This month we feature our runner-up in our Passionate Plotter competition, Val Brown from Liverpool. Val always dreamt of having a smallholding and now she is retired her allotment is a dream fulfilled

DO YOU TEND YOUR PLOT ON YOUR OWN?

I tend my plot with my friend Hazel who just loves digging, clearing and keeping the grass paths neatly clipped.

DO YOU HAVE AN ALLOTMENT OR VEG PLOT IN YOUR GARDEN?

I have an allotment and have just taken on an extra half plot next to mine in order to keep it tidy for a new tenant. In total I have got 320sq m of space.

WHAT VARIETY OF VEGETABLE CAN YOU RECOMMEND?

What a difficult question as I think all vegetables are worthy of recommendation. However, I think it would have to be a cauliflower. You start planting a few seeds at the beginning of March and then every couple of weeks thereafter. You watch the leaves grow and then gradually curl over the centre, you have a little peep and there is a tiny grape-sized cauliflower curd nestled inside. You turn your back, the rain comes down and before you know it you have a couple of dozen beautiful cauliflowers all ready at the same time! My neighbours have been very well fed this summer.