As part of our ‘From the Plot’ series on Instagram, we’ve been chatting to inspirational growers who generously share their gardening knowledge with others. We spoke to Stef Davies – the pet loving grower behind @the_aplotmentshire. Discover how Stef’s hungry pets inspired her to take on a new allotment, install a wildlife pond and plan a beautiful garden makeover…
My first project was a pond
Like many others, I started gardening during lockdown. One of my first projects was a pond, which took about three years to actually ‘work’ (I almost filled it in out of frustration!), but now it’s one of my favourite parts of the garden and has really brought the space to life.
I started growing vegetables for my pets
Images courtesy of @the_aplotmentshire
I live in Northampton with my dachshund Otis, three rabbits and a chinchilla. I wanted to grow food for my animals, and my first attempt was spinach… which blew all over the garden, so I gave up for a bit. But in 2023, everything changed when I got an allotment…
The plan was to grow a whole range of fresh food for the animals, and they’ve definitely been spoiled by what I’ve produced! At the allotment, I follow a no-dig, mulch-heavy approach, with lots of composting and upcycling. I now grow food for myself, local wildlife and my rabbits. It’s a bit wild and a bit wonky, but it works.
Garden upcycling projects make me happy
Images courtesy of @the_aplotmentshire
When I got my allotment, I basically treated the garden like an outdoor shed – everything was grown at the plot, while the garden filled up with tools, pots and chaos. Then, in January, I decided to take what I’d learned and finally create something beautiful at home – a proper space to enjoy!
I’ve just finished a full garden makeover complete with lots of pots filled with plants and a few fun upcycling projects. But for me, gardening isn’t just about plants – it’s about creating an enjoyable space. I transformed an ugly old plastic storage box into a new seating area (still chuffed with that one), made a safe spot for wildlife at the bottom of the garden, and even built a bug hotel out of an old pallet. Plus, it’s all dog-safe, so Otis can enjoy it too!
Squash is my favourite weed suppressant
Images courtesy of @the_aplotmentshire
It’s hard to pick just one favourite crop! Squash is a must-have because it feeds me and smothers weeds. Corn makes the list simply because it’s flipping delicious! Kale and broccoli are essentials too – my bunnies demand them. And then there are the dahlias… I only started growing them last year, but somehow I now have over 30. They’re addictive, aren’t they?
I keep costs down by reusing and swapping
Images courtesy of @the_aplotmentshire
When you’re starting out, you don’t need to buy everything at once. Spread the cost, check out second-hand stuff, reuse items from your kitchen, and look for seed swaps. It all adds up.
If you’re growing food, grow what you actually want to eat! Mulch like your life depends on it, and spend time getting to know your soil conditions.
Gardening is a constant learning curve
Images courtesy of @the_aplotmentshire
I don’t finish many projects – I get excited at the start and lose interest halfway through. But gardening is never done, which weirdly suits me. Even when something fails, there’s always something else just around the corner to keep me interested. I’m constantly learning, and always surprised and excited by what’s growing!
Growing year round crops is my goal
Images courtesy of @the_aplotmentshire
I’m currently turning the pond area into a proper wildlife zone and focusing on growing more year-round food for me and the bunnies. And, for the first time, it really feels like I’ve managed to achieve a lovely garden and a productive plot.
If you enjoy gardening that’s scrappy, honest, and a little bit chaotic, I’m documenting it all as I go – sharing the ups, the downs, and the “didn’t know that!” moments over on Instagram. I’d love you to join me!
Grow like Stef
Quick growing swiss chard provides regular tasty harvests
Image: Leaf Beet ‘Bright Lights’ – Seeds from Suttons (© Dreamstime)
If you want to grow like Stef, here are just a few of her favourites:
Follow Stef over at @the_aplotmentshire to keep up to date with her gardening battles, surprise harvests, and the chaos in between. And if you want to read about other inspirational growers, check out everyone featured in our ‘From the Plot’ series for a wealth of practical advice.
