One of the four objectives of the EDAA constitution is to ‘arrange for instruction in horticulture’ and, to this end, we have been working on developing a Beginners’ Vegetable Growing Course, modelled on the RHS course at Rosemoor. This involves providing an inside growing space and some mini-allotments, one rod in size, for the course participants. The course will start in February.
The derelict polytunnel on HL74B has been cleared, repaired and re-covered and we are in the process of providing benches for seed sowing and potting on. Three polytunnel bays will be used for the course, leaving seven bays for use by current plot holders. Plot HL162 will be prepared over the winter for some of the mini-plots and another area has been temporarily loaned to the course by a plot holder.
The renovation and preparation for the course have involved expenses but we have been able to offset most of the costs; the polytunnel cover was donated by #firsttunnels (First Tunnels Polytunnels) and we negotiated a good discount on timber from Sidmouth Fencing. The Town Council has given us a generous grant of £500 and Dawn’s seed sale has raised £214, as well as providing many of the seeds needed for the course. Course participants will pay an annual course fee and bay holders will pay a rental fee, all monies going into the EDAA accounts.
The course will first be offered to novice gardeners who are on the EDAA waiting list. Some current plot holders have also expressed an interest.
The course and polytunnel bay projects are being developed at both the Hamilton Lane and Pound Lane sites.
If you are interested in renting a polytunnel bay, please email
We hope that these projects will benefit both current and future plot holders.
Please visit HL74B on Sunday mornings to see how work is progressing and to ask any questions.
Work Party
We will be having a work party at HL74B most Sunday mornings from 10.30 -12.30. If you are interested in helping please email