A small town in Hampshire is taking the lead in finding new ways to increase the available outside space for residents who want to grow their own vegetables. The waiting list for an allotment in Alresford is about six years, but many people have large overgrown gardens that they do not, or can not tend themselves.

The town is launching a share your garden scheme, where greenfingered residents who have a small or no garden can use space on other peoples’ gardens to grow crops. The scheme will primarily be aimed at the elderly who have gardens and need help to keep them in order. This will help both groups of people, and will keep elderly residents feeling a part of the community and keep them in contact with people from different age groups.

This is a great idea and similar schemes have already been started around the country. Hopefully allotment waiting lists will be reduced and community spirit will increase.