Allotment Diaries Podcast

In this heartfelt 80th episode, we share some emotional news—stepping away from Allotment Diaries. What began as a simple idea to talk about growing vegetables and life on the allotment blossomed into something far more meaningful: a space built on connection, community, and shared passion.

Over the journey, we’ve met incredible people, heard inspiring stories, and experienced the highs and lows that come with both gardening and life. This podcast has never just been about plants—it’s been about people, resilience, and the joy of growing together.

As life evolves, with family, work, and new opportunities ahead, the decision to pause hasn’t been easy. But this isn’t a final goodbye—just the closing of a chapter we’re deeply proud of.

To everyone who listened, supported, and joined us along the way—thank you. And to those still tending their plots, keep growing. The lessons from the allotment stay with us wherever we go.

If you would like to continue following our personal allotment journey then do give us follow on Instagram (@chayallotment and @lauras_allotment_dream) as we will continue to be active there.

Laura & Chay x

P.S | If you would like to continue following our personal allotment journey then do give us follow on Instagram (@chayallotment and @lauras_allotment_dream) as we will continue to be active there.

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. 

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Laura and Chay are joined by Reece from Bristol, an avid gardener and dedicated allotment holder. Reece shares his deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with cancer and how gardening — and the sanctuary of his allotment — became an important source of strength during one of the most challenging periods of his life.

Throughout the conversation, Reece speaks openly about his diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional and physical hurdles he faced along the way. He explains how connecting with nature, tending to plants, and spending time on his plot provided moments of peace, purpose, and hope while navigating his recovery.

Reece also reflects on the practical challenges he encountered, particularly around reduced mobility, and how he adapted his gardening to overcome those barriers. His determination and positivity shine through as he describes the small victories that gardening brought him.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an allotment podcast without talking about growing. Reece chats about how last year’s season went on his plot and shares what he’s been sowing so far this year, offering listeners a glimpse into the crops and plans that are keeping him motivated for the season ahead.

This is one of the most uplifting and inspiring episodes yet — a story that will resonate with anyone who has faced illness, supported a loved one through it, or simply believes in the healing power of nature and gardening.

You can follow Reece on Instagram - thegardenersadventure

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. 

Laura and Chay meet up at the annual Garden Press Event in London to catch up and share their thoughts on the latest horticultural trends. In this quick, lively discussion, they explore the weird, innovative, and wonderful things they’ve seen so far at the event.

The Garden Press Event is a highlight for garden and allotment lovers, designers, and industry professionals, showcasing:

• New garden designs and landscaping ideas for the upcoming year.
• Innovative gardening products hitting shops and nurseries soon.
• Emerging trends in horticulture and lifestyle gardening.

Through this event, attendees get a sneak peek at the products and styles that will shape gardens, allotments and gardening practices in the months ahead. Laura and Chay share their reactions, inspirations, and what they’re excited to try out themselves.

Tune in for a fun, insightful, and slightly quirky look at what’s happening in the world of gardening and allotments this year.

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. 

After a short break while life got busy, Chay and Laura are back behind the mic to catch up and explain the recent pause in episodes. With 2026 bringing relentless daily rain, there’s been very little happening on the allotment – and plenty of muddy frustration to go with it.

In this episode, they chat honestly about the challenges of a waterlogged plot, why sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing at all, and how they’ve been using the downtime to plan and prepare for the growing season ahead. From crop rotation and seed sorting to refining their goals for the year, it’s all about working smarter for 2026.

They also share their excitement about an upcoming press event on 17th February, what they’re looking forward to seeing, and why it’s important to represent the allotment community beyond the plot.

A relaxed catch-up filled with real talk about gardening, patience, and getting ready for the season ahead. 🌱

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. 

Laura and Chay return with a special Christmas Day episode of Allotment Diaries. This time, the conversation is less about digging and growing and more about festive traditions, Christmas Day rituals, and—of course—some truly questionable Christmas cracker jokes.

On behalf of everyone at the Allotment Diaries Podcast, we’d like to wish all our listeners, past and present, a very Merry Christmas. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us and tune in as we share regular episodes about allotments, gardening, growing, and the everyday joys of home life.

Perfect listening for a cosy Christmas Day walk, a post-dinner cuppa, or a quiet moment away from the chaos.

Music by Ivor Game; http://www.ivorgame.com

Support the show

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. 

After a month off — thanks to both Laura and Chay being knocked out by flu, general illness, and the fact that December can feel like a quieter time on the allotment — they’re back to chat all things plot life.

While winter is often seen as a slow month, there’s still plenty to be getting on with. Laura shares what she’s been up to on her plot over December, from winter jobs to keeping things ticking along. Chay, on the other hand, admits to not getting up to much on the plot itself, with his main focus turning to planning and preparation — including replacing his polytunnel after four years of hard use.

Laura also reveals which seeds she’s already purchased and what she’s planning to sow in the coming months, proving that even in the depths of winter, the growing season is never far from our minds.

Support the show

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. 

In this episode, Laura and Chay chat with Claire, an allotmenteer from Portchester in Hampshire, known online as Harvest and Home UK. Claire’s allotment journey began just four years ago when she and her husband, Trev, decided on a whim to apply for a plot—despite having no prior gardening experience. Like so many who discover the world of allotments, they quickly became hooked.

Since then, their passion has continued to grow. They’ve taken on additional plots, started keeping chickens, and embraced a slower, more hands-on way of living. Claire shares how the allotment has shaped her life, from learning to grow her own food to preserving produce in creative ways—like her popular homemade chilli jam.

We also talk about her recent move into vlogging on YouTube, and how documenting her journey has opened up a welcoming community of like-minded growers.

This episode offers a warm and inspiring insight into how an allotment can unexpectedly transform your day-to-day life, your wellbeing, and your sense of purpose—often in a very short time.

You can find out more about Claire on Instagram at @harvestandhomeuk,
and you can follow her journey over on YouTube under Harvest and Home UK.

Support the show

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. 

In this episode, Chay and Laura catch up on what they have been harvesting and what’s been happening on their allotments while juggling the chaos of their children’s birthday parties. Chay shares an amusing story about an unexpected visitor to his plot — an escaped chicken from a neighbouring allotment — and explains how he handled the situation.

The pair also discuss their upcoming plans as they prepare for the winter months, with a few surprising projects on the horizon. They delve into a lively debate about the benefits of caring for your tools during the colder season. While it’s not everyone’s favourite task, Chay makes a strong case for why tool maintenance might be one of the most underrated aspects of allotment life.

To round off the episode, they’re delighted to feature music from listener Ivor Game, whose beautiful melody perfectly complements the spirit of the show.

If you’d like to find out more, visit our website at: http://www.ivorgame.com

Support the show

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. 

In this episode, Chay and Laura sit down with Vicky and Karin, the brilliant duo behind The Plot Thickens podcast. As fellow podcasters, they share a deep appreciation for the passion, dedication, and courage it takes to create meaningful content purely for the love of it and for the benefit of listeners.

Vicky and Karin open up about how they first met, what inspired them to start their podcast, and the journey they’ve been on since – from the highs and lows to the lessons learned along the way. They also give us a behind-the-scenes look at their most recent season on their plots and a sneak peek into what plans they have next year. 

Beyond podcasting, Vicky and Karin are now channelling their energy into an exciting new venture: Soil Squad. Founded in 2024 in St Albans, Soil Squad is a UK-based Community Interest Company (CIC) with a mission to turn food waste into nutrient-rich compost, promote regenerative farming, and educate communities about the importance of healthy soil. Through their Community Composting Hub at Sandridge Road Allotments, they provide composting services, run sustainability workshops, and deliver educational programmes to schools and local businesses.

This is an inspiring conversation about community, sustainability, and the power of sharing stories – both through podcasts and hands-on action.

You can find out more about Soil Squad via their website: https://soilsquad.uk/

Support the show

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. 

In this episode, Laura and Chay chat all about growing, harvesting, and cooking straight from the plot. They share stories of the very first things they ever grew, the crops that make it onto their must-grow list every year, and whether they plan their planting with cooking in mind or simply let the harvest inspire what ends up on the plate.

They also dive into the tricky question of knowing when something is ready to harvest, swap go-to seasonal recipes, and talk about their favourite plot-to-plate meals – as well as a few kitchen disasters they’d never repeat. Along the way, Laura and Chay reflect on the joy of sharing produce with family, neighbours, and fellow plot-holders, and the surprising ways swapping vegetables can lead to new recipes and traditions.

The conversation naturally turns to community and family: cooking with kids, discovering new flavours from other gardeners, and how growing your own food can completely change the way you shop, cook, and eat.

Support the show

If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].

You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about.