Allotmenteers play their part in climate challenge
November headlines are going to be dominated by the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow (COP26).
Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, nations made commitments to limit global warming to 1.5C degrees but it’s now obvious that they must go much further to have any hope of achieving this.
Climate change is already having an impact on our allotments and, while our small changes won’t make a large difference, the Royal Horticultural Society shows how we can help.
Themed in four groups; Decline, Adaptation, Mitigation and Balance, the RHS COP26 garden at the recent Chelsea Flower Show demonstrated a range of sustainable practices some of which are easily incorporated in our gardening.
“Decline” is illustrated by increased flooding, drought, pests and diseases and highlighted some of the worst negative practices which exacerbate them such as using chemicals which kill pollinating insects and using peat-based composts which destroy habitats and release CO2.
“Adaptation” is all about coping with the changing climate such as making sure that bare earth is kept to a minimum. Heavy rain or drought can play havoc with soil, either washing it away or drying the surface to a crust.
It’s easy to grow fast-maturing catch crops such as salads or just scattering some green manure seeds whenever there’s a space. If you’re contemplating building a shed it could incorporate a green roof providing habitats for insects and should certainly have some way of collecting rainwater off it to fill a butt or two.
“Mitigation and balance” on our plots is all about working with nature. Alongside our crops, we should be finding space to grow some pollinating plants. Colourful annuals such as calendula and limanthes take care of midsummer flowers but what’s needed are flowering plants in early spring and autumn to extend the season.
Sedum spectabile has been flowering on my plot for more than a month providing a welcome pitstop for bumblebees and tortoiseshell butterflies. Early flowering crocus will provide an excellent food source for insects in spring. Crocus corms are on sale now and I’m sure most of us can find space in a sunny patch to plant some.
70 years ago the Dig for Victory campaign was driven by threats to imported food supplies. One of today’s threats is the cost to the planet of relying on imported supermarket food, often out of season, and shipped huge distances. Allotmenteers are already playing their part by living off home grown seasonal food.
Crocus will provide an excellent food source for insects in spring