The Gledhow Valley site is one of the biggest in Leeds with 129 plots on land between Harrogate Road and Gledhow Valley Road.

The allotments have been in existence since the First World War.

Here in the middle of suburbia is the good life in action.

All sorts of fruit and vegetables are grown not just standards like potatoes. The plots are also used to grow more exotic squashes and fruits.

Most of the plots come complete with fruit bushes, raspberry canes, strawberry patches and rhubarb.

Bill Smickersgill and Dennis Noble

Bill Smickersgill has been self-sufficient in vegetables for years.

Bill gives six reasons to go gardening: "It provides healthy exercise, is out in the fresh air, produces fresh fruit and veg, is environmentally friendly, close to nature and saves you money!"

He is particularly keen on growing his squash crop and says the site is the perfect chance to leave the cares of the world behind.

Mr Smickersgill says: "Once you're through that gate, you're into another world."

Get your wellies on
If you are thinking it's time to get your wellies on and harvest some fruit and veg then Bill Smickersgill is keen to see you.

"We've got plots and half-plots available and if you've no experience of growing vegetables we'll help you to get started."

Dennis Noble has had an allotment on the site for 35 years and is one of the most dedicated gardeners. He goes, along with his grandchildren, every Sunday morning to pick fresh vegetables for Sunday lunch.

Dedication
That sort of dedication is well understood by Charles Blundell.

Charles Blundell

Mr Blundell confirms: "Nothing tastes as good as veg you've grown yourself.

"Once you've tasted something you've picked only an hour before you'll never buy veg from a supermarket again."

Distribution
A well-stocked shed is the social centre of the site. The distribution centre of the Chapel Allerton Garden Association is run by volunteers.

It opens several times a week during summer and winter, stocking seeds, compost and other gardening supplies.

The distribution centre

It costs only £2 a year to join the Association and is open to anyone who is a resident of Chapel Allerton - you don't have to be an allotment holder.

A full plot of 300 square yards can be rented at the allotments for only £20 a year. Half-plots cost even less.

If you have been bitten by the allotment bug, you can get more information by calling Maggi Jozefowicz on 0113 269 1010.