PUPILS at Merriott First School in Merriott near Crewkerne have recently (July, 2010) been given some free seed potatoes for a Grow Your Own project.

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton has donated some bags of spuds to the school, which is on Church Street in Merriott, for its allotment.

Norma Moore, General Manager of the award-winning garden centre, explained: “The seed potatoes are mostly main crop varieties and it’s still alright, especially as the season is quite late due to the weather, to plant them in early June.

“Back in May we invited anyone who felt that their school deserved the seed potatoes to get in touch. We had a limited number of spuds and allocated them on a first come, first served basis.”

The potatoes will be planted at the school’s allotment, which has raised beds for each class to use and a large greenhouse.

Acting Headteacher, Zoe Coghlan said: “We’re delighted to receive these seed potatoes from Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre. Our allotment, which is an outdoor classroom, is part of our weekly curriculum and the whole school is involved in planting, gathering and eating their own produce.”

The garden centre gave away bags of around 50 potatoes, containing one variety only, to the first schools, which included Merriott First School, that got in touch after it launched the giveaway in May.

To find out more, please visit Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, or call 01823 412381.

Photo caption: Acting Headteacher of Merriott First School, Mrs Zoe Coghlan with pupils and their seed potatoes.