Shows
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.68 | Harvests, Hosepipe Bans & Honest Moments.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. 2025-07-291h 18
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.67 | From Chelsea to Hampton: A Stroll Through the Flower Shows.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...2025-07-141h 04
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.66 | The National Allotment Society with Guy HerzmarkIn 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...2025-06-301h 16
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.65 | Designing Green Dreams with James Smith!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 th...2025-06-161h 29
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.64 | From Scrubs to Soil: Holly’s Allotment Journey!In this heartwarming episode, Laura and Chay sit down with Holly, a midwife and passionate allomenteer from St Albans, to talk about how she discovered solace and mental clarity through her allotment plot. Holly began her gardening journey in 2020, just before the pandemic hit, and shares how her small plot became a vital sanctuary amidst the pressures of frontline midwifery during unprecedented times. She opens up about expanding to a larger plot and managing the demands of her profession, and finding joy through choir singing, gym sessions, and digging in the dirt. To follow Hollys Journey, you c...2025-06-021h 20
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.63 | ‘Following in my Footsteps’: Leanne's Allotment Journey and BBC Gardeners' Beautiful Borders.In this uplifting episode, Laura and Chay chat with Leanne, a passionate allotment gardener who has taken on three plots since 2021. Leanne shares the highs and lows of her gardening journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how growing her own produce has become a vital part of her daily life.The conversation also highlights Leanne’s recent leap into the spotlight with her garden design, "Following in My Footsteps," which she showcased at the BBC Gardeners' World Beautiful Borders exhibit. She discusses the inspiration behind the design and what it was like to bring her vision to l...2025-05-191h 15
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.62 | Buzz Into Beekeeping with Mark: From Hobbyist to Hive Maker!In this episode, Laura and Chay are joined by Mark, founder of Buzz Into Beekeeping, who shares his experience transitioning from a beekeeping enthusiast to launching a small business. Mark outlines how his interest in pollinators led to the development of the Buzz Box Starter Pack—a compact, beginner-friendly kit designed with urban and small-space beekeepers in mind. The discussion explores the practical realities of starting a beekeeping business, including logistical and ecological considerations, and highlights the important role bees play in local ecosystems. The episode also provides guidance for allotment holders interested in supporting pollinator health and...2025-05-051h 56
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.61 | Growing with Clare – Containers, Bulbs & a Touch of Scottish CultureIn this episode, Chay and Laura are joined by Clare from Motherwell, an enthusiastic allotment holder now in her fourth year of growing. Clare shares her passion for container planting, discussing the practical and personal reasons behind her approach, with a particular focus on the joy of planting bulbs.Listeners also hear about Clare’s new venture—growing sweet potatoes—as she reflects on the early stages of her progress and the challenges she’s encountered so far.As with many episodes, the conversation naturally drifts beyond gardening. Alongside allotment insights, the trio enjoy a lively d...2025-04-281h 19
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.60 | The One Where They Barely Stay on Topic (Featuring Anna)In the 60th and longest-ever episode of Allotment Diaries Podcast, hosts Laura and Chay are joined by special guest Anna for a delightfully off-topic conversation that starts with good intentions (allotments!) and ends up covering just about everything else.While allotments were meant to be the focus, the discussion veers off the composted path and into all sorts of unexpected territory — including family life, favourite Netflix shows, the joys and perils of 'adolencenses' with smartphones, natural remedies for stinging nettles (some more convincing than others!), and an essential debate about the best 90s boy band.An...2025-04-141h 49
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.59 | Laura and Chay record on their plots!For the first time ever, Chay and Laura take the podcast to the plot—literally! Armed with a microphone, a questionable sense of direction, and an eye on the looming rain clouds, they attempt a walking tour of their allotments. Expect thrilling updates on what’s thriving, what’s barely clinging to life, and what’s been entirely claimed by weeds. It’s short, it’s chaotic, but it’s packed with insight—and possibly some accidental slapstick moments. To see the video, check out the Allotment Diaries Podcast YouTube channel!If you have any questions...2025-04-0143 min
Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.58 | Laura and Chay chat about progress on their plots.In this episode, Laura and Chay catch up on the progress they've made on their allotment plots. With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, both of them have seen a surge in activity. Laura shares her efforts in preparing her plot by tackling weeds, clearing the area, and getting ready to build a DIY shed. Meanwhile, Chay has been busy sowing a variety of seeds, including aubergines, peas, and beans, along with some unique seeds Laura had given him. The episode also features a new segment called "Allotment News Around the World." This month, L...2025-03-171h 03Allotment Diaries PodcastEP.57 | Exploring Allotments in Los Angeles with David Benjamin.In this episode, Chay visits Fountain Community Garden in Hollywood during his trip to Los Angeles and sits down with Garden Manager David Benjamin. They discuss how community gardens (the US equivalent of allotments) operate in LA, the variety of plants grown, the challenges they face—including the impact of recent wildfires—and their future ambitions.While UK allotments and LA community gardens have distinct differences, Chay uncovers striking similarities, from the ongoing battle with pests such as Slugs to shared struggles and strengths. A key takeaway from the conversation is the strong engagement of local businesses and...2025-03-1053 minAllotment Diaries PodcastEP.56 | Garden Press Day – Our Honest Review.In this episode, Laura and Chay share their honest review of Garden Press Day, which they attended for the first time on February 18th in London. They discuss their expectations versus reality, giving insights into what the event had to offer and whether it lived up to the hype.From innovative new gardening products to clever designs that promise to make gardening easier and more successful, they highlight some standout finds from the day. Plus, this episode marks a special moment—Laura and Chay meeting in real life for the first time! And don’t miss...2025-03-0345 minAllotment Diaries PodcastEP.55 | Charles Dowding: A Deep Dive into Organic Gardening and the No-Dig Approach!In this exciting episode, Laura and Chay have the incredible opportunity to chat with the legendary Charles Dowding, a household name in the world of organic gardening, particularly known for his expertise in the no-dig method.Throughout the conversation, Charles shares his fascinating journey to becoming a pioneer in organic gardening, revealing how his life experiences have led him to this path. He provides an insightful look at what drives him and his ambitions for the future.Listeners will also be intrigued to learn what Charles gets up to when he's not gardening—some surprising an...2025-02-241h 04