Page 48 - ALG Issue 3 2023

East Midlands
Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland
REPRESENTATIVE
Paul Howgill
37 Meredith Road, Rowley Fields, Leicester LE3 2EP
07803 828 777 allotmentbaron@aol.com
DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE David Stirland
07973 919641
stirlandalisonmarg@ gmail.com
DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE Russell Attwood
rattwood.nas@ gmail.com
A plotcast podcast being grown in Derby
In 2023, it is fair to say that there is a myriad of complicated information in all mediums and formats to so-called ‘guide and support new plotholders through the cycle of growing your own on an allotment.’ Books, magazines, social media platforms, TV programmes with new celebrity ‘experts’ containing advice is all out there, but to settle the crashing waves with their sound advice and vast experience and knowledge
of allotmenting are two lady allotmenteers from Derby in the guise of ‘The Potty Plotters’.
These two ladies, Elaine Crick and
Julia Slater from Ashbourne Road and District Allotments in the centre of Derby, are on a mission to get people growing their own fruit, vegetables,
and flowers in a cheap and easy, no- nonsense way. Those familiar with The Potty Plotters will know they have a unique, fun and often crazy style to their growing, teaching and approach to life. Well. Nothing has changed with this in their format of their plotcast podcasts.
Once the ladies got their heads around ‘pods’ being related to more than peas and beans, they launched their first episode on February 1st 2023 with the support of Amberland Media. Now, only a matter of 11 weeks into their weekly episodes, their listening figures are growing as is their geographical reach! Already at 2600 downloads and having featured several famous guests such as: Jonathan Moseley (the international floral designer), Rob Smith (infamous vegetable author and celebrity) and Sarah Poll (the RHS Show Development Officer) to name but a few. The Potty
Plotters are both delighted and bemused that people seem to enjoy listening to them.
Little Potty Plotter Julia said, “Our aim is simple: if we can teach people one thing whilst making them laugh or smile, then our job is done. We are always on the plots and it made sense to talk to others about how to be successful in allotmenting.”
In each episode (which are around 30 minutes in length), the ladies talk about time relevant planting. Each vegetable, flower or fruit is set from seed through to planting them out on the plot. The episodes are designed to follow the process of each variety of plant – nothing complicated but explained in a manner which is clear and concise.
“I suppose I would describe our style as
Once the ladies got their heads around ‘pods’ being related to more than peas and beans, they launched their first episode
a cross between Caroline Ahern’s ‘Mrs Merton’ and comedian ‘Miranda’”, Elaine suggested, “Each episode incorporates hints and tips for beginners as well as simple recipes for gluts of produce all mixed with a sprinkling of naughtiness.”
On 20th April 2023, The Potty Plotters will be delivering a special ‘World
Earth Day’ workshop to Derby County Community Trust at Pride Park, the home of Derby County FC. The event will be recorded and released as a ‘special episode’ – which definitely will be different and if they get their chance, they may just dig the pitch up and plant veg – who knows?
If you would like to talk to find out more about the Plotcast Podcast: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk
THE JACKSON TROWEL
Tough enough to dig, weed, cut and plant your garden your way.
The lightweight handle is made from sustainable wood, and the trowel is
For stockists & videos, visit
www.jacksontools.co.uk
easy to clean with no rust.
48 Allotment and Leisure Gardener
Welcome to our new members...
Brookenby Allotment Association Summerwood Lane
Allotment Association
11 Individuals
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