GREEN fingered care home residents have been taking a tour of allotments ahead of setting up their own veg patch.
Residents from Queens Meadow Care Home, in Hartlepool, visited Waverley Community Allotments to get an idea of how to set-up their own growing space.
They were also given ideas on what to grow, when to plant and harvest, how often to water their produce and how to keep insects away.
A greenhouse and shed will be purchased for residents from the home’s Improved Better Care Fund (iBCF) grant – awarded by Hartlepool Borough Council.
The home’s resident gardening enthusiasts aim to have their first crops ready next year.
Carer Tommy Hall visited the allotments with residents Johnson Snowdon and Malcolm Atkinson.
He said: “The residents really enjoyed their visit and learnt a lot – even getting involved in making bird feeders.
“Gardening and tending to an allotment is a great way to stay active into older age, which can have huge physical and psychological health benefits.
“The residents can’t wait to get the greenhouse and shed installed in the home’s garden so they can get started growing their own flowers, fruits and vegetables.”