In this extra-festive Christmas Day special episode, Laura and Chay are getting into the holiday spirit by sharing their Christmas Day plans. They take a fun trip down memory lane, reflecting on the highs and lows of 2024 on their plots, from epic wins to the challenges faced. As they wrap up the year, they reveal their next for the next episode and giving you a sneak peek of what's to come in 2025. Allotment Diaries Podcast like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy...
In this episode, the Allotment Diaries Podcast welcomes their new host, Laura, who joins Chay to discuss the latest happenings at their allotment plots. They share a quick update on the progress they've made, including some successes and the challenges they've faced recently, such as the impact of Storm Darragh.Laura also talks about an exciting new rooted vegetable she's attempting to grow in 2025.Tune in for gardening insights, challenges, and a little bit of fun along the way!If you h...
In this episode, Laura and Chay have the pleasure of speaking with Paul Sutton, an experienced allotment holder from Ipswich. Paul explains how he got into allotmenting, gardening, and growing, and he takes us on a journey through the years, describing the changes he has seen and experienced.We also learn some fascinating stories based on his extensive experiences, as well as how he has overcome some of the challenges he has faced over the years. Paul is an excellent example of someone who is...
In this week's episode, we learn a little bit about Laura, the new co-host who will fill in for Amy while she is away.We learn about Laura's plot, how she acquired it, and why she chose an allotment plot. We also learn about the challenges she has faced with the plot, such as pests and soil issues. Finally, we get to learn about her future goals.Did you know that we are currently running a competition to win a high-quality pruner that will come in handy during your winter pruning work? The co...
In this week's episode, Chay has a fascinating and in-depth conversation with Dr Deborah Burn PhD, CEO of Charity known as Green Allotments, and allotment holder for nearly 30 years. Deborah is a co-author of the Local Government Association's "Growing in the Community" allotment management best practice guide. She worked on a national project to increase the popularity of allotments from 2003 to 2011, and she received a PhD for her research on informal social cooperation among allotment...
In this episode, Amy and Chay have the pleasure of speaking with Louise Third MBE, who at the age of 60 took on an allotment in 2020, prior to the pandemic. They discuss how she came to own an allotment plot, the challenges she faced, and the benefits to her mental and physical health.Louise also discusses her growing season in 2024 and the highs and lows of owning an allotment plot thus far. We also learn a little bit about Louise and the incredible charity work she has done, which has ...
In this episode, Amy and Chay catch up to discuss what they've been up to during their summer holidays so far, as well as what they've been up to on their plots lately. Amy discusses her latest footwear, 'crocs', much to Chay’s dismay. Chay discusses his pumpkins, among other vegetables, and how his plot has grown significantly in recent months.This is National Allotment Week, and the theme for this year's celebration of allotments is biodiversity. To learn more about this week, visit the Nat...
In this episode, Amy and Chay talk about what they've been doing on their allotment plots. While Amy has been busy volunteering at her annual local duck racing weekend, Chay has been working on his plot, weeding, sowing his winter 'Christmas dinner' vegetables, and feeding his plants. Chay also explains his new 'chop and drop' method for getting rid of weeds, much to Amy's surprise.Amy and Chay are looking for new guests to talk to for their upcoming episodes. You don't have to be an ex...
In this episode, Amy and Chay discuss Amy's recent visit to the BBC Gardeners Live Show in Birmingham. Unlike last year, Amy went beyond the free alcohol section to explore the rest of the show. She even got to see a few gardens!In other discussions, they discuss what they have been up to on their plot recently, what they intend to do in the coming weeks, and respond to some questions submitted by a few of their listeners. This includes discussing their highs and lows thus far. If you ha...
While Amy was away, Chay had the pleasure of speaking with the show's youngest guest, his son Noah (6 years old), who discusses what it's like to be a little person in the world of allotments and what the next generation of allotment holders will look like.In this world of information overload, opinions, and technological advancement, talking to a little person about what matters to them puts things in perspective and reminds us that the most basic things are often the most important.Noah als...
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the world's greatest flower shows, featuring cutting-edge garden design, spectacular floral displays, and celebrity visitors. Amy had the pleasure of attending on behalf of the Allotment Diaries Podcast, and in this episode, she talks about her recent visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. She describes what she saw, the celebrities she saw, and her thoughts on it. Also in the episode, Chay discusses the new plants he has been sowing as well as his most re...
Amy and Chay catch up in this episode and talk about what's been going on—or not—on their allotment plots. Chay describes in detail what he has already sown and what he intends to do in the upcoming week or two.In this episode, Amy also reveals an email she received about her allotment plot and how she responded to it. Chay explains his latest gadget, a digital PH level tester for his soil, and why he is getting it, despite Amy's reservations.They also take a quick quiz to determine the type ...
This week's guest is none other than Kumud Gandhi, a renowned food scientist, keynote speaker, published author, food writer, broadcaster, and the founder of 'The Cooking Academy.' As National Garlic Day approaches on April 19th, 2024, what better way to celebrate than to listen to Kumud who is a garlic expert who recently released a book 'The Garlic Story'. The Garlic Story, is a unique cookbook that focuses on a single, humble, and often overlooked ingredient: garlic. The Garlic Story...
In this fantastic episode, Amy and Chay have the pleasure of speaking with Jonathan Moules, an allotment holder from East London. Jonathan Moules is a newsletter editor for the Financial Times and writer of The Week Ahead. He also writes about business education and entrepreneurship and hosted the FT podcast Start-Up Stories, which aired for five seasons. Jonathan has become a recent allotmenteer and, interestingly, has begun publishing monthly articles about allotments for the FT. Jonat...
In this episode, Amy and Chay speak with Andy Peasgood, an incredible ballet dancer who has decided to pursue a new career in horticulture and garden design. Andy discusses his time dancing, how he got into dancing, and what led him to the world of garden design, what his passion is, and what he's doing to achieve his new goals. Other aspects of the conversation revolve around the climate disparity between Andy's current location in Scotland to the rest of the UK. Andy and Chay also disc...
In this week's episode, Chay and Amy briefly discuss their plans for their allotment in 2024. Amy discusses all of the vegetables she plans to grow this year, as well as when she intends to sow them. While Chay's growing plans aren't as detailed, he does mention one vegetable that he really wants to grow!Chay discusses some recent news articles about allotments and how he didn't necessarily agree with them. If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate w...
Amy and Chay catch up on festivities, New Year's Eve, what has been going on with their plots, and their goals for 2024 in this first episode of 2024.Amy laments her travesty with her polytunnel after the recent impact of storm Henk, and considers having a pond on her plot, while Chay discusses his ambitions for 2024 on his allotment plots.They also use the opportunity to briefly discuss the podcast's plans for 2024.Happy New Year xIf you have any questions you would like to ask us or would l...
This episode, Amy and Chay discuss what they've been up to recently with their plot. Chay discusses a problem with his shed roof and the seeds he has purchased for this year.They also talk about seed storage and whether they save seeds or buy new ones every year. Finally, they reveal the next guest for their upcoming episode! The Allotment Diaries Podcast is currently running a competition to win a pair of tickets to BBC Gardeners Live, which will take place in Birmingham from June 13 t...
The recording of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is played in this Christmas special episode. It was sung by six enthusiastic gardeners/allotment holders who do not pretend to be great singers but are willing to give it a welly (gardening pun intended). A lot of fun was had recording it! We'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. See you all in 2024!Chay and AmyxIf you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like ...
After a lengthy break due to life getting in the way, Chay and Amy discuss what they have been up to on their plot, how to overcome the third year' slump,' and what their plans are for 2024.They also talk about this year's Christmas singalong idea, which will inevitably ruin people's Christmases. If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: allotmentdiariespodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow our social media accoun...