In this episode of Gardening Together, we visit Vallis Veg to explore an inspiring community initiative—Staples. This project brings local growers together to cultivate staple British vegetables in a collaborative way, dividing the work and sharing the harvest.

With groups dedicated to potatoes, grains, squashes, and onions, each team manages over 55m² of growing space, working in small groups of 3-4 people. We’ll hear from the growers about how they set up the project, planned their crops, tackled challenges, and what they’ve learned in their first year.

Could this model be replicated in other communities? What are the benefits—and surprises—of growing staples together? Tune in to find out!

We discuss tips and tricks for a shared garden allotment:

1. Consider the "no dig" approach to maintain soil structure.
2. Use mulch to suppress weeds and grasses.
3. Focus on careful planning and research for successful gardening projects.
4. Embrace a newfound passion and adapt to changing circumstances.

Darren's journey began when the pandemic left him unemployed as a professional chef for 18 years. During the lockdown, he discovered a passion for gardening while reviving an overgrown garden on his property. His interest in the natural world grew, and he decided to pursue a career as a gardener.

He enrolled in an RHS course and, through a chance meeting with the owner of a hotel where he previously worked, he was offered the role of overseeing a market garden project. One key approach he adopted in gardening is the "no dig" method, which involves not disturbing the existing soil structure and using mulch to suppress weeds and grasses.

In this episode, we interview Doug Stewart, the CEO of Edventure Frome, a community entrepreneurship organization based in Somerset, UK. Doug shares his insights on how Edventure Frome supports people to tackle community issues and build a positive future. He talks about the organization’s mission to create meaningful livelihoods, a resilient town, and a fairer, greener world. Tune in to learn more about how Edventure Frome is empowering people to make a difference in their communities.

On today's episode of "Gardening Together," we have a special guest, Tasmin Westbrook, the farm estate manager of a local farm just outside of Frome called Vallis Farm. Tasmin shares her inspiring journey  and some gardening tips and explains the farm's four main goals: Community, Education, Local Sustainable Food, and Biodiversity.

1. Community: Tasmin and the farm aim to create a strong sense of community by involving local residents and volunteers in various activities and events on the farm. 

2. Education: Education is a fundamental aspect of the farm's mission. Tasmin and the team offer educational programs for aprentices, schools, gardening enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning about organic and sustainable farming techniques.

3. Local Sustainable Food: The farm is committed to producing high-quality, organic, and sustainable food for the local community. 

4. Biodiversity: Tasmin and the team actively work towards preserving and enhancing biodiversity on the farm. They implement practices that promote wildlife habitat, protect native plant species, and encourage pollinators to thrive in the area.

Welcome back to Gardening Together! In today's episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with a remarkable guest, Ben Still. Ben is not only a co-founder of @loopfrome but also a local independence Frome town councillor and a skilled herbalist and healer. Together, we explored the fascinating concept of a circular economy and the importance of keeping it local in Frome.

Throughout our conversation, we delved into the Loop Scheme, a brilliant initiative aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability within the community. Ben shared valuable insights into how this innovative program works and its positive impact on the environment and the local economy.

But our conversation didn't stop there. We went on to discuss the broader topic of transitioning from a global economy to a more localized one. Ben's expertise shed light on the numerous benefits of embracing a local approach, from fostering resilience to nurturing meaningful connections within the community.

Tune in to hear Ben's inspiring journey, his passion for healing and herbalism, and how these pursuits intersect with his dedication to creating a more sustainable world.

You can find Ben on Instagram at ben_still, and learn more about his herbalism work at sacredfifth.com

As we explore the beauty of community gardening, we find that it's not just about tending to plants, but also about cultivating relationships and building a self-sustaining ecosystem that thrives on cooperation and shared values. Ben's experiences and expertise provide a unique perspective on how we can all play a role in transforming our economies and taking steps towards a greener, more interconnected future.

Join us for an insightful conversation on Gardening Together, and let's learn how we can actively contribute to the shift towards a more localized and sustainable world. Together, we'll discover the power of embracing community and nurturing our environment, one episode at a time. Stay tuned!

Kieran SaundersJoin Sarah Leyland and Kieran Saunders who both share a garden as they delve into the world of shared gardening, vegetable plants and flowers. From stolen roses to unexpected veggies, they share their passion, insights

Are you ready to dig deep into the world of gardening and community building? Get ready to join us on a journey of green thumbs, shared spaces, and blooming friendships. Welcome to the Gardening Together podcast, where we explore the incredible impact that gardening can have on strengthening communities. We're on a mission to reduce the allotment waiting list and social isolation. Together, we'll discover how gardening can invigorate lives, alleviate loneliness, and create lasting connections.