My gardening school will be blooming good for city

TV gardening expert and organic shopkeeper Pete Jackson has started his own school, to help more people grow their own fruit and vegetables.

He launched the "gardening school" after taking over a piece of derelict land, next to the Earthy Food Market, his shop and cafe, in Newington. He has now recruited 15 pupils, who are helping transform it using recycled goods and old furniture.

They plan to create a "city oasis" which will be regularly featured on STV, where Mr Jackson is the channel's resident gardening guru, presenting a weekly slot during The Hour programme.

He aims to show people that gardening can be a fun, cheap and easy way to stay healthy. The gardening school will be open to the public once a month in a bid to inspire more people to get growing. a regular "plant hospital" and other events such as bring-and-buy sales will also be held.

He said: "I just put up an advert in the shop, and we were inundated with people. We had to limit numbers to 15 places. Students will learn basic grow-your-own skills, and see you don't need a lot of cash to enjoy your garden.

"So far we have just been clearing the area and we're starting to make raised beds. It's a very sociable space, and it's a great way to 'green up' the city. We'll be filming every month, so viewers can follow the process."

Mr Jackson studied garden design after leaving school, and spent several years working for Dobbies, designing show gardens. He set up Earthy with three friends two years ago, combining his love of gardening with food.

Much of the garden's equipment has been sourced through Freecycle, the website where people can give away unwanted possessions. They are using oil drums from restaurants to fill with plants, while one corner will feature old furniture.

He said: "It's still at an early stage, but people will be able to see it develop throughout the year. It will be a real community green space, and show that gardening can be good for you."

One of his pupils is Dee Able, 42, from Gilmerton, who was keen to learn skills she could use in her own garden.

She said: "I'm a customer of Earthy, and I was really keen to join in when I heard about it. I love growing my own fruit and vegetables, but I didn't really know what I was doing before.

"I've never really thought about garden design before, but I've learned a lot. It's going to be a beautiful space and it's sociable."