Growing Soils Aberdeen
An insight into food growing soils of Aberdeen city
About this website
This website was created to share information and tips about soil and food growing obtained from urban growers in Aberdeen city. Interest in urban food growing has grown over recent years, with an increase in the demand for allotment plots and the establishment of a number of community gardens.
Aberdeen has a thriving community spirit amongst growers on allotment sites and community gardens where experience and advice are freely shared. However, some interested locals have found it difficult to get started with growing. Difficulties include lack of confidence coupled with Aberdeen’s cold, northern location. Growing conditions in North East Scotland are considerably different from those for which TV programs, websites and books normally cater to in the UK. Following advice intended for the Southern England may not lead to happy results. This site offers advice given by local growers with different levels of experience on how to get started and overcome difficulties.
A key component to growing any type of plant is the soil. Soil maintenance is especially important for food growing as nutrients and organic matter are removed from the soil by harvesting the food which we eat. Nutrient deficiency in the soil limits the growth of plants and can result in smaller yields. Further details of how nutrients in soil can affect human health can be seen here.
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This study was funded and supported by EASTBIO Doctoral Partnership (by BBSRC), the University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh
Disclaimer: The funders have no responsibility for the information provided or views expressed in this website. The views expressed are solely those of the authors.
Questions & Answers
Can l take part in the study?
The study was open to all community gardens and allotment holders in Aberdeen. We are grateful to all those who participated by filling in questionnaires and hosting our researcher. The study is now complete.
can l get my soil nutrients tested?
We are no longer testing soils as part of this study. Commercial services are offered by the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen and SRUC, as well as several other laboratories on a national scale. The process involves you collecting your own samples from multiple points of your plot as directed by your chosen laboratory. Soil tests are now compulsory for commercial farmers.
which sites were analysed in the study?
A list of the sites included in the study can be seen here. Further growing spaces around the city can be viewed this map produced by Aberdeen City Council.