![Lettuce](http://www.soorganic.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/lettuce-300x198.jpg)
Patrick Holden director of the Soil Association told The Independent on Sunday "there is this perception out there that farmers have a huge knowledge and you couldn't possibly do it. But the truth is the principles [of gardening] are just scaled up in agriculture. We need to affirm that Britain's citizens do have the ability to grow their own food."
It was National Allotments Week this week a few weeks back (11-17 August) and a number of allotment sites opened their garden gates for those keen to sneak a peak. If you would like to know more about owning your own allotment visit The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.
With energy and food prices expected to rise, it is as good a time as any to learn a new hobby. With readymade vegetable gardens available now, it has never been easier to start.