Meet Frank: the person behind Moss Side’s thriving allotment

Growing local and seasonal food is in his nature…

Frank has been growing his own food since he was 12 years old. When he moved to Manchester from Jamaica he took up an allotment plot in Moss Side and he has now been there for over 30 years.  

What benefits do you get from having an allotment space? 

“One benefit is not just growing things, it’s the relationship you have with other people in here, and for an elderly person it’s very very good. You come in here and you relax, you know you plant your things, you see them grow, they mature, and you’re able to give things away to other people. I love it, I love doing it and I’ve been doing it from the age of 12 back in Jamaica. I just love to have my nails dirty.”

Would you encourage others to try and get an allotment space for themselves?

“Yes, yes I would but at the same time I would rather the person who manages the allotments to make sure they ask people questions before they hand one to them. I would never give a taxi driver an allotment, they won’t have the time to take care of it.”

Do you think there’s a lot of value in seasonal, local food?

“There’s a big difference, there are no chemicals. When you’re eating your food from the allotment you don’t think of “oh it’s got this in it’s got that in”, the only thing that’s bothering us in here is the slugs!”

If you had one tip for someone who wanted to start their own allotment plot, what would it be? 

“When you get your plot, make sure you prepare it first. Ask questions, there’s always someone in the allotment before you. Can you help me to sort out things, what can I sow and what could I grow. We will always offer encouragement in what ways to plant things, and we share one another’s experiences, that’s the best way.”