|  | SNUG Project, Crowcroft Park – Longsight |
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| | Greetings, fellow garden enthusiasts,
Welcome to the Spring edition of the Growing Manchester Newsletter, where we embark on a journey of growth, renewal, and boundless greenery. As the cooler days and nights give way to the gentle warmth of spring, it’s time to dust off our gardening gloves, grab our trowels, and immerse ourselves in the joy of a new gardening season.
Spring is a time of transformation, both in nature and in the community garden. It’s a season that symbolizes hope, the days feel a little longer and warmer temperatures mean that some crops can be sown directly, the greenhouse and polytunnels are laden with seedlings and tomatoes and peppers are making the most of the warmer days.
In the latest edition of the Growing Manchester Newsletter, we will be offering funding advice, bringing you the latest news and updates from gardens across the city as well as providing tips and tricks to ensure you make the most of the season. |
| | Networking Event at RHS Bridgewater |
|  | The breathtaking RHS Bridgewater, one of the Royal Horticultural Society’s newest gardens, will provide the setting for our Growing MCR networking event this year.
Taking place on Thursday 4th July, attendees will be invited to partake in a range of activities including ‘shinrin-yoku’ (forest bathing), nature crafts and a tour of the gardens as well as the opportunity to connect with other community growers from across the city.
Lunch will be provided and the event is completely free to attend, however, places are strictly limited. In order to ensure fair attendance, numbers are limited to two participants per community group.
To reserve your place and/or request further information, contact Lucy@sowthecity.org or call 0161 465 6954 |
| | B&Q Foundations GrantGrants up to £5,000 available
Objectives of Fund The funding is intended for registered charities working with people in need (by reason of financial hardship, sickness,disability, other disadvantage or distress) in the UK and who need funding for the following: Projects that provide, maintain, repair or improve housing or community spaces.
More information
Morrisons FoundationGrants up to £10,000 available.
The funding is for specific projects that make a difference to people’s lives, with special consideration for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
Who Can Apply? UK charities that improve the lives of people and communities in England, Scotland or Wales can apply. To be eligible, applicants must Be registered with the Charity Commission (England and Wales) or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Scotland (OSCR) for a minimum of one year
More information
Screwfix FoundationGrants up to £5,000 available
Who Can Apply? The funding is intended for both national and local charities across the UK so that they can fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities specifically for those in need (by reason of financial hardship, sickness, disability or other disadvantage or distress) in the UK.
More information
Postcode Neighbourhood TrustGrants up to £25,000 Available
Who Can Apply? The funding aims to support smaller charities and good causes in the north of England to make a difference to their community for the benefit of people and planet.
More information |
| Composting Masterclass at the Lalley CentreA deep dive into the Ridan System |
|  | Allotment Co-ordinator, Raddon Stephenson – Lalley Centre, Collyhurst |
| A wet Monday morning in mid April saw community growers from across the city visiting one of the most exciting and progressive green spaces in Manchester. Despite the rather dismal weather, the Lalley Centre allotment buzzed with excitement as participants gathered for an engaging composting masterclass harnessing the power of the Ridan System.
What is the Ridan Composting System?The Ridan system is an advanced composting solution designed for community and educational settings. Unlike traditional composting methods, the Ridan system accelerates the decomposition process through its insulated, continuous-flow design. This ensures that organic waste, including food scraps and garden waste, is efficiently broken down into rich, nutrient-dense compost in a matter of weeks. Raddon is working closely with the local primary school, St. Malachi’s to teach the children about the significance of food waste as well as getting them to take a ‘hands on approach’ in using the composting process.
Session Highlights The masterclass was led by Community Pantry and Allotment Co-ordinator, Raddon Stephenson, a composting aficionado with a passion for urban agriculture. The session covered the principles of the Ridan system, site tour and QnA as well as a musical performance from the children of St. Malachi’s (Accompanied by Raddon on the accordion!) singing their own Ridan theme song.
Conclusion The composting masterclass at the Lalley Centre was more than just an educational event; it was a step towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient community. By adopting the Ridan composting system, the Centre has not only demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability but also inspired individuals to take action in their own homes. As the benefits of composting spread throughout Collyhurst, the seeds of a greener future are being sown, one compost heap at a time.
Growing MCR runs a a wide range of sessions every year, for the latest updates and offers keep an eye on our Facebook Page or email info@sowthecity.org |
| RHS and HMP Collaborate to Grow Plants for Growing MCR Gardens |
|  | Community Growers at the Irish World Heritage Centre – Cheetham Hill |
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| In an inspiring initiative blending horticulture with rehabilitation, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is partnering with prisoners at HMP Manchester to cultivate over 2000 vegetable plug plants destined for community gardens across the city. This innovative program aims to provide inmates with valuable skills and a sense of purpose while simultaneously enhancing green spaces and fostering community spirit.
The Initiative: Cultivating ChangeThe RHS, renowned for its commitment to promoting gardening and sustainability, has launched this project as part of its broader social responsibility efforts. By working with the prison system, the RHS seeks to transform the lives of inmates through the therapeutic and educational benefits of gardening.
The Plug Plant ProgramPlug plants, young plants grown from seeds or cuttings in small, individual cells, are ideal for transplantation. This program involves prisoners in the entire cultivation process, from seed sowing to nurturing the young plants until they are ready to be distributed to community gardens. Three community gardens (each based within a three mile radius of the HMP Manchester) will be hosting specialist training events where attendees will learn about plug plant care and management. Those attending the training on behalf of Growing MCR groups will receive a selection of veg plants grown in the project. So far, training sessions have been delivered at the Lalley Centre, World Irish Heritage Centre and THOMAS Project.
Places are still available at the remaining event…
To book a place and for further information, contact Kieron@sowthecity.org |
| | Five Top Tips for Spring in the GardenJobs to keep you busy this growing season |
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Five Essential Tips for Spring Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, we hope our tips will help ensure a bountiful harvest this growing season.
Choose the right spot to maximise space. Select a location with good sun exposure for crops that will benefit the most from the additional light and warmth, if growing for ‘fruit or root’ grow in full sun, leafy veg can stand a little shade and particularly hot, dry conditions will cause many brassicas and leafy veg to ‘bolt’.
Implement a proper watering schedule.When watering the most important factor is regularity, plants don’t mind if they’re watered first in the morning or last thing at night as long as they get an ample soak. Watering a little everyday is nowhere near as beneficial as a good drench every few days.
Sow successively for longer seasons of harvest Successive plantings of fast-growing crops like radishes and lettuce every few weeks ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Monitor and Manage PestsKeep an eye out for pests and take action early. The key to reducing damage is to plant a wide array of different crops and keep beds clear of weeds. remove old leaves and keeps growing areas free of debris. Discarded pots are perfect places for nocturnal feeders like slugs and snails to shelter during the day.
Try growing something new! There’s still plenty of time to experiment with unusual crops like luffa, tomatillo, cucamleon, malabar or sweet potato, many of these can be purchased as plug plants from online suppliers, however it’s not too late to sow a few from seed.
By following these tips, you’ll set the stage for a successful spring vegetable garden. With proper preparation, thoughtful planning, and diligent care, you can enjoy a season full of fresh, homegrown produce. Happy gardening!
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| Our next newsletter will be released in August. If you have any stories, updates, or events you’d like to share, please send them to Ciaran@sowthecity.org by 31st July 2024.
That’s it for this edition of the Growing MCR Newsletter. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event!
Happy gardening!
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