Why are we growing our own - and why are we writing about it?

This year, we decided to get ourselves a real allotment. We've dabbled with growing various bits of veg at home over the last 5 years, but for the cost of an allotment and the benefits it gives you, it's a 'no brainer' really!

That is, a no brainer if you're prepared to put in time and effort in all weathers - especially if you live in the UK!

That said, do I think the time, effort, and some associated costs outweigh just buying our staple fruit and veg at the grocers? Probably not, but to be honest with you, I'm doing this for my family and myself, not my pocket! (and it is bloody good fun, is relaxing, and I suspect keeps me a bit healthier to boot!)

And, why write about the experience? Well, why not... We are going to win some and lose some over the coming years. We're going to make some monumental cock-ups, and triumph when we least expect it. We're going to learn, and we're going to remember; so let's share the experience fully and honestly so that others will laugh, cheer, and benefit from our wins and losses!

I am starting this blog as we are some 6 months into ownership, but we'll soon get up to date, and I will recap what we've done so far in 2014 since we started, and in the order of events - the post dates will be out for a while, but we've kept a written diary, so the dates quoted will be good!

Us? Well, we are a family of four, with two young children, and we're all veg freaks - especially 'Greens'! My wife doesn't mind getting stuck in - as glamorous as she is - and the children will get as dirty as we let them!

I hope you find these memoirs useful as they evolve, and if my failures become your wins,  and I just make you chuckle now and again, I'll be a happy boy!

Cheers!