Allotment Diaries Podcast

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!

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 about what they've been up to on their allotment plots lately (spoiler: not all of it involves growing vegetables). 

They dig into the hot topic of Polytunnels, Plastic Pots, Carpets, Tarps, and Tyres – the "go-to" materials for many allotment holders... or is it just lazy gardening? Laura and Chay debate the environmental impact of these materials while trying not to lose their minds over the sheer number of “weird things” people put in their plots.  

Plus, they remind you that not all allotment rules are the same, so don’t be the person that gets kicked off the plot for using a roll top bath as a planter!

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 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 not afraid to evolve, adapt, and try new things, regardless of age. 

Paul also offers a very interesting and free method of slug management and leaves both Laura and Chay very impressed!

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 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 competition will end on the 1st of November, and to participate, please visit our Instagram page. 

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 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 gardeners in the absence of incentives.

Chay and Deborah discuss Deborah's allotment journey, how the growing season has been this year, and the ups and downs. Deborah discusses the research she conducted for her thesis on allotments, her time at the National Allotment Society, and her role as CEO of Green Allotments. 

Green Allotments is a registered charity that aims to increase the number of allotment gardens by securing and converting land into allotment plots. They also help new plot holders manage their allotment site.

Finally, Deborah discusses an exciting competition that Green Allotment is hosting in which people can win an allotment plot. For more information, including terms and conditions, visit https://greenallotments.org.uk/competition/.

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, 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 earned her an MBE, as well as her plans for the future.

Louise should be an inspiration to many people because she has demonstrated that it is never too late to start something new.

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, 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 National Allotment Society's website (https://thenas.org.uk/NAW-24) or click here.

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, 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 expert gardener or an experienced allotment holder; simply someone who is passionate about sharing their passion with others. If you're interested, please get in touch via Instagram or email.

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, 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. 

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. 

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 also teaches us a different way to embrace the slug infestation, suggesting that perhaps we should celebrate the presence of slugs rather than bemoan it. Easier said than done, but it makes it a little less painful when your lettuce and plants have been decimated by slugs. 

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.