Electric Future Foods Interview

A delightfully sunny south London allotment gleams in shades of green as we meet with community growers Darryl and Ella from Electric Future Foods…(@electricfuturefoods)

Have you discovered unexpected rewards from running a working allotment ?

Absolutely. One of the biggest surprises has been how it's changed our relationship with time and ownership. It might sound philosophical, but living alongside the seasons has helped us see the value in each one—even winter! Every season plays a role in the cycle of life on our plot, and now we find joy in all of them, along with their unpredictable weather.

Spending more time outside has also reminded us that we’re not just visitors in nature—we are nature. Our allotment has become a shared space with wildlife, where everything has a purpose. That shift has made us feel more like caretakers than owners. Supporting biodiversity keeps us endlessly inspired and full of curiosity.

What societal benefits do you think there are for embracing a community encompassing approach to produce growth?

We honestly believe that growing food together is one of the most radical, hopeful acts a community can take. It leads to better food, stronger connections, and healthier neighbourhoods.

This kind of grassroots growing builds ethical food systems that value life over abstract ideas like GDP. It helps us see the ripple effects of our actions and connects us with people we might not otherwise meet. Instead of being isolated cogs in a machine, we become more like a mycelium network—linked, resilient, and stronger through collaboration.

At a @no_mise_en_plastic event, we came across the term agroecology. It describes a way of farming that restores ecosystems and supports community ownership. It’s exactly the kind of model we believe in.

What are the steps to getting an allotment plot?

People often say it can take five to ten years to get a plot, but we were lucky—ours only took two. The trade-off was that our plots needed a lot of clearing and care, but it’s been so worth it.

Our advice? Get your name down—there’s nothing to lose. Many allotments hold open days where you can volunteer, or you can ask if any current plot holders need a hand. It's a great way to learn, get involved, and start building relationships in the allotment community.

What have you found thrives the best on your plot? In and above ground.

We inherited a few stars of the show! Rhubarb is a real wonder—it grows so quickly and seems totally at home here. We’ve had to get creative with how we use it, and that’s been half the fun.

Mint is another powerhouse, and we have to give a shoutout to our neighbour’s raspberries, which sneakily stretched their roots under the paths and into our plot! Leafy greens do well too, and this year we’ve grown an impressive garlic collection—Elephant, Germidour, Messidrome, and even some supermarket mystery bulbs. Broad beans are thriving too.

You have a variety of edible weeds on your plot which I’ve not seen on the supermarket shelves, what were they and why do you think that is? Because they were delicious.

The longer we garden, the more we realise that “weed” is just a matter of perspective! Many of these plants grow vigorously, and while they can take over if ignored, with a little care they become delicious, nutrient-rich additions to the plot.

Mint and lemon balm, for example, need taming—but their prunings make the most refreshing teas and natural aromatherapy! We use dandelion roots to make a rich, caffeine-free coffee. We’ve heard dandelion honey is amazing too—still on our list to try (thanks for the recipe @ethicalchef).

You might remember we shared some nasturtium leaves, sorrel, sweet cicely and land cress—all self-seeding and abundant, perfect for colourful, zesty salads.

Thanks to our new friend Arran (who sent us sweet cicely after a brilliant panel at @Universityof WestLondon with @Josh_Sparkes), we’ve really grown our appreciation for perennials. They’re often more nutritious and climate-resilient than annuals—and yet supermarkets stock almost none of them. Why? Possibly because they don’t fit the industrial model of food production, or don’t store as well as something like iceberg lettuce. Whatever the reason, we think we’re missing out. Growing your own is a beautiful way to reclaim that diversity.

What is the importance of striking a balance on your plot between the produce and bugs or pollinators?

Bugs and pollinators are vital to a thriving garden. They help recycle nutrients and support soil health. Sadly, our soils have been so neglected that people are more likely to buy worm castings online than nurture the worms in their own ground.

But here’s the thing: the more life we welcome into our plots, the healthier the soil becomes. And with better soil, we grow better food. It’s a joyful feedback loop, and when you see it in action, it’s honestly magical.

Any tips for first timers looking into growing their own produce ?

Start small and stay curious. Choose a mix of perennials (which return year after year) and annuals, and focus on growing things you love to eat—especially those hard to find in shops.

We began with herbs on a windowsill, then moved onto raised beds with purple sprouting broccoli and kale, followed by sacks of purple potatoes (we love purple food, can you tell?).

Even the tiniest space can grow something! For easy, UK-friendly crops, we’d recommend:

• Nasturtiums – edible flowers and peppery leaves

• Claytonia – a mild, vitamin C-rich leaf

• Broad beans & garlic – great for overwintering

And don’t go it alone—community gardens are often looking for volunteers. The best way to learn is by getting your hands in the soil.