The Martins are Steve, Kirsty and kids Jack aged 7, Rebecca 6 and Rory 3.

We have a reasonable sized plot in Meltham, West Yorkshire.  We acquired a temporary plot in February 2005.  This area was uncultivated and totally overgrown.  We managed to get that area cultivated during that summer and in 2008 we were offered an adjacent plot – so now we have 2 growing areas.   Through freecycle, we managed to acquire 2 greenhouses and a small shed.  We have since outgrown the shed and this has been passed on to another of the plot holders.  Last year I managed to build a bigger, more comfortable shed, mainly out of reclaimed timber.  This new acquisiton has been invaluable in encouraging Jack, Rebecca and Rory to go to the allotment in the more inclement weather as it has a cooker, armchair and a heater.  There is also enough room for them to draw.

As well as the growing areas, we have a small area for a slide, rocker and a couple of oil-drum barbeques, again, all of which encourage the kids down to the plot.

As well as the usual veg we like to grow a lot of leaf varieties such as pak choi, komatsuna, senposai and swiss chard.  Most of this gets eaten straight from the plot.

Well that’s a little bit about us and our plot.  I’ll soon be publishing some photos.

Steve

A cold day at the allotment. Rory, Rebecca and Jack.