'I used my back garden to help others after job loss'
"I was constantly studying on YouTube, I don't read books because I'm dyslexic but I can watch the video tutorials and learn from that."
Mr Jones has since given his produce to people in Halton, Cheshire, via food banks, boxes set up on streets and through social media."In 2025, people shouldn't be going hungry and if an avid gardener could plant a couple of vegetables that would feed their family, but then any surplus could be donated to a food bank or a charity, then together we could make a massive difference."After years of being on a waiting list for an allotment, he was given one in 2024 and, following media coverage of his work, Halton Borough Council offered him another allotment so he could grow more for residents who were struggling.Members of the local community and others interested in his work have rallied to fundraise for the allotments and he is now hoping to buy more durable tools.
He has set up a TikTok account called Mr Allotment to record his progress and maintain transparency and hopes it can inspire others."I've been asked to do things with schools, but at the minute because I'm doing everything on my own… it takes time away from me growing food for people in need."If a teacher wants to tune into my TikTok, ask questions, watch videos, watch the lives, they could learn and put it into fruition for themselves."Spending about 8-14 hours per day in the garden or allotments, he says he would "love to be able to do it as full-time but I've still got to work"."It's not an obsession - to me it is just like a general purpose."I just feel like if I'm able to help other people and if anyone's able to help other people, then they should try at least."
Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
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