If summer is a trumpet fanfare, October is a cello. Slower. Warmer. Rich with depth.
Our community allotment has been humming with that mellow energy these past weeks. The poly tunnel, newly levelled and more accessible, has truly come into its own. Volunteers who once hesitated on the uneven ground are now moving confidently between beds, harvesting peppers, late tomatoes and armfuls of chard.
The raised beds we installed earlier this year are proving their worth. Volunteers including those living with mobility challenges have been working comfortably at a height that suits them. There is something quietly powerful about watching someone realise, “I can do this.”
Growing for Good – Autumn Edition
Our Grow for Good scheme is still in full swing. This month alone we have donated crates of:
- Courgettes
- Beetroot
- Kale
- Fresh herbs
- Late runner beans
All heading straight to The Shelf in Diss and local families who benefit from fresh, nutritious produce.
Food insecurity does not disappear when the leaves turn. In fact, for many households, winter brings increased pressure. Knowing that what we grow is reaching people who need it most keeps us motivated as the days shorten.
Community Around the Compost Heap
October has also brought:
- Volunteer drop in mornings with hot tea and seed saving
- A mini pumpkin harvest for local children
- Autumn bed prep sessions ready for overwintering crops
There is a lovely symmetry to this time of year. While we harvest the final crops, we also plant garlic and broad beans for spring. It is hope in bulb form.
As we look towards winter, our focus shifts to planning, preserving and protecting the soil. The polytunnel will keep us growing, but we are also dreaming bigger. More accessible beds. More partnerships. More produce for good.
Because this allotment is not just about vegetables. It is about belonging.
And that, thankfully, is perennial.
Grow East Anglia 