MHA Stratton House trials residents to grow their own fruit veg and herbs with exciting growing kits

MHA Stratton House is encouraging residents to plant and grow their own fruit vegetables and herbs.

The Bath home is one of 10 MHA homes part of the trial with Pot Gang, an organisation set up in lockdown to encourage members of the public to grow their own fruit, veg and herbs and is sponsored by Efoods. 

It's a six-month trial with homes receiving a new delivery every month from Pot Gang who will provide the resources they require to grow and plant the seeds they receive.  

Each box contains all the seeds, pots, compost and guidance needed to grow seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs.

The home has found it very successful with residents getting stuck in and enjoying the process.

Stephen Hill, home manager said: “We were always looking to implement the Green Care strategy into our home so to be a part of this trial is great.

“In our first delivery we received seeds for pepper, aubergines and parsley and they have gone down really well.

“Our maintenance worker/gardener Aniz made it into an activity which some of our residents really enjoyed.”

Rob Cuming, head of projects at Pot Gang said: "We're really pleased to provide our Veg Growing Kits to multiple MHA homes as part of a project sponsored by EF Group. 

“When we first started Pot Gang our aim was to break down any barriers to inclusion for gardening and open up the activity to a wider demographic in society, so we can get more people benefiting from the wonders of growing your own produce. 

Our kits make it possible for absolutely anybody to grow their own produce regardless of experience, knowledge, equipment, space, or confidence.

“The uptake and engagement from the MHA care homes has been fantastic! 

“The individual homes have run growing sessions with their residents as part of their ongoing activities itinerary. 

“ We're very grateful for the support of EF Group in this project and hope that we can continue to reach even more homes going forward.”

Karl Evans, national hospitality manager said: “Pot Gang is a fun way for our residents to plant, grow and harvest our very own fruit, vegetables, and herbs.

“Every month our homes receive a couple of boxes with everything in to start the planting process from seeds. 

“The box also includes peat-free coconut compost, pots for different stages within the growing process unless these are then moved to homes growing beds, detailed growing cards, as well as characters for every fruit, vegetable and herbs provided with a story behind each one

“There has been real positive engagement with this where our residents have been digging in to work with staff in setting these up and share their experiences within internal publications

“We will also be looking at where this home-grown produce can be used to create special dishes for use in our menu for the residents within our homes and are looking forward to seeing the fruits of our labour.”