Potatoes are the allotment-holders’ favourite

POTATOES ARE the most popular crop for gardeners and allotment holders growing their own food, according to the first survey of its kind since the Second World War.

Thousands of harvests have been logged by scientists from the University of Sheffield in the MYHarvest project which aims to reveal the most plentiful fruit and vegetables grown across the UK by green-fingered amateurs.

The national “grow-your-own” survey, which is examining the contribution it makes to national food security, is the first since the Dig for Victory campaign in the Second World War, the researchers said.

The first set of results, based on data from almost 700 people signed up to the MYHarvest project, reveals that the most plentiful crops by weight are potatoes, courgettes, apples and tomatoes. Researchers are calling for more people to sign up to the citizen science project, which they hope will reveal how much allotment and garden space the UK will need in the future for the growing number of people in cities and towns.

Dr Jill Edmondson, from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, said: “Almost 10,000 harvests have been recorded so far which equates to nearly 33 tonnes of own-grown fruit and vegetables that’s heavier than six elephants.

“MYHarvest is helping us to build up a comprehensive picture of how gardeners and allotment holders contribute to UK food security and sustainability.”

MYHarvest is part of a wider research project looking at whether there are any barriers to using urban green areas For more details visit myharvest.org.uk.