The Potty Plotters Plotcast - Growing on the Allotment

Join Elaine and Julia for a whimsical yet insightful episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast. As the autumn leaves paint the allotment in vibrant hues, the duo reflect on the beauty of the season's changes. From the striking red foliage of blueberry bushes to the fern-like asparagus beds, the plotters are captivated by nature's poetry. The episode takes a culinary turn as Julia shares her laminated recipe cards, revealing her method for creating a delicious spiced pumpkin cake. Gareth contributes with a versatile egg fried rice recipe, perfect for using up allotment-grown vegetables. Lisa from Nottingham sends in her roasted tomato and pasta dish, showcasing the bounty of the harvest season. Elaine offers a masterclass in making raspberry jam, emphasising the simplicity of using just raspberries and granulated sugar. The plotters also discuss the importance of replenishing soil nutrients after heavy rains, with tips on using farmyard manure and chicken pellets to enrich the garden for the next growing season. In a quirky twist, Elaine experiments with drying dahlia tubers using cat litter, while Julia contemplates the fate of her frost-affected loofah plants.  Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Get in touch: [email protected] A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Julia and Elaine are back with another delightful episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast. In this episode, they embark on a nostalgic journey through old gardening books, discovering that despite the years, the core principles of gardening remain unchanged. They chat about the enduring wisdom found in these books and marvel at the simplicity of past gardening tips. The episode takes a humorous turn as they discuss the unexpected results of saving seeds from last year's pumpkins, leading to a quirky variety of squashes in Elaine's greenhouse. The conversation highlights the importance of buying seeds from recognised suppliers to ensure consistency in your harvest. Weather takes centre stage as Rob Rose, the local weather presenter, joins the plotters to discuss the unpredictable weather patterns, the impact of the jet stream, and the science behind the possibility of snow. Rob's insights into the wettest September on record and his light-hearted banter with Julia and Elaine add a cheerful touch to the episode. Elaine shares her plans to relocate her rhubarb patch due to waterlogging, offering practical advice on how to divide and replant rhubarb crowns. Julia and Elaine emphasise the importance of giving rhubarb a year to settle before harvesting. The episode concludes with a discussion on the differences between pumpkins and squashes, and tips on how to store squashes for the winter. The plotters invite listeners to share their favourite recipes for the next episode, promising a focus on delicious dishes made from homegrown produce. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Get in touch: [email protected] A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Elaine and Julia are back with another lively episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast! This time, they kick off with a humorous discussion about the burning season on the allotment and the potential for a murder mystery game inspired by Cluedo, but with a plot twist. They brainstorm how the podcast could be integrated into the game, making it a unique experience for listeners. The episode takes a turn towards practical gardening advice, as Elaine and Julia delve into the art of dealing with snapdragons and the versatile nature of borlotti beans. Julia shares her method for drying and saving seeds for next year, while Elaine discusses the importance of cutting down summer fruiting raspberries and the intricacies of managing raspberry canes for future harvests. As always, listener questions are addressed, including a quirky suggestion from Tracy about using odd socks to protect corn cobs from pests. The episode also explores the peculiar fruit known as medlars, with Elaine and Julia considering the potential of making medlar jelly from the overlooked fruit. Gareth joins the conversation with an update on his garlic planting progress, sparking a discussion about the care and maintenance of garlic over the winter months. The episode wraps up with a preview of what's to come in the next instalment, including discussions on splitting rhubarb crowns and dealing with squashes and pumpkins. If you enjoy the Plotcast and would like to support us to keep going, head to https://ko-fi.com/thepottyplotters Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Get in touch: [email protected]  A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Elaine and Julia are back with another lively episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast. In this episode, they welcome new neighbours Glynis and Trevor to plot number 32 and discuss the noisy yet charming atmosphere of their allotment. The trio dives into the practicalities of using IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) for water storage on the plot, offering tips on how to keep the water clean and algae-free. The conversation then shifts to the weather, with Gareth attempting to fill in for the absent weatherman Rob Rose. Elaine and Julia guide Gareth through the process of creating a "lasagne" pot, layering bulbs like alliums, tulips, and muscari for a beautiful spring display. They also offer practical advice on protecting bulbs from pests using tights and chicken wire. The episode wraps up with tips on caring for dahlias after a frost, including how to cut them down and store them for winter. They also discuss the benefits of sprout tops and how to manage Brussels sprouts for a bountiful harvest. If you enjoy the Plotcast and would like to support us to keep going, head to https://ko-fi.com/thepottyplotters Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Get in touch: [email protected] A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.