Allotment Diaries Podcast

Amy & Chay

Amy and Chay, the podcast hosts, have allotment plots in Milton Keynes and London since March 2021 and decided to start a podcast in 2022!

The 'Allotment Diaries Podcast' is a podcast that aims to provide an honest look at what it's like to own an allotment plot. It discusses what has worked well as well as what has not worked so well.

The podcast will also feature interviews with other allotment holders about their experiences and allotments, as well as special guests.

For more information or to submit a question, please email allotmentdiariespodcast@gmail.com.

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EP.46 | Special Guest: Dr Deborah Burn PhD, CEO of Green Allotments Charity

EP.46 | Special Guest: Dr Deborah Burn PhD, CEO of Green Allotments Charity

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 gardeners in the absence of incentives.Chay and Deborah discuss Deborah's allotment journey, how the growing season has been this year, and the ups and downs. Deborah discusses the research she conducted for her thesis on allotments, her time at the National Allotment Society, and her role as CEO of Green Allotments. Green Allotments is a registered charity that aims to increase the number of allotment gardens by securing and converting land into allotment plots. They also help new plot holders manage their allotment site.Finally, Deborah discusses an exciting competition that Green Allotment is hosting in which people can win an allotment plot. For more information, including terms and conditions, visit https://greenallotments.org.uk/competition/.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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.

Episodios

EP.46 | Special Guest: Dr Deborah Burn PhD, CEO of Green Allotments Charity

EP.46 | Special Guest: Dr Deborah Burn PhD, CEO of Green Allotments Charity

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 gardeners in the absence of incentives.Chay and Deborah discuss Deborah's allotment journey, how the growing season has been this year, and the ups and downs. Deborah discusses the research she conducted for her thesis on allotments, her time at the National Allotment Society, and her role as CEO of Green Allotments. Green Allotments is a registered charity that aims to increase the number of allotment gardens by securing and converting land into allotment plots. They also help new plot holders manage their allotment site.Finally, Deborah discusses an exciting competition that Green Allotment is hosting in which people can win an allotment plot. For more information, including terms and conditions, visit https://greenallotments.org.uk/competition/.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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.45 | Special Guest: Louise Third MBE, an Allotmenteer in Nottingham.

EP.45 | Special Guest: Louise Third MBE, an Allotmenteer in Nottingham.

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 her an MBE, as well as her plans for the future.Louise should be an inspiration to many people because she has demonstrated that it is never too late to start something new.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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.44 | Amy's crocs with socks and our allotment plots.

EP.44 | Amy's crocs with socks and our allotment plots.

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 National Allotment Society's website (https://thenas.org.uk/NAW-24) or click here.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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.43 | Allotment activities, duck racing, and winter crop planning!

EP.43 | Allotment activities, duck racing, and winter crop planning!

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 gardener or an experienced allotment holder; simply someone who is passionate about sharing their passion with others. If you're interested, please get in touch via Instagram or email.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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.42 | Finally, allotmenteering in the sun and heat!

EP.42 | Finally, allotmenteering in the sun and heat!

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 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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.41 | Special guest on the show (Noah, 6 years old)

EP.41 | Special guest on the show (Noah, 6 years old)

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 teaches us a different way to embrace the slug infestation, suggesting that perhaps we should celebrate the presence of slugs rather than bemoan it. Easier said than done, but it makes it a little less painful when your lettuce and plants have been decimated by slugs. 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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.40 | Amy visits the RHS Chelsea Flower show 2024

EP.40 | Amy visits the RHS Chelsea Flower show 2024

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 recent fruit tree purchases.More information about other shows organised by the RHS can be found here: https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.39 | Despite the weather - the sow must go on!

EP.39 | Despite the weather - the sow must go on!

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 of gardener they are, and the results are quite surprising.You can take the same quiz here: https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=what-kind-of-gardener-are-youIf 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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.38 | Chat with Kumud Gandhi, a food expert and the author of 'The Garlic Story'

EP.38 | Chat with Kumud Gandhi, a food expert and the author of 'The Garlic Story'

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 highlights garlic and shows readers how to use this underappreciated allium to transform their home cooking.Kumud also discusses her garden design and influences. Also, in this episode, Amy and Chay are perplexed about how to say when someone sows seed outside in the ground. In addition, to commemorate National Garlic Day, Kumud has generously donated a copy of her amazing book for giveaway. Please visit our Instagram page to find out how you can enter the giveaway. If you want to learn more about Kumud Gandhi than, please visit her website : https://kumudgandhi.com/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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.37 | All about allotments with Jonathan Moules.

EP.37 | All about allotments with Jonathan Moules.

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 discusses the process of getting his article idea on allotments approved and how it relates to entrepreneurship, business, and start-up companies. More specifically, Jonathan discusses how the last 18 months have gone since obtaining an allotment plot and what his future plans are. He also offers tips and advice for those new to the wonderful world of allotments.Jonathan will be publishing articles about allotments on a monthly basis for the Financial Times. Here is Jonathans first ever article on allotments for FT: https://www.ft.com/content/a7689391-2d3c-42fa-b09a-b2554d7ba4f6If 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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.36 | Chit Chat about Seeds, Sheds, Garden Shows and Curry!

EP.36 | Chit Chat about Seeds, Sheds, Garden Shows and Curry!

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 16. To enter the competition, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4d51dzqZJI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.35 | From Ballet to Garden Design with Andy Peasgood.

EP.35 | From Ballet to Garden Design with Andy Peasgood.

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 issues with some developers and new homes that do not take into account the promotion of wildlife and nature when designing the landscape. Andy also offers some interesting and insightful advice on garden design on a budget. To follow Andy's Journey, you can find him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andypeasgood/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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.34 | Allotment Plans for 2024 and some Passionate Rambling!

EP.34 | Allotment Plans for 2024 and some Passionate Rambling!

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, then please contact us on: allotmentdiariespodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.33 | Chat with the Plantgrow Gardengram Ball Organisers!

EP.33 | Chat with the Plantgrow Gardengram Ball Organisers!

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 lot of their time to organise this for an incredible charity. The PlantGrow Gardengram Ball is a non-profit event held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Nottingham.If you want to attend the Plantgrow Gardengram Ball, you can book your tickets here.If you would like to find out more about the amazing work that Green Finger Charity do then please visit here.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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.32 | First episode of 2024 - Recap of festivities and goals for the coming year

EP.32 | First episode of 2024 - Recap of festivities and goals for the coming year

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 xIf 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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.31 | Christmas Day Special Episode!

EP.31 | Christmas Day Special Episode!

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 AmyxIf 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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.

The Twelve Days of Christmas (Gardening Version)

The Twelve Days of Christmas (Gardening Version)

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 like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: allotmentdiariespodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.30 | We are back and discuss what we have been up to (or not) !

EP.30 | We are back and discuss what we have been up to (or not) !

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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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. 29 | Amy and Chay are joined by Laura from Michigan (US)

EP. 29 | Amy and Chay are joined by Laura from Michigan (US)

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 Instagram at @myserenegarden if you'd want to check her out. 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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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. 28 | The end of the summer chit chat between Amy and Chay!

EP. 28 | The end of the summer chit chat between Amy and Chay!

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 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: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 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.