our allotment

The Phoenix Food Shop first started a growing program in 2022 with a small garden that was attached to the community centre. We grew tomatoes, which became very popular with our customers. The following year we stated to expand with another space at Tamplin Terrace where we grew more tomatoes to supplement our food bags. Even though the new garden was a success, growing food on the estate was not going to be enough and an allotment was needed to meet our needs.

The allotment was taken on at the beginning of 2025. We inherited a decent shed and a good sized greenhouse that was in need of some repairs, which was carried out by volunteers. Tomatoes and peppers were a great success in the greenhouse, and leafy vegetables and other veg are raised in there too.

The site itself is on an incline so raised bed / terracing was the approach. This also means less bending for those who may have back issues. Other designated raised beds have been built with mobility in mind to help with inclusion of all ages.

This year (2026) we’ve been growing a large range of vegetables, with the aim being to show shop users how our food is produced, with the opportunity to get involved and start growing. Growing at home is also encouraged by giving shop users living salads to grow at home on windowsills. Regular short workshops will also be run on how to grow particular vegetables either at home or on site, such as tomatoes and quick grow salads and herbs on kitchen windows.

Photos taken by our volunteer gardeners