Tech and the beanstalk:a modern-day myth

When an AI can tell me how to tackle bindweed in my London allotment and actually be correct, I'll start to believe in artificial general intelligence

- Nicole Kobie

I Phones have a neat little trick: take a picture of a leaf, tap the information icon in the Photos app, and it will identify the plant.

When I first discovered this, it seemed like a mini miracle. I lack horticultural knowledge - what's the opposite of green fingers? - but inexplicably decided an allotment was a wise idea. When we first joined the waiting list, it was 12 to 15 years long. Plenty of time to learn about a hobby we wouldn't actually take up in earnest until our later years. Then Covid happened and, depressingly, the list evaporated and we had a plot.

We had to learn fast. But no worries, right? We live in the future, with all the world's information at our grubby fingertips thanks to the internet, with Al chatbots to help us along. When I'm lost, I use satellites to plot a path to my destination using Google Maps. Short on groceries, there's an app that will see my missing ingredients arrive at my door in under an hour. Can't remember something? Ask ChatGPT.

I have learned to rely on the internet and technology to make up for my (many) shortcomings. But that doesn't work in an allotment.

There's plenty of information available online about how to plant, water or feed plants you want and get rid of the ones you don't.