Harvest News Archive

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Harvest is on Facebook!

Harvest now has a page on Facebook so you can easily keep up with our events and information. Come along and follow us! [Harvest on Facebook]

Matches are made in city for garden lovers

[October 2010] THERE is little more satisfying than working a derelict and overgrown patch of land into a productive and healthy vegetable plot.

The fresh air and exercise... [read more - external website]

Harvest Produce Swap and Launch Party

"When sharing food with friends there is a huge difference between telling them: 'I bought this' and 'I grew this'"

These were the words of Canon Tom Honey that formally launched Harvest on Saturday 25th September.

The weather was kind and the sun shone all day. The event was attended by lots of local people who came along to find out more about Harvest and to enjoy the range of activities on offer. There was a lot to do: apple pressing and apple tasting courtesy of Greg Towning; fabulous children's activities provided by Love Local Food; a seasonal café serving lunch made from almost entirely from ingredients sourced within 4 miles of Exeter (a big thank you to Linscombe Farm who sponsored the day with a big donation of veg). There was also information on composting, films shown by POGOE (Permaculture and Organic Growers of Exeter), Age Concern's 'Men in Sheds' with their refurbished tools, and a range of other organisations with a local food theme had information about what they do. At the heart of it all was the Harvest Produce Swap.

Anyone who had a surplus of anything they'd grown, picked, pickled, preserved or baked was invited to bring it along and swap for other people's tasty home-grown goodies. The swap was a spectacular success and we were surprised and delighted with the range of produce people brought along. There was everything from the expected courgettes and tomatoes to home-grown grapes, green walnuts, dried herbs, sloes and figs. Not to mention jars of jam and chutney and the odd loaf of bread.

The produce swap was so successful that we are planning to hold monthly swaps starting in the spring next year, and continuing throughout the growing season. Watch this space for dates and locations.

Many visitors commented on the friendly atmosphere and village feel of the day. 'It was bursting with activity' said one visitor, 'Interesting information and lovely people to meet. Lovely weather too'.

Ellie and Andi would like to thank everyone who took part in the day, from the visitors, the people who provided activities, Greg for the apple pressing, Rob from Seasons for running the cafe, and most of all, to our awesome team of volunteers who helped with everything from planning the day to clearing up at the end. We couldn't do it without them.

Youngsters are growing their own for community

[August 2010] IN a small corner of an Exwick housing estate there is now a garden growing kale, purple sprouting broccoli and leeks. It is also home to insects made from recycled materials, silk flags and, as soon as it has been fired, a clay totem pole.

And perhaps the nicest thing about this... [read more - external website]

New Community Garden in Guinness Lane, Exwick

Twenty 8-12 year-olds who were participating in the Guinness Trust's Dreamscheme spent a lovely August afternoon with the Harvest team setting up their new community garden in Exwick. The children planted winter veg in the new beds. They now have salad, leeks, kale, broccoli and garlic to care for and eventually harvest during the winter months. The children were really enthusiastic and had a great time.

Later in the afternoon their parents and other residents were invited to come and enjoy a cream tea and admire the children's work.

A few weeks later the children, workers from the Guinness Trust and Harvest got together in the garden for a picnic which included pizza accompanied by the children's very own home-grown salad. The Harvest team will provide ongoing support to the young gardeners, and we're looking forward to making the garden even more productive next year.

Incredible Edible Minigarden giveaways

It's been another busy week at Harvest, with over 45 Incredible Edible Minigardens given away at Wonford Community & Learning Centre, Jubilee Court (St David's) and Exwick Community Centre. That's over 60 people of all ages now growing salads, herbs and many other vegetables at home - many of them for the first time.

We still have five more giveaway events planned, and are hoping to get 150 new people growing in total - that's a lot of plants and seeds! If any gardeners out there have a surplus of seedlings suitalbe for growing in containers, please contact Andi or Ellie and we'll find homes for them.

If you still haven't been to see us and collect your free Incredible Edible Minigarden, please check our calendar for times, dates and locations. Our Growing Champions will be really happy to meet you and help you start growing!

Seed of a scheme is champion plan for all gardeners

[May 2010] GROWING champions are needed to help spread the word — and the seed — among Exeter's wannabe-gardeners.

A new community food growing project is... [read more - external website]

People urged to create their own harvest

[February 2010] PEOPLE are being encouraged to grow their own vegetables and fruit in a Harvest Project launched in the city.

Exeter Community Initiatives is behind... [read more - external website]