Welcome to our new regular garden column, where Girl About the North East, Maria shares life on her allotment as she learns the ropes.

A relative novice who only took on her Roots Allotment plot last year, she’s discovering what works (and what really doesn’t), one month at a time. While Girl About is all about travel, we know most adventures start at home – and gardens are pretty perfect places to slow down, get inspired, and plan the next trip.

Expect practical tips, honest lessons, and a reminder that you don’t have to be an expert to get growing.