The winners of our 2016 Passionate Plotter competition were John and Karen Ashcroft from La ncashire. Now, in his own words, John gives an update on how their plot has progressed

It seems like only yesterday while sitting at this computer that I received an email from Kitchen Garden magazine.This was an email like no other, announcing as it did our totally unexpected success in the KG Passionate Plotter Competition for 2016.

We were delighted with our success in our first year of serious vegetable cultivation, made easier as we are now virtually both retired. One year on and we have tried to maintain our momentum and disprove the theory that it was ‘beginner’s luck’. Despite the inevitable setbacks, our enthusiasm and optimism remains undiminished. It goes without saying that it is very gratifying and a real confidence booster when somebody like KG recognises your hard work!

RAISING THE STAKES

I am totally convinced that our allotment, which is only a five-minute walk from our cottage in rural Lancashire, has benefited from having raised beds. Initially, we purchased second-hand scaffolding planks and these worked really well, especially when it came to weeding (which was relatively easy).The second plot we took on towards the middle of the growing season had crops planted directly into the soil and the difference in the maintenance of the two systems was quite remarkable; give me raised beds every time!