In Conversation - Ian Moore

Hi Ian, as you know we have chatted to some newer members in relation to their plots and wondered if you could share with us as a longer standing plot member how you first became involved

I started working my plot in 2011. It had been run by a husband and wife team for several years along with another full plot next to it. The husband had grown all the vegetables, with his wife devoting the plot on which I started working, to lawn, shrubs, flowers, varied bulbs, a pergola with climbing roses and several varieties of soft fruit bushes – gooseberries, blackberries, raspberries and blackcurrants. There were also two lovely apple trees, strawberries, and plenty of rhubarb! I felt quite humbled by it all, but I did have in mind a desire to produce some vegetables on it. This meant that I had to remove all the well established shrubs, roses, lawn and most of the flowers. I just hope they can forgive me if they ever visit again!

How did you go about deciding how to tackle what lay in front of you?

I started by removing all that I have just described and then started to cultivate the lawned area with the shrubs, roses and flowers. This was tough going. I dug it as deep as I could and added quite a lot of semi-rotted manure. On these areas I planted early and second early spuds and two or three rows of runner beans. I have managed to buy a second hand shed in good nick. Some of the potatoes had a good deal of attention from wire-worm I believe! With the hard lawn area in particular, I got it well dug before and after harvesting the crop. A lot of the poor potatoes were quite unuseable though.



How do you plan year to year for the next growing season

My planning tends to be rather varied from year to year. I tend to change my mind depending on work required at home. In the last two years I have tried to change what is grown on each area.

What was your initial focus when you secured the allotment

My initial efforts concentrated on vegetable growing. The fruit crops were left very much on their own as they were well established. Vegetables included lettuce, runner beans, French beans, spinach, potatoes, tomatos, onions, leeks and beetroot. As the years progressed I had to take more care with the fruit regarding pruning and harvesting. I definitely need to read more on how to prune! I am in the process this year of replacing all of the raised beds which have finally rotted away.



What would you consider to be your best achievement

Actually picking the fruit and vegetables and taking them home is really rewarding, but seeing the seedlings sprout through the earth is amazing. A lovely feeling!

What do you think the best advice you could give to any newcomers to the allotments

Don't try to complete everything in the first year! If you have a glut of any produce, try to give it away rather than let it go to waste.

Any tips in respect of the winter period

Try to do rough digging to let the frosts break down the soil and sow any vegetables that can withstand the winter.

What prompted you to get involved with the Association committee?

I was asked to join by the existing members and it seemed a good way to help put back something into the allotment site. The association runs a really worthwhile shop selling virtually anything you might need for your plot. Also, there is always advice and help if you ask for it.

If you have no objections, can we check in with you over time to see how things are progressing?

Of course.



A big thanks to Ian for sharing his time and thoughts with us and as suggested we'll share developments over time as with the other plot holders who have kindly agreed to be in the spotlight!!!