Self-sufficiency at Kilmessan allotments

The growing popularity of self-sufficient gardening and growing has seen a number of allotments opening around the county, including the Big Tree Allotments, an initiative of Kilmessan farmer Paddy Gorman. With a lot of people thinking a bit more about the quality, flavour and freshness of the fruit and vegetables they eat, they have begun to consider growing their own. Based on an 11-month renewable licence, the Big Tree Allotments have plots of 108 square metres of growing space, plenty for an average family. Each allotment comes fenced, ploughed and rotavated the first year with water on tap at each plot. Farmyard manure and mulch are freely available for all to use. Allotment gardens are enjoying a revival as cash-strapped families start to grow their own vegetables and fruit. In the 1940s, there were up to 40,000 around the country. Now the number is starting to rise again as people recognise the growing benefits, such as meeting the social needs of people - with no walls or hedges between plots, gardeners exchange tips and ideas readily; the need for green space and a quiet environment in ever more populated and higher density housing with little or no gardens; and the educational needs of adults and children to learn about growing vegetables. The profile of the allotment-user is also changing and is now increasingly popular with families because it is seen to be a 'no cost" day out with the benefits of exercise and fresh air. For more information on the Big Tree Allotments, contact Paddy Gorman on (086) 344 6791. They are located in Crerogue, Kilmessan, five miles from Trim, nine miles from Navan and eight miles from Dunshaughlin.