We’re hoping for a great growing season in 2025 and have started welcoming corporate groups to our allotments in Woodley.
Teresa, one of the volunteers who manages the site on behalf of Launchpad, said: “This year we are growing potatoes, beetroot, dwarf beans, French climbing beans, runner beans, broad beans, courgettes, squash, onions, spring onions, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, peppers and cucumber.
“We are also surrounded by blackberries and try to pick them to take along the way too.”
Most of the produce grown is donated to Readifood, Reading’s Food Bank, but some is also delivered to our work and life skills centre in Cardiff Road and used in cooking sessions with the clients there.
Thames Water were our first corporate group of the year, so unfortunately for them, they had all the preparation tasks to do.
Teresa said: “They uncovered number two plot, dug it over and weeded it, put up the canes ready for climbing French beans and runners. Although they were only there for three hours (there were 10 of them), they all did a fantastic job. They also planted the tomatoes and cucumber in the poly tunnel.”
We have lots of opportunities for corporates to come and have a team building day on our allotments – we have dates available between now and October for either a whole day or half a day.
Or if you would like to make a donation towards our work at the allotment, this year the team are looking for a couple of strimmers, a number of 10 litre watering cans with rose and a petroleum lawnmower.
Teresa added: “Thames Water helped put up the framework for a greenhouse (around 18 months ago) and we still don’t have any glass substitute yet. We would love it to be a working greenhouse, so we can grow more produce inside. We also need some sleepers to go underneath the greenhouse as a foundation.”
If you are interested in coming to the allotment, please get in touch with Kirsti.Wilson@launchpadreading.org.uk
