It all started with a few runner beans in the back garden, more years ago than I care to remember. Now I’ve got a whole allotment to myself and the veg are still making a bid to take over the flower border (to say nothing of ousting the geraniums from my patio pots. And the greenhouse). My poor allotment-widower husband and my two little girls have grown used to the sight of me elbow-deep in home-grown courgettes as the kitchen fills with the scent of bubbling chutney. And my kids eat sprouts. Happily. (Though they still prefer the strawberries – actually, secretly, so do I.). That alone makes growing your own worthwhile in my book.

All about me:

Most likely to be found: In the shed or at the end of a spade

General appearance: Muddy and a little windswept

Likes: Sun-warmed strawberries picked seconds before (actually, make that ‘loves’. With a passion)

Dislikes: Mice

Desert island fruit/vegetable: Did I mention the strawberries? And peas – also freshly-picked.

Other distractions: two benignly neglected but well-fed kids, a long-suffering husband, scruffy dog, three cats and varying numbers of chickens