When you think of allotments, the image that comes into most people's minds is Athur Fowler hiding from Pauline in his shed. In the most part, you wouldn't be far wrong.

However, there is a new breed of allotmenteer emerging. They're younger, fitter and far more clueless than their predecessors. They do however care where their food comes from and so in an effort to cut down their food miles, reduce their carbon footprint, save a few quid and eat some proper fresh fruit and veg they are taking on plots all over the country. This is where I come in!

After growing small amounts of veg at home, I quickly got more and more interested (I promise you, it's addictive!) and was soon looking for more space to expand my crops. The obvious solution was an allotment but I was not sure this would be feasible for me. The closest ones to me (or rather, the house I was renting a room in at the time) have a 5 year waiting list and the other option available was too far for me to be able to pop in daily and water in hot weather. Fortunately my parents stepped in. Not only did my Father know for a fact that there was room on the site closest to them and our family home but my Mother kindly volunteered to water when I couldn't get over to do so. I'd found a way to make my allotment dream a reality!