{"activityType":[{"id":38377,"name":"Practical skills"},{"id":38396,"name":"Creative skills"}],"activityCategory":"Activity","completionTime":"day\u002B","cost":"\u00A3\u00A3\u00A3","energy":"Energiser","equipmentList":[{"id":38295,"name":"Pens or pencils","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38356,"name":"A4 paper","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38311,"name":"Gardening gloves","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38250,"name":"Gardening tools","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38265,"name":"Coloured pens or pencils","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"Device with internet access, one per group","type":"specific"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"Plants, as desired","type":"specific"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"Gardening books (optional)","type":"specific"}],"adjustments":"\u003Cp\u003ETending an allotment can be a big commitment, and some people may feel more comfortable completing the activity using space in an appropriate person\u2019s garden.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDepending on the plants chosen, amount of space and the tools available, this activity will be more or less difficult. While plants that take longer to grow will require a longer project and more records, they may also be lower maintenance and require less attention, meaning fewer visits.\u003C/p\u003E","firstProvidedBy":"","flexibilityStatement":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETry to choose a site that works for everyone \u2013 depending on your group, it may need to be wheelchair accessible or close to toilet facilities. Do you need to make a quiet space for anyone who needs a break from the busy outdoors?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe best way to know if the site is suitable for the needs of your group is to visit beforehand. If you\u2019re unable to visit, ask the land manager any questions well in advance.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","groupSize":"Teams","guide":null,"meetsRequirements":[{"notes":"\u003Cp\u003EAgree this beforehand with your leadership team.\u003C/p\u003E","subRequirementsToQualify":0,"numberOfTimeToComplete":0,"subRequirements":null,"tips":null,"optional":false,"id":45931,"nodeName":null,"title":null,"type":"","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":null,"searchDescription":null,"subHeader":null,"browserTitle":null,"silktide":null,"canonicalUrl":null},{"notes":"\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003Ethree kinds of hardy annual flower\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003Ethree kinds of vegetable\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003Etwo kinds of bulbs, herbaceous plants, flowering shrubs or rose\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E","subRequirementsToQualify":0,"numberOfTimeToComplete":0,"subRequirements":null,"tips":null,"optional":false,"id":45932,"nodeName":null,"title":null,"type":"","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":null,"searchDescription":null,"subHeader":null,"browserTitle":null,"silktide":null,"canonicalUrl":null},{"notes":"\u003Cp\u003EThis could include height records of the flowers, for example.\u003C/p\u003E","subRequirementsToQualify":0,"numberOfTimeToComplete":0,"subRequirements":null,"tips":null,"optional":false,"id":45933,"nodeName":null,"title":null,"type":"","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":null,"searchDescription":null,"subHeader":null,"browserTitle":null,"silktide":null,"canonicalUrl":null}],"countsTowardsBadges":[{"title":"Farming","sections":["Scouts"],"supportedBy":null,"badgeType":{"id":39282,"name":"Activity"},"activityTypes":[],"settings":[],"browserTitle":"Scouts Farming Activity Badge","url":"/scouts/activity-badges/farming/","id":45649,"nodeName":"Farming","type":"badge","image":{"url":"/media/4398/activity-sc-farming.png","caption":"Activity Sc Farming","type":"png","size":12092,"width":347,"height":350,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Farming","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NTY0OSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/scouts/activity-badges/farming/"}],"outcome":[{"id":38418,"name":"Persevere more","outcomeLabel":"Persevere more","outcomeDescription":"Learn to work hard, stay focused, and refuse to let setbacks stop you achieving your goals."},{"id":38416,"name":"Improve wellbeing","outcomeLabel":"Improve wellbeing","outcomeDescription":"Feel happy, be satisfied with your life, and know the things you do are worthwhile."}],"preparation":null,"preparationTime":"60\u002B","reflection":"\u003Cp\u003EGrowing plants of any variety is a nurturing experience that requires perseverance and commitment. It\u2019s likely that most of the group will be pretty proud of their little plants once they\u2019ve grown up a bit!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow does everyone feel about growing their own vegetables? Is anyone surprised with the amount of time it took to care for the plants? What was the most challenging part of caring for the plants? Has it changed how people think about where our food comes from?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGrowing and farming vegetables has its ups and downs. Sometimes plants don\u2019t grow the way people expect them too. This could be due to lack of water, overwatering, lack of sun, or wild animals eating them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDid anyone experience this? What happened and how did it make people feel?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHopefully the rewarding feeling from when the plants were growing made all the hard work worthwhile. Did you manage to eat or cook the vegetables? Can anyone share any particular highlights from this experience?\u003C/p\u003E","relatedActivities":null,"setting":[{"id":38378,"name":"Outdoors"}],"supportedBy":null,"takingItFurther":"\u003Cp\u003EUse what you\u2019ve produced to create a menu and cook up a storm by completing the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/scouts/activity-badges/chef/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Chef\u0022\u003EScouts Chef Activity Badge\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","whoIsItFor":"","youthShapedGuidance":"\u003Cp\u003EYoung people steer this activity by making their planting suggestions in the meeting place and then by playing an active role in the project.\u003C/p\u003E","activityTags":[{"id":38543,"name":"Hobbies"},{"id":38554,"name":"Planting"},{"id":38555,"name":"Growing"},{"id":38551,"name":"Farming"}],"roles":[{"id":39231,"name":"Helpers"},{"id":38724,"name":"Section Teams"},{"id":39232,"name":"Parents"},{"id":38725,"name":"Young Leaders"}],"sections":[{"name":"Scouts","id":39275,"logo":"","colour":null,"ageRange":""},{"name":"Explorers","id":39276,"logo":"","colour":null,"ageRange":""}],"themes":[{"id":38417,"name":"Outdoor skills"},{"id":38435,"name":"Care"},{"id":38465,"name":"Gardening"}],"searchEngineDescription":"Find a place to create your own vegetable garden or allotment, then get growing.","plannerTimeSlot":60.000000,"safetyAlerts":[{"title":"Outdoor activities","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast, and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Animals and insects","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EBe aware of the risks before interacting with animals. Be aware of anyone with allergies, and make alternative arrangements for them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Poles and long objects","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EBe careful when moving poles or long items. Take care if the ends are sharp. Have appropriate supervision for this activity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Gardening and nature","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EEveryone must wash their hands after the activity has finished. Wear gloves if needed. Explain how to safely use equipment and set clear boundaries so everyone knows what\u2019s allowed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Sharp objects","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ETeach young people how to use sharp objects safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Rubbish and recycling","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAll items should be clean and suitable for this activity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Food","alert":"\u003Cp\u003ERemember to check for allergies, eating problems, fasting or dietary requirements and adjust the recipe as needed. \u003Cspan\u003EMake sure you\u2019ve suitable areas for storing and preparing food and avoid cross contamination of different foods. Take a look at our\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/keeping-safe-at-camp/guidance-for-food-safety/\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for food safety\u0022\u003Eguidance on food safety and hygiene\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Online safety","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESupervise young people when they\u2019re online and give them advice about staying safe. Take a look at our\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safeguarding-in-the-programme/scouting-online-safely/\u0022 title=\u0022Staying safe online\u0022\u003Eonline safety\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E or \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://nspcc.org.uk/bullying\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Bullying (NSPCC)\u0022\u003Ebullying\u003C/a\u003E guidance. The \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.nspcc.org.uk\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENSPCC\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eoffers more advice and guidance, too\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E. If you want to know more about specific social networks and games, \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.childnet.com/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Childnet\u0022\u003EChildnet\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Ehas information and safety tips for apps. \u003C/span\u003EYou can also report anything that\u2019s worried you online to the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 tabindex=\u0022-1\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Safety centre (CEOP)\u0022\u003EChild Exploitation and Online Protection Command\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAs always, if you\u2019ve got concerns about a young person\u2019s welfare, including their online experiences, follow the \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Young People First - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E to make a report\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Near water","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EManage groups carefully when near water. The \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9a-activities/#9.13\u0022 title=\u00229. Activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9.13\u0022\u003Eguidance on activities near water\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E will help you to keep your group safe. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Heavy and awkward objects","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ENever lift or move heavy or awkward items alone. Ask for help or, if possible, break them down into smaller parts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Visits away from your meeting place","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EComplete a thorough \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment \u003C/a\u003Eand include hazards, such as roads, woodland, plants, animals, and bodies of water (for example, rivers, ponds, lakes, and seas).\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EY\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003Eou\u2019ll probably need more adult helpers than usual.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EYour risk assessment should include how many adults you need. The\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Adult to Young People ratios\u0022\u003Eyoung people to adult ratios\u003C/a\u003E are a minimum requirement. When you do your risk assessment, you might decide that you need more adults than the ratio specifies. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThink about extra equipment that you may need to take with you, such as high visibility clothing, a first aid kit, water, and waterproofs. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThroughout the activity,\u00A0watch out\u00A0for changes in the weather\u00A0and do regular headcounts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"PPE","alert":"\u003Cp\u003EBefore completing this activity make sure you have suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). This could include eye or ear protection, gloves, and anything else you need to protect yourself. You\u2019ll know what you need as a result of completing the risk assessment for the activity.\u003C/p\u003E"}],"safetyAlert":"","safetyTags":[],"deliveryMethods":"","permitRequired":false,"scoutLedQualifications":[],"guidance":null,"aalaRequired":false,"externalQualifications":[],"exceptions":[],"listingVideoUrl":"","disableBasicSafetyChecklist":false,"likes":0,"activitiesAdditionalInfo":{"inclusivityStatement":"\u003Cp\u003EAll Scout activities should be \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/supporting-those-with-additional-needs-and-neurodiversity/reasonable-adjustments/badges-and-awards/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance on flexibility\u0022\u003Einclusive and accessible.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","standardSafetyAlert":"\u003Cp\u003EAll activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Leaders\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/approving-activities-guidance-for-lead-volunteers/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Lead Volunteers\u0022\u003Eapproval for the activity\u003C/a\u003E, and have suitable\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou must run your activities in line with the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults - Yellow Card\u0022\u003ESafeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card)\u003C/a\u003E and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/p\u003E","basicChecklist":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EComplete a \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHave the right \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/adult-to-young-people-ratios/\u0022 title=\u0022Adult to Young People ratios\u0022\u003Eratios\u003C/a\u003E of number of adults to provide suitable\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESet up an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safe-scouting-and-emergency-procedures/\u0022 title=\u0022Safe Scouting and Emergency Procedures\u0022\u003EKnow what to do in an emergency\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EShare information with parents and carers with an\u003C/span\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/activity-information-form/\u0022 title=\u0022Activity information form\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eactivity information\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E form\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGet \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/approving-activities-guidance-for-lead-volunteers/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Lead Volunteers\u0022\u003Eapproval from your Lead Volunteer.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","scoutLedAvailable":"\u003Cp\u003EThis activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts:\u003C/p\u003E","permitRequired":"\u003Cp\u003EThe activity leader must have an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/activity-permit-scheme/adventurous-activity-permit-scheme/\u0022 title=\u0022Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme\u0022\u003Eadventurous activities permit\u003C/a\u003E with the right level and permissions for your group.\u003C/p\u003E","externallyLedAvailable":"\u003Cp\u003EYou can go to a centre or use an activity leader who\u0027s not part of Scouts:\u003C/p\u003E","aalaRequired":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/index.htm\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022AALA licence\u0022\u003EAn AALA licence is required\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","aalaExempt":"\u003Cp\u003EIf the provider is exempt from the AALA licence.\u003C/p\u003E","publicLiabilityInsurance":"\u003Cp\u003EThe provider must have public liability insurance.\u003C/p\u003E","actvityLink":"/activities/"},"duration":60,"instructions":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EBefore you begin\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003EUse the \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E to help you plan and risk assess your activity. There\u0027s also more guidance to help you carry out your \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E, including examples.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003EMake sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003EMake sure you\u2019ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help if you\u2019re short on helpers.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EPlanning and setting up this activity\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf you don\u2019t have access to an allotment or an outdoor area to start a veg plot, you could research community garden spaces to see if you could use them.\u0026nbsp;You could also ask the relevant owner for permission to set up a growing space at your meeting place.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou could opt to create a mini allotment indoors in a suitable planter or use larger planters outside to grow food in.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThis activity is best split across multiple sessions. The first sessions should feature an introduction to allotments or community space. Everyone should also get some time in the first session to think about what they\u2019ll plant and how they\u2019ll set out their plants.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThose leading the session will need to make themselves familiar with the requirements of maintaining an allotment. They may want to do some plant and vegetable research online, from books, or speak to an expert at a garden centre.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELet parents and carers know that you\u2019re planning on carrying out a series of visits to manage an allotment. They might like to get involved and could know others who can help.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ERun the activity\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGather everyone together and ask if anyone knows what an allotment is.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExplain an allotment is like\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Ea big garden where people come to grow fruit, vegetables and other plants. Allotments are not only great places to grow food, they support lots of different wildlife, too. And people can come to them to get closer to nature.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk if anyone has grown fruit, vegetables or flowers before. What do people think the benefits are of growing these things and of looking after an allotment? It may be good for people\u2019s mental health and wellbeing, it\u2019s good exercise, it offers people a focus, you can make new friends, learn new things and be responsible.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAs a group, see if anyone knows of any places in their local area you could grow fruit and vegetables. It could be outside your meeting place, a local allotment or a community garden. Instead, you may wish to have some options to choose from and let people vote to decide which on they should use.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk everyone to get into groups. Tell everyone that some vegetables can take months to grow, but some are quick growing, such as radishes, beetroots or salad and herb shelves.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEither using gardening books or devices connected to the internet, ask the groups to research:\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethree kinds of vegetable that could be planted in an allotment at the current time of year.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethree kinds of hardy annual flower that could be planted in the allotment at the current time of year.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Etwo kinds of bulb, herbaceous plant, flowering shrub or rose.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen this research is complete, gather back together to share ideas.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUsing everyone\u2019s research and considering all ideas, choose three vegetables, three hardy annual flowers, two bulbs, two herbaceous plants and two flowering shrubs that everyone can grow together.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou should ask everyone the length of time they think the group should be responsible for looking after the patch for, and how often you\u2019ll need to visit.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENow it\u2019s time to plan the veg patch or allotment. Give each group some pens, paper and rulers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk each group to draw out the space you\u2019ll be using, whether it\u2019s planters or a veg patch. You may wish to have a pre-drawn template.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExplain to the groups the size, shape and layout of the allotment, and remind everyone what plants they\u2019ll be growing. Making sure to include fixtures, such as sheds, compost bins, water containers and any landmarks.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENow, ask the group to draw where they think each plant should grow and why.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen everyone\u2019s finished planning their allotment, gather together again and share ideas. Together, decide together how the allotment will be set out and agree a final plot plan. Someone should note down what was decided and collect the notes that the groups have made.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENow, everyone should think about how they\u2019ll record their progress on the plant growth. This could be a journal, photographs, a noticeboard or something else.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIt\u2019s time to get started. Use the information on this page to help guide you through what needs to be done while gardening and maintaining the plants.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAllotments and community gardens can be very popular as they\u2019re a place to grow plants like flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThey\u2019re ideal for households who don\u2019t have access to a garden, or who need more outside space for growing.\u0026nbsp;As a result, they\u2019re popular in urban areas, where there\u2019s often less green space.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGardening and caring for the land can be very relaxing and rewarding.\u0026nbsp;You can also eat or sell your produce, or just sit back and enjoy looking at the plants you\u2019ve grown.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"What\u2019s an allotment?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf you\u2019re using a space away from the meeting place, it\u2019s always good to visit the site in advance to get a clear idea of the space available and condition of the site, and to assess the suitability of access for your group.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAlways try to measure the size of the allotment and planting beds, or the green space or planters, you\u2019ll be using. If this isn\u2019t possible, try asking the land manager to give you a virtual tour and ask if any adaptations you may need are possible, such as raised beds.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou may wish to ask the group to help budget this activity and run a session to plan for the costs of seeds, plants or equipment.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk about equipment. If there aren\u2019t any tools you can use on the site, you\u2019ll need to think about finding and bringing along your own. Remember to have suitable, safe storage for any tools and equipment, as well as any personal protection equipment and a first aid kit.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Planning the veg patch or allotment"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAlways make sure you have a first aid kit, personal protective equipment, sufficient helpers, an InTouch process and a thorough risk assessment.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIdentify potential hazards, complete a risk assessment and make clear what everyone should do to limit and control them. This should be done by those leading the activity with the support of the wider group.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk parents and carers if they\u2019re interested in helping out. It\u2019d be particularly useful to have help from anyone with landscaping, gardening, forestry or construction experience.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETake time to familiarise yourselves with the site. Always have a safety briefing, setting clear boundaries and expectations with the group.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAn experienced leader should demonstrate how to use the tools properly and how to work safely each time.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECheck the weather and sunset times before running this activity, being prepared for it to change and having sufficient light throughout.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMake sure you have somewhere to wash your hands before and after running this activity, as well as access to suitable toilet facilities.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou may wish to split into smaller groups, where necessary, and split up the tasks. Encourage groups to swap roles and take breaks, so that they don\u2019t get too tired or bored.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Organising visits to the allotment or the veg patch"}]}]}],"config":null}]},"ownerAuthor":null,"porRules":null,"id":45934,"nodeName":"Plant your own veg patch","title":"Plant your own veg patch","type":"activity","image":{"url":"/media/19540/badge-23-r2-01.jpg","caption":"Badge 23 R2 01","type":"jpg","size":397996,"width":1920,"height":1080,"altText":""},"assets":[],"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Plant your own veg patch","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"Find a place to create your own vegetable garden or allotment, then get growing.","subHeader":"Find a place to create your own vegetable garden or allotment, then get growing.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NTkzNCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/plant-your-own-veg-patch/"}