Join us to plant a History of Wheat plot, with Edinburgh Agroecology Co-op and Granton Community Gardeners at Lauriston Farm...
Learn a bit about the history of our cultivated cereals, have a taste of some examples, and help us sow a plot which traces the origins of our grains from the Fertile Crescent to the latest varieties.
Together, we will explore how different varieties have been crossed and bred to make the wheat and flour we recognise today. We will also talk about growing grains for diverse environments and specific climates, and whether humans really domesticated wheat, or if perhaps it is the other way around.
Getting our hands in the soil, we will plant over 20 different cereal varieties, including wheats, spelt, rye and barley. These make a living story and an experiment to see how each one grows this season, finishing with the harvest next year.
Suitable for all ages - children under 14 are welcome but must come with an adult.
No previous experience or special equipment needed. You can borrow gloves, wellies and waterproofs from our kit store if you need them.
Accessibility Notes
We will be in our Community Garden. The ground is rough and uneven, but there are no steps and people have navigated it in robust wheelchairs. We will be outdoors - be prepared for windy north Edinburgh! The sowing is physical, but doesn't need any heavy lifting.
Travel and Directions
The address is Lauriston Farm Road, Edinburgh EH4 5EX.
The main community entrance is the farmyard at the back of the Toby Carvery car park.
Please use public transport, walk, wheel or cycle to get to the farm whenever possible.
Lothian Buses 16, 27, 29, 37 & 47 all stop within 5 minutes of the farm and there is a bike rack at the community entrance.
There is no public car parking on the farm. We can support a small number of vehicles to drive onto the farm to park at the entrance for this workshop - this is reserved for disabled people who need it as an access requirement - please email communityallotments@lauristonfarm.org if you need this for this event. Please do not drive onto the site without prior arrangement.
