the success of the venture so far.

“This is only my first year at the allotments but everyone who took a plot has decided to renew so we must be doing some things right,” Jimmy said.

“It has been an enjoyable year. Although the weather could have been a bit better the people have still been coming and putting in a tremendous amount of work and grown some pretty impressive vegetables.

“We have eight of the 17 plots let out and hope that more will follow. If the current plots are all taken up I have the option to expand if necessary.”

He added: “I have been quite surprised by the people taking plots. It’s not just old men coming to potter about. Young families have taken plots and really seem to be enjoying growing their own produce.”

A number of allotments are still available. The cost of taking a plot is 210 for the eleven-and-a-half month period which includes rotavating of the site.