In this fantastic episode, Amy and Chay have the pleasure of speaking with Jonathan Moules, an allotment holder from East London. Jonathan Moules is a newsletter editor for the Financial Times and writer of The Week Ahead. He also writes about business education and entrepreneurship and hosted the FT podcast Start-Up Stories, which aired for five seasons. Jonathan has become a recent allotmenteer and, interestingly, has begun publishing monthly articles about allotments for the FT. Jonathan disc...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 37
This episode, Amy and Chay discuss what they've been up to recently with their plot. Chay discusses a problem with his shed roof and the seeds he has purchased for this year. They also talk about seed storage and whether they save seeds or buy new ones every year. Finally, they reveal the next guest for their upcoming episode! The Allotment Diaries Podcast is currently running a competition to win a pair of tickets to BBC Gardeners Live, which will take place in Birmingham from June 13 to June 1...
Mar 18, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 36
In this episode, Amy and Chay speak with Andy Peasgood, an incredible ballet dancer who has decided to pursue a new career in horticulture and garden design. Andy discusses his time dancing, how he got into dancing, and what led him to the world of garden design, what his passion is, and what he's doing to achieve his new goals. Other aspects of the conversation revolve around the climate disparity between Andy's current location in Scotland to the rest of the UK. Andy and Chay also discuss the ...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 35
In this week's episode, Chay and Amy briefly discuss their plans for their allotment in 2024. Amy discusses all of the vegetables she plans to grow this year, as well as when she intends to sow them. While Chay's growing plans aren't as detailed, he does mention one vegetable that he really wants to grow! Chay discusses some recent news articles about allotments and how he didn't necessarily agree with them. If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us,...
Feb 16, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 34
In this week's episode, Chay and Amy meet the wonderful Kim, Kathryn, and Jamie, who have organised a non-profit Plantgrow Gardengram Ball in the hopes of raising money for the Green Finger Charity and bringing people who are passionate about gardening together to meet, greet, and socialise. This episode provides a fascinating look at how the idea came to be, what the evening entails, and who the special guest is. We also learn a little bit about Kim, Kathryn, and Jamie, who have all given up a ...
Feb 02, 2024•44 min
Amy and Chay catch up on festivities, New Year's Eve, what has been going on with their plots, and their goals for 2024 in this first episode of 2024. Amy laments her travesty with her polytunnel after the recent impact of storm Henk, and considers having a pond on her plot, while Chay discusses his ambitions for 2024 on his allotment plots. They also use the opportunity to briefly discuss the podcast's plans for 2024. Happy New Year x If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would ...
Jan 12, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 32
The recording of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is played in this Christmas special episode. It was sung by six enthusiastic gardeners/allotment holders who do not pretend to be great singers but are willing to give it a welly (gardening pun intended). A lot of fun was had recording it! We'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. See you all in 2024! Chay and Amy x If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collabo...
Dec 25, 2023•12 min•Season 2Ep. 31
This year, six enthusiastic gardeners banded together to get into the Christmas spirit and sing their own version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." It may not hit this year's Christmas charts, but it was a lot of fun and a lot of laughs were had. A special Christmas Day episode will be released featuring recordings of how the song was organised, produced and how it came together! Enjoy! Singers : Chay, Amy, Marc, Jamie, Leanne and Ana. If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would...
Dec 24, 2023•4 min
After a lengthy break due to life getting in the way, Chay and Amy discuss what they have been up to on their plot, how to overcome the third year' slump,' and what their plans are for 2024. They also talk about this year's Christmas singalong idea, which will inevitably ruin people's Christmases. If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on : allotmentdiariespodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow our social media accounts: In...
Dec 15, 2023•21 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In this episode, Amy and Chay talk to Laura, who lives in Michigan. Despite the time difference, the audio malfunction, and Chay's hangover from Oktoberfest, the episode still manages to discusses the differences in gardening (UK to US), pests, and how much the temperature in Michigan flatulates from summer to winter. Laura also tries to see how she does with guessing "English Cockney Slangs" in preparation for any potential future visit to England. You may follow Laura and her adventure on Inst...
Sep 29, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Amy and Chay talk about what they've been up to on their plot and their plans for the next month or two in this episode. Chay also discusses an allotment book he recently received as a birthday present which was published in 1922, and they look at the differences in method, climate, and prices from then to now. Finally, they look back at previous guests and do a quiz on what they said and test each other on who they were. Tune in to find out who won! If you have any questions you would like to a...
Sep 14, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In this episode, Chay and Amy have the pleasure of speaking with Marc from Instagram@gardeneriddler . They go into great detail about what got Marc into gardening and how he became a professional gardener. They also talk openly about a day in the life of a private gardener, the highs and, of course, the lows. Amy also has some exciting news about her harvest and how she is rescuing her rather underwhelming growing season on this show. If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would l...
Sep 04, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 27
This episode features a conversation between Amy and Chay and Jamie about his allotment, his foray into gardening, how he got started, and his most recent projects which include Radio Shows and starting a new plot! Jamie is preparing to start beekeeping, so he also provides an interesting perspective on that as well. You may follow Jamie and his adventure on Instagram at @jamies_little_allotment if you'd want to check him out. If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to c...
Aug 07, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this episode, Amy and Chay speak with Nikki Cross, a fellow podcaster. Glasgow native Nikki recently acquired an allotment plot, but she had long been passionate about gardening and growing before doing so. So much so that Nikki was a guest gardener on BBC Beechgrove last year! Nikki also provides us with information about the benefits of gardening for mental health and how it has benefited her and her husband. If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate wi...
Jul 11, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In this episode, Amy, who attended BBC Gardeners World Live, discusses her experiences there as well as what she liked and her honest opinion of the event. Amy also offers tips and advice to those considering attending this or similar events in the future. We also learn about Chay and Amy's activities on their plots and what they harvested in June. Warning, as if that wasn't enough, this episode also contains a few terrible sheep jokes! If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would...
Jun 23, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode, Chay has the pleasure of speaking with none other than the incredible Carole Baxter, who has been a BBC Beechgrove presenter for an impressive 37 years! We learn how Carole got started at Beechgrove, what her favourite plants are, and what a day in the life of a recording day looks like, among other fascinating details. Beechgrove is a gardening show that debuted in 1978 and is based in Scotland. Interesting fact, Carole Baxter is also well known for being the first female prese...
Jun 09, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode, Amy and Chay interview each other to learn more about each other on a personal level as well as what led them to apply for allotments. We also find out about their gardening heroes, interesting facts, and what they've been up to on their plots! This episode also announces their next exciting guest and informs everyone about their current giveaway. Podcast Markers: · 01.00 – What Amy and Chay have been up on their plots · 08.00 – Getting to know Amy and Chay better · 41.00 – Next...
May 26, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode, Amy and Chay speak with Skinny Jean Gardener about how he transitioned from being an electrician to gardening, his time at Blue Peters, his allotments, and how he has become an advocate for promoting gardening at the schools. Lee also chats about his latest children book (How to get kids gardening) . They also discuss what they have been up to on their plot in this episode, as well as reveal an exciting giveaway. Podcast Marker : 1.00 - Amy’s snazzy new shed 9.55 - Chat with the...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Amy and Chay talk about what they're sowing, growing on their windowsill, and what they're up to on their plots in May in this episode. They also talk about sheds, cold frames, and answer a few questions from guests. Be warned: this episode contains some cheesy jokes and a moving allotment poem that may tug at your heartstrings. Amy and Chay also reveal their next guest! Podcast Markers: · 01.40 – Amy’s new shed! · 07.07 – Amy’s windowsill tour · 12.37 – Chay’s windowsill tour · 21.00 – Question...
Apr 28, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode, Amy and Chay speak with Richard Southgate, who campaigned with other allotment holders against Welwyn Hatfield Council. Richard explains the process they went through, what they did well, and what others can do if their prices are raised unfairly. Amy and Chay also talk about what they've been up to on their plots, as well as about ‘soil blockers.' You can find out more about their successful campaign via this link: https://welhat-allotment-community.com/ Podcast Markers 4.30 – ...
Apr 14, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, Amy and Chay discuss chitting, exciting developments on their plots, Amy's dilemma regarding what to do with her damaged poly tunnel, and what to sow both indoors and outdoors. They also reveal their next guest on the following episode, and Amy's dog (Frank) makes several surprise appearances. Podcast Markers: 1.34 - What Amy has been up to on her plot 8.06 - What Chay has been up to on his plot 13.00 - Jobs Coming Up 19.05 - Chitting 'What, How & Why?' 24.00 - Questions fro...
Mar 31, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Amy and Chay talk to Mellisa, their first international guest from Belgium in this episode. Melissa talks about her love of gardening, how she got started, and what she's growing this year. This episode also delves into the differences between the UK and Belgium in terms of gardening, cultural values, and attitude towards gardening, as well as learning about Melissa, Amy, and Chay's favourite superheroes. To follow Mellisa's journey, you can find her on Instagram: bluebellandbumblebee . Podcast ...
Mar 17, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 17
This episode, Amy and Chay talk about what they've been up to on their plots, Amy's poly tunnel disaster, and the exotic vegetable Chay is planning to grow. They also reveal their next guest and discuss the competition they are currently running in collaboration with @allotme. ***Giveaway Details*** If you want to win a 'Grow Pods' by @allotme_uk ( https://www.allotme.co.uk/ ) head over to our Instagram profile (@allotment.diaries.podcast) and enter through our pinned post. The deadline is Sunda...
Mar 03, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode, we speak with Ben Shutler (IG : plot_27b_bristol) , who not only has an allotment in Bristol but also has 19 chickens (at home and at his plot). He provides an honest insight into what owning chickens entails, the work required, what to look out for, and tips and advice on where to begin if you have ever considered getting some chickens. He also tells us how much it costs and how many eggs he collects. If you want to get chickens, Ben highly recommends the following website for ...
Feb 15, 2023•47 min•Season 2Ep. 15
We catch up and discuss about what we have been up to on our plot (not much!), how we design our plot layout, what to think about when creating your layout, what tasks and jobs you should be doing this time of year, and so on in our first episode of the year, following a lengthy winter hiatus. What we have been up on our plot (5.30 – 10.50) How to plan your plots (10.50 – 22.45) Jobs for January/February (22.45 – 29.50) If you have any questions, please contact us as we always appreciate hearing...
Feb 01, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. To listen to us, search for Allotment Diaries Podcast on iTunes, Google, Amazon, Spotify, or anywhere else. EP.13 | Our End Of Year Review Of our Allotments and the Podcast! In our final episode of the year, we review our allotments, as well as our highs and lows...
Dec 21, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Hello, This week we bring to you someting very unique. 19 people from all over the country, as well as some from Europe, came together to create a unique piece of magic. It may not be the most popular Christmas song, but it will put a smile on your face. Thank you for tuning in and paying attention to us. I hope you find it enjoyable! Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year from all of us! 19 Singers : Laura F, Chay P, Ana P, Ben S, Leanne W, Marc R (...and dog), Lauren H, Mel H, Jo F, Clare L...
Dec 06, 2022•2 min
Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. To listen to us, search for Allotment Diaries Podcast on ITunes, Google, Amazon, Spotify, or anywhere else. EP.12 | Liz Zorab's Life of Organic Self-Sufficiency! In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Liz Zorab, an author, self-sufficiency advocat...
Nov 23, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 12
'Allotment Diaries Podcast ' is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. EP.11 | Our November Chat and the Unveiling of Our Next Guest! Hello! In this episode, we have a conversation about the jobs we have been working on and the jobs you can work on for November on your plot. Even though it's becoming colder and rainier outside, t...
Nov 09, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 11
'Allotment Diaries Podcast ' is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about. EP.10 | Our Chat with Ian Paton (the UK record holder for the heaviest pumpkin, weighing in at 2656lbs!) Hello! In this episode, we speak with Ian Paton, who, along with his brother Stuart, has been growing some unusually large pumpkins. So large that they set...
Oct 26, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 10
