A Conversation with Kevin Baskill

We recently caught up with Kevin Baskill, one of the newer members to the site. Kevin has had a plot for almost 18 months now, and not content with this has taken on an adjacent plot, and is also an active member of the Association committee. If Kevin isn’t on his own plot you may find him strimming the community orchard for which the Association is immensely grateful.


Hi Kevin, after 18 months, and an expanding empire, the plots are
looking in fantastic shape. What initially prompted you to get an allotment plot?


I’ve always enjoyed growing food and had an allotment very briefly 20 years ago. After that I created a patch in my own garden but I discovered you stop learning . I now have the time in retirement to enjoy what is a passionate hobby . Despite google and books, nothing is better than learning from all the interactions you have with others . The sense of well - being and pleasure you gain is great. Putting your phone down on a sunny day , planting seeds and plants with the anticipation of success is a wonderful feeling. Then enjoying a cup of tea , relaxing, proudly surveying the fruits of your labour. As well as exercise you have the practical outcome of growing your own food with the ambition of having something to take home every week of the year.



Having an allotment again has reminded me of the sense of community . Everyone is equal, and it doesn’t matter where you live ,what your job is or was or how well off you are. None of that matters. It’s almost the way we were supposed to live; enjoying a shared interest whilst respecting and learning from each other. Marvellous! I’ve also enjoyed looking after the orchard and being taught how to prune trees. I also love the fact that there are so many groups,and people of all ages on the site which is so well run, has great facilities and a shop. I’m definitely here for the long term !

How did you go about deciding what to do? What was your focus for the first year in terms of the plot?

When I first started 18 months ago I wasn’t daunted as I love a good project ! First of all I used a hedge cutter and cut everything down as low as possible . After raking it up, I then strimmed everything as low as possible. Then with the encouragement and support of people around me I re felted my shed. I’d never done that before ! I then with a long handled spade dug over the allotment creating beds and grass paths. It didn’t occur to me that I could have asked the council to clear it ! Still as I said, I love a good project ! The positive encouragement of others kept me going ! One neighbour gave me cucumber plants to try, another gave me elephant garlic and many others loads of advice . Talking to people, being invited to look at what others do also helped to gain more knowledge. Sharing a cup of tea with someone to learn about strawberries and blueberries added to my enthusiasm and interest.



How did you morph into the next plot? The entrance to 77 and 78 is pretty impressive - how did this come about?


All of the above led me to take on another allotment this year, learn about poly tunnels and grow a greater variety of vegetables. I now at last feel that I’m in control ! Well at least until the next lot of weeds appear ! I created an arch to bridge plot 77 and 78 to grow beans up . My wife thinks it’s like South Fork from Dallas !! Thats the fun of having an allotment, being able to try things out, to play,and it doesn’t matter if you fail. It’s like reliving your childhood,it’s great!!



What prompted you to get involved with the Association and the committee?


Being on the committee, supporting when possible, all adds to the experience of being part of an allotment community.

In your opinion the best achievement, or something which gives you the most amount of satisfaction?


My greatest achievement apart from any growing success was getting the fencing that I’ve created around the front of my allotment in a mini ! The fencing in its former life was a walkway in Oxford street where footpath repairs had taken place. I recovered them from a yard near where I live and was given them free of charge.

I particularly enjoyed creating a raised asparagus bed using scaffolding boards but the three year wait to fully enjoy the produce seems a long time. My neighbour who has been brilliant gave me some of his which has allowed me to appreciate that the wait is worthwhile. He also kindly watered newly planted seeds when I’ve been on holiday and I’ve helped him when needed. In only a year I’ve grown more than I’ve needed and supplied next door neighbours at home, friends and my daughter.

Any observations about the differences between preparing and cooking your own fruit and vegetables compared with shop purchases?

The food tastes better, the first potatoes, asparagus, the first broad Beans, rhubarb and strawberries. Nothing in the shops tastes as good.

I’ve also loved courgette bread made by wife. That’s a challenge ...what to do with everything when you have a glut!

Any advice you would give to any newcomers to the site in terms of tackling a plot?

I’ve decided to enjoy everything in season , eat what you can, give away as much as possible, and to relax and enjoy. That would be my advice to newcomers. I’ve also discovered that it doesn’t matter how much or how little you know, there’s always more to learn and no one judges anyone. Quite the contrary everyone wants you to be successful. It’s good for your Health, physically and mentally, and keeps you fit. Your diet is improved and it’s good fun.



Kevin, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us and with your blessing we'll check in from time to time to see how the plot is progressing.