GETTING people to grow organic on their allotments is being promoted by the city council as a way of improving health and the environment.

Both Worcester City Council's allotment section and the allotment forum are encouraging people to use natural predators and materials to control the pests and diseases that can occur in allotment plots.

Other organic guidelines include making mulch or soil conditioner using natural materials such as leaf mould, shredding bark or prunings, worm-enriched natural compost or lawn cuttings and manure.

Good shape

Organic growers should also set up a suitable bed system which allows for crop rotation, which will help control pests and diseases and keep the soil in good shape for the future.

"Going organic is not just a question of avoiding artificial fertilisers or spraying pests that arrive on your plants during the summer and spring months," said Chris Waterfall, community parks development officer at the city council.

"It is a whole new way of how to grow your fruit and vegetables so achieving a healthy, productive and attractive allotment.

"By growing your fruit and vegetables using organic principles it is better for your health and the environment and your produce will taste as it used to in the past.

"Many of the principals of organic gardening are traditional, evolving from the Victorian kitchen garden and therefore have stood the test of time," Mr Waterfall said.

For more information about organic gardening and getting started, contact the Henry Doubleday research centre on 0247 6303517.

For information about joining a local organic gardening group, call 01905 352629.