About Solent food garden
Solent Food Garden is part of the Students’ Union initiative, in partnership with Solent University, to green up the university campus.
Our food garden aims to create a safe space for people to hang out, garden and grow. It is very common for university students to lack an outdoor space that they can make their own and relax in, and we hope that the food garden provides this for our members!
Our food garden is available to all students! However, only applicants can make changes and grow fruit, vegetables and herbs in the beds.
In the food garden, there are 10 raised beds (two extra-high for those with back problems or for wheelchair access) and ground growing spaces.
The area is locked to ensure that the space stays student and Solent staff-led. Members of the food garden will have the access code.
Get involved
We wish to remain student-led and want our members to have freedom with the food garden to really make it their own!
Applications for our food garden are now closed. This is due to the limited space available has now been taken. If any become available, we will share this asap via our website and social media to find a new owner!
Benefits
Still not convinced? check out the list of benefits below!
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FREE to join
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Fresh air in a peaceful and safe environment (and some vitamin D)
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Therapeutic space to unwind and de-stress (improves mood and well-being)
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Disability-friendly and inclusive
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Socialise with other students (or garden alone if you prefer)
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Learn new skills (or utilise existing ones)
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Physical activity (especially if sitting for long study periods)
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Possible use for course projects
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Good for the environment
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Healthy (increase fruit and vegetable consumption because you can take them home!)
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Budget-friendly incentive scheme (free food)
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Life skills (confidence, teamwork and communication)
Ownership of a garden bed
It is free to use the garden and Solent SU provides all the tools and soil that you may need.
If we are missing something, email us via the email below to make a request and we will look into buying it.*
There are water collectors and a hose available in the food garden.
All you need to pay for is the seeds that you wish to plant - this can be fruits, vegetable, herbs, flowers and most non-invasive plants.
If the beds are not well taken care, you may no longer have access to a garden bed and it will be given to another student.
*We cannot guarantee that we will purchase the item requested, but will do our best to accommodate.
Course Projects
It may be possible for members to use the food garden for their course projects. Please email student.involvement@solent.ac.uk
Contact us
If you have any questions about our food garden, how to get involved or for more information, email student.involvement@solent.ac.uk or sowlent@solentsu.co.uk