 |  | Un-beetable – Growers relax in RHS’ community space |
| Greetings, fellow garden enthusiasts,
Welcome to the Summer edition of the Growing Manchester Newsletter, where we embark on a journey of growth, renewal, and boundless greenery!
August is a vibrant time in the garden, with summer blooms in full glory and the first signs of the harvest season hopefully not too far off. It’s been an unseasonably cool year so far, and the effect this has had on certain crops has been significant, whereas potatoes, chard and other leafy greens have benefited from the inclement conditions, courgettes and pumpkins are struggling with the lack of heat and sunlight.
However, as horticulturists, we’re a resilient bunch and it’s in our nature to work with changing climate and the challenges it poses. In the latest edition of the Growing MCR newsletter, we will be bringing you a roundup of the fantastic work taking place across the city. |
| | Cultivating Connections at RHS |
|  | Thyme to party – Growers come together to celebrate at RHS |
| A huge thank you to all who attended the Growing MCR networking event at RHS Bridgewater, representatives from community gardens across the city came together to discuss ideas and support in the idyllic RHS Bridgewater, Salford.
Despite the typical British weather (sun to torrential downpour in the space of 30 seconds) attendees were able to explore the RHS’ community plots and wellbeing garden, normally inaccessible to the general public. The networking aspect of the event was a key focus with attendees from groups across the city voicing their thoughts and exchanging ideas.
Ozichi Brewster, the RHS’ first therapeutic gardener, was also on hand to provide inspirational words and advice, promoting the power of gardening to bring people together and promote wellbeing.
For more information about upcoming Growing Manchester events contact info@sowthecity.org |
| Miso Making MasterclassUnlock the Umami |
|  | Bean there, done that – participants take part in food fermenting masterclass |
| As gardeners, we often explore methods like dehydration, pickling, and making jams to preserve our food. But how many of us have tried making miso? Made from fermented soybeans (or any bean), miso boasts a complex ‘umami’ flavour, offering a pleasant, meaty quality.
In early July, Moss Side Community Allotment hosted a miso workshop, attracting food enthusiasts, local residents, and gardeners. The event introduced participants to the traditional Japanese art of miso making, highlighting its cultural significance and health benefits.
Local miso aficionado Jon Ross led the workshop, guiding attendees through the process of making miso from scratch. Participants learned about key ingredients, including soybeans, koji (a type of mould used in fermentation), and salt, with the opportunity to take home their creations. Miso is a great way to prolong the lifespan of food and deal with a surplus of legumes, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Growing MCR runs various sessions every year. For updates and offers, keep an eye on our Facebook page or email info@sowthecity.org. |
| | | Lettuce celebrate – GM Growers receive their plug plants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cultivating Change: RHS and HMP Manchester Partnership (Update)Last issue, we provided news on The Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) partnership with HMP Manchester. Inmates at Strangeways cultivated over 2000 vegetable plug plants for community gardens across the city. Providing the prisoners with valuable skills and a sense of purpose, whilst enhancing green spaces and fostering community spirit.
The Plug Plant ProgramThe plants have now been distributed to approximately 10 community gardens, each within a 2-3 mile radius of the prison. With an average cost of £1 – £2.50 per plant this accounts to approximately £4,000 of support for Growing Manchester groups. |
|  | | 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 organisations 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 |
| Community SpotlightHighlighting outstanding growing within our city |
|  | Life is ‘Gourd’ at Barlow Road |
| A new community garden is being established at a temporary accommodation property in Levenshulme, providing communal living facilities for men affected by homelessness. Following a request from residents eager to grow their own food, staff sought support through the Growing Manchester programme.
This project aims to offer residents a green space to cultivate their own food, connect with nature, and foster a sense of community. Residents of Barlow Road have been actively involved in creating and maintaining the garden, with regular sessions provided by Growing MCR. These sessions have given residents and staff the chance to learn new skills, share knowledge, and build friendships, turning the garden into a vibrant hub of activity.
Accomodation Support Worker, Hannah Statham shared the following…
“So far, we have harvested courgettes, however there are tomatoes on the way, pumpkins, cabbages, beetroot and chard, The best part is it was all free, thanks to help from Sow the City (Growing MCR) and a bit of admin getting the funding for the compost. What an amazing thing to see, residents so proud of their own hard work, and, rewarded with veg to cook in the kitchen.” |
| | | Five Top Tips Summer in the GardenJobs to keep you busy this growing season |
|  | Berry nice – brambles provide an abundant harvest in August |
|
Five Essential Tips for Late Summer Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, we hope our tips will help ensure a bountiful harvest this growing season.
Think about Cool weather crops: Sow lettuce (oak leaf variety), rocket, kale, and beetroot for salad leaves. Successive sowing every few weeks will ensure a delicious supply of leaves throughout the autumn.
Take Cuttings from Perennial Herbs: Herbs: Mint, rosemary, sage, and lavender can be propagated by planting non-flowering stems in gritty potting mix. Keep soil moist and mint will start to root in a matter of weeks, lavender and sage will take a little longer.
Feed Tomatoes, Peppers, and Chillies: Switching to a high potassium feed will encourage fruit development, try to maintain steady temperature and watering schedules to speed up ripening.
Try unusual crops – Spanish Black Radish & Mooli: Perfect for salads and stir-fries, mooli and spanish black radish can be roasted, eaten raw or used in stir fries. Start in module trays and plant out when true leaves appear. Both crops are winter hardy and will withstand cooler conditions.
Harvest Currants and Berries Blackberries are coming into season at the moment, found in parks, along canals and the periphery of neglected spaces, these shiny black fruits are ideal for jams, jellies or baking into a crumble.
|
| Our next newsletter will be released in October. If you have any stories, updates, or events you’d like to share, please send them to Ciaran@sowthecity.org by 30th September 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! |
| | Image courtesy of Don Lu on Unsplash |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
