General News - Features

The web site has published various features over the last couple of years in relation to new plot holders, their motivations and how they have tackled their plots, together with one or two more experienced plot holders who have shared their views. However, there
is one member of the Association who we believe has now held a plot on site for almost 40 years and would therefore constitute the most experienced member amongst us. His plot was adjudged best in class in the Melbourne Park Annual allotment competition in 2018. We caught up with Peter Caffrey and he kindly agreed to pen an article for us in terms of his time on the site. Rather than break the piece up with questions, we have re produced Peter’s thoughts exactly as he expressed’.

I developed my passion for gardening in my family's walled garden in Mid Wales. I moved to Chelmsford for work in 1969 aged 21 and soon took to managing a small plot in the gardens of the 'Cherry Tree' pub - now built over.

In the early 1980's I took over a plot previously managed by my friend Geoff Bailey on the corner opposite the wildlife garden (I believe plot 67),

Over the last 40 years I have learned a great deal from many excellent gardeners on the site and tried also to give advice myself when asked. I was fortunate enough to have a excellent and inspiring allotment holder as a neighbour (Ted) who was a very well organised, neat and productive gardener. My current success for example with peas is largely due to his mantra of sowing his seeds heavily giving 'one for the birds, one for the mice and one for me!' Sadly Ted had to give his plot up due to failing eyesight.

When I moved my father from Wales to live close to me we took on a new plot so that he could continue his love of gardening. Sadly he died on the plot in the way that he lived, with his tools in his pocket and wanting to work. I wanted to continue on this plot in my father's memory. This was not to be as plans had been agreed to sell off this section of the site for the new housing development and the place where my father died now has a building over it.

I was instructed to choose another plot on the remaining site. Suzanne Higgins was in charge of overseeing the move and I was able to select new plants to replace ones I had lost through the move. I was also supplied with a new shed. As a gesture of good will and in appreciation of my co - operation Suzanne also supplied me with two Kent Cob Nut trees which continue to flourish and crop. Cuttings I have taken from these two trees are also growing on other areas of the site, and in friends gardens and the woods.

Over the site's recent history, there have been considerable improvements, not least the facilities. However, the most significant influence in relation to the improvement of the site came with the arrival of the Holbrook / Lawrence family. They brought a new enthusiasm and commitment to the area, giving a much better sense of community, with a functioning committee, social events and a better run trading hut. I would like to take the opportunity to express my thanks to them for the improvements they brought about and continue to do so. Prior to their arrival the site lacked leadership and direction from its members. The extent of this leadership was most apparent in the tenacious pursuit of the promised improvements committed as a consequence of the land sale and new housing development. This was enormously helped with Tony’s relationship developed over time with the builders, and a refusal to accept anything less than expected, which contributed to the beneficial facilities we take for granted today.



In looking for a new plot I was well advised by Doug, who unfortunately is no longer with us, who assured me the plot I was considering (73) had been well looked after until a few years before and had been well manured! He was obviously keen to have the plot, which at that time was next to his, occupied. Doug had been very kind to my father so I was happy to trust his advice and the plot has indeed been very productive ever since. Doug's best tip out of many was to plant 2 broad bean seeds at each station so that if one failed or was eaten by mice the other might survive to ensure a crop. I have followed the advice ever since.

I later encouraged good friends Tom and son John Smith to take over plot 74 next to me. When John moved away I took over his plot. In partnership with good friends Richard and Jackie Harris we built a chicken run and house and enjoyed fresh eggs for several years.



Over the last few years another good friend, Dave, has taken an interest in the plot and has been a great help especially with the DOY, grass cutting, covering the times when I am away. In the last few years together we built a large cage to protect the sweet corn from the badgers, peas and brassica from the pigeons, and fruit from the birds, whilst also being big enough to enable crop rotation. It was an expensive project but now we are reaping the benefits of it's protections although the structure was too big for the authorities liking! I was delighted when my plot was judged the best on site in 2018. This is also down to the help given by Dave.



My greatest frustration with the site is the number of empty, derelict plots which makes the area very unsightly. As these are left to tall into an overgrown state it is too great a challenge for any aspiring new plot holder to be successful and all too often give up the plot. I have always thought it would be better to maintain 2 half plots by killing the vegetation and turning the plot roughly so the plot looks appealing enough to encourage someone to take it over and not so difficult to bring to a good condition, and in turn they keep the plot on. Once these plots are taken 2 new half plots should be cleared for the next intake. In the long term this would increase membership, make the site more cost effective and orderly.

The site has given so many people so much pleasure and health benefits over the years it is a worthy cause for more investment.

With grateful thanks to Peter Caffrey for providing us with this story of his time on the allotments.

With the buds on various plants and trees now bursting through, there are a host of things to do in the month of APRIL. The web site hosts a page entitled the ALLOTMENT YEAR, which was originally posted as a series of jottings in terms of how Karen tackled the allotment and the job to be undertaken at various stages of the year.

For any avid readers of Karen's posts, there are some notable differences this year. Firstly we have encountered an extremely wet, but not particularly harsh winter. The social distancing measures in terms of COVID 19 means all sport whether elite or club level has been cancelled, and therefore Ray is not off at a cricket fixture, race track or end of season football, and can therefore be spied from time to time actually doing something on the plot.



These points aside, the conservatory is gradually filling up with tomato, spring onion, beetroot, peas and mange tout plants, with the window sills littered with Inca Berry, beauty bell peppers, chillis, dahlia, coriander, marjoram and lettuce. Courgettes and squashes are due to be sown during April, and there are a host of activities to be done on site in terms of existing fruit bushes / trees, with the final remnants of tidying up for the growing season.

The original article is a little dated now, but presents a useful reference point for the month of April.

Richard is a long standing plot holder at Melbourne Park, first taking on a plot in the early 90’s. With an easy going disposition, often sporting his beloved ‘Gooners’ hat, although indicates he is not a ‘gooner’. In fact he suggests failing to know this was the Arsenal supporters nickname, and wears it primarily to keep his ears warm. We caught up with Richard for a chat and would like to assure everyone in producing this piece we we kept appropriate social distancing and the photograph taken with a suitable telephoto lens!

Hi Richard. What prompted you to get an allotment?

Various reasons really. I had an allotment elsewhere originally, at the Avenues, and then through work I moved to the South of England and gave the original plots up. When we moved back, i decided to take on a couple of plots here at Melbourne Park.

What was the site like at that time?

The site was very different from today. The pathways were in a reasonably poor state of repair, and a much cleaner overall view across the site. Whilst there were a few sheds dotted about, there was none of the construction, cages, extent of raised beds which we see on the site today. a lot of this is quite recent, maybe over the last 8-10 years where all the cages have been built.



When i first took the plot on, it had been turned over, probably from a previous owner. If I recall a previous tenant had left no more than six months previously.

Whilst the site had a trading hut, I very rarely used it, and can’t really recall the extent of what was sold. I do recall there were some fizzy drinks sold, ‘corona’ and you can still see one or two of the empty crates about, but a couple of years after I joined the site the trading hut closed, maybe 96 or 97.

What do you tend to grow and have your growing habits changed at all.

The pattern of growth has changed a little bit over the years, but not a lot.I got quite discouraged at one point in terms of onions, which through disease failed, and haven’t grown them since, and other than this grow the basic staples, runner beans (you can never have enough beans), potatoes, carrots, leeks, beetroot and giant peas - plants which can reach 8ft in height.

I built vegetable troughs principally to protect from the effects of carrot fly, and then in some of the other grow lettuce, and spring onions.

What are you up to at the moment - have seen you re purposing some railway sleepers.

I am constructing a base for a greenhouse (no glass), and as you say re purposing railway sleepers as a base, building a frame and then have some of the wavy polycarbonate stuff to surround. I am hoping this is suitable. the plan is to grow tomatoes, cucumbers and smaller fruit and vegetable which may prosper in warmer and protected conditions, or anything else which takes my fancy - I could erect a hammock….

Any advice you would offer up to newer members of the site.

Yes, keep at it. It takes a while to get things going. Have a picture in your mind in terms of what you want to achieve and plan ahead. Don’t get down if the immediate results don’t seem apparent and persevere. Have a goal or vision.

Anything else you would like to add?

Having a plot is great for your health. provides a ready source of fresh air, exercise, is good for your body, and you get to grow your own food and know exactly what you are putting on your plate. In times gone by there was also Bert’s singing voice - he used to sing to himself on his plot, hugely cheerful, and blissfully unaware of others, and is a great reminder of some of the past days on site.

A big thank you to Richard for sparing his thoughts.

The March to do article is a little behind schedule. However, the overwhelmingly wet conditions have meant precious few days have been available on the plot, and there have been times where the amount of water laying around the site on the pathways has been greater than most of us can remember. Even the ditch at the base of the site has flowing water (almost a stream) which is highly unusual as it is normally just a dry hollow.

January, February and early March are usually reserved for soil improvement, maintenance and other practical activities for the plot. March (especially at the authors house) witnesses the general taking up of all window sill space and any other spare areas with seed and propagation trays for the growing periods ahead.

Karen's notes on this site (Allotment Year page) provide a whole host of items which would traditionally be undertaken, and it is important to note this is a personal aide memoire in terms of things to do. There is usually a whiteboard at the top of the site by the trading hut with a rather more condensed set of suggestions for the month. Hopefully the weather will improve as the days lengthen, and without wishing to be the signal of doom and gloom, don't forget we had some harsh frosts last year beyond the end of March, so fruit, vegetables or other which may be susceptible to cold may require a little protection.

An image (we believe in the 50's) of an earlier trading hut with some of the plot holders - including a young Arthur Cornell

The Allotment Association and trading hut in it's current format was established in 2003/4 after a period of dormancy through the late nineties. Arthur Cornell convinced various like minded individuals to get the Association back together, form a committee and re open the trading activities for the benefit of all.

In addition to this, Arthur, Ada and Tony Holbrook had spent some time at the Essex Records Office tracing the history of the Allotments, which we can confirm reach back to 1938. The earliest mention to be found in the Council minutes surround the procurement of land from the land owners (Melbourne Park Estates) for the provision of allotments. Whilst there were some plots laid out at the Highfield Road end of the site, Arthur was one of the first twenty plot holders to take on an allotment on the expanded site in 1947.

Over the winter months we have continued to research the council records in relation to the site, which have heralded various interesting snippets of information, and we will try and recount some of these through future blog posts. The council records seem to dry up around 1969-1970 and we know the independent parks and allotment committee ceased around 1972.

Several of the plot holders who have tended plots at Melbourne since the 80's have kindly agreed to share their thoughts and stories from the site, and we will again with their blessing publish these during the year as a series of feature articles, which will hopefully compliment some of the stories from newer members and our current activities.

As we have quite a number of new members to the Association, we thought it would be a good idea to re publish an article first produced in 2009. Tony Holbrook interviewed Arthur in relation to his time on the plot and these notes can be read by following the attached link. They make very interesting reading.

Interview Arthur Cornell

January and February are not the most favourable months in terms of weather conditions, the only positive following the winter solstice is the lengthening of daylight. However, as posted on Instagram ‘an allotment isn’t just for the summer’ and the colder winter months provides an opportunity for a host of activity to take place to ensure the maximum productivity throughout the year.



For those new plot holders, or those advocating and implementing a no dig method on their plot, the months represent a great time to lay a host of cardboard over the offending grass or weedy areas, and heavily compost or manure. This cuts off all the light to the affected areas, and deprived of light, the weeds become weaker, and can be gradually overcome.

For those traditional plot holders, the winter months are a good time to dig, or as Arthur used to express Double Dig the various areas, with the frost left to break up the soil.

It’s also a good time to deal with all those DIY tasks, from repairs to raised beds, compost and manure bins and any other general maintenance required.



For many there are over wintering crops, which are already in such as garlic and onions, with other vegetables such as broad beans can still be started in modules inside, hardened off and then planted out – . Shallots can be planted, which allows them to split through frost. It is also a good time to plant any fruit trees (dwarf stock on the plots). Don’t forget after planting the fruit trees to apply a thick layer of organic matter around the base and away from the main stem to help prevent weeds and assist maintain soil moisture levels in warmer months.



Currant bushes should be pruned, thinning out the very old, thin or any diseased growth and creating plenty of room for new vigorous growth. Rhubarb can be forced, and the next few weeks are a good time to dig the bean trenches and start to fill with organic matter.

The cold months are essentially a good time to plan where everything will be grown on the allotment space, together with timings for planting, whether this be starting seeds inside or direct to the plot, or order any seeds which may have been missed earlier.

Don't forget the trading hut re opens this Saturday, and presents an opportunity to pop in for a chat and buy your ‘beloved allotment warrior’ any provisions required, or a late Christmas present. (What better than a bag or two of compost to promote the growth of all that fine veg!!).

As a reminder you can also follow the exploits of Alex Horne and his plot on You Tube, and information on the Association web site where we are hoping various members are going to offer their thoughts during the year and allow us to follow their growing exploits. There is also a whiteboard in front of the cabin most weeks with a gentle hint in terms of potential tasks to be considered or completed.

Happy new growing year to all.

Image courtesy of the Marconi Belles

The Marconi Belles first joined the site and Association approximately a year ago, and in this time transformed the plot opposite the trading hut. Now a further group of Belles have taken a second plot, 111 and intend to follow a 'No Dig' set of principals for this area.

This specific method has been used and promoted by Charles Dowding, from significant market gardens to his own area of land and market garden at Homeacre, and has been featured by Monty Don amongst others.

The basic principal is by not digging or avoiding digging you will not be disrupting the soil life, nor exposing the soil to weed seeds. For a weed covered plot, covering the area with thick cardboard and then a heavy mulch of compost or well rotted manure, the weeds will remain in darkness, weakening them and eventually allowing them to die off, or at least prove minimal concern to the plot. (The other added benefit is slightly less effort and back ache!!). If you are fortunate enough to inherit a well cultivated plot, then a covering of compost or well rotted manure should prove sufficient.



The Belles pictured here have weighted the cardboard layer over the plot, and with the delivery of well rotted manure have now laid out the first four beds with temporary boards, then mulched, all of which forms the starting point for their project.

The Belles have kindly agreed to allow us to follow their progress, and we'll check in during the year in terms of update.

During the year we published viewpoints from two of our newer plot holders, Kevin Baskill and Alex Horne , together with a more established plot holder Ian Moore in relation to how they had tackled their plots, and all three agreed to allow us to check in and enquire about their progress.

It doesn’t seem possible, but the winter months are upon us, which gave us an opportunity to catch up with all three in terms of their growing season.

Ian Moore: This year was a little mixed, much of which a direct consequence of other commitments including seven trips away to various haunts. This affected watering early up to August, and also the ability to pick regularly the runner and French climbing beans. Despite this, I can’t figure out what happened to the Apples – I managed just 13 fruit from two trees!

Alex Horne: Similar to Ian, quite a mixed year, full of learning, of which the biggest lesson is life sometimes gets in the way of the best laid plans. After a really solid start, I missed the heart of the summer and the potatoes, sweet corn and lettuce all suffered, and whilst the sweet peas cropped well, they finished early and due to other commitments couldn’t keep up with them.

Kevin Baskill: I had a bumper season, with runner beans, tomatoes an courgettes all performing really well.

Ian: I believe my potatoes suffered as I didn’t rotate them. They definitely suffered with skin issues. My tomatoes were non - existent.

Alex: I lost a lot of tomatoes, probably because they need constant attention and pricking out and picking out the side shoots, later in the season the leaves need cutting back so the focus is on the fruit. Despite this, I had 8 different varieties of tomato, and still produced quite a significant crop.



Kevin: one of the biggest lessons from the year is to try and succession plant the crops. The tendency was to plant everything up, only to be overwhelmed at the point of harvest with a surfeit of the same crop, and the good lady then suggesting I grow a little less!

Ian: Unfortunately my non - existent tomatoes were replaced with copious volumes of weeds which seemed to thrive on limited watering, and then heavy rain later in the season. How does that work?

Kevin: Yes, the other important point this year was to space crops out a little to assist with the weeding and hoeing. Have tried and intend to continue scatter planting, where the various plants are not all grown in the same area.

Alex: It’s weird – the garlic bulbs which I planted seem to be mixed – one half of the area seems to have taken really well, and the other nothing.

Ray: I have the same at the moment. Am a little concerned as planted 16-20 elephant garlic and almost 3 dozen other garlic, and at the moment have what seems to be only 2 which seem to have made it…..It’s a little early, so we’ll see.

Kevin: my neighbour had beetroot which were virtually across the footway from my own, and the results were a complete contrast.

Ian: Fruit produced a bumper harvest. Gooseberries, blackberry an blackcurrant bushes all cropped heavily and I believe the results were definitely improved as I caged and netted them for the first time this year. I also gave the bushes a harsh prune the year before last, and view this may also have had an impact.

Alex: I had little or no fruit, but this is principally as this year was my first real growing season and the bushes were immature. I am hoping for much better next year

Ray: we were really disappointed with the raspberries on project 63. We inherited a reasonable area of early and late raspberries, and promised to give ourselves one more year this year to see how they cropped. Despite a huge verdant swathe of canes, very little produced, so we have taken the rather radical step of digging them all up and starting again.



Kevin: Blue berries were the best cropper – I placed the bushes in the skeleton of a former poly tunnel, and then netted the area to protect from the birds which worked really well.

Ian: am planning to extend my planting next year to include brassicas and more root crops, also a little tidy up over the coming months as looking across at my two new neighbours, they seem to be very well organised and quite precise!

Kevin: succession sowing as mentioned before is the key for me next year so I can spread out the harvest, and to continue to spread the planting so I have for example potatoes or other in multiple areas across the plot not all in the same area.


Alex: I also grew flowers on the plot, and enjoyed picking the dahlias and tulips which were the best of the bunch (pun intended), and have also built and introduced 6 chickens to the plot which is providing more than enough small eggs for our household. It’s a great feeling to be able to provide the freshest eggs to friends and family.



Kevin: The eggs you gave me were great. There is a real difference and I compared them with my usual Tesco eggs (other brands are available).

Alex: I feel the plot is now back under control and am overwintering garlic, beans and onions together with some hardy lettuce, and looking forward to planning for next year.

Kevin: The other thing is to garner the views of your experienced neighbours. Very often they have little gems or jewels of information which is all positive and there are plenty of experienced growers on the site to tap into.

Thanks for the feedback, and if it’s AOK with everyone can we check in early next year to see how the planning and initial activity has progressed?

A mixed set of outcomes from our intrepid contributors and a big thank you to all three for taking time out to offer up their thoughts. Don’t forget you can follow Alex on you tube and Instagram, and as it turns out Kevin too, so may be worth tuning in and following their activities.

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!!!

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.

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.