Allotment Diaries Podcast

• EP.73 | Birthdays, Escaped Chickens, and Winter Plans.

  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.comSupport the showIf 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.

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• EP.72 | Growing Stories & Soil Squad with Vicky & Karin of The Plot Thickens

  In this episode, Chay and Laura sit down with Vicky and Karin, the brilliant duo behind The Plot Thickens podcast. As fellow podcasters, they share a deep appreciation for the passion, dedication, and courage it takes to create meaningful content purely for the love of it and for the benefit of listeners.Vicky and Karin open up about how they first met, what inspired them to start their podcast, and the journey they’ve been on since – from the highs and lows to the lessons learned along the way. They also give us a behind-the-scenes look at their most recent season on their plots and a sneak peek into what plans they have next year. Beyond podcasting, Vicky and Karin are now channelling their energy into an exciting new venture: Soil Squad. Founded in 2024 in St Albans, Soil Squad is a UK-based Community Interest Company (CIC) with a mission to turn food waste into nutrient-rich compost, promote regenerative farming, and educate communities about the importance of healthy soil. Through their Community Composting Hub at Sandridge Road Allotments, they provide composting services, run sustainability workshops, and deliver educational programmes to schools and local businesses.This is an inspiring conversation about community, sustainability, and the power of sharing stories – both through podcasts and hands-on action.You can find out more about Soil Squad via their website: https://soilsquad.uk/Support the showIf 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.

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• EP.71 | From Plot to Plate: Growing, Cooking, and Sharing.

  In this episode, Laura and Chay chat all about growing, harvesting, and cooking straight from the plot. They share stories of the very first things they ever grew, the crops that make it onto their must-grow list every year, and whether they plan their planting with cooking in mind or simply let the harvest inspire what ends up on the plate.They also dive into the tricky question of knowing when something is ready to harvest, swap go-to seasonal recipes, and talk about their favourite plot-to-plate meals – as well as a few kitchen disasters they’d never repeat. Along the way, Laura and Chay reflect on the joy of sharing produce with family, neighbours, and fellow plot-holders, and the surprising ways swapping vegetables can lead to new recipes and traditions.The conversation naturally turns to community and family: cooking with kids, discovering new flavours from other gardeners, and how growing your own food can completely change the way you shop, cook, and eat.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.

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• EP.70 | Talking to Plants: Laura & Chay’s Allotment Catch-Up.

  In this 70th episode, Laura and Chay reunite to swap updates from their plots as well as what they have been up to. While activity on the allotment has been a little quieter, there’s still plenty to chat about—from everyday challenges to the latest quirky plant science.Laura dives into the fascinating world of “listening to your plants” with an audio wave machine, and the pair explore a recent study suggesting that speaking kindly to your plants could actually boost their growth and health. Could compliments really mean better flowers, fruit, and veg? Together, they discuss the possibilities, the science, and whether any of it is practical for everyday allotmenteers.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.

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• EP.69 | Plotting for Wellbeing: Celebrating National Allotment Week.

  In this episode, Chay and Laura are joined by Guy Herzmark, the Northern Regional Representative for the National Allotment Society (NAS). to talk all things National Allotment Week — running from 11th to 17th August 2025.This year’s theme, Allotment and Wellbeing, puts a special spotlight on mental health and exploring the many ways allotments can boost our mood, improve our physical health, and connect us with nature and community. Guy shares the purpose of the week, along with practical ideas for how anyone can get involved — whether you have a plot or simply want to support the cause.Listeners are treated to a fascinating bite-sized history lesson as Guy takes us back to the Anglo-Saxon era, tracing the origins and evolution of allotments in the UK.We also address recent media reports suggesting allotment sites could be under threat from local authority development. Guy discusses the reality of these concerns, what can be done to protect these cherished spaces, and how the National Allotment Society advocates for plot holders when sites are at risk — offering a reassuring message for all allotment lovers.You can find out more from their website: https://thenas.org.uk/Support the showIf 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.

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