Questionnaire results
our questionnaire
We received 15 filled questionnaires from across 10 different allotment and garden sites in Aberdeen. We asked about:
- growing experience
- time on current site
- inputs to soil – organic and chemical
- plants grown
- dig and no-dig methods
- pest control
range of grower experience
Most of our study participants had over 15 years growing experience, but not at their current site. For most people, the transition between growing places didn’t appear to be problematic, but clearly involved a lot of work.
use of organic and chemical inputs
All of the growers used organic inputs such as animal manures, green manures, leaf mould and home made compost. The majority chose not to use chemicals. One person only used chemicals as a last resort for pest control if all else failed. Fish blood and bone was a popular additive. Liquid inputs included comfrey and nettle tea, and fish tank water.
Dig and no-dig growing styles
No-dig planting and harvesting methods have grown in popularity over recent years. The system is not without controversy as some growers feel strongly about dig vs no-dig systems. In reality there are various versions of no-dig systems with some using compost-filled raised beds and others ceasing to dig well-established ground plots. Most of our respondents favoured a mix of both. See some of the reasons for growers adopting a no-dig style.
what food crops are being grown in Aberdeen?
Perhaps not a surprise that the most commonly grown food type in Aberdeen in potatoes, with beans and strawberries coming in at joint 2nd.
Amongst the less common plants mentioned for food production were lovage, kohl rabi, pak choi, Jerusalem artichoke, and spinach beet. When on the plots I also encountered wasabi leaves and a number of other forgeable edibles.
