"'It's just like Dig for Victory all over again' said one of our members, with an approving nod. She was talking about the brand new "Garden Exchange Scheme", launched by Transition Town Aberystwyth.

It's a remarkably simple idea. In our area of Mid Wales we know that more and more people want to grow their own food, not just because of the credit crunch, but to get the freshest, tastiest and healthiest possible food for their families.

The problem is that, in Aberystwyth, we have a 5 year waiting list for allotments, and lots of town houses with little or no garden. Another issue is our aging population, often people who were keen gardeners, but find now that they simply cannot manage a large plot by themselves.

The Garden Exchange Scheme was set up to provide a solution to both these problems, by offering to match up people who wanted to grow their own food, but had no land, with people who did have a garden, but weren't using it for whatever reason. We decided that the best way to raise awareness of what we wanted to do was to have a launch event.

The Garden Exchange Scheme has resulted in a flurry of activity on plots of land all around Aberystwyth, with gardens being tidied, junk recycled, weeds cleared and winter vegetables planted. As a way of dealing with issues of food miles, excess packaging, and chemicals in our food, this scheme is definitely digging its way to victory.

In January 2009 we decided to build on the success of our Garden Exchange Scheme by having a Spring Event on Saturday 14 March 2009 from 2-4pm in the Friends' Meeting House, Maes Maelor, Penparcau.

The first Garden Exchange event, back in October, succeeded in matching up 22 people.

At the matchmaking event in Penparcau there will be local experts around to answer questions on organic gardening, how to make a garden wildlife friendly, how to get the best out of a polytunnel and grow for the local market. There will also be activities for children, a competition with prizes and a "Name that Vegetable" stall to pit your wits against!

You can find out how to manage pests and weeds organically and hear other people's gardening hints and tips.

Delicious snacks will be available from chef and food writer Elisabeth Luard, and there will be a chance to sit down with your gardening "match" over a cup of tea and get to know each other.

I would like anybody who wants to grow their own vegetables to come along, and anyone who has a garden they would like to share.

More than 70 people attended the last event, and this one on 14 March should be even bigger and better. You can meet your "match" and decide if you can come to an arrangement that suits. It's completely up to you to decide.

The Friends Meeting House is accessible for wheelchair users and has a hearing loop. There is a kitchen, toilets, heaters, tables and seating.

Article written by Chloe Griffiths.