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Hello everyone I just wanted to talk to everyone about the commitment required of taking on a plot at the allotment. I have now been with the Parc-an-Colan allotments for five years. Over that time, I have seen many plots fall into decline because people don't realise how much commitment and energy it takes to maintain their plot. I thought that it would be a piece of cake, a bit of digging, a bit of planting, and loads of lovely fruit and veg. I had that romantic view of the allotment, that it would be like the TV series, the Good Life. However, Lesley my wife, did warn me, it’s not going to be easy, but being a typical man, I ignored her advice, I thought it would be easy. How wrong was I. I think after the first year I realised how hard it would be. Honestly, if I had known, I think I wouldn’t have taken it on. Trying to manage the weeds, improve the soil, adding a fence, adding another shed, adding a greenhouse, all the while keeping everything from blowing away in some heavy storms. I am not trying to talk people into giving up their allotment It does have many benefits, it supports health, fitness and wellbeing, it can save you money by growing your own fruit and veg and the food tastes so much better. After a few years and a lot of hard work things start to get established, things do become easier. Now that I have invested blood, sweat, and tears into the 30ft x 60ft area, I feel I have achieved that balance, effort against return. What I am trying to say to you all is, please be honest, is this for you, are you prepared to commit all this time and energy to the allotment. Do you know that especially during the summer you need to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week to stay on top of the weeding, watering, digging, composting and general management of your plot? Overall, I have found that balance, but it’s taken me five years to get here. Just ask yourself do you have the time and commitment to keep this going? Thanks for reading. Eddie Plot 5

This is my friend Liz’s recipe for pickled courgettes and it’s delicious! Pickled Courgettes. 300g courgettes sliced super thin 300g onions sliced super thin 2 teaspoons of salt 275ml white wine vinegar 100g demerara sugar 1 teaspoon black onion seeds 2 tablespoons black mustard seeds 1 teaspoon of fennel or celery seeds ½ teaspoon ground turmeric Place courgettes and onions in a colander, sprinkle with the salt, mix well and leave for two hours. Meanwhile, bring the vinegar, seeds and turmeric to the boil in a large saucepan and simmer for two minutes. Add the rinsed and thoroughly drained veg and quickly return to the boil. Pack in hot sterilised jars, seal and store somewhere dark for one month.

Tips for drying herbs using a microwave I have used this method for drying parsley, sage and mint and it works very well. In theory you could also try other herbs. 1. Pick your herbs on a dry day. If you need to wash them make sure you dry them well. I must admit if the herbs are clean and dry, I don’t bother to wash them. 2. Cut the tops of the herb from the stalks, you just need the leaves. 3. Place the leaves on a paper towel space out evenly. 4. Place the paper towel in the microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes. Depending on the wattage of your microwave, you may need to do it for one more minute. The leaves should be dry and brittle to touch. 5. Then simply scrunch the leaves in your fingers and place in a container. I used old herb jars that I had saved. 6. Label and keep in your herb cupboard and use in the same way as you would dry herbs from the supermarket. 7. I find the colour stays well and the herbs keep their smell. Tricia Davies Plot twenty, garden of plenty 5th September 2019