In Conversation With Alex Horne

The site regularly has new plot holders, some really make a go of things, and others underestimate exactly what is required looking after a full plot. The site has been lucky to attract various new plot holders over the last year, and anyone who comes through the Hobart Close entrance, can not have failed to notice the amazing transformation at the top of the site undertaken by the Marconi Belles and Alex Horne. We caught up with Alex last weekend, who kindly agreed to share some observations with us.

HI Alex, Almost a year and You’ve made amazing progress. What initially prompted you to get an allotment plot?

Thanks! My flat overlooks the allotment site so I’ve always admired from afar. I have an 18 month old and when he was born I thought it would be nice to create an outside space for him to explore, from there I just got hooked!



Have you ever undertaken anything like this before?

No, I got my plot on May 1st 2018 and prior to this my only experience was planting an apple tree in my parents garden at the age of 7! Whilst my mum is a florist I’ve had no experience of growing fruit and veg before.

How did you go about deciding what to do?

I was on the waiting list for a month or so prior to getting my plot so spent this time reading ‘allotment for dummies’ cover to cover and researching online! I pretty much made it up as I went along for the first 6 months though with just a rough idea of where I wanted things to be.

What was your focus for the first year in terms of the plot?

As people were probably aware my plot was just a little overgrown when I got it so my main focus was getting it sorted into something that resembled an allotment! I wanted to sort it into 4 sections with different focuses in each to make it a more manageable task. The important thing to me in the first year was just to be able to grow something for the first time to get some real enjoyment out of it! It motivated me watching things growing in one area to get the next area sorted ready for planting!

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

Obviously the whole transformation of the plot gives me huge satisfaction, it never fails to make me happy when I walk in and see my plot straight away! Growing strawberries for my wife and son to enjoy was something that also really made me happy as it was nice to see the fruits of my labour were worth the hard work that went into it. I’m really proud of how the plot looks and that all the sections worked how I imagined them too. Obviously sharing my fresh fruit and veg with friends puts a massive smile on my face!

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

Just the positive feedback regarding the fresh taste from family and friends which was lovely to hear. With how hot the summer was I ended up with a surplus of tomatoes so made my own pasatta which was a new experience for me!

The plot looks very clearly organised, is this the result of a pre defined plan, or has the look evolved?

From day one in my head I had 4 clearly defined areas but as time has gone on these have moved slightly, the basics have remained though. I was keen to try different techniques hence why I have raised beds in one section and then areas where I’ve sown directly into the ground. It is always evolving and changing as I go but I keep the main principles of the 4 areas.

Any advice you would give to fellow ’newbies’ in terms of tackling a plot?

Yes loads! I’ve learnt so much over the first year. My first thing would be to take things slow, as they say Rome wasn’t built in a day! Make your first job to dig over a small patch and get something growing as this will give you some early enjoyment and real motivation to keep going with your plot. Get to know your fellow allotment holders, don’t be afraid to ask questions or too proud to listen to their advice. I’ve learnt so much from the people on my allotment site that has been invaluable to me. And finally, things will go wrong but don’t get disheartened as it makes the successes even more satisfying.



Have you got any ambitious growing plans for year 2? What are you looking to return from all your effort this year?

With me getting my plot late in the season last year I was limited on what I could try growing so this year I really want to go for it and try as much as possible. I’ve planted potatoes in the ground this year which is obviously a first for me so that’s really exciting and I can’t wait to see how they turn out. I’m just looking forward to growing a big variety of different fruit and veg for all my friends and family to try. If I can sort out my wind damaged poly tunnel I’m thinking about trying to grow some grapes and melon!



We understand you are an avid user of social media and you are recording and sharing your exploits on line. Where can people check in to see what your progress and latest updates are?

Yes, I’ve been documenting my allotment journey on Instagram and YouTube! My username on Instagram is @the_essex_allotment and my YouTube channel is The Essex Allotment. Social media is such a big thing for this generation so I’m hoping by using it to share my journey it will encourage more young people to get out and try themselves!

Do you get positive interactive feedback from this channel? any advice in terms of the activities?

Yes I have a lot of people asking for advice which is really nice as quite a new allotment holder myself. I also feel part of a community which is lovely as everyone has the same interests and there’s loads of different ideas that I may have no otherwise seen!

Would it be OK to check in with you regularly during the year ahead
to see what progress you have made and to share your experiences?

Yeah of course, that would be great!



Thanks for sharing your time and thoughts with us Alex. It's really appreciated, and as agreed we'll check in from time to time to keep up to date with your successes.