I am an enthusiastic but somewhat shambolic gardener. When I moved into my house I inherited fruit trees and a lot of lawn. Since then I have built veg beds, a somewhat wobbly polytunnel, a soft fruit bed and a chicken house for my three re-homed chickens. This has all been a steep learning curve and I still have A LOT to learn. I listen to Gardener’s Question Time, watch Monty’s weekly greenfingered masterclasses and dip in and out of the odd book but really I’m learning on the hoof. Some things work great, others are dire mistakes. I’m not good at writing labels or noting down what I do and when I do it - a rooky error. I’m organic and believe in space and mess for all the other incredible beings I’m lucky enough to share my space with. Having a garden and growing my own food feels like a radical act and a traditional treat all at the same time. I truly believe everyone should have access to some growing space and that gardening, food production and cooking should be a key component of every child’s education.

I’m a decent cook, not flash or cheiffy but I love good food and can rustle up a tasty meal. Growing my own fruit and veg means there are times when I am frankly sick of looking at courgettes and fit to bursting with a belly full of plums. So I have embraced the art of preserving - jams, compotes, fruit leathers, chutneys, pickles, relishes - there are no end of options once you wander down that path. There is something hugely satisfying about piling your toast with raspberry jam in the cold mornings of January knowing that the jarred sunshine was all of your own doing and a promise of things to come.