Allotment Diaries Podcast

After a short break while life got busy, Chay and Laura are back behind the mic to catch up and explain the recent pause in episodes. With 2026 bringing relentless daily rain, there’s been very little happening on the allotment – and plenty of muddy frustration to go with it.
In this episode, they chat honestly about the challenges of a waterlogged plot, why sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing at all, and how they’ve been using the downtime to plan and prepare for the growing season ahead. From crop rotation and seed sorting to refining their goals for the year, it’s all about working smarter for 2026.
They also share their excitement about an upcoming press event on 17th February, what they’re looking forward to seeing, and why it’s important to represent the allotment community beyond the plot.
A relaxed catch-up filled with real talk about gardening, patience, and getting ready for the season ahead. 🌱
Support the show
If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].
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.

Laura and Chay return with a special Christmas Day episode of Allotment Diaries. This time, the conversation is less about digging and growing and more about festive traditions, Christmas Day rituals, and—of course—some truly questionable Christmas cracker jokes.
On behalf of everyone at the Allotment Diaries Podcast, we’d like to wish all our listeners, past and present, a very Merry Christmas. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us and tune in as we share regular episodes about allotments, gardening, growing, and the everyday joys of home life.
Perfect listening for a cosy Christmas Day walk, a post-dinner cuppa, or a quiet moment away from the chaos.
Music by Ivor Game; http://www.ivorgame.com
Support the show
If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].
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.

After a month off — thanks to both Laura and Chay being knocked out by flu, general illness, and the fact that December can feel like a quieter time on the allotment — they’re back to chat all things plot life.
While winter is often seen as a slow month, there’s still plenty to be getting on with. Laura shares what she’s been up to on her plot over December, from winter jobs to keeping things ticking along. Chay, on the other hand, admits to not getting up to much on the plot itself, with his main focus turning to planning and preparation — including replacing his polytunnel after four years of hard use.
Laura also reveals which seeds she’s already purchased and what she’s planning to sow in the coming months, proving that even in the depths of winter, the growing season is never far from our minds.
Support the show
If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].
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.

In this episode, Laura and Chay chat with Claire, an allotmenteer from Portchester in Hampshire, known online as Harvest and Home UK. Claire’s allotment journey began just four years ago when she and her husband, Trev, decided on a whim to apply for a plot—despite having no prior gardening experience. Like so many who discover the world of allotments, they quickly became hooked.
Since then, their passion has continued to grow. They’ve taken on additional plots, started keeping chickens, and embraced a slower, more hands-on way of living. Claire shares how the allotment has shaped her life, from learning to grow her own food to preserving produce in creative ways—like her popular homemade chilli jam.
We also talk about her recent move into vlogging on YouTube, and how documenting her journey has opened up a welcoming community of like-minded growers.
This episode offers a warm and inspiring insight into how an allotment can unexpectedly transform your day-to-day life, your wellbeing, and your sense of purpose—often in a very short time.
You can find out more about Claire on Instagram at @harvestandhomeuk,
and you can follow her journey over on YouTube under Harvest and Home UK.
Support the show
If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].
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.

In this episode, Chay and Laura catch up on what they have been harvesting and what’s been happening on their allotments while juggling the chaos of their children’s birthday parties. Chay shares an amusing story about an unexpected visitor to his plot — an escaped chicken from a neighbouring allotment — and explains how he handled the situation.
The pair also discuss their upcoming plans as they prepare for the winter months, with a few surprising projects on the horizon. They delve into a lively debate about the benefits of caring for your tools during the colder season. While it’s not everyone’s favourite task, Chay makes a strong case for why tool maintenance might be one of the most underrated aspects of allotment life.
To round off the episode, they’re delighted to feature music from listener Ivor Game, whose beautiful melody perfectly complements the spirit of the show.
If you’d like to find out more, visit our website at: http://www.ivorgame.com
Support the show
If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected].
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.