Knotted Knees

This spring, digging, sowing seeds and harvesting our allotment produce has become the permitted daily exercise. We enjoy the benefits of a walk, or drive to the site before we open our shed and lift our spades to get our heart pumping and legs working while the early spring sunshine shines on our faces.

 During the year, Robins follow us around as we lift worms to the top of the soil. People walking along the stone walled lane - now at a safe distance – raise their hands to wave and say hello.  Butterflies and bees keep the plants growing as they move from flower to leaf. Peacocks, 


Painted Ladies and Red Admirals stop me digging when they settle nearby, while brassica eating caterpillars emerge into Small and Wood Whites which flutter like feathers amongst the plants.


The benefit of growing our own produce becomes even more important as the country tackles the rapid spread of Coronavirus. We plant more seeds than normal and seeds are swapped as those who had not placed their orders earlier in the year struggle to buy what is needed. Jokes about planting toilet roll trees resonate amongst the sweat and toil of preparing plots for this growing season. 

Mr H and I imagine that the excess produce table at the entrance to the site is going to be more popular than usual because getting an online food delivery slot is as likely as finding gold in the River Frome. Parishioner’s and community members who enjoy a walk along the river always ensure that these surplus, often organically produced stocks quickly disappear into their kitchens to feed themselves and their families. The Community spirit abounds amongst the plot holders and those who pass by clutching rhubarb and parsnips with a smile on their faces.



To keep the allotment site Coronavirus safe, we have created our own rules based on Government advice. As the secretary to our allotment association, I have compiled a list of do’s and don’ts which include wearing gloves and bringing antibacterial wipes to clean the handles of any communal equipment used. The site toilet is out of bounds so it is either a case of properly planning allotment visits or digging with knotted knees!

Keeping our plot is back aching, time consuming work and is not for those who think it’s a matter of plant and go – only returning later to pick produce – which without regular tending will have wilted amongst the ever-growing weeds. It is satisfying hard work which we tackle a ‘bit at a time’. Our reward is tasty, wholesome fresh food week after week.