General News

The Allotment Association is now taking orders for farm trailer loads of manure for delivery at the end of November, beginning of December. The price is £31.00 per load delivered to your plot.

There is a limited quantity, and ordering can be made at the trading hut. Orders can only be accepted with full payment giving your name and plot number. Cash or cheques (made payable to 'Melbourne Park Allotment Association'. Orders are required by the 17th November latest.

As most plots are now occupied it is expected that most loads will have to be delivered on to the road ways. It will be a condition of ordering that the load must be removed within 7 days to enable vehicular access. Plot holders not ordering manure are asked for their patience in view of the temporary position.

Orders can be given at the trading hut or to Peter Hunnable or Karen Lawrence.

Trading Hut

Owing to the popularity of the previous seed potato order we will again be taking orders for Sentana Potatoes which are proving to be more or less blight resistant.

The price will be @2.80 per 2.5 kilo bag.

Orders are now being taken at the trading hut or can be given to Karen and Tony. It would be appreciated if you can please order by Sunday 24th November, with delivery anticipated for the end of January, beginning of February.

Trading Hut.

The Melbourne Park Allotment Associaton regrettably informs all members of the sad news in relation to the passing of Arthur Dowsett.

We send our condolences and sincerest sympathies to family and friends at this sad time.

Arthur has been a long standing member of the Site and Association, and was one of the original committee members many years ago when the current structure was re - established.

We have probably all listened, watched or read the plethora of news and articles surrounding the damage caused by single use plastic bags, and the inability to effectively re cycle. From David Attenborough and Blue Planet, to the shops, stores and supermarkets we cannot have failed to be informed about the position, and almost certainly the imposition of 5p or 10p per bag may have been added to our bills at some point (where we have forgotten to take our own bags in).

This issue was brought home to the Allotment committee recently. Over the years we have bagged and sold produce and used bags we had collected, purchased or 'acquired' almost 13 years ago. With our stock running low, we were forced to purchase further stock, and due to our requirements being reasonably limited the price shocked us.

We therefore decided we should also join the populous sentiment in terms of single use plastic bags, and encourage members of the association and plot holders to bring along their own bags, boxes or receptacles for purchases such as bird seed, grow more, chicken pellets, to avoid using further single use plastic bags. Rather than modify all the product pricing, we are proposing to charge if we use a bag at 5p (small - 3kgs) or 10p (large - 6kgs), effective from 1/10/19.

We would like to encourage all members to bring along their own bags or boxes so we do not have to charge any extra, and by placing this message on the website and on the noticeboards, hope this is sufficient notice for everyone to organise to 'bring their own'

We hope everyone will understand the position we find, and appreciate the support.

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!!!

This article, rather lengthy, hopes to make up for the lack of information or posts in relation to progress with Project 63 during 2019. Apart from a request for help whilst one of the principal protagonists spent 6 weeks up and down the country photographing the Cricket World Cup, radio silence has prevailed.

During 2018, we probably went a little overboard with the experimentation, whilst producing a host of crops which were continuously delivered to our charitable outlet, Sanctus. We have stopped delivering to two other charities, as it didn’t seem the produce was being used, and we couldn’t really get any feedback. From time to time we have excess fruit and vegetables and have a further outlet in the form of a charitable soup kitchen run by volunteers, and we occasionally deliver produce to the local sheltered accommodation. In this respect not too much has changed.



In addition to the charitable exploits, the other purpose of project 63 was to grow some more experimental fruit and vegetables, share the outcomes, and encourage others to grow varieties they maybe would not previously have considered. Some of these experiments have proved to be successful, some moderate, and one or two not to be repeated, all of which have been expressed on this blog section at some time over the last couple of years.

Knowing part of the year was going to be difficult owing to the World Cup Cricket, we took an early decision to cut down on the experiments, and focus on the most productive crops for the charity, and whilst we are only delivering once a week at the moment, this delivery comprises 7-8 full trays of crops, plus donations from other plot holders, which is hugely appreciated.


A view of Karen's jalopy with the trays of fruit and vegetables to be delivered to Sanctus

Over wintering onions, garlic, early potatoes and leeks formed the basis of the early period deliveries, and we are now at the point where a glut of courgettes, squashes, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, runner beans, are being topped up with spring onions, cucumbers, beetroot, Kohl Rabi, French beans, blackberries, apples and raspberries. Over the last couple of weeks we have also delivered several Tromboncino squashes (See later in the article), and these along with the petit pan squashes have proved extremely productive.



On the experimental front, we re tried Asparagus Peas, which have a beautiful snow flake type growth, red flowers, and the fruits up to about an inch or so long are good. However, they need to be harvested and used pretty immediately, and whilst productive, probably not in the volumes useful enough. If the fruit is not caught early, they become very woody. We are also re trying the Oca or New Zealand Yams, which were partially successful last year, although we viewed we harvested too early. These need to be left in the ground for at least two to three weeks after the first severe frosts. We harvested quite a decent crop last year, offered out to various plot holders to try, and then re planted two dozen further tubers to see if we could improve our outcomes.

One of the failures last year was the attempt to grow Edamame Beans, and we are trying a small batch again this year to see if we can catch the harvest point at the right time, as these seemingly are compact enough to be grown in reasonably tight spaces, or even raised beds.

One of the big plusses early on was the crop of Elephant Garlic, which produced massive sweet bulbs, which we are now going to separate and grow on again over the next winter. We discarded the Sharks Fin Melon, which despite running rampant and producing copious fruits, was not able to be used by the charity, and there are only so many bowls of soup you can consume!!!



The major plus this year has been the Tromboncino or Tuscan Squash. Inspired to give these a bash following a visit to the Amalfi coast last year where they could be seen hanging over most walls or trellises. We even followed the planting instructions – unlike the famous Peruvian Stuffing Cucumber debacle – built a framework for them on part of the bean trellis, and have watched them vigorously take over and produce a swathe of trombone shaped fruits. We have given several away to fellow plot holders for a try, several to Sanctus and have experimented with various recipes in the kitchen. This particular squash is proving to be hugely versatile; we have stir fried, roasted with onions and rosemary, formed the base ingredient for a simple curry, added as an extension to a ratatouille, and best of all made Tromboncino fritters from a recipe sourced from the Internet of Things.


Tromboncino fritters, grated tromboncino, tomato, onion and mint, mixed with egg and flour and fried in shallow oil.

The curry and fritters received a hearty thumbs up from all concerned, and would recommend those interested to give this extra ordinary squash a try.



The two other experiments (outside some different chilli varieties), were a variety of outdoor melons (we are growing two plants outside and two in the poly tunnel to see how big a difference), and two varieties of gherkins. However, due to running out of space in the poly tunnel, have grown the latter two in our conservatory. The gherkins, we are just waiting to try out – have pickled them and waiting to pop the jar, and unfortunately the West Indian Gherkins haven’t really produced, the one I really wanted to succeed with.



On the Chilli front, we have again given away Piemento de Padron to various plot holders this year, a success from last, and have pickled a batch of teardrop chilli’s (Biquinho) to try later. These are sweet chilli’s, low on the Scoville heat factor and can often be found on pizza’s or pickled. An update to follow, hopefully a little quicker than this article has taken to publish.

Project 63

image courtesy of Paul Willsone

Whilst our allotments provide us with a plentiful bounty of fruit and vegetables, they are also a great source of natural wildlife. From butterflies, moths, spiders, beetles, the humble bumble and other bees and insects. The allotments whether cultivated or uncultivated provide us with an array of these beasties, which all have an important role in terms of either pollination, or unfortunately in the case of caterpillars and slugs / snails eating our beloved crops, and they in turn become food for frogs and snails etc etc.

Recent spots on the site include a Ringlet Butterfly (image courtesy of Paul Willsone) and an Argus (image courtesy of Paul Willsone). Various texts suggest the Ringlet butterfly is quite widespread, preferring grassy meadows, hedgerows and clearings, am uncertain we have seen one on the plots before, whilst the Argus is a slightly more common visitor, although it is again suggested to prefer free draining dry grassland areas.


Image courtesy of Paul Wilsone
A big thanks to Paul for supplying the images.

Earlier in the year we reported on the possibility of slugs being the first beneficiaries of Brexit as the Government banned Slug Pellets, in principal due to a chemical called Metaldehyde. However, one of the principal manufacturers of Slug Pellets has won a High Court case challenging the government's decision. The following text was presented recently in Farmers Weekly.

The metaldehyde slug pellet ban, a decision spearheaded by Michael Gove while he was Defra Secretary, has been overturned following legal challenge. In an unprecedented move, the decision by the former Secretary of State to ban metaldehyde slug pellet products has been declared unlawful.

The High Court has approved an order, agreed this week by the company that’s challenged the legality of the ban, that formally overturns the December 2018 Defra ruling to withdraw all products containing metaldehyde, with immediate effect “Metaldehyde is back on the market and we’ve reverted to where we were eight months ago,” confirms Philip Tavener of Chiltern Farm Chemicals who took the legal action to bring Mr Gove’s decision before the High Court.

“The sell-out and use-up periods previously put in place no longer apply; it’s business as usual.”

He explains that the legal basis of Defra’s withdrawal decision required Mr Gove to form his own view on the impact of the metaldehyde products on non-target species, but he did not do so Mr Tavener added: “A few days before a hearing was due to take place in the High Court, the government conceded that its decision-making process was flawed. The decision was unlawful.”

Some farm groups dispute the environmental impact of its products on non-target species. The industry has been working for over a decade as part of the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG) to steward the responsible use of these products.

In 2017 an enhanced MSG stewardship programme was launched that had been approved by officials at the Chemicals Regulation Division.
It introduced new buffer zone requirements, promoted reduced usage and the adoption of Integrated Pest Management.

Mr Tavener said that retaining metaldehyde in the market removes the industry’s dependency on a single slug control solution and provides farmers with an 'important, reliable and trusted treatment' for controlling the arable sector’s 'most damaging pest'.

Taking the metaldehyde status back to pre 19 December 2018, the Court's order confirms that the applications for product re-authorisation remain outstanding, and Defra are required to decide afresh as to whether to grant re-authorisation for the products or to revoke the existing authorisations.

Please be guided the Melbourne Park Allotment Association Annual General Meeting will be held on 5th October, commencing 10.30 at the Trading Hut. As usual light refreshments will be available prior to the meeting.

It is really important members of the Association take time out to attend this meeting where an update is provided in relation to activities on site (and even off, with the St Peter's build taking place). it also provides an opportunity to express a view or ask any questions in relation to the site and the Association.

Similar to last year we will also be presenting the certificates and Trophies for this years Annual Allotment Competition and it would be great for as many people as possible to celebrate with their fellow plot holders.

The Melbourne Park Allotment Association annual competition was judged on 11th July, and as broadcast previously we were privileged to have the keen eye of a Royal Horticultural Society judge cast his viewpoint over the site. Clive Emberson has judged for us before, and uses the approved method prescribed by the RHS when taking into consideration the result. These elements consist of cultivation and neatness, quantity and variety of produce, fruit varieties and composting on plot.

Clive was accompanied by our very own Steve Withers and our very grateful thanks go to both for sparing their valuable time.

The result for newcomers, this is plot holders who have had a plot for less than 18 months

1st place Paul Sullivan 5A



2nd place Foggy Hau and the Marconi Belles 51b



3rd place Alex Horne 79



The result for more established plot holders, those with plots beyond 18 months

1st Place Project 63



2nd Place Pat Tilley 124R


and tied in 3rd place Josie Rawling and Chris Perrin 31L





Congratulations to all. Certificates and Trophies will be presented at this years Annual General Meeting, directly after the order of business on October 5th, commencing 10.30 am at the Trading Hut. It would be great if there was a bumper turn out for this event.

One of the co-pilots for Project 63, who is known to take the odd photograph or two, has been accredited for the ICC World Cricket Cup 2019. The first warm up fixtures have been completed, and the tournament for real commences Thursday 30th May and runs for 4-6 weeks.

During this period of time, Ray's ability to be on site tending his 'second love' will be extremely limited as accreditation for the majority of the fixtures has been granted.

We would therefore like to request, should anyone have some spare capacity they may be able to afford, for some temporary assistance on Project 63 across this period of time to keep the plot going, so we may be able to continue to donate produce to our chosen charities.

Anyone who feels they may be able to chip in, please contact Karen Lawrence who can advise exactly what may be required over the coming weeks.

If you are a cricket aficionado you can follow a selection of the action at www.raylawphoto.co.uk, starting with the official opening fixture England v South Africa, 30th May 2019.

Thanks in advance for anyone who may be able to Assist.

As avid readers of the web site will know, Project 63 has over the last couple of years supported 2/3 worthy charities with produce. In addition we started to send fruit and vegetables to Sanctus and have even supplied the local old people's homes locally. Various plot holders have also contributed to the produce supplied, which has been gratefully received.

This year we are going to continue to contribute to Sanctus, a small but vital charity established in the bitter winter of 2011. Sanctus feeds the growing number of homeless, hungry and vulnerable individuals in the city. They run a free café offering breakfast, hot and cold drinks, snacks and a cooked homemade lunch.

If you view during the course of the year, you may have 'overcooked' your requirement, rather than waste any good food, if you would like to donate to charity, then please get in touch with Karen or Ray. We regularly publish during the spring and summer months when we are delivering to the charity, and any support would be welcome.

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.

Over the last week(s) the gates at Hobart Close have been left open on numerous occasions. As a polite reminder could we ask everyone to observe the basic practice of closing the gates after you when entering or exiting the site. There is a big sign making this request at the exit and we would appreciate everyone's assistance.

Those of you following the activity of project 63 will know we have grown various experimental vegetables over the last couple of years, some with success, some a little indifferent. However, one of the successes proved to be New Zealand Yams (Oca). If anyone is interested there are some really small tubers which have chitted available at the trading hut. Information in terms of how to grow available on the web site (look through the project 63 blog), or contact Ray or Karen Lawrence. Please feel free to pop into the trading hut and help yourself - first come, first serve.......

As the warmer months of the year beckon (although the cold wind and hail today would suggest this post may be a little premature) there has been plenty of activity on site. The Community Orchard having been pruned earlier in the year, was given a general spruce up, and a big vote of thanks to Kevin Baskill who has completely re trimmed the orchard area as we aim to keep the surrounding growth under control.

We owe a great deal of thanks to Brian and his team from the community scheme for a host of activity they have completed for us on site, from work and projects on various plots, to general tidying up, refurbishment, and some weeding of the community Orchard. We are extremely grateful for their continued effort.



The web page for the trading hut has been slightly modified and updated, with details of some of the newer products in stock added, and those items we no longer stock and sell removed. Do take the opportunity to support the Trading Hut which is established for plot holders and associate members

This notice just serves as a polite reminder in relation to the Allotment Competition at Melbourne Park. Judging of the plots is due to take place on 11th July with Steve Withers accompanying the judge around the site. This year the plots will be judged by Clive Emberson, a Royal Horticulatural Society judge.

There are only a couple of things necessary to qualify. Firstly, your plot must be clearly identified with your plot number, and secondly you must be a member of the Allotment Association.

The image supporting this article depicts some of the winners from last years competition, with the awards being made at the Annual General Meeting.

Wishing everyone a positive growing season,

Whilst some may be aware, a recent article in ’The Garden’ confirmed the decision made by the Environment Secretary to ban the sale and use of pellets and liquids which contain the compound Metaldehyde. This compound is a Molluscicide widely used to control slugs and snails and from June 2019 it will be illegal to sell such products. Any remaining stock can be used until early 2020. Interestingly the ruling only applies to the UK. Mainland Europe has not followed suit and has authorised the continued use of Metaldehyde until at least 2023. Whilst a little tongue in cheek, it may appear the allotment plot holders age old enemy may just be a beneficiary of independent policy decision making, which in the UK has outlawed the use of a specific product use to control their activities?

A copy of the original article published in The Garden Magazine is available to view in the cabin - page 10, March 2019.

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.

Please be guided we are about to make a timber order on behalf of various members. If anyone requires timber, or wishes to order could you urgently make contact with Tony Holbrook or Karen Lawrence at the trading hut. We are looking to make the order within the next couple of weeks.