The Potty Plotters Plotcast - Growing on the Allotment

• S3 E11 Cucumbers, Carrots, Pickling and Physalis

  In this episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast, Elaine and Julia are joined by the delightful Helen, who brings a fresh perspective on utilising gluts of produce, particularly cucumbers, in the kitchen. The episode opens with a light-hearted moment as the trio savours homemade apple cake, setting a jovial tone for the discussions ahead. The conversation quickly shifts to the challenges of cucumber cultivation, with Elaine sharing her experiences of dealing with aphids and the importance of ventilation in greenhouses. Julia joins in, offering practical tips on how to manage common cucumber issues, including nutrient exhaustion and pest control. As the episode unfolds, the topic of carrot thinning arises, with Elaine explaining the necessity of giving carrots room to grow while addressing the common misconception that thinning is cruel. The discussion is both informative and entertaining, with plenty of laughs and anecdotes about gardening mishaps. Helen then introduces the fascinating world of fermented vegetables, sharing her journey into making kimchi and other ferments using surplus produce. Listeners will appreciate her insights into the health benefits of fermentation and how to preserve their harvests creatively. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted banter about the joys of growing cape gooseberries and the antics of their allotment friends. With a mix of humour, practical advice, and culinary creativity, this episode is a treasure trove for gardeners and food lovers alike. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Get in touch: [email protected]  A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

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• S3 E10 - Your First Plot: What To Ask, What To Know and What To Grow

  In this episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast, Julia and Elaine are back with a lively discussion about the ins and outs of securing your very own allotment. With plenty of laughter and insightful anecdotes, they kick off the episode by sharing their personal experiences with the joys and challenges of allotment life. The duo dives into the essential questions to ask when viewing a potential plot, likening the process to buying a second-hand car. They cover everything from soil quality and water access to community facilities and rules—ensuring that listeners are well-prepared for their allotment journey. Julia and Elaine also touch on the current state of allotment availability post-COVID, revealing how the surge in interest has affected waiting lists and plot conditions. Listeners will enjoy their banter as they recount their own plant sale adventures and the importance of community spirit in gardening. The episode wraps up with practical tips for new allotmenteers, including advice on what to plant and how to manage an overgrown plot. With a blend of humour and practical gardening wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to dig into the world of allotments. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Get in touch: [email protected]  A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

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• S3 E9 - What Barry Did Wrong and What Elaine Did Wrong

  In this episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast, Elaine and Julia are back with plenty of gardening wisdom and a few laughs as they tackle the trials and tribulations of growing beetroot and peas. The episode kicks off with a delightful discussion about their recent experiences, including a humorous exchange about Barry's unfortunate bean mishap in the greenhouse. The duo dives into the specifics of beetroot cultivation, sharing valuable tips on germination techniques, watering methods, and the importance of shade in hot weather. They also discuss the common pitfalls gardeners face, including seed rot and the challenges of keeping soil moist during dry spells. Listeners will appreciate their practical advice on succession planting, ensuring a continuous harvest of this nutritious vegetable. As the conversation shifts to peas, Elaine and Julia reflect on their own successes and failures, including the joy of growing sweet peas and the importance of proper labelling to avoid mix-ups. They share personal anecdotes and humorous stories, making this episode both informative and entertaining. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, this episode is packed with insights and laughter that will inspire you to dig deeper into your gardening adventures. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.  Get in touch: [email protected]  A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening. 

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• S3 E8 - Squashes and Courgettes

  In this lively episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast, Julia and Elaine return to discuss the delights of growing pumpkins, squashes, and sweet corn, as well as the intricacies of succession planting. The episode kicks off with a humorous exchange about the recent warm weather and its effects on their allotment activities, including a comical mishap involving sunstroke and mistaken identities. As they delve into the main topics, the duo shares their tips and tricks for successfully cultivating pumpkins and squashes, discussing the differences between the two and the ideal conditions for growth. They also touch upon the importance of proper watering techniques and the benefits of using compost to retain moisture. Listeners will learn about the challenges of growing courgettes, including disease resistance and the need for adequate spacing to ensure healthy plants. Julia and Elaine emphasise the significance of succession planting, encouraging gardeners to continuously sow crops like sweet peas and radishes to extend their harvests. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion about the joys of sweet corn, including the best planting practices and the potential challenges posed by pests. With plenty of laughter, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their gardening skills. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Get in touch: [email protected] A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

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• S3 E7 - S Is For Salad

  Join Elaine and Julia for another informative episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast! In this engaging instalment, they dive into the delightful world of salads, aptly titled "S for Salad." The episode opens with a light-hearted banter about the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of growing your own salad greens. Elaine shares her disbelief at the number of people who still purchase trays of lettuce from garden centres instead of opting for seed packets, which can yield an abundance of fresh greens. The duo emphasises the joy of growing salad, revealing tips on how to cultivate various varieties, including spring onions and lettuce, using innovative methods like growing in gutters and colanders. Listeners will also hear about the importance of watering techniques and the ideal conditions for growing salad crops. The conversation extends to the challenges faced by novice gardeners and how to overcome the fear of growing your own food. Elaine and Julia provide practical advice on how to ensure success with your salad plants, including the benefits of using multi-purpose compost and the right watering methods. As the episode wraps up, the pair hints at their next topic—courgettes, squashes, and pumpkins—promising more gardening wisdom and plenty of laughs along the way. With a mix of practical tips, personal anecdotes, and a good dose of humour, this episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to enhance their gardening skills. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Get in touch: [email protected] A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

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