Afternoon:
10°c
Ten years ago, councils couldn't find enough tenants but today, all across London, there are waiting lists for allotments.
While it is not impossible for councils to create more, allotments by their very size need a large empty space if you're going to make a decent amount.
The standard size plot is big - fine if you've got plenty of time for gardening but in reality quite daunting if you're a busy Londoner with a full-time job.
So I'm always really pleased when a new scheme emerges - offering modest-sized plots.
At the end of last week, British Waterways, who've been supporters of our Capital Growth scheme from the outset, made 2,000 sq metres of west London canal-side land available to local gardeners.
There are going to be 18 plots - there are still some free, though some have already been snapped up by people who live next to the site.
I went along to see the start of the mammoth clear-up operation: the land hasn't been in cultivated use for years and brambles and bindweed have taken over.
But thanks to an enthusiastic band of local volunteers, it will be cleared, dug and marked out within the next few weeks, leaving behind only the buddleias (the best shrub for butterflies) and the large trees.
The smaller plots are a great way to learn what to grow when, and in Hanwell experienced allotmenteers from the Charity of William Hobbayne will be helping out the new growers, offering advice and tips to maximise the produce that can be grown on the starter plots.
It's a lovely site - right by the canal ( it does occasionally flood, although I am assured this hasn't happened for 40 years).
Plot holders will be charged around £50 per year, to help the charity maintain the communal areas of the site.
Spaces are limited to local people and if you are interested in finding out more email hobbaynecharity@btconnect.com or write to The Charity of William Hobbayne, The William Hobbayne Centre, St Dunstan's Road, Hanwell, W7 2HB.
It is currently British Food Fortnight (19 Sept-4 Oct), a celebration of all things edible produced and consumed in the UK.
The final weekend of activity takes place this weekend, so don't miss out: visit www.lovebritishfood.co.uk
