The Potty Plotters Plotcast - Growing on the Allotment

Join Elaine and Julia for another entertaining episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast! In this lively instalment, they discuss the ups and downs of allotment gardening, including the amusing mishaps of the week, such as Julia's unfortunate tumble in the shed and the resulting broken mugs. The episode kicks off with a humorous exchange about the unpredictable weather, leading into a fascinating conversation about dwarf plants and their suitability for smaller spaces. Julia shares her experiences with growing broad beans and half pint peas. As the conversation flows, the team delves into the delightful world of dwarf cucumbers and tomatoes, perfect for those with limited gardening space. They also discuss the importance of water conservation, sharing their insights on collecting rainwater and the benefits of terracotta pots for efficient watering. Listeners will hear from Mandy, who inquires about relocating her blueberry bushes, and Sandra, a new allotment holder excited about her gardening journey. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion on the merits of using artificial grass for pathways, ultimately concluding that natural solutions are always best. Filled with practical tips, personal anecdotes, and plenty of laughs, this episode is a must-listen for all gardening enthusiasts. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Join Julia and Elaine for another engaging episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast! In this lively instalment, they dive into the world of gardening with a focus on the quirky and creative ways to grow your own produce. The episode kicks off with an amusing discussion about Julia's posh phone voice and leads into a heartfelt message from listener Fiona, who is eager to learn about starting her beetroot seeds indoors. Elaine shares her tried-and-true methods for seed starting, emphasizing the importance of protecting young plants from pesky wildlife. The duo also celebrates Rachel's inventive use of underwire from her bras as a gardening tool, showcasing the clever and humorous side of allotment life. They tackle listener questions, including the challenges of gardening regulations, and share their experiences with growing chilies and dahlias, all while keeping the banter light and entertaining. As the episode progresses, they introduce a fascinating segment on toads, featuring special guests Dean and Michaela, who shed light on the importance of these creatures in controlling pests on the allotment. Listeners will learn about toad patrols and how to create a welcoming environment for these beneficial amphibians. With practical gardening tips, personal anecdotes, and plenty of laughs, this episode is a delightful mix of education and entertainment. Don't forget to visit jparkers.co.uk for all your gardening needs and use the code PLOTCAST15 for a special discount! Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Join Elaine and Julia for another entertaining episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast! In this lively installment, they shares their amusing confessions about recording in the great outdoors, with the sounds of nature providing an unexpected backdrop. As they dive into listener questions, they discuss innovative ways to grow carrots in potato bags and tackle the curious discovery of a bath on one listener's allotment. With laughter and camaraderie, they explore the possibilities of repurposing the bath for gardening or even cooling drinks during summer. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they discuss the importance of greenhouses and structures on allotments, with Elaine passionately advocating for their necessity. They share personal anecdotes about their own experiences with greenhouses and the challenges of growing vegetables without proper storage. Listeners will also hear about Elaine's successful experiment with dahlias stored in cat litter, which leads to a lively comparison of growing techniques. The episode is filled with practical tips, light-hearted banter, and plenty of laughs. Don't forget to check out www.jparkers.co.uk for all your gardening needs and use the code PLOTCAST15 for a special discount! Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Join Julia and Elaine for another delightful episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast as they dive into the joys and challenges of allotment gardening in season three, episode two! This week, the duo welcomes back some of their favourite starter plotters who share their experiences and lessons learned from their first year on the allotment. Listen in as Liz, Tom, and Kevin discuss the camaraderie of communal gardening, the reality of managing expectations, and the joy of sharing bountiful harvests with fellow allotmenteers. They reflect on the surprises and challenges they faced, from slug control to realizing the true amount of produce one can grow. With a dash of humour, Julia and Elaine also tackle the topic of broad beans—how to grow them and even how to convert non-believers into fans! Plus, they explore the beauty of ranunculus flowers, sharing tips on how to successfully cultivate them for stunning cut flowers. As always, the episode is sprinkled with practical advice, light-hearted banter, and a few laughs along the way. Don't forget to visit Jay Parkers for your gardening needs and use the code PLOTCAST15 for a special discount! Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Join Elaine, Julia, and producer Gareth as they kick off season three of the Potty Plotters Plotcast with a lively and humorous episode! In this first instalment, the trio navigates the quirks of recording in a cosy community room instead of their usual allotment, sharing witty banter about the unexpected joys of bowling greens and the enticing drink prices. As they dive into gardening updates, Elaine reveals her triumphs and tribulations with loofah drying, while Julia shares her experiences with seed ordering. The conversation flows seamlessly into their exciting new partnership with jparkers.co.uk, where listeners can enjoy a special discount on gardening supplies. The episode also features a special segment with local weatherman Rob Rose, who brings a mix of weather insights and light-hearted jokes, discussing the recent storms and their implications for gardeners. With practical advice on chitting potatoes and starting shallots, Elaine and Julia ensure that listeners are well-prepared for the upcoming growing season. The episode wraps up with a sneak peek into future topics, including container gardening and the introduction of "brilliant bits"—a new segment filled with gardening tips and tricks. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

The Potty Plotter Plotcast is back! To whet your whistle ahead of season 3 Elaine and Julia welcome you back. Episode 1 is available from Wednesday 5th February. If you enjoy the Plotcast and would like to leave us a support us to keep going - head to https://ko-fi.com/thepottyplotters Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Join Elaine and Julia in the final episode of season two of the Potty Plotters Plotcast! As they wrap up the year with episode 40, the duo reflects on the ups and downs of the gardening season. With a touch of humour, they discuss their attempts at drying loofahs and the mishaps that ensued. If you’ve had better luck with your green loofahs, they’d love to hear your tips! As the winter months approach, the plotters share practical advice on pruning apple and pear trees, and the importance of timing and technique to ensure a fruitful harvest next year. Julia offers insights into the best practices for clearing plots, emphasizing the need to tackle those pesky perennial weeds before they take over. Elaine and Julia also discuss the benefits of using cat litter to dry dahlia tubers, a quirky yet effective method to prepare for the next growing season. As they prepare to take a break until February, they encourage listeners to stay engaged by reaching out with questions and updates on their own gardening adventures. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Elaine and Julia are back, and this time they're recording outside at the beginning of October. They kick off by discussing the unfortunate fate of Gerry's sweet corn, stripped by magpies, and move on to updates from last week's episode. Gareth, shares his experience with poached pears and planting garlic in tubs. We provide tips on how to salvage green pumpkins and prepare them for Halloween. The conversation shifts to the importance of organizing seeds, with Elaine revealing her clever method of storing them in a wardrobe and the benefits of using shower caps to protect spring bulbs from squirrels. The episode also covers the perennial nature of chili plants and how to overwinter them, along with a discussion on overwintering broad beans, peas, and onions. The duo debates the merits of taking a gardening break during winter versus continuing to plant hardy varieties. Elaine and Julia also remind listeners to send in their recipes using produce from their allotments for an upcoming episode. 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Elaine and Julia are back with another engaging episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast! In this episode, they tackle a listener’s question from Alix in Bristol about the pros and cons of using fabric pots and air pruning for patio gardening. Elaine shares her experiences with fabric pots and explains why she prefers reusing plastic pots. Julia dives into the concept of air pruning and its benefits for root development, particularly for sweet peas and trees. The conversation takes a delightful detour into the world of pears, with Elaine sharing tips on how to poach and serve them. They also discuss the challenges of growing wedding flowers and offer practical advice for those considering DIY wedding bouquets. Elaine and Julia address common plot disasters, from misplaced trees to collapsing sheds, and share their own experiences with wind-damaged archways and overgrown perennial beds. They emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes and planning ahead. Also, September is the perfect time to plant garlic – we explain how. As the episode wraps up, they talk about storing apples for winter and share a top tip for making crumble mix in advance. They also invite listeners to share their favourite recipes and plot disasters for future episodes. 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Elaine and Julia are back, taking refuge in the new summer house at Potty Plotters HQ due to the unseasonably cold September weather. In this episode, they discuss the challenges of managing allotments and gardens during unpredictable weather, with a focus on wildlife and the impact of frost on their beloved dahlias and other plants. The duo shares their experiences with the recent frost, the importance of timing when planting, and how the weather has affected their harvests this year. They also delve into the joys and frustrations of growing tomatoes and cucumbers, offering tips on how to manage late-season crops. Julia reveals a clever hack for organizing seed packets, ensuring she always knows what she's planting. They also discuss the importance of planning for next year, even when this year's harvest has been disappointing. Listener questions are addressed, including advice on dealing with wonky parsnips and exploding sweet peas. Elaine and Julia also talk about the diverse wildlife they encounter on their plots, from ducks and swans to foxes and hedgehogs, and the challenges of managing pests and diseases like powdery mildew and rust. 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Elaine and Julia return with another delightful episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast, filled with laughter and practical gardening advice. This week, they dive into the world of squashes and pumpkins, sharing tips on how to manage these sprawling plants on your allotments. They discuss the importance of lifting pumpkins off the ground to prevent rot and the benefits of turning them to achieve an even colour. The duo also marvel at Eric's impressive squash archway, a true tourist attraction on the plot, and provide insights on how to care for butternut squashes as they ripen. They touch on the challenges of powdery mildew and offer solutions like homemade sprays and strategic leaf removal. Julia explains the process of taking semi-ripe cuttings from plants like salvias and lavenders, ensuring a bountiful supply of new plants for the next season. Elaine and Julia also address common allotment problems, including rust on snapdragons and spider mites on aubergines, sharing their tried-and-true methods for managing these issues. The episode wraps up with a look at their recent media appearances and contributions to gardening magazines, highlighting their ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering a sense of community among gardeners 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

This time Elaine and Julia talk to Thelma Robinson from the Derbyshire Beekeepers Association. Thelma educates listeners on the challenges bees faced this year, the importance of planting for pollinators, and the fascinating behaviour of honeybees. Julia’s curiosity leads to a whimsical discussion on whether bees have knees, adding a touch of humour to the informative segment. We share invaluable advice for Sarah, a novice gardener from Derbyshire, on starting her allotment journey and selecting the right potato varieties for festive feasts. The importance of planning and preparing your allotment for winter is highlighted, with suggestions on fruit trees, paths, and maintaining structures. As the episode wraps up, Elaine and Julia reflect on the joys and challenges of participating in horticultural shows, offering tips on how to present your produce and avoid common pitfalls. From the importance of uniformity to the proper labelling of jams, their experience as judges provides listeners with a comprehensive guide to showcasing their gardening achievements. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

In this episode, Elaine and Julia tackle the topic of weed management on allotments, offering practical advice and sharing personal anecdotes about the use of weed burners. They discuss the pros and cons of using weed burners versus traditional methods and the importance of safety when handling such equipment. Elaine and Julia also delve into the exciting opportunity to win an allotment site through the Green Allotments competition. They speak with Deborah, the CEO of Green Allotments, who explains the details of the competition, the criteria for entering, and the long-term benefits for the winners. The conversation highlights the importance of community involvement and the joy of creating sustainable, biodiverse gardening spaces. Additionally, the episode touches on the joys of growing cultivated blackberries, the importance of planning for next year's flowers, and creative ways to involve children in allotment activities. Elaine and Julia share their experiences with growing cut flowers for weddings and how planning ahead can lead to beautiful, bountiful gardens. 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

Elaine and Julia are back for another episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast, enjoying the lovely weather outside. The main topic of discussion is the multifaceted use of sheds on allotments. Elaine shares her experience of having three sheds—one for pots, one for tools, and a sitting shed for relaxation and occasional tea and cream scones. Julia talks about the importance of having a personal space on the allotment and the benefits of sheds, especially for those who spend long hours on their plots. Later, they interview Luke from Derby County Community Trust, discussing the allotment projects they've been working on together. Luke shares insights into the importance of planning and having a purpose for the allotments, the challenges of managing produce, and the broader impact on the community. Elaine and Julia wrap up with a segment on the do's and don'ts of allotment gardening, emphasising the importance of following site rules and the benefits of using cardboard as a weed suppressant. Follow us @pottyplotters on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

In this lively episode, Elaine and Julia celebrate National Allotments Week, discussing the importance of showcasing allotment activities and welcoming the local community to learn more about the joys of allotment gardening. They reflect on the changing demographics of allotment users, noting the increase in flowers. The duo shares amusing anecdotes from their recent experiences, including a mishap with well water and a giant cucumber from Steve's plot. They also introduce a massive Beefmaster tomato, sparking a humorous debate about its size and comparisons to cricket balls and large oranges. They respond to listener questions, offering advice on courgette pollination issues and the impact of a lack of pollinators this year. They suggest using a paintbrush to manually pollinate courgettes and discuss the benefits of planting more pollinator-friendly plants around allotments. Listener Gemma from South East London shares her successes and failures on her allotment and seeks tips on growing loofahs in her new polytunnel. Elaine provides detailed instructions on how to grow loofahs, emphasizing the importance of patience and proper care until the first frost. Mandy from Matlock recounts her journey of transforming a neglected allotment into a productive space, despite numerous challenges. She seeks advice on what to plant in the gaps left by mishaps, and Elaine and Julia suggest various options, including dwarf French beans, chard, and autumn carrots. 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

In this episode, Elaine and Julia find themselves recording from Gareth’s house due to logistical reasons, giving them a chance to nosey around his plants and greenhouse. They discuss the challenges of staying on task at the allotment, especially when faced with the overwhelming need to deadhead, harvest, and water. Gareth showcases his modest tomato harvest and the trio shares a laugh about their social media and email mishaps. The conversation turns to the joys of harvesting cucumbers, black currants, and blueberries, with Elaine and Julia recounting their recent bountiful pickings. They also touch on the successes of growing lettuces in hanging baskets, a clever way to avoid slugs, and the benefits of mixed salad leaves. Gareth provides an update on his greenhouse progress, boasting about his plum tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Elaine and Julia discuss the importance of pinching out the growing tips of tomatoes and deadheading marigolds to encourage better growth. They also delve into the benefits of planting marigolds and snapdragons to deter pests and attract pollinators. As they prepare for National Allotments Week, they encourage listeners to send in pictures and voice recordings of their gardens and allotments. They also tease an upcoming episode where they will be cooking with chard, aiming to demystify this often overlooked vegetable. 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: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.