Hi, my names Derek and I'm very new to this Blogging thingy, so forgive me if I asking loads of questions, because I don't think there's a right or wrong way to garden and by asking questions, sharing tips and information helps us all to get better at what we love. I'd like to start by telling you a little bit about myself and my gardening journey. I took my first allotment on at the tender age of 25, (I'm now 62) and have had an allotment ever since. Before that I tried to grow every vegetable imaginable in buckets, bags and any containers, I could fit in a tiny concrete back garden. Neadles to say there were many failures aswel as successes. I now have two allotments and a massive back garden to grow as much veg in as I can. All surplus veg I give to our local soup kitchens. I now grow mainly for the show bench at local and county level. I also grow giant veggies for exhibiting at the three county shows in Malvern. I'm really excited about the new growing season because after the last couple of years I'm now fully back on track. I sincerely hope that you all enjoy my posts and have an amazing season. Bring on the 2023 season.