The Great Allotment Challenge

[mr-cecil]

As someone new to growing stuff, I thought there were a few interesting parts. I've just watched the first episode and learned: 1) you are supposed to nip out the side shoots on sweet peas for best results 2) it's not a good idea to plant things in the middle of your peas 3) you can get a crop of rhubarb in year 1 (which I've been told you can't) 4) you can achieve some amazing results in 15 weeks if you work at it.
I was actually thinking of doing (2), but I'm now thinking I shouldn't.
However, I agree, they should have shown more of the overall process.

Let me know if you have any comments especially on (2)

[Chantal]

I was really looking forward to the show as there is virtually nothing on veg in Gardeners' World any longer and there hasn't been anything on TV since "The Big Dig".

I was very, very disappointed. I'm just waiting for the phone lines to open to ask us to vote:

Add 1 to vote Pamela's strawberry jam
Add 2 to vote for Ben's runner beans
Add 3 to vote for this showing being a pile of manure

I've seen one full and one part episode and won't be bothering again.

Oh, did get confused over the weekend when I turned the TV on and thought I was watching Allotment Challenge but couldn't fathom how they could grow coffee and walnuts on their plots to make their cakes. Fern Britton was chattering away and it looked like the same set, but turned out to be some celebrity Sport Relief baking show!

[oldherbaceous]

There is something very nice to come out of this show, and that is, a lovely post from Chantal, that's made my day.

[Westi]

The plot holders as characters are not developing at all & don't have any spark or personality. The flower arranging was weird - a summer wreath, the relish didn't look like relish, some of the sauces seemed OK & they all seemed to have enough runner beans to find a better selection than they presented.

I'm not sure it will attract too many new plot holders as I feared as the rewards offered are no where as appealing as a gooey cake like on Bake Off!

Back to the drawing board BBC! Need Real allotments - I can't recall the name of the show but liked the one that focused on different allotments (mostly London I recall) showing different ethnic groups growing their traditional crops & covered cooking them also.

Westi

[Westi]

It said in the paper there going to do another series! I'm sure they can change the format but the BBC does seem to just keep with the original plan until the shows die a natural death! Let's hope this one doesn't linger as long as some of the talent shows that keep being regurgitated!

Westi

[Shallot Man]

Master-chef on the allotment. !!

[Geoff]

Strictly Come Digging.
Britain's Got Taters.

[oldherbaceous]

Geoff, that's awful!

[Westi]

Geoff! You're hired!

Westi