This year, I was delighted to get involved in the 9ft in Common project, helping to explore the potential of Belfast’s alleyways for growing food. Growing food, and then eating food is my absolute favourite thing to do and it’s been amazing to shore that love beyond the gates of Laurelbank Farm and into the city!
As the days shorten, and the growing season slows, we’re inviting you to come and mark the end of a successful year of growing in Belfast’s alleyways, out at Laurebank Farm - a 7-acre organic smallholding market garden just outside Saintfield, Co. Down.
We will talk about the success and the failures of the season, we’ll learn about the importance of looking after and feeding the soil and we’ll get stuck into some autumn jobs on the farm - and find out together how these jobs can result in plenty of free plants and seedlings for your alleyways next year. We’ll also all sit down and eat together - a hearty lunch made the best of our seasonal produce.
Expect to go home with a head full of inspiration for next year, a tummy full of food and pockets full of seeds!
Read on for all the details…
Please note: Places are limited so it’s important that you book your free ticket to attend.
10am – Alleyway growers arrive at Laurelbank Farm
(If you’re interested in a car sharing to get here, please indicate this when you book)
We’ll get settled and grab a cup of tea or coffee and a morning snack.
Once we all have all arrived and settled in The Gallery (or the courtyard if the weather is good) I’ll talk through the plan for the day.
10:30 – Welcome Chat and Farm Tour
We’ll go for farm tour and give you a feel of what and how we grow here at Laurelbank Farm. This is an opportunity to learn and exchange knowledge, to share ideas and get inspiration.
We’ll stop off at the heart of Laurelbank Farm - the compost heaps! And talk about how recycling your nutrients is what organic food growing is all about - and how you can replicate that in a small way in an urban alleyway.
We’ll learn about how to save seeds, take cuttings and pot on strawberry runners - and for those of you who are keen to expand your food growing in Belfast, there will be plenty of time to gather free seeds and runners.
1pm – Lunch in the Gallery
A two-course hearty vegetarian lunch. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book your place.
2:30 - Closing remarks!
We’ll talk about the potential of Belfast’s alleyways for growing food, have a chat about 9ft in Common’s draft Manifesto for the alleyways and if needed you can pop back outside to collect a few more seeds, runners or cuttings to take home.
3pm - Time to head home
The time: From 10am to around 3pm on Saturday 21st September 2024.
The place: Laurelbank Farm, 121 Middle Road, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7LS
The cost: This event is free
The people: This event for Belfast-based Alleyway Growing Enthusiasts. Over 18s only I’m afraid.
The refreshments: We’ll serve a hearty lunch and there will be plenty of tea, coffee & water to help yourself to throughout the day.
Dietary Requirements: Lunch will be suitable for vegetarians but if you have any other dietary requirement please let us know so we can plan the menu around your needs.
What to bring: Bring suitable clothing for the weather. We will aim to head outside even if it is raining. Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes if you have them.
