In this episode, Laura and Chay reconnect at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, taking listeners along for a walk-and-talk through the event. As they explore the showgrounds, they share their impressions and offer a thoughtful comparison to their recent experience at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Despite the challenging conditions — including high temperatures, crowds, and a makeshift recording setup — their conversation captures the vibrant energy of the day. The episode also features a light-he...
Jul 14, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 67
In this episode, Laura and Chay are joined by Guy Herzmark, the Northern Regional Representative for the National Allotment Society (NAS). With over 25 years of experience as an allotmenteer in Newcastle Upon Tyne and many years of service as a site chair, Guy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for allotment gardening. He shares insights into the work of the NAS, the UK's leading organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting allotments. Representing over 125,000 members, the NAS works...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 4Ep. 66
In this episode, Laura and Chay are joined by the talented James Smith, an accomplished garden designer at Landscape Services. James is a former RHS medalist and was a finalist for the prestigious Young Designer of the Year award. With years of experience designing stunning gardens and landscapes across Hampshire and Dorset, James brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the conversation. James shares his journey into the world of landscape design—what first inspired him, how he developed ...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 65
In this heartwarming episode, Laura and Chay sit down with Holly, a midwife and passionate allomenteer from St Albans, to talk about how she discovered solace and mental clarity through her allotment plot. Holly began her gardening journey in 2020, just before the pandemic hit, and shares how her small plot became a vital sanctuary amidst the pressures of frontline midwifery during unprecedented times. She opens up about expanding to a larger plot and managing the demands of her profession, and ...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 64
In this uplifting episode, Laura and Chay chat with Leanne, a passionate allotment gardener who has taken on three plots since 2021. Leanne shares the highs and lows of her gardening journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how growing her own produce has become a vital part of her daily life. The conversation also highlights Leanne’s recent leap into the spotlight with her garden design, "Following in My Footsteps," which she showcased at the BBC Gardeners' World Beautiful Borders exhibit. She d...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 63
In this episode, Laura and Chay are joined by Mark, founder of Buzz Into Beekeeping , who shares his experience transitioning from a beekeeping enthusiast to launching a small business. Mark outlines how his interest in pollinators led to the development of the Buzz Box Starter Pack —a compact, beginner-friendly kit designed with urban and small-space beekeepers in mind. The discussion explores the practical realities of starting a beekeeping business, including logistical and ecological conside...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 56 min•Season 4Ep. 62
In this episode, Chay and Laura are joined by Clare from Motherwell, an enthusiastic allotment holder now in her fourth year of growing. Clare shares her passion for container planting, discussing the practical and personal reasons behind her approach, with a particular focus on the joy of planting bulbs. Listeners also hear about Clare’s new venture—growing sweet potatoes—as she reflects on the early stages of her progress and the challenges she’s encountered so far. As with many episodes, the ...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 61
In the 60th and longest-ever episode of Allotment Diaries Podcast , hosts Laura and Chay are joined by special guest Anna for a delightfully off-topic conversation that starts with good intentions (allotments!) and ends up covering just about everything else. While allotments were meant to be the focus, the discussion veers off the composted path and into all sorts of unexpected territory — including family life, favourite Netflix shows, the joys and perils of 'adolencenses' with smartphones, na...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Season 4Ep. 60
For the first time ever, Chay and Laura take the podcast to the plot—literally! Armed with a microphone, a questionable sense of direction, and an eye on the looming rain clouds, they attempt a walking tour of their allotments. Expect thrilling updates on what’s thriving, what’s barely clinging to life, and what’s been entirely claimed by weeds. It’s short, it’s chaotic, but it’s packed with insight—and possibly some accidental slapstick moments. To see the video, check out the Allotment Diaries...
Apr 01, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 59
In this episode, Laura and Chay catch up on the progress they've made on their allotment plots. With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, both of them have seen a surge in activity. Laura shares her efforts in preparing her plot by tackling weeds, clearing the area, and getting ready to build a DIY shed. Meanwhile, Chay has been busy sowing a variety of seeds, including aubergines, peas, and beans, along with some unique seeds Laura had given him. The episode also features a new s...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 58
In this episode, Chay visits Fountain Community Garden in Hollywood during his trip to Los Angeles and sits down with Garden Manager David Benjamin. They discuss how community gardens (the US equivalent of allotments) operate in LA, the variety of plants grown, the challenges they face—including the impact of recent wildfires—and their future ambitions. While UK allotments and LA community gardens have distinct differences, Chay uncovers striking similarities, from the ongoing battle with pests ...
Mar 10, 2025•53 min•Season 4Ep. 57
In this episode, Laura and Chay share their honest review of Garden Press Day, which they attended for the first time on February 18th in London. They discuss their expectations versus reality, giving insights into what the event had to offer and whether it lived up to the hype. From innovative new gardening products to clever designs that promise to make gardening easier and more successful, they highlight some standout finds from the day. Plus, this episode marks a special moment—Laura and Cha...
Mar 03, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 56
In this exciting episode, Laura and Chay have the incredible opportunity to chat with the legendary Charles Dowding, a household name in the world of organic gardening, particularly known for his expertise in the no-dig method. Throughout the conversation, Charles shares his fascinating journey to becoming a pioneer in organic gardening, revealing how his life experiences have led him to this path. He provides an insightful look at what drives him and his ambitions for the future. Listeners will...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 55
In this episode, Laura and Chay chat with Jaynes Wallace, an allotment enthusiast from the South East of England. They dive into everything from growing food to family dynamics, with Jaynes sharing her incredible expertise on crafting natural remedies to fend off those pesky winter bugs—starting with the magical "fire cider." Jaynes opens up about the rollercoaster of highs and lows she's experienced after five years with her allotment and how it’s become a haven for improving her family's menta...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 19 min
In this episode, Laura and Chay delve into their allotment plot plans for 2025, sharing what’s in their seed boxes and how they go about deciding where to plant what. They discuss the importance of crop rotation and other key factors that influence their planning for the new season. Listeners will get an intriguing insight into the different approaches Laura and Chay take to their plot layouts. While Laura sticks with the traditional bed system, Chay has opted for a more unconventional approach,...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 53
In this first episode of 2025, Laura and Chay are thrilled to welcome back Mellissa , who was a guest in 2023 (Episode 17). Since then, Mellissa’s life has seen its share of highs and lows, and in this episode, she opens up about the rollercoaster of 2024 and her exciting future ambitions. One of the most intriguing parts of this conversation is Mellissa's new book, currently in the drafting stage. She shares how her passion for gardening has deeply influenced the story she's crafting and how na...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 52
In this extra-festive Christmas Day special episode, Laura and Chay are getting into the holiday spirit by sharing their Christmas Day plans. They take a fun trip down memory lane, reflecting on the highs and lows of 2024 on their plots, from epic wins to the challenges faced. As they wrap up the year, they reveal their next for the next episode and giving you a sneak peek of what's to come in 2025. Allotment Diaries Podcast like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! If you ha...
Dec 25, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 51
In this episode, the Allotment Diaries Podcast welcomes their new host, Laura, who joins Chay to discuss the latest happenings at their allotment plots. They share a quick update on the progress they've made, including some successes and the challenges they've faced recently, such as the impact of Storm Darragh. Laura also talks about an exciting new rooted vegetable she's attempting to grow in 2025. Tune in for gardening insights, challenges, and a little bit of fun along the way! If you have a...
Dec 20, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 50
In this episode, Laura and Chay chat about what they've been up to on their allotment plots lately (spoiler: not all of it involves growing vegetables). They dig into the hot topic of Polytunnels, Plastic Pots, Carpets, Tarps, and Tyres – the "go-to" materials for many allotment holders... or is it just lazy gardening? Laura and Chay debate the environmental impact of these materials while trying not to lose their minds over the sheer number of “weird things” people put in their plots. Plus, the...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In this episode, Laura and Chay have the pleasure of speaking with Paul Sutton, an experienced allotment holder from Ipswich. Paul explains how he got into allotmenting, gardening, and growing, and he takes us on a journey through the years, describing the changes he has seen and experienced. We also learn some fascinating stories based on his extensive experiences, as well as how he has overcome some of the challenges he has faced over the years. Paul is an excellent example of someone who is n...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 48
In this week's episode, we learn a little bit about Laura, the new co-host who will fill in for Amy while she is away. We learn about Laura's plot, how she acquired it, and why she chose an allotment plot. We also learn about the challenges she has faced with the plot, such as pests and soil issues. Finally, we get to learn about her future goals. Did you know that we are currently running a competition to win a high-quality pruner that will come in handy during your winter pruning work? The com...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 47
In this week's episode, Chay has a fascinating and in-depth conversation with Dr Deborah Burn PhD, CEO of Charity known as Green Allotments , and allotment holder for nearly 30 years. Deborah is a co-author of the Local Government Association's "Growing in the Community" allotment management best practice guide. She worked on a national project to increase the popularity of allotments from 2003 to 2011, and she received a PhD for her research on informal social cooperation among allotment garden...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 46
In this episode, Amy and Chay have the pleasure of speaking with Louise Third MBE, who at the age of 60 took on an allotment in 2020, prior to the pandemic. They discuss how she came to own an allotment plot, the challenges she faced, and the benefits to her mental and physical health. Louise also discusses her growing season in 2024 and the highs and lows of owning an allotment plot thus far. We also learn a little bit about Louise and the incredible charity work she has done, which has earned ...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 45
In this episode, Amy and Chay catch up to discuss what they've been up to during their summer holidays so far, as well as what they've been up to on their plots lately. Amy discusses her latest footwear, 'crocs', much to Chay’s dismay. Chay discusses his pumpkins, among other vegetables, and how his plot has grown significantly in recent months. This is National Allotment Week, and the theme for this year's celebration of allotments is biodiversity. To learn more about this week, visit the Natio...
Aug 16, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 44
In this episode, Amy and Chay talk about what they've been doing on their allotment plots. While Amy has been busy volunteering at her annual local duck racing weekend, Chay has been working on his plot, weeding, sowing his winter 'Christmas dinner' vegetables, and feeding his plants. Chay also explains his new 'chop and drop' method for getting rid of weeds, much to Amy's surprise. Amy and Chay are looking for new guests to talk to for their upcoming episodes. You don't have to be an expert gar...
Jul 16, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 43
In this episode, Amy and Chay discuss Amy's recent visit to the BBC Gardeners Live Show in Birmingham. Unlike last year, Amy went beyond the free alcohol section to explore the rest of the show. She even got to see a few gardens! In other discussions, they discuss what they have been up to on their plot recently, what they intend to do in the coming weeks, and respond to some questions submitted by a few of their listeners. This includes discussing their highs and lows thus far. If you have any ...
Jun 27, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 42
While Amy was away, Chay had the pleasure of speaking with the show's youngest guest, his son Noah (6 years old), who discusses what it's like to be a little person in the world of allotments and what the next generation of allotment holders will look like. In this world of information overload, opinions, and technological advancement, talking to a little person about what matters to them puts things in perspective and reminds us that the most basic things are often the most important. Noah also...
May 29, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 41
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the world's greatest flower shows, featuring cutting-edge garden design, spectacular floral displays, and celebrity visitors. Amy had the pleasure of attending on behalf of the Allotment Diaries Podcast, and in this episode, she talks about her recent visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. She describes what she saw, the celebrities she saw, and her thoughts on it. Also in the episode, Chay discusses the new plants he has been sowing as well as his most recen...
May 23, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 40
Amy and Chay catch up in this episode and talk about what's been going on—or not—on their allotment plots. Chay describes in detail what he has already sown and what he intends to do in the upcoming week or two. In this episode, Amy also reveals an email she received about her allotment plot and how she responded to it. Chay explains his latest gadget, a digital PH level tester for his soil, and why he is getting it, despite Amy's reservations. They also take a quick quiz to determine the type o...
May 02, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 39
This week's guest is none other than Kumud Gandhi, a renowned food scientist, keynote speaker, published author, food writer, broadcaster, and the founder of 'The Cooking Academy.' As National Garlic Day approaches on April 19th, 2024, what better way to celebrate than to listen to Kumud who is a garlic expert who recently released a book 'The Garlic Story'. The Garlic Story, is a unique cookbook that focuses on a single, humble, and often overlooked ingredient: garlic. The Garlic Story highligh...
Apr 12, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 38
