Stonehouse Gardening Club: Growing eggs and bacon in your garden

STONEHOUSE Gardening Club, were delighted by two linked talks on September 7, on the topic of keeping chickens and pigs in the garden.

Phil Chard explained why he and his wife took up keeping chickens about a year ago.

Their several reasons included tastier and less cholesterol-full eggs, green slug and snail killers, manure for the garden and a glut of eggs.

They achieved the first two, but not the others!

However, they thoroughly enjoy the entertainment value of chickens, who although not the brightest of creatures are very watchable.

The problem is that Phil and Sue are vegetarian, the chickens have stopped laying, but are still with them.

The unexpected plus side is that they eat ants!

Paola and Jon then explained how they went about keeping pigs for four months each year.

Choosing the Oxford Sandy and Blue breed as friendly all-rounders, they faced far more regulations and costs than for hens, covering basic permission and training, food, transport, fencing and abattoir fees.

The result, as well as delicious pork, is good fun and friendly pets, as well as the best diggers around!

The next meeting of the Gardening Club is a talk and demonstration on Gardening on Clay and other local soils, with the chance to get suitable plants dirt cheap.

Starting at 7.30pm on October 5, at the Community Hall, visitors are always welcome for a small entrance fee.