Man to man.

But on closer inspection, you can spot the women's plots.

"The women tend to be more fastidious than the men and like to make sure they have got rid of every last weed," said Ken Carsley, chairman of Knutsford Allotment Society.

But it didn't stop Dennis Taylor from reaping the rewards for cultivating the best allotment in town.

He beat 100 other local gardeners to take home the prized trophy.

"You have to be quite skilful really and as things go off you have to replace them," said Mr Taylor, 56, of Mead Close.

"But there is no jealousy. It is not like we are after bigger beans than the next man."

For those with allotments in Mereheath Lane, all that breaks the silence is the distant drone of traffic on the M6.

"It is somewhere we can go to get away from it all," said Mr Carsley. "But we could do without the motorway and being so close to the road because it would be so much quieter."

Last week, after months of toil and trouble, the gardens and their gardeners were enjoying a brief rest.

For soon the battle lines will be drawn against the marauding mice, moles and rabbits that attack the crops every year.

But the biggest threat is from frost.

"It is what we all dread," said Ernie Richards, 78, of Mansion Drive.

"The dedicated gardener will get up before the sun rises to water the allotments because otherwise the vegetables will burst and die."

Many allotments have disappeared in Knutsford over the years.

Shortly after the Second World War, builders paid £15 per tree to ensure the gardeners in Drury Lane left quietly, before building houses on their land.

For now the plots in Mereheath Lane, Sparrow Lane and Warren Avenue appear to be safe.

But Mr Richards fears it will not always be so.

"It will happen here one day as well," he said.

The waiting list of budding gardeners seeking their own corner of Knutsford is shorter than usual for this time of year.

But those who enjoy the good life remain a varied bunch.

"Those who use sprays may as well go to the supermarket to buy theirs," said Mr Richards.

"The point is to grow things naturally and that is what most of us do."

If you are interested in an allotment call Ken Carsley on 01565 632569.