Cropshare

Cropshare– Gardening Simplified

Learn how to start a vegetable or herb garden in this free online course that provides sustainable gardening skills.

This gardening course explains how to start a sustainable vegetable, fruit, or herb garden that yields a harvest that can be shared via a Cropshare service. We also explain how to bring your free vegetables to a Cropshare location to contribute your harvest to your community. This course provides a range of sustainable professional gardening skills you can use to produce crops at home, from chitting and mulching to irrigation and more.

Course Description

This gardening course explains how to grow crops to share with your community via a Cropshare service that ensures that no-one goes hungry. We help you develop your gardening skills as you learn how to seed, plant and grow vegetables sustainably. You can start with a simple plant pot and build up from there to a window sill, balcony, garden or even an allotment. The course shows you how to bring your free vegetables to a Cropshare location to donate your harvest to those around you. The fruits of your labours may help someone in need to enjoy a healthy meal when they need it most. Cropshare is a sharing and sustainability platform for all.

We identify what you should have in your gardening toolkit to get started as you learn how to grow a variety of crops, including sweetcorn, potatoes, carrots, onions, sweet peppers, tomatoes, thyme and more. We also help you to find Cropshare locations where you can drop off your harvest to help people in need. We hope that this will inspire you to harvest and share fruit. The course explores gardening terminology and establishes the importance of maintenance as every crop requires different agricultural methods. We discuss the space, soil type and light required to create the right environment for a garden and explain how much water should be used. We also examine growth periods and identify various gardening hazards, including pests.

While it provides a valuable service to you and your community, gardening should not be a chore. Gardens have long been a place to reflect, study nature, relax and enjoy nature. They offer a great way to connect with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues as you all enjoy harvesting crops to meet the needs of your community. This course also discusses the opportunity to share tips, upload photos and even blog your harvest journey to help inspire and motivate others. This course has no prerequisites and suits anyone who wants to learn sustainable gardening and farming practices. Sign up to learn how to start and maintain a sustainable garden at home.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

  • Discuss what Cropshare is.

  • Identify Cropshare locations.

  • Explain what manure is made of.

  • Identify the main types of soil.

  • Discuss the processes involved in watering a plant.

  • Explain the importance of mulching.

  • Outline the importance of placing plants on a window sill.

  • Describe the various tools for outside gardening.

  • Define chitting in Cropshare.

  • Describe how to plant various crop types.

Cropshare Locations

Cropshare Locations: A place where you can bring along your home-grown donated vegetables and fruits to a location to help create sustainability so no one goes hungry in the community. 

The grown donated vegetables can be used to make One Pot soup. This is a soup made from Cropshare community givers normally served with bread.

Where Can I Grow – Alternative to Having a Garden

 

Indoor Window Sills 

This provides the perfect temperature for warmth and protection ideally for raising seedlings and young plants. Window sills provide indirect sunlight and from one direction so time to time turn the pots to avoid weaker growth areas.

 

Rooftops

Receives direct sunlight however wind weather and drying out can damage your crops and plants. This would need more monitoring and watering due to the direct positioning.

 

Balconies

This has the same growth characteristics as rooftops and window sills, add more supporting plants to act as support against wind and adverse weather.

 

Patios

This is ideal for growing pots and containers. This can be good for mint, basil, thyme, coriander or vine type plants.

 

Allotments

Normally in high demand, this normally is a set size. The great news about having an allotment is that you can Cropshare it and deliver to a local Cropshare location at harvest time. To help create sustainability so no one goes hungry.

Common Garden Terminologies

  • Manure: Animal dung and livestock farming, whereas compost is a mixture of various components and is a collection of food waste materials.

  • Chittings: Where a potato sprouts by placing it in a cool light place over a period of time ready to plant.

  • Fertilizers: Fertilisers contains nutrients and encourages crops to grow.

  • Kernels: This is the main part of a seed.

  • Trench: Shovels are used for digging narrow flat-bottomed trenches 4 inches wide, and up to 18 inches deep.

  • Harvesting: Harvesting is the process of gathering a ripe crop from the fields.

  • Germinating: The stage of coming into existence and developing.

 

Garden Maintenance

Gardening should not be a chore it can be a place to reflect, study nature, take time out and enjoy.

Start with a Routine

Check your areas, window sills, patios, and balcony regularly maybe every three days, and track their growth progress. Use your mobile to take pictures and journalize your process. Go to www.cropshare.uk.com and

post your journey. This helps inspire and motivate others.

 

What you are looking for:

• Colour

• Look

• Taste

• Shape and size

 

Sowing Seeds

You can use plug trays that you can buy in stores and gardening centers. Or simply broadcasting meaning spread over an area.

 

Growing Seeds

Plug trays have various names like cells and modules these are gardening terms that you may heard of.

 

Watering the Plants

Water the top layer of the soil at the roots of the plants without damaging the leaves and causing stress to the plant. Watering cans are good for good water control.

 

Mulches


 

Soil Types

 

Are loose coverings or sheets of material placed on the surface of soil.

 

  • Sandy Soil: A light, warm, dry soil that goes through your fingers.

  • Clay Soil: A noticeable heavy soil type that benefits nutrients.

  • Silt Soil: Is a light and moisture retentive soil.

  • Loam soil: Is a mixture of sand, silt and clay that are combined.

  • Peat soil: Is high in organic matter and retains a large amount of moisture.

  • Chalk soil: Can be either light or heavy but always highly alkaline due to lime.

Gardening Tool Kit

  • Spade: Is for digging and excavating holes or trenches or planting.

  • Fork: Breaking up the soil and digging out plants/crops while reducing damage.

  • Rake: This is used to prepare the ground for planting and sowing. It is good for levelling and removing stones.

  • Hoe: It is mainly used for weeding and marking out sowing lines.

  • Trowel/Hand fork: Good for digging out weeds and planting young plants.

  • Gardening Gloves: A good pair to protect your hands from nettles, pests and it keeps your hands clean.

How to avoid snail eating your crops: They will not go anywhere near copper and grit, this also stops them moving around the area.

 

Type of Crop: Yam

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Yams contain fiber and antioxidants, helps with the blood sugar.

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Piece of yam uncut, pot of water, tooth picks x 4-6 for the first phase and fertilizer.

  • SOIL TYPE: Soil, fertilizer and compost.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot close to a fence as the vine grows upward.

  • PREPARATION: Start with a large pot approximately 60cm deep. Place the piece of uncut yam in water and then stick with 4-6 tooth picks in it. Leave the pot in a sunny place. When roots start to grow 1 inch it is time to plant in the soil and cover thoroughly approx 15-20cm.

  • SEEDING: N/A

  • GROWING TIME: 6- 8 months.

  • HARVEST TIME: When the yams leaves turn brown and start to fall off.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Yams contains fiber and antioxidants, helps with the blood sugar .

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: No insects.

Type of Crop: Sweetcorn

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Space, rake, spade, fertilizers and manure.

  • SOIL TYPE: The ideal soil for corn is well drained and fertile, with a pH of 6.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot and shaded ideally a sunny growing site, compost and fertilised soil. 

  • PREPARATION: Dig a bed with plenty of compost with good water retention. Remove all weeds and level the ground by raking. The seeds to be planted 45 cm apart.

  • SEEDING: N/A

  • GROWING TIME: 12-16 weeks.

  • HARVEST TIME: When the silks turn brown and start to wither. Test by pulling back so leaves, squeeze the kernels, if moisture comes out and it is clear then it's still not ready. When you try again and it is milky then it is ready for harvesting.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: It can decrease the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: N/A

  •  

Type of Crop: Coriander

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Compost, pots, and coriander seed to sow.

  • SOIL TYPE: Coriander prefers a cool position and light shade and very well-drained soil.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: You can also grow it in 15-30cm (6-12in) pots, sowing a few seeds in each and germinating indoors with gentle warmth. Sow every 6-8 weeks to have a constant supply of fresh leaves throughout the year.

  • PREPARATION: N/A

  • SEEDING: Sow in pots of compost as coriander grows particularly well in containers.

  • GROWING TIME: 8-10 weeks.

  • HARVEST TIME: Wait until your plant is around (15cm) tall.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Vitamin K also helps your bones repair themselves prevent osteoporosis.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: Snails and slugs

 

Type of Crop: Sweet Potatoes

 

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Using a container mix amended with compost, sand and a fertilizer.

  • SOIL TYPE: Frost-free spot multi-purpose compost.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot.

  • PREPARATION: At the bottom of the pot, place three to five chitted seed potatoes hand width apart, on the surface. Cover with 8-10cm of compost and water well.

  • SEEDING: Add the seeds individually into approximately 10cm pots until the leaves have formed. Allow additional 10 days before planting outside.

  • GROWING TIME: 90-120 days.

  • HARVEST TIME: Sweet potatoes are usually ready to harvest just as the ends of the vines begin to turn yellow.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Sweet potatoes are sweet to taste, rich in vitamins C and A, packed with carotenoids, potassium and fibre.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: N/A

 

Type of Crop: Sweet Peppers

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: In a pot of warm space preferable a greenhouse, sow seeds in pots of good seed sowing compost. The pot needs to be 22- 26cm.

  • SOIL TYPE: Clay, sandy with compost.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot with some shade.

  • PREPARATION: Clay, sandy add a little fertilizer every two weeks. Grow peppers in a space with full sun and well-draining moist (but not wet) soil. Mix large amounts of organic matter (such as compost). 

  • SEEDING: Add the seeds individually into approximately 10cm pots until the leaves have formed. Allow additional 10 days before planting outside.

  • GROWING TIME: 8-12 weeks.

  • HARVEST TIME: Pepper can be harvested as soon as they are large enough to eat.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: They are an excellent source of vitamin C, good source of vitamin A and fiber. Bell peppers also have antioxidant properties.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: If you are growing in a greenhouse it needs to be well ventilated to avoid fungal disease.

Type of Crop: Carrots

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Trowel, rake, watering can, carrot seeds and fertiliser.

  • SOIL TYPE: Mix the sand with soil, compost and manure. Test the soil this should be between pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot with some shade.

  • PREPARATION: De weeding the soil 2 weeks before planting to avoid any weeds growing.

  • SEEDING: Carrots seeds are very small so you would need to be using your finger along the groove. Then the leaves start to show at the top of the soil, space between by 5-7cm apart. Make sure they are equally spaced out. Cover the seed with moist soil. Just in case you forget what and where you planted and label it.

  • GROWING TIME: Estimated time is 14-16 weeks.

  • HARVEST TIME: When you see the top of the carrots coming through, using a fork gently pull the carrots up. Well done! it is time to harvest.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Helps with the immune system. Vitamin C also helps your body take in and use iron and prevent infections. They can help with constipation if you munch on it.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: Look out for carrot flies so using insect netting as flies can not fly higher than 2ft so adding a barrier of 3ft is ideal. Plant onions close by as this acts as a repellent, add Albos oil to the water once a week.

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: Carrot flies is a small black fly who feed on the roots of carrots and related plants. Using netting and plant close to onion.

 

Type of Crop: Onion

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Trowel, rake, watering can, carrot seeds and fertiliser.

  • SOIL TYPE: Soil, fertilizer, no manure to avoid rotting the onion.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: A warm and sunny spot in well-drained soil. The best soil for growing onions is loose also well-rotted compost is another good addition to an onion bed. No manure to avoid rotting the onion.

  • PREPARATION: Prepare the planting site as described above. Then plant the sets 2cm (¾in) deep in drills or gently push them into loose soil, so the tip is just showing at the surface. Space them 5–10cm (2–4in) apart, in rows 25–30cm (10–12in) apart. Firm the soil around them and water well.

  • SEEDING: Sow the seeds 1.3cm (½in) deep in rows 20cm (8in) apart. Thin out the seedlings first to 5cm (2in) apart, and later to 10cm (4in).

  • GROWING TIME: From a seed up to 100 days and bulbs half the term.

 

Type of Crop: Onion

  • HARVEST TIME: Onions are ready as soon as they reach a useable size and ready to store in a dry place. Harvest onions as soon as they're big enough to use. The leaves will droop over and turn brown when they've stopped growing. Gently loosen the soil with a fork and lift the onions out of the soil, and leave them to dry before storing.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: No need to wash it at this stage. Dust off the dirt and keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Onions are antibacterial, promotes the digestive system and helps improve immune function.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: Onions can help carrots to grow as it acts as a deterrent against carrots flies.

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: Remove the dried flaky skin of the onion to avoid birds interference.

 

Type of Crop: Potatoes

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Space, rake, spade, fertilizers and well rotten manure.

  • SOIL TYPE: Home-grown potatoes do well in all types of soil, but the richer the better, so dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter, such as garden compost.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: No sunny spot needed as it grows under ground most important is the condition of the soil.

  • PREPARATION: Water potatoes regularly, especially during warm, dry spells, and keep the soil weed free.

  • SEEDING: Chitting process.

  • GROWING TIME: 10-12 weeks after planting.

  • HARVEST TIME: Look out for flowers as this confirms it is ready for harvesting, if unsure dig up a few to see if the potatoes are ready.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte helping with the functionality of the heart, muscles, and nervous system

  • SPECIAL NOTES: You can also plant potatoes in potato plant sacks.

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: Pulling up to early.

 

Type of Crop: Pumpkin

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Space, rake, spade, fertilisers and manure.

  • SOIL TYPE: Pumpkins like well drained soil, compost or manure into your soil a couple of weeks before planting for the best results.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot with some shade.

  • PREPARATION: Make a hole about 30cm (1ft) wide and deep, then fill with a mix of soil and home-made compost or well-rotted manure.

  • SEEDING: You can take seeds from an existing pumpkin wash and dry it for 2-3 weeks on a window sill.

  • GROWING TIME: 95-100 days.

  • HARVEST TIME: The time for harvesting pumpkins growth period is over when the stalks become dry and woody.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Helps improve the immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promotes good heart and skin health.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: Avoid touching the leaves and pumpkin during the growth period.

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: All they really need is space, sunshine, plenty of food and water.

 

Type of Crop: Tomatoes

 

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Mix several inches of organic matter, compost, or aged animal manure.

  • SOIL TYPE: Tomatoes do well in almost all types of soil except heavy clay soil.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot with some shade.

  • PREPARATION: Use a shovel or tiller the soil. Dig deep enough to remove any weeds or plants and their root systems from the top of the soil.

  • SEEDING: Seeds, germinate between 7-14 days.

  • GROWING TIME: Producing fruit anywhere from 60 and 100 days after that.

  • HARVEST TIME: You will see from the colour of the tomatoes. You can pick when turning from green to red and keep them indoors on the window sill.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Tomatoes have vitamin C and potassium, antioxidants, help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: Helps reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, lower your cholesterol levels, and keep your blood from clotting. All those things may help prevent strokes.

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: An insect called hornworms.

 

Type of Crop: Cabbage

 

  • TYPE OF CROP: Cabbage

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Trowel, rake, watering can, carrot seeds and fertiliser.

  • SOIL TYPE: Well drained soil, compost or manure into your soil a couple of weeks before planting for the best results. Ph6 – Ph7.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Can can grow in warm or cold climates.

  • PREPARATION: Choose a sunny site, firm and fertilised.

  • SEEDING: Pick a sunny spot in the garden with well-draining soil. Amend the soil with lots of compost a week or so before planting. When you’re ready to dig them in, space your cabbage seedlings about 18 to 22 inches apart in rows that are 20 to 30 inches apart.

  • GROWING TIME: 4 - 6 months.

  • HARVEST TIME: This depends on the type of cabbage you planted. You can look at the size of the head to know it is ready to he harvested.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: It could help lower cholesterol and control your blood sugar. Cabbage also has nutrients that keep the lining of your stomach and intestines strong.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: There is over 400 varieties of cabbage grown around the world.

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: Garden snails can each cause substantial damage to cabbage.

 

Type of Crop: Broadbean

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Space, rake, spade, fertilisers and manure.

  • SOIL TYPE: Dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter, sand, such as garden compost.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Choose a warm, sunny site for your broad beans, with well-drained soil.

  • PREPARATION: Before sowing or planting out, weed the area thoroughly, then add plenty of well-rotted manure or garden. Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost. Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers – a wide range of commercially produced composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, sand and fertiliser.

  • SEEDING: Choose a sunny growing site, and prepare it ahead of sowing or planting, to ensure your beans get off to a strong start.

  • GROWING TIME: 15 - 30 weeks.

  • HARVEST TIME: Start harvesting the broad beans when the pods are around 6-9 cm long.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt, keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Great for your digestive system helping with weight loss and lower cholesterol.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A.

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: Broad bean seed beetle. Spray the affected plants with a simple mix of water with a few drops of washing up liquid added.

Type of Crop: Thyme

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Compost, pots and thyme seeds or from thyme cuttings.

  • SOIL TYPE: Plant thyme in free-draining soil or compost and water in.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot with some shade.

  • PREPARATION: The easy-going herb prefers sandy soil instead of moist soil. Add thyme cuttings in water. In less than a few weeks, you should see roots forming.

  • SEEDING: Easy to grow from seed however it takes from 14 to 28 days.

  • GROWING TIME: 4-6 weeks.

  • HARVEST TIME: Once established, thyme plants can be harvested at any time. Cut enough for use

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place to dry ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: Find a location on www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: It also might help relieve coughing and have antioxidant effects.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: No insects.

 

Type of Crop: Basil

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Pot, multi purpose compost and seedlings.

  • SOIL TYPE: Soil, sand and multi purpose compost, best to grow in pots.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Basil likes sunny spots in door and out doors. Basils like cold temperatures in a sunny spot.

  • PREPARATION: To germinate it needs approximately 21cm and a wet and cold temperature. Start with a pot on a window sill for the best sunny spot.

  • SEEDING: Two to three seed per cell.

  • GROWING TIME: When the basil has fully grown you can transfer to the ground.

  • HARVEST TIME: Pinch of the tips promoting maintaining continual growth and on going production.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Fresh basil contains vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and essential oils.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: If the basils leaves turn brown move the pot or re pot and bring indoors and vice versa.

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: White flies.

 

Type of Crop: Mint

  • TYPE OF CROP: Mint is from the perennial family produces all year round.

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Pot, multi purpose compost and seedlings.

  • SOIL TYPE: Adaptable to all soil types.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Most spots sunny or warm or cold.

  • PREPARATION: Use a container depth 14cm to 15cm and add multi-purpose compost in a pot.

  • SEEDING: Use soil based compost and refresh the compost every spring. Can be grown indoor and outdoors.

  • GROWING TIME: From seeding 12-16 weeks.

  • HARVEST TIME: When the leaves are ready for you to use, pick according to usage.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Mint is good for relaxing the stomach and stomach acid.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: No insects.

 

Type of Crop: Beetroot

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Pot, multi purpose compost and seedlings.

  • SOIL TYPE: Soil, multi purpose compost and best to grow in pots to start with.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot with some shade.

  • PREPARATION: Use a container depth 20cm add multi purpose compost in a pot. Best time to grow in spring to late summer. For warm climates this can be all year round.

  • SEEDING: Sow in plug trays. One seed per cell. Can be grown indoor and outdoors. Sow monthly to maintain all year round growth.

  • GROWING TIME: 7-16 weeks.

  • HARVEST TIME: Pull at the roots according to the size and leave the smaller ones to continue growing.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and keep in a cool place to dry ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Beetroots are rich in vitamin B9 which helps cells grow and functionality.

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: Slugs.

Type of Crop: Spinach

 

  • TYPE OF CROP: Spinach

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Pot, multi purpose compost and seedlings.

  • SOIL TYPE: Rich soil, rotten compost before planting. Does not like to dry out so avoid planting in summer.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Cool shaded locations.

  • PREPARATION: So the seed 2.5cm apart. Use large containers.

  • SEEDING: 6-8 weeks.

  • GROWING TIME: 10 - 12 weeks after seeding.

  • HARVEST TIME: Picking the leaves as soon as they are large enough to eat.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and wash them in cold water gently. Keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, iron and vitamin C

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: Mildrew from wet weather.

 

Type of Crop: Cassava

  • WHAT DO YOU NEED?: Soil, compost and cassava cuttings.

  • SOIL TYPE: Soil, fertilizer and compost.

  • THE RIGHT SPOT: Sunny spot with some shade.

  • PREPARATION: Keep them slightly moist and, over winter each node will sprout and produce a separate plant.

  • SEEDING: From cuttings avoid the root part.

  • GROWING TIME: Cut number of stems approximately 30cm long

  • HARVEST TIME: 18-24 months.

  • HOW TO WASH IT: Dust off the dirt and keep in a cool place ready to Cropshare it.

  • CROPSHARE IT: www.cropshare.uk.com

  • WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize

  • SPECIAL NOTES: N/A

  • WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: No insects

 

Lesson Summary

  • Cropshare Locations is a place where you can bring along your home-grown donated vegetables and fruits to a location to help create sustainability so no one goes hungry in the community.

  • Alternative to having a garden include : Indoor window sills, Rooftops, Balconies, Patios, and Allotments.

  • A manure is an animal dung and livestock farming, whereas compost is a mixture of various components and is a collection of food waste materials

  • Gardening should not be a chore it can be a place to reflect, study nature, take time out, and enjoy.

  • Water the top layer of the soil at the roots of the plants without damaging the leaves and causing stress to the plant. Watering cans are good for good water control.

  • Soil types include sandy soil, clay, silt, and loam soil, as well as peat soil and chalk soil.

  • The right spot for growing sweetcorn is a sunny spot and shaded, ideally a sunny growing site, compost, and fertilised soil. 

  • Carrots provide vitamin C which helps your body take in and use iron and prevent infections. They can help with constipation if you munch on it.

  • Before sowing or planting out broad beans, weed the area thoroughly, then add plenty of well-rotted manure or garden.

  • One Pot is soup cooked in one pot. All ingredients and resources are cooked to together at once.

  • Serving a free nutritious hot meal helping people with little or no income also means they get access to a healthy meal for the day. Therefore helping to create sustainability in the community so that no one goes hungry.

  • Looprun One Pot helps people on low income due to financial challenges get access to a hot meal making them feel fuller for longer.