School pupils have tamed an unruly “field” to create their own vegetable garden.

Two years ago, an unused section of the Paddock Road allotment in Oxhey Village was covered in grass and weeds.

It is now better known as the Watford Community Garden after the land was adopted by two former horticultural lecturers who embarked on a new project to teach children about growing plants and vegetables.

Pupils from Garston Manor School helped to clear the unused allotment and build raised beds. They then planted salad crops, sweetcorn and runner beans among other items.

Pete Hodges, who runs the social enterprise with Pete Lowe, said: “It was a field, very uneven, very rough. It hadn’t been used for years.

“The children from Garston Manor School have built this and last year they had a really good harvest.

“They were only here half a day a week but they got really stuck in. It was a great experience for us as well as them. They were fantastic kids.

“It’s been so successful they have built two at their school and we’re building one at Westfield Community Technology College.

“It’s an important subject. It’s a bit demeaned by educationalists but we say it’s important, especially now as people grow their own food due to rising food prices.”

The pair is now hoping other schools will sign up and try their hand at gardening alongside seasoned allotment holders. Those who take part could also receive a qualification at the end of the course.

Mr Hodges added: “It covers everything at school – science with soil testing, plant biology, maths when you work out the size of the beds.

“It’s physical where they’re getting some exercise and increases healthy eating.”

For more information, visit www.sustainablehorticulture.co.uk.