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 show

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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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/

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.

In this episode, Laura and Chay catch up on everything happening on their allotment plots during the busy month of July. They dive into what they've been harvesting recently, the various tasks they've been tackling, and how they're managing their plots during a particularly dry spell. With a potential hosepipe ban looming due to the lack of rain, they offer practical tips on water conservation and how to prepare for restrictions.

At the point of this recording (July 2025), hosepipe bans are in effect across parts of Yorkshire, Kent, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Wales.

Laura also takes a moment to speak candidly about her recent absence from social media, sharing a personal and heartfelt explanation. This episode blends practical gardening advice with real-life reflections, offering both inspiration and support to fellow growers.

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: 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.

In this episode, Laura and Chay reconnect at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, taking listeners along for a walk-and-talk through the event. As they explore the showgrounds, they share their impressions and offer a thoughtful comparison to their recent experience at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Despite the challenging conditions — including high temperatures, crowds, and a makeshift recording setup — their conversation captures the vibrant energy of the day.

The episode also features a light-hearted A to Z flower-naming game. While they successfully covered most of the alphabet, a few tricky letters like U, Q, and Z proved elusive. Listeners are encouraged to get in touch via direct message if they can help complete the list.

In addition to the flower shows, Laura and Chay provide a seasonal update from their personal plots, discussing recent developments, challenges, and highlights from their growing journeys.

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.

In this episode, Laura and Chay are joined by Guy Herzmark, the Northern Regional Representative for the National Allotment Society (NAS). With over 25 years of experience as an allotmenteer in Newcastle Upon Tyne and many years of service as a site chair, Guy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for allotment gardening. He shares insights into the work of the NAS, the UK's leading organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting allotments. Representing over 125,000 members, the NAS works closely with governments, landlords, and developers to establish, manage, and preserve allotment spaces. Guy discusses how people can become members, the range of support NAS offers—including advice, legal resources, and insurance—and the key challenges currently facing the organisation. He also gives listeners a glimpse into life on his own plot, sharing some of the recent hurdles his site has encountered and highlighting his favourite things to grow.

Meanwhile, Laura and Chay reflect on their own gardening experiences during the recent heatwave, admitting that watering has been their main task lately due to the unusually high temperatures.

You can find out more from their website: https://thenas.org.uk/

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.

In this episode, Laura and Chay are joined by the talented James Smith, an accomplished garden designer at Landscape Services. James is a former RHS medalist and was a finalist for the prestigious Young Designer of the Year award. With years of experience designing stunning gardens and landscapes across Hampshire and Dorset, James brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the conversation.

James shares his journey into the world of landscape design—what first inspired him, how he developed his craft, and what drives his ambitions today. Prior to the interview, Laura and Chay sent James the designs of their own allotment plots, and during the episode, he offers honest and thoughtful feedback—highlighting what he loves, suggesting areas for improvement, and giving practical tips to consider.
The chat also touches on James's own growing season, how his new greenhouse has transformed his gardening experience, and what exciting plans he has on the horizon.

Whether you're a budding gardener or a design enthusiast, this episode is full of inspiration and insight into the creative world of garden design.

You can follow James journey on instagram 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.