The Veg Grower Podcast: Recent Episodes
Richard
If you are interested in growing your own food , then this is the podcast for you. Each week Join Richard Suggett as he shares his experience of growing food in his allotment and back garden.
This week’s episode comes from the second week of August, following one of the driest Julys on record. The allotment and kitchen garden are both feeling the strain, with soil baked so hard that water beads on the surface and runs off rather than soaking in. Despite the challenges, progress continues — from experimenting with greywater filtration to planning green manures and keeping established crops alive through the drought.
Allotment Update: Hydrophobic Soil & Survival ModeThe main theme this week is hydrophobic soil — ground so dry and compacted that it actively repels water. Beds have become rock‑hard, making digging, planting and watering difficult. Watering still has to be done by hand with cans, taking up to two hours to give each bed a proper deep soak. It’s heavy work, but essential for keeping established crops alive.
With conditions too harsh for planting out young plants, the focus has shifted to:
- Keeping mature crops alive with deep, infrequent watering
- Delaying new plantings until the soil can absorb moisture again
- Planning ahead by clearing beds for a potato‑specific green manure
- Tidying perennial areas like the gooseberry patch and bramble‑filled corners
- Preparing for wetter weather so the site is easier to manage when conditions improve
Green manures have been a success in previous seasons, helping reduce pests and disease, and with blight not yet appearing this year, it’s a good moment to prepare beds for next year’s potato rotation.
Kitchen Garden: Greywater Trials & Practical HousekeepingAt home, the drought has prompted a deeper look at greywater reuse. After a failed experiment using water mint as a natural filter, a more structured filtration system has been tested:
- A bucket drilled with holes
- Layers of gravel, sand, charcoal and straw
- Some success in removing contaminants
- Some soap residues still present
It’s an ongoing experiment, but a promising step toward making greywater safer for garden use during droughts.
Other practical jobs this week include:
- A garage clear‑out, removing broken petrol tools and freeing up space
- A renewed focus on repairable, durable or compostable items to reduce waste
- Sowing overwintering onions and radish for supporters, though germination is uncertain in the dry soil
- Using mulches and compost to help established plants cope with the heat
Recipe of the Week: Smoked Sweetcorn & Courgette SaladThis week’s recipe is a vibrant summer dish that makes the most of seasonal produce:
Smoked sweetcorn and courgette salad with chilli butter croutons
- Charred sweetcorn and courgette
- Lime‑honey‑mustard dressing
- Crisp chilli‑spiced breadcrumbs
It’s colourful, flavourful and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken — a perfect late‑summer plate.
Hydrophobic Soil: Causes, Fixes & Long‑Term PreventionThe episode closes with a detailed look at hydrophobic soil — what causes it, how to fix it, and how to prevent it in future droughts.
Why Soil Becomes Hydrophobic* Organic particles dry out and harden * Soil structure collapses * Water beads and runs off instead of soaking in * Beds flood when rain finally arrives because water cannot penetrate
Short‑Term Fixes Repeated light watering with a fine rose * Laying damp hessian or cardboard to soften the surface * Bottom‑watering containers* to wick moisture up * Gentle, patient rewetting rather than one heavy soak
Long‑Term Prevention Regular additions of organic matter * Consistent mulching with straw, leaf mould or woodchips * Avoiding complete drying by giving a light weekly watering during drought * Using soil conditioners like coir or biochar * Adding shade or wind protection for exposed raised beds * Slow, deliberate watering or drip irrigation* to allow moisture to penetrate
These techniques help rebuild soil structure, improve moisture retention and make gardens more resilient as droughts become more frequent.
OutroDespite one of the driest periods in recent memory, progress continues across both the allotment and kitchen garden. With careful watering, thoughtful planning and a focus on soil health, the garden is still producing — and laying the groundwork for better seasons ahead.
Listeners are thanked for their support, and the podcast celebrates placing tenth in Feedspot’s Top 100 Horticulture Podcasts. As always, feedback, questions and tips are warmly welcomed.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
August has arrived, and this week’s episode moves between the kitchen garden, allotment and podding shed. I choose spinach Medania as the seed of the month, share progress during a stubborn dry spell, turn ripe tomatoes into a quick pasta supper and revisit a gardening book that puts flavour first.
August Seed of the Month: Spinach MedaniaSpinach Medania is a strong choice for an August sowing. Sow seeds one to two centimetres deep and keep them moist; germination normally takes seven to fourteen days. Module-grown seedlings can be planted out at twenty to twenty-five centimetres apart. Pick young outer leaves regularly, or allow plants to mature for generous autumn harvests. Protect later crops with fleece or a cloche in colder weather. Its dark-green leaves work equally well in salads and cooked dishes.
Kitchen Garden and Allotment NotesWith nesting season over, I carefully checked and trimmed the congested blackberry and tayberry growth. I am also experimenting with aquatic plants and grey water during the drought, while treating this as a cautious trial rather than a ready-made irrigation solution. The Vegepod continues to supply plenty of salad, while the allotment has produced an enormous courgette, more space around the gooseberries and room for another planting of leeks. Regular hand-picking seems to have reduced the caterpillar pressure on the brassicas.
Roasted Tomato and Basil PastaThis weeks recipe of the week is roasted tomato and basil pasta. A delicous and easy dish to cook up using some of those lovely homegrown tomatoes that are in abbundance right now.
Reading for GrowersBob Flowerdew’s The Gourmet Gardener argues for choosing crops and varieties for exceptional taste, freshness and enjoyment. Its detailed organic-growing guidance and preserving ideas make it a useful reference for confident growers, even if beginners may prefer to browse one crop at a time. In August, the podcast reading choice moves to Ade Sellars’ The Plot on the Hill: The Carrot Catastrophe, a magical allotment adventure for younger readers.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week’s episode is all about focus, tidying, and keeping the garden productive during a long dry spell. Richard starts at the allotment, where he’s been tackling untidy borders, harvesting potatoes and filling gaps with new plantings. Back home, a big organisational job has transformed the plant‑pot collection into a neat, usable system.
We also have a seasonal recipe, a timely listener email about grey water, and a quick update on the bees.
Allotment Update: Borders, Potatoes and Continuous PlantingRichard starts the week by assessing the allotment and creating a list of areas to concentrate on. The borders and edges, often the first places to become untidy, are prioritised for improvement. This structured approach helps break the plot into manageable zones.
Potato harvesting continues, adding to the week’s produce. Newly cleared spaces are immediately replanted:
- Kale planted into gaps left by harvested crops
- Cabbages planned for planting soon
This ensures that the allotment remains productive even during drought conditions.
Kitchen Garden: Organising the Plant PotsA single large job was chosen for the kitchen garden this week: sorting the extensive collection of plant pots. Over time, pots had accumulated from various projects and purchases, creating a substantial backlog.
The sorting process included:
- Organising pots by size
- Disposing of damaged or unusable pots
- Cleaning and storing good pots neatly
- Setting aside reusable extras for future use
The result is a more organised and efficient workspace.
Recipe of the Week: Tomato and Courgette GratinThis week’s recipe features a simple yet delicious tomato and courgette gratin that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients, this dish is a wonderful way to make the most of your garden’s bounty. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side or a light main, this gratin offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
For the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, follow the link below to discover how to create this golden, bubbling delight in your own kitchen. It’s an ideal way to use up those abundant summer courgettes and enjoy a taste of the season..
In the Podding Shed: Grey Water and Bee UpdateA listener email from Lynn raises the topic of using grey water in the garden, a relevant issue as parts of the UK face hosepipe bans and prolonged dry weather.
Topics discussed include:
- When grey water is safe to use
- Suitable plants for grey water
- Avoiding harmful detergents
- Reducing pressure on stored water during droughts
Lynn also requests a bee update, and Richard shares the latest news on the colony.
This week on the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard tackles caterpillars on the brassicas, gets his leeks planted at last, enjoys a strong run of summer harvests, completes a few kitchen‑garden jobs, shares a simple stir‑fried bean recipe, and looks at the best ways to store soft fruit.
Allotment UpdateThe allotment kept Richard busy with pests this week. While tending the broccoli, he spotted cabbage white caterpillars chewing through the leaves. Instead of using pesticides, he checked each leaf, picked off the caterpillars by hand, destroyed the eggs and took the caterpillars home for the chickens. Netting helps keep butterflies out, but it also makes day‑to‑day care awkward, so Richard plans to attract more birds to the plot with feeders and bird houses.
The leeks — sown back in January — finally went into the ground after the garlic came out. Each leek dropped into a dibbed hole and received a good soak. Daily watering will help them settle in. Harvests this week included courgettes, tomatoes, blackberries, currants, rhubarb, cabbage and second early potatoes, which performed much better than the first earlies. The soil remains very dry and the allotment badly needs rain.
Kitchen Garden UpdateA few small jobs kept the kitchen garden productive. Richard trimmed thyme, rosemary and sage to encourage fresh growth and better flavour. Soft prunings went straight into the kitchen, and healthy stems went into water to root into new plants. He also extended the chicken area with poultry netting, giving the hens more space to forage while keeping them safe from foxes and Roxy the dog.
The hot bin ran smoothly this week. Richard removed finished compost from the bottom and added fresh material to the top. The mix of greens and browns keeps the bin hot and active, producing crumbly compost much faster than a traditional heap.
Recipe of the Week: Stir‑Fried Summer BeansThis week’s recipe is a quick stir‑fried bean dish made with runner beans, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey and sesame oil. The beans cook until bright and tender, then get coated in the fragrant sauce and finished with sesame seeds. It’s simple, fresh and perfect alongside grilled meats, noodles or rice.
From the Potting ShedSoft fruit spoils quickly, so Richard explored the best ways to store it. Freezing works well when fruit is frozen individually on trays before bagging. Raspberry jam is the easiest preserve to make, and jellies offer a smooth alternative. Bottling gives long‑lasting results without using freezer space. Fruit wines — raspberry, blackberry, gooseberry, rhubarb and elderflower — offer another way to preserve flavour. Dehydrating creates fruit leathers and chewy snacks that store well.
Storing soft fruit properly reduces waste and keeps summer flavours available all year.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Welcome to Episode 666 of the Veg Grower Podcast. This week Richard has been juggling warm, humid weather, kitchen‑garden pruning, allotment challenges, and an exciting new project helping a young couple start their very first vegetable garden. It’s a classic midsummer mix of maintenance, problem‑solving and inspiration.
Here’s what’s been happening.
In the Kitchen GardenThe week began with early‑morning gardening sessions — the only time cool enough to work comfortably. Richard has been potting on cucumbers, cabbages, cauliflowers and kale, watering in the mornings to reduce slug activity, and making steady progress despite the heat.
Grapevine PruningA major job this week was pruning and training the productive grapevine. Richard explains how careful thinning improves fruit size and airflow, and shares his experiment with a Bramley apple grown from seed and trained as a step‑over tree. It’s decorative, compact, and a fun long‑term project.
Water ConservationA new rainwater collection system has been attached to the greenhouse, along with an additional water butt. With rainfall scarce, every drop counts.
Down the AllotmentWarm, humid weather has made allotment visits tricky, but straw mulch continues to keep beds moist and plants healthy. Richard has been heading down early at weekends to stay on top of jobs.
Potato ProblemsA late frost in early May killed the foliage of the first‑early potatoes, and the harvest has been disappointing — only enough for a couple of meals from a whole bed. Richard reflects on how weather extremes affect yields and why growing your own food matters more than ever.
Mixed HarvestsDespite the potato setback, other crops have been more encouraging:
- Broad beans
- Courgettes
- Overwintered onions (small but usable)
- Rhubarb
- Tomatoes from the greenhouse
Broad bean plants have been cut back, with roots left in the soil to return nitrogen.
Straw Mulch: Still the HeroStraw mulch has once again proved invaluable, keeping potatoes and other crops less stressed and prompting Richard to buy another bale to replace what’s been used.
Recipe of the WeekWarm Summer Cabbage & Herb Pan‑FryThis week’s recipe is a simple, delicious cabbage dish perfect as a barbecue side. Finely shredded cabbage is sautéed with onions, garlic, wholegrain mustard, butter and fresh herbs. Quick cooking keeps it sweet, and it’s a great way to use summer cabbage
A New Vegetable Garden ProjectOne of the most exciting parts of this week’s episode is the start of a brand‑new edible garden for Lisa and Alistair, who have just moved into a house with a large front garden.
Richard visited to help them plan their first vegetable patch, offering guidance on:
- Clearing and reorganising an overgrown compost area
- Removing unwanted trees
- Preparing a 10×20 metre vegetable area
- Planning for a greenhouse
- Installing sunk IBC water tanks
- Building raised beds (possibly from reclaimed sleepers)
Garden designers John and Bryony will help shape the layout, and Richard will be checking in monthly to track progress. Listeners can follow the project on Instagram at Rooted at Belvedere.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Welcome to Episode 665 of the Veg Grower Podcast. This week Richard shares a classic mix of summer gardening jobs — fruit thinning, sweetcorn planting, slug control, greenhouse tidying — plus our Seed of the Month, a refreshing cabbage slaw recipe, and a look at July’s Book of the Month.
It’s been warm and humid on the allotment, but thanks to straw mulch and careful watering, everything is thriving. Let’s dive into what’s been happening this week.
Down the AllotmentThe allotment has been busy with seasonal tasks, starting with fruit thinning after the June drop. Richard explains why apples and pears shed fruit naturally, and why thinning further helps produce bigger, tastier fruit and prevents biennial bearing. It’s a job that feels counter‑intuitive, but the long-term benefits are worth it.
Gooseberries are ready, but harvesting them has become nearly impossible due to thorns and invading brambles. Richard shares his difficult decision to dig up the existing bushes and replant with thornless varieties to make the area more productive and easier to maintain.
Elsewhere on the plot:
- Straw mulch continues to reduce watering needs
- Leeks are being held back until cooler, wetter weather
- The final batch of sweetcorn has been planted
- New potatoes, courgettes, rhubarb and cabbage are being harvested
- A surprise rat encounter added a bit of drama to the week
Tune in to hear the full story and Richard’s thoughts on keeping the allotment productive.
Seed of the Month — KohlrabiThis month’s seed is kohlrabi, a quirky root crop that looks alien but tastes fantastic — sweeter than turnips and incredibly versatile.
Richard shares:
- How he sows it directly into the soil
- Why consistent moisture is essential
- How to thin seedlings to 20–25cm spacing
- Why harvesting at golf‑ball size gives the best flavour
- How flea beetle and slugs can be managed
- Ways to use kohlrabi in the kitchen, including roasting, stir‑fries and slaws
- And a reminder that the leaves are edible too
It’s a great crop for summer sowing and offers two harvests from one plant.
In the Kitchen GardenThe kitchen garden has been all about organisation this week. Richard tidied the area in front of the greenhouse, sorted pots, removed weeds, and potted up cabbage, swede and late brassicas. The chickens’ area also had a tidy, making the whole garden feel calmer and more productive.
Slug & Snail BattlesSlugs and snails have been relentless this year, especially around the bean plants. Richard shares several methods he’s using:
- Yeast traps made from wine sediment
- Watering in the morning
- Upturned pots to collect slugs overnight
- Feeding trapped slugs to chickens and birds
It’s a constant challenge, but numbers are slowly coming down.
General Garden Notes* Tomatoes are loving the warm weather * Herbs are thriving but dry * Mulch continues to help retain moisture * Courgettes and other crops are producing well * Marigolds are being deadheaded daily to keep flowers coming
The kitchen garden is productive, colourful and full of life.
Recipe of the WeekSummer Cabbage & Peanut Slaw with Lime & Chili DressingThis week’s recipe turns a humble summer cabbage into something exciting. Richard grates cabbage, carrot and red onion, adds fresh herbs and chili, and finishes with a zingy lime dressing and roasted peanuts.
It’s crunchy, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather. You can find the full recipe on the blog.
Book of the Month — The Victorian Kitchen Garden by Jennifer DaviesRichard reviews this classic book, which accompanies the BBC series of the same name. He explores:
- Victorian walled gardens
- Skilled head gardeners
- Coal‑heated greenhouses
- Hotbeds made from fresh manure
- Fruit‑tree training
- Soil care and mulching
- Season extension techniques
- The craftsmanship and attention to detail of Victorian growers
He reflects on how these traditional methods still inspire modern gardening, from mulching to careful observation, and why the book feels grounding and motivating.
Next month’s book will be The Gourmet Gardener by Bob Flowerdew.
Listener Tips & CommentsEllen emailed a brilliant moisture‑saving idea: placing rhubarb leaves on the soil to conserve water. It’s similar to chop‑and‑drop mulching and works surprisingly well.
Lynne commented on Spotify that she was gardening at 6am, following Richard’s discussion last week. Her area recorded the hottest temperature in the country that day — proof that early starts can make a big difference.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Welcome to Episode 664 of the Veg Grower Podcast. This week has been shaped by one thing: heat. With temperatures soaring and humidity making everything feel heavier, Richard has been adapting his gardening routine to keep both the kitchen garden and the allotment thriving during a heatwave.
In this episode, he shares how early mornings, deep watering, mulching, and a few clever tools have helped him stay on top of things during a UK heatwave. If you’re growing food in hot weather — or want to be prepared for when the next heatwave arrives — this is an episode worth listening to.
In the Kitchen Garden: Heatwave GardeningThe kitchen garden has been a challenge and a joy this week. With the house feeling like an oven, Richard has been heading outside at 5:30am to make the most of the cooler hours. These peaceful early mornings have become the perfect time to water, tidy, and enjoy the garden before the heat sets in.
In the podcast, Richard talks about:
- How he’s using deep watering to keep crops alive
- Why his Ryobi pump has been a huge time‑saver
- Filling gaps with tomatoes, chillies and peppers
- Updates from the edible pond and its oxygenating plants
- Improvements planned for the chicken area
- What’s been harvested despite the heat
If you want to hear how the kitchen garden is coping — and what’s thriving — tune in to the full episode.
Down the AllotmentIt’s been a productive week on the allotment too, especially with a fantastic 6kg harvest of Morello cherries. Richard shares how he processed them and what’s next for the stone fruit trees now that harvesting is complete.
In the episode, you’ll hear about:
- Summer pruning of cherries, peaches and plums
- How straw mulch has been the hero of the heatwave
- What’s growing well in straw bale beds
- Sweetcorn, squash, pumpkins and onions
- This week’s allotment harvests
If you’re looking for practical allotment tips for hot weather, this segment is packed with them.
Recipe of the WeekTomato & Herb Summer Salad with ChickpeasThis week’s recipe is a refreshing, no‑cook dish perfect for hot weather and ideal for using up homegrown tomatoes and herbs.
You’ll find the full recipe in its own blog post.
From the Podding ShedIn this week’s reflective segment, Richard talks about how gardening is changing as UK summers become hotter. He shares his thoughts on adapting our growing methods, staying safe in extreme heat, and planning for the future.
Topics include:
- Working early or late in the day
- Staying hydrated and sun‑safe
- Providing water for wildlife and chickens
- Increasing rainwater storage
- Growing more drought‑tolerant edible crops
- Why mulch continues to be essential
It’s a thoughtful discussion about how we can all continue growing food even as the climate shifts.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week on the Veg Grower Podcast, I took you with me on my annual pilgrimage to Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC in Birmingham — for the very last time at this venue before the show moves to a new location next year. And what a send‑off it was.
Right from the moment I stepped into the Beautiful Borders, it was clear that grow‑your‑own is becoming more deeply woven into garden design. As I said in the episode, “I’m already in the beautiful borders and I can already see there’s lots of vegetables incorporated in the design of these gardens.”
From chard and strawberries to pumpkins, herbs and even buckets of potatoes, veg was everywhere — and it looked fantastic.
Lucy’s ‘Make a Meter Matter’ GardenOne of the highlights of the show was catching up with the brilliant Lucy, who created a stunning grow‑your‑own themed border built around the idea that one square metre can make a difference.
Her horseshoe‑shaped layout featured nine individual 1m² zones, each packed with ideas for different types of growers. As Lucy explained, “If you can just convert one meter of your outdoor space into somewhere where plants can thrive and grow, then that’s a brilliant thing.”
The Kids’ Growing ZonesLucy dedicated three metres to inspiring children to grow:
- Speedy veg with egg‑head planters, quick lettuces and tactile mint
- Pizza & pasta plants including basil, rocket and the adorable Micro Tom tomato
- Smoothie ingredients like blueberries, strawberries, kale and beetroot
Her goal was simple: make growing fun, colourful and irresistible.
Urban & Rental GardenersNext came three metres designed for those with balconies, courtyards or tiny spaces:
- Eco‑warrior zone with coir pots, wooden labels and guerrilla‑gardening seed bombs
- Party‑goer zone complete with a mini ceramic BBQ (yes — the same one I own!)
- Gourmet zone featuring Malabar spinach, cucamelons, Japanese parsley and more
Fruit in Small SpacesLucy’s final three metres championed fruit — something she feels is underrepresented. She showcased:
- Beautifully trained apples
- Compact currants and strawberries
- A one‑metre forest garden of “super fruits”
- Micro‑fruit options for pots
As she put it, “Fruit is so underrated and underrepresented in the gardening world.”
Exploring the Show & New IdeasAfter dragging myself away from the show gardens (never easy!), I wandered the stalls, picked up a few tools and plants, and soaked up the atmosphere. I love how these events spark new ideas — even if they make me want to redesign my entire garden.
Mushroom Growing with the K BrothersI also sat in on a fascinating talk by the K Brothers, known for their mushroom‑growing kits. Even though I’m allergic to mushrooms, I’m always intrigued by how accessible mushroom cultivation has become.
Jodie explained that mushrooms will grow on almost any organic material: “They will grow on any organic material… books or straw or sawdust or cardboard or your old jeans.”
Their kits use hardwood sawdust for maximum nutrition, and with daily misting you can harvest mushrooms in as little as three weeks.
Plant Expert Stand with Saul WalkerTo round off the episode, I caught up with Saul Walker, who shared insights from the plant expert stand. Climate change, unpredictable weather patterns and plant establishment issues dominated the questions this year.
As Saul noted, “The key with gardening is you need that stability… now that things are changing every year… I don’t know what to say sometimes.”
Aphids, scale insects and general plant stress were also common topics — all reminders of how important diversity, observation and early intervention are in our gardens.
This week on the Veg Grower Podcast, I’ve been making the most of a week off work — and it’s amazing how much difference a few focused days can make. Daily visits to the allotment have helped me get on top of all those little jobs that build up, and the plot is looking better than it has in a long time. It really has been a week of garlic harvest and garden tidying, and everything is thriving for it.
Allotment ProgressThe highlight of the week has been the garlic harvest. The bulbs grown on the allotment have outperformed those at home, with bigger bulbs and stronger stems. They’re now curing in the greenhouse ready for long‑term storage.
I’ve also been cutting back large clumps of comfrey for the compost bin. It’s growing vigorously at the moment, and while the bees love the flowers, the leaves make fantastic compost material.
Kitchen Garden ImprovementsBack home, the kitchen garden has had a proper tidy and reset. I’ve moved the HotBin composter to a more practical location and set up a new Autopot Spyder watering system — a product I genuinely rate highly. If you’d like to try Autopot yourself, you can use my affiliate code AUTO10RVG for 10% off on the Autopot website.
I’ve also spent time checking supports, tying in plants, and trimming back anything getting unruly. We’ve even had a nest of bumblebees set up near the chicken coop, which has been fascinating to watch.
Recipe of the WeekThis week’s recipe is a simple but delicious pea and mint crostini — perfect for using those early‑summer harvests and ideal as a quick garden‑side snack.
In the Potting ShedIn the potting shed, I’m talking all about feeding our plants — when to feed, what to use, and how to avoid overdoing it. If you’re looking for reliable plant feeds, I recommend Empathy products.
They offer excellent seaweed feed, tomato feed, and specialist blends.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Early June has brought that classic mix of heavy rain, strong winds and sudden sunshine — and the garden has certainly felt it. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how the weather has shaped everything from seed sowing to weeding, plus an exciting update from the beehive as the colony continues to grow.
Kitchen Garden Update: Wild Weather and Big Sowing SessionsThe kitchen garden has taken a real battering from the weather this week, but the plants are still powering on. Inside the shed, I’ve been making the most of the rain by sowing cucumbers, sweetcorn, kale, cabbage and beans in plug trays. Out in the Veggie Pod, more spring onions, radish and carrots have gone in — ideal quick crops for this time of year. There’s also been another round of cutting back the invasive climber along the fence line, which has taken full advantage of the warm, wet conditions.
Allotment Update: Growth Spurts, Weeds and Potato ProgressDown on the allotment, everything has that early‑summer energy. The rain has made weeding incredibly satisfying, and the beds are looking much tidier for it. My early potatoes are still recovering from the May frost, while the main crop is thriving with strong, healthy foliage. The beans are climbing well, the boundary weeds are putting up their usual fight, and I’ve even planted some forgotten seed potatoes for a late experiment. It’s one of those weeks where the plot feels full of potential.
Recipe of the Week: Chard and New PotatoesThis week’s recipe is a simple early‑summer dish using chard and new potatoes fresh from the garden. Soft potatoes, sweet onions, garlic and colourful chard, finished with butter and lemon — a quick, fresh plate that tastes like summer. You’ll find the full recipe on the podcast page.
From the Podding Shed: Successional Sowing ExplainedThere’s exciting progress in the beehive this week as I add the colony’s first super, giving them space to expand and store surplus honey. I’m also diving into successional sowing — how often to sow different crops, what you can still sow right now in the UK, and how this simple habit keeps food coming all summer long. If you want steady harvests and fewer gluts, this is the segment to listen to.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Early summer has truly arrived, and with it comes one of my favourite celebrations in the gardening calendar—Tomato Fortnight. As I shared in this week’s Veg Grower Podcast, the allotment and kitchen garden are bursting with activity, from staking tomatoes to sowing French beans, harvesting peas, and even spotting new life on my citrus tree.
Tomato Fortnight: Why I Grow So Many VarietiesDown on the allotment, the heat has been intense, but the tomatoes are thriving. I grow around eight different varieties, each chosen for a specific purpose—beefsteaks for sandwiches, salad tomatoes for everyday use, cherries for hanging baskets, and plum tomatoes for passata. As I said in the episode: “There are so many different varieties, hundreds and hundreds of varieties… that is why I grow so many different varieties of tomatoes.”
Between home and the allotment, that adds up to around 30 plants—and honestly, I could still grow more.
Greenhouse vs. Outdoor TomatoesGreenhouse tomatoes crop earlier but lack the depth of flavour of outdoor-grown fruit. Outdoors, I rely on blight‑resistant varieties like Crimson Crush and Crimson Blush to help avoid devastation from late‑season blight. “Any tomatoes growing outside, unless they are blight resistant, are susceptible… it can literally rot your crop within a week.”
Watering & FeedingConsistent watering is key to avoiding split fruit and blossom end rot. I mulch heavily with straw to lock in moisture and feed weekly with seaweed until flowering, then switch to tomato feed.
Sweetcorn, Squash & Straw Bale GrowingThe allotment beds are now fully planted. Sweetcorn has gone in as a block, not rows, to ensure good wind pollination. Squash and courgettes are thriving in the straw bales, settling in nicely after the recent cold snap.
Interestingly, my maincrop potatoes have overtaken the first earlies due to that cold spell: “The cold snap… just set those first earlies back a little bit.”
Catching Rainwater in a Dry YearBack home, I’ve been racing to put out buckets and containers ahead of the forecast rain. “It has been a very dry year so far… I want to catch as much rainwater as I can.”
With 16 water butts running low, every drop counts.
Seed of the Month: French BeansJune’s seed of the month is one of my absolute favourites—French climbing beans. They’re fast, productive, and perfect for filling gaps as spring crops finish.
Sowing is simple:
- Sow direct 2 cm deep or
- Start in modules for quick germination (7–14 days)
Beans aren’t hungry plants, but they do need something to climb. I use hazel-stick frames, drilling holes with a soil auger to get the sticks firmly into the ground. “They simply curl their way up around the stick… I find it fascinating.”
I also grow Borlotto for both fresh pods and dried beans—beautiful, versatile, and easy to store.
Kitchen Harvests & Courgette FrittersHarvests are rolling in: lettuce, radish, spring onions, peas, strawberries, raspberries, and the first courgettes of the year.
To celebrate the courgette glut, this week’s recipe is Early Summer Courgette & Mint Fritters with Lemon Yoghurt—crisp, fresh, and perfect for lunch. “These fritters are crisp on the outside, soft in the middle… lifted beautifully by fresh mint.”
Bee Update: A Calm, Growing ColonyMy weekly apiary visit brought brilliant news: “The bees have incredibly settled in… we’re now up to eight frames of bees.”
Even better—I finally spotted the queen. Supers will be going on soon, meaning honey isn’t far away.
Book of the Month: Home Brewing by Kevin ForbesMay’s unexpected Book of the Month was Home Brewing by Kevin Forbes. With elderflowers in full swing, I used it to make cordial and even started elderflower wine. “This book made it sound very, very easy.”
For June, I’ll be diving into The Victorian Kitchen Garden by Jennifer Davies.
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A New DirectionA brief visit to Chelsea left me inspired. The gardens were stunning, and it got me thinking: why shouldn’t a vegetable garden look beautiful too?After also visiting Amberley Museum, I’ve settled on a more rustic kitchen garden style — hazel supports, herbs edging the beds, fan‑trained fruit trees, and reducing visible plastic where possible. It’s a long‑term project, but it finally feels like the right direction.If you want the full story, including all the details and thoughts behind these changes, have a listen to this week’s episode.
Garlic WatchWith planting paused, Richard focused on weed control — essential at this time of year when everything grows at full speed. He also harvested rhubarb and asparagus, though the spears have been thinner than usual.On the garlic front, the straw mulch continues to help reduce leek rust, though a few spots have appeared. As he explains in the podcast, removing affected leaves now gives the bulbs the best chance to finish strong. In the Kitchen GardenBack home, the sheltered kitchen garden escaped most of the frost damage. Richard has been sorting through his many pots — and discovered that around 75% of his fruit bushes and trees didn’t survive winter.He talks through what happened, what he’s replacing, and why he’s switching to matching pots and decorative stone mulch. Seeds Still Going InThere’s still time to sow plenty, so this week included:CucumbersNasturtiumsSunflowersCarrotsBeetrootSpring onionsRichard shares why he’s sowing these now and how they fit into his late‑spring plan. Recipe of the WeekThis week’s kitchen segment features a creamy spring onion and potato soup — simple, seasonal, and perfect if you’re harvesting early potatoes. Listen for the full method and tips.Beekeeping BeginsThe big moment has arrived — Richard is officially a beekeeper. He collected his nuc on Saturday, transported it safely, and transferred the frames into his hive. As he described, “Within another couple of hours, the bees seem to have settled in.”He also shares the full story of getting stung, settling the bees, and how he found the perfect field site.
This week has been one of those classic early‑May weeks where everything seems to need doing at once. I’ve been sowing our Seed of the Month, tackling slugs and snails in the kitchen garden, trying to stay on top of the allotment before inspections begin, and finishing our April Book of the Month: RHS Can I Grow Potatoes in Pots? by Sally Nex. There’s plenty to share, so let’s get into it.From the Kitchen GardenThis week in the kitchen garden we’ve been sowing our Seed of the Month: Winter Cabbage. I’m a little later than planned, but May and June are still perfect months to get these hardy brassicas started. Winter cabbages are one of my favourite crops because they stand strong through the cold months and give you that wonderful feeling of harvesting fresh veg when everything else has slowed down. There’s nothing quite like cutting a crisp cabbage on Christmas Day.Somvarities I recommend are:Winter cabbage Tudra F1Savoy vertus 2Savoy Di VeronaI sow mine in root trainers filled with a good quality seed compost, making a hole about a centimetre deep and dropping in one seed per cell. They don’t need heat at this time of year — just a cool, bright spot in the shed. Once the roots show at the bottom, they’re ready for potting on. I’ll be planting mine out in the bed where my first early potatoes have been growing, once those are harvested in June.Alongside the cabbages, the kitchen garden has been full of activity. Lots of plants have gone into the ground, but the slugs and snails have been causing havoc, especially on my squash and sweetcorn. Thankfully there’s still time to sow replacements, and I even picked up a couple of courgette plants from the garden centre — different varieties to what I usually grow, but I’m always happy to experiment.To help manage the slug problem, I’ve been using an upturned clay pot as a trap. The slugs hide inside during the day, making them easy to collect and feed to the chickens. It’s simple, effective, and nothing goes to waste. Some of my brassicas, especially the purple sprouting broccoli and kale, are still in flower and taking up a lot of space, but I’m determined to save more of my own seed this year, so I’m letting them finish their cycle before clearing the beds.Down on the AllotmentIt’s been incredibly busy on the allotment. We’re only a third of the way through the year, but everything seems to have hit at once. I’ll admit I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed — a combination of dry weather, lots of planting, and the knowledge that allotment inspections are just around the corner.To stay on top of things, I sit down every Thursday evening and write a list of weekend tasks, sorted by priority:Top priority: jobs that will cause damage if ignored — watering, planting out, anything urgent.Medium priority: tidying, mowing, weeding, keeping the plot looking cared for.Low priority: fun projects like cutting comfrey for compost or mulch.This week I’ve been planting out cucumbers, which are now climbing up hazel sticks harvested from my own tree. They look great once they’re in, even if the sticks are a bit of a battle to get into the ground.I’ve also been cutting back comfrey. It’s a brilliant plant for compost, mulch, and homemade plant feed, though it does have a habit of popping up everywhere. The leaves make a great mulch for tomatoes and cucumbers, adding potassium and helping retain moisture.The allotment is looking good overall. Potatoes are up, asparagus and rhubarb are coming thick and fast, and the garlic is looking excellent with no sign of leek rust. Even the elephant garlic is starting to form flower heads — which I’ll snap off and use in the kitchen.Recipe of the Week — Broad Bean SmashThis week’s recipe is a simple but delicious Broad Bean Smash, perfect for early‑season broad beans that have overwintered beautifully.You’ll find the full recipe on the Veg Grower Podcast website.
This week has been a little different here at the Veg Grower Podcast. While the allotment and kitchen garden have mostly seen me planting out the last of the season’s young plants, the real highlight has been my annual trip to the Gardener’s World Spring Fair at Beaulieu. It’s a show I look forward to every single year, and once again it didn’t disappoint. From catching up with friends like Aid Sellers and Lucy Chamberlain to exploring the inspiring show gardens and stalls, it was a day packed with ideas, conversations, and a good dose of gardening joy. Here’s what I’ve been up to.Catching Up With Friends at the ShowOne of the things I love most about these events is the people. Gardeners often work alone in their plots, but shows like this remind us that we’re part of a huge, enthusiastic community.I caught up with Ade Sellers, who was hosting the “In Conversation With” stage. Aid spoke passionately about the joy of seeing audiences engage with speakers — from seasoned growers to complete beginners. He described those moments when someone hears a single nugget of advice and you can almost see the lightbulb switch on. That’s what these shows are all about.Later, I met up with Lucy Chamberlain, who, alongside De Graft, created the “Make a Metre Matter” garden. Divided into nine one‑metre squares, it showcased everything from punchy salad leaves to wildlife habitats, including a beautifully crafted hedgehog nest made entirely from natural, easy‑to‑source materials. Lucy’s enthusiasm for small‑space growing was infectious — proof that even a single square metre can transform a space.A Picnic Worth Talking AboutOf course, no day out is complete without food, and this week’s Recipe of the Week was designed with picnics in mind: a Spring Garden Quiche filled with asparagus, spring onions, herbs, and a creamy egg mixture. I cheated with shop‑bought pastry (don’t judge!), but the result was delicious — perfect for eating on the lawn between exploring the gardens and stalls. The full recipe is on the website if you fancy giving it a go.Exploring the ShowWe arrived at Beaulieu just as the gates opened, with Amanda and Roxy joining me thanks to a mercifully cloudy forecast. The gardens were my first stop — they always are — and the designers had done a fantastic job. From wildlife‑friendly planting to clever small‑space ideas, there was plenty to take home and try.As always, I couldn’t resist a bit of shopping. I came away with:Two bottles of Rudecello (rhubarb‑infused vodka — surprisingly good!)A few carnivorous plants to help with indoor pestsFour young trees from Jurassic Plants:Two citrusA greengageA Chinese quinceThe afternoon brought rain, and the showground emptied almost instantly, but even that didn’t dampen the mood. It was a brilliant day out — full of ideas, friendly faces, and that unmistakable buzz that only a gardening show can bring.Looking AheadI’m already looking forward to Gardeners’ World Live in June and Audley End in September, where Lucy will be creating another Make a Metre Matter garden. If you’ve never been to one of these shows, I can’t recommend them enough. They’re friendly, practical, and packed with inspiration for gardeners of all levels.If you were at the Spring Fair, I’d love to hear what you thought. And as always, if you enjoy the podcast, a rating or review helps more people discover the joy of growing their own food.
We’re at the end of April and everything suddenly feels early this year. Warm days, fast growth, and that sense that the season has properly kicked into gear. I’ve taken a few risks in the kitchen garden, made good progress down on the allotment, and had a beekeeping experience that’s left me more excited than ever about keeping my own hive. Here’s what’s been happening.From the Kitchen Garden; Planting EarlyI’ve done something I don’t normally do at this time of year: I planted out all my tender plants. Tomatoes, aubergines, chillies, peppers, courgettes — they’re all in the ground. It’s a gamble, but with fleece ready and plenty of backup plants, I’m willing to take the chance.The kitchen garden looks full now, even though a few brassicas are still flowering before they come out. A big job finally ticked off was moving the Belfast sinks that hold our herbs. With my brother’s help, they’re now in front of the potting shed and look much better there.Seed sowing is calming down, although I did lose a batch of sweetcorn after leaving them too long in the heated propagator. A reminder that airflow matters. I’ve also sown Crown Prince pumpkins — one of my favourites — and I’m hoping to save seed from them later in the year.Watering has suddenly become a daily job. Mulching with compost is helping, but if this dry spell continues, we’ll be relying heavily on the water butts.Down the Allotment; Protecting BrassicasIt’s been warm enough that I regretted not taking water with me, so a reminder to take fluids, sunscreen and a hat. I’ve made myself ill before by ignoring that.The last of the potatoes went in this week — King Edwards — finishing off six weeks of staggered planting. Compost is always tight, but we had just enough to mulch the bed.The brassicas are all planted out too: sprouts, cabbages, cauliflowers, kale. A bit of lime, firm soil, and a good watering. The pigeons have already shown interest, but instead of netting, I’ve put up children’s windmill toys. They move in the breeze, scare off pigeons, and still let the smaller birds in to deal with slugs and snails.A quick mow made the whole plot look better, and the asparagus bed is now producing well. I picked a good handful this week, and more spears are appearing every day.Recipe of the WeekWith early peas and fresh mint ready, I made a simple pea and mint soup. Butter, onion, garlic, peas, stock, fresh mint — blended until smooth and served with crusty bread. It tastes like spring in a bowl and is a great way to use those first early peas.From the Podding Shed; My First Real Beekeeping ExperienceFor my birthday, my wife booked me onto a beekeeping experience day, and it was fascinating. The beekeeper I visited manages 140 hives across Sussex, and as we arrived, a swarm was already moving between trees. Standing in the middle of thousands of bees was incredible — they weren’t aggressive, just busy.We suited up and went through several hives, checking for eggs, honey stores, pollen and queen cells. I learned a huge amount, including how to spot signs of swarming. One hive was a bit angry, and after we took our suits off, I did get stung twice, but it hasn’t put me off at all.What it has done is confirm that keeping bees at home isn’t suitable — too close to neighbours. The allotment is the better option, but the council requires experience before granting permission, which is tricky when you can’t get experience without keeping bees. I’m working with them to find a way forward.I’m more excited than ever to start keeping bees properly.
Potato TraybakeThis week’s recipe came about thanks to those accidentally harvested asparagus spears. Asparagus has such a short season and such a delicate flavour that when it’s ready, you really do have to make the most of it.Richard made a simple asparagus and potato traybake with a lemon and herb dressing. Potatoes were roasted first, then chopped asparagus and red onion were added along with a little more oil and seasoning. While that finished cooking,
a Green Manure DilemmaDespite the wind, the allotment has been basking in sunshine, and the first walk‑around revealed a plot full of promise.Garlic and onions are thriving under their straw mulch.The apple tree is covered in pink‑and‑white blossom.The pear tree is already forming tiny fruitlets.And self‑seeded poppies are popping up everywhere — a welcome splash of colour and a gift to pollinators.But one bed has raised a question: the winter tares green manure sown in autumn has exploded into lush growth, shading out weeds beautifully. With tomatoes and cucumbers due to go into that bed in four weeks, the debate is whether to cut it now or let it keep working. A classic gardener’s quandary.Potatoes were next on the list — this week’s variety was Wilja, the final second early before main crops begin next week. They went into freshly dug holes with potato fertiliser and a generous topping of homemade compost from the insulated “fridge door” compost bin, which has produced rich, black, crumbly material at impressive speed.Shallots also made an appearance. After struggling to find sets this year, a bag of Red Sun was finally sourced and planted. The plan? Save some for replanting next year.And finally, the straw bale garden is back for another season. Last year’s bales have broken down into gorgeous compost, and this year’s bales are now in the conditioning phase — urea, water, and soon nettle tea. Squash plants will be the stars of this year’s straw bale experiment.In the Potting Shed: The Aphid Problem ReturnsThe final segment of the episode dives into a problem many gardeners are facing right now: aphids on young seedlings.Richard noticed the tell‑tale signs — curled leaves, sticky residue, slow growth — and soon spotted whitefly and greenfly clustered on plants grown indoors. The warm, still air of the kitchen had become a perfect breeding ground.Moving the seedlings to the shed made an immediate difference. Cooler nights and natural airflow helped slow the aphids down, proving once again that environment matters just as much as intervention.True to his ethos, Richard avoids insecticides — even organic ones. Instead,
This Easter weekend has been a rare treat. Four full days in the garden, decent weather, and plenty of progress across both the allotment and the kitchen garden. In this week’s episode, I share what’s been happening on the plot, the projects completed at home, and my thoughts on the hunger gap as we move deeper into spring.Allotment UpdateI spent two full days on the allotment and made a real dent in the to‑do list. The first job was cutting the grass. My allotment mower failed last week, so I brought the kitchen‑garden mower down to stand in for now. The old Ryobi will get a closer look soon, but six years of allotment life is not bad going for a budget machine.With the grass sorted, I moved on to potatoes. This week I planted ‘Nicola’, a second early variety I’ve grown many times. That brings me to one and a half beds planted, with the same amount still to go. The compost from the corrugated‑iron bin has mulched the beds beautifully, although that bin is now empty. Next week I’ll find out whether the remaining compost is ready to use.The allotment greenhouse also had a tidy. A large pile of plastic pots has finally been taken home, freeing up space for tomatoes and cucumbers soon. Outside, the beds have been hoed, fed and prepared for the busy month ahead. The brassicas are ready to go into the taller corrugated beds, where netting can be added easily to keep pigeons away.Watering has been important this week. The soil is drying quickly, so the potatoes, onions and garlic have all had a good drink. The garlic looks especially strong, and I’m hopeful the straw mulch may help reduce leek rust by stopping soil splash. The carrots and parsnips in the concrete drainpipes aren’t showing yet, but they’ve been watered and left to settle.With the fruit trees in blossom and the straw bales ready for conditioning, the allotment feels set for the season ahead.Kitchen Garden UpdateBack home, the other two days of the Easter weekend were spent on long‑planned projects. The biggest job was finally getting electricity into the potting shed. Instead of running mains power, I’ve chosen to use the AllPowers S2000 battery pack — the same one that powered the chainsaw during the tree removal. With an LED overhead light and safe cabling installed, the shed is now a proper workspace for potting on during darker evenings.I also tackled the plastic pot collection. With a new council dustbin arriving, the old bin has been cleaned with Jeyes Fluid and repurposed for pot storage. Clearing this area gave me access to the two‑tier cold frame, which has now been moved beside the greenhouse. It’s already being used to harden off young plants.Inside the greenhouse, the AutoPot system has been cleaned, refilled and planted up with tomatoes, cucumbers, chillies, peppers and strawberries. The peach tree and grapevine are still being moved in and out to avoid peach leaf curl, but the greenhouse is now fully in action.In the KitchenChef Scott brings an Easter‑themed recipe this week: a roast vegetable hash with herby eggs. It’s a great way to use up leftover veg from Easter lunch, and everything in the dish was home‑grown. Carrots, parsnips, potatoes, leeks and cabbage are chopped, crisped in a pan, mixed with fresh herbs and finished with eggs cooked in small wells. Simple, delicious and perfect for reducing waste.The Hunger GapIn the potting shed, I’ve been thinking about the hunger gap — that awkward stretch where winter stores are almost gone and the new season’s crops aren’t ready yet. The last leeks are looking tired, the kale is bolting, and the freezers are emptying. Meanwhile, the greenhouse is full of seedlings that promise abundance… just not yet.To soften the hunger gap in future years, staggered sowings make a big difference. Overwintered onions, garlic, leeks and hardy salads help carry us through winter. Monthly sowings of leeks, carrots and cabbages spread the harvest across the year....
New Potato HashInspired by all the potato planting, Richard shares a simple, budget‑friendly spring green and potato hash topped with a fried egg. Soft onions, garlic, crisped potatoes, kale, chard and spinach come together with a touch of paprika. The egg adds richness and protein, making it a hearty early‑spring dish.Book of the Week: A Year on the River by Fiona SimsThroughout March, Richard has been reading A Year on the River, a book he describes as “a celebration of seasonal food and sustainable living along the inland waterways” .He explains how Fiona Sims structures the book around the seasons, weaving together growing, foraging, storing and cooking — all from the perspective of life on a canal boat. With over 40 recipes and plenty of practical advice, it’s a book that aligns beautifully with the ethos of the podcast: growing food wherever you are, in whatever space you have.Next month he’ll be reading the RHS title Can I Grow Potatoes in Pots?, which already sounds promising.
Fresh StartsBack at home, the spring clean-up is well underway. Weeding, mulching, and general tidying have transformed the space, and the removal of the old tree a few weeks ago has opened up new possibilities.A new chainsaw blade made processing the remaining branches much easier — a reminder that sharp tools really do make all the difference.Potatoes in PotsAlthough most crops go into the ground these days, a few potatoes are being grown at home this year to mix up the planting. Four Rocket seed potatoes went into a large bucket in layers of compost and fertiliser. It’s a simple method and a great way to add extra growing space without sacrificing beds.Refreshing the Front Garden PotsAfter last year’s driveway replacement, the old mismatched pots at the front of the house were looking tired. Over winter, new decorative grey-and-black speckled pots have been gradually added. They complement the driveway beautifully and will hold fruit trees and bushes that can be moved when needed to make space for parking.A Surprise Behind the ShedA quick trip behind the shed revealed that the water butts were running low — not because of the weather, but because the downpipe had fallen off and dropped inside one of the butts. After fishing it out and refitting it, the hope now is for just a little rain to refill the system. Water is precious, after all.Recipe of the Week: Cheesy LeeksThis week’s kitchen creation was a simple but delicious dish to accompany Saturday night’s steak: cheesy leeks.Leeks were gently softened in butter, then folded into a homemade cheese sauce made from a classic roux. After a short bake in the oven, the result was rich, comforting, and full of flavour — with plenty left over for the next day. A brilliant way to use fresh allotment leeks.Beekeeping Update with Mark from Buzz Into BeekeepingWith the first warm days of spring, Mark was finally able to open the hive for a proper inspection — and the news was excellent.Inside the brood box, the frames showed everything a beekeeper hopes to see at this time of year:Eggs, larvae, and capped brood in neat concentric circlesPlenty of pollen and nectar storesA growing populationDrone brood developing, signalling the approach of swarming seasonAlthough the queen herself stayed hidden (as she often does),
Spring is finally starting to show itself in Richard’s garden this week, with early sowings going into the ground, the greenhouse warming up, and both the allotment and kitchen garden shaking off winter. From experimenting with early carrots to juggling seedlings on every available surface, and finishing with a fascinating conversation about soil health and wool‑based fertilisers, it’s been a week full of momentum and inspiration.In the AllotmentRichard began the week with a touch of gardener’s guilt after a rare day away at a photography show. But despite that, the allotment is progressing well. Cloches and black membrane have been warming the soil, creating ideal conditions for the first early carrots of the year. As he explained, “when you have consistently same soil… the carrots don’t fork” — the reason behind his decision to grow them in concrete tubes filled with fresh compost.Parsnips also went in, earlier than he would normally attempt, but with the hope of an early harvest. Around the site, spring is unmistakably arriving: nettles, gooseberries, blackberries and even the neighbour’s plot are showing signs of life.Compost continues to be added to empty beds, and Richard reflected on the ongoing debate about whether spring or winter is best. As he put it, “adding compost to the soil is a good thing… when the beds are empty is when we add the compost”. Green manures are still doing their job too, being chopped and dropped to feed the soil before a layer of compost goes on top.In the Kitchen GardenBack home, the mix of frosty mornings and warm afternoons has created perfect conditions for more sowing. Carrots and parsnips have gone in again under cloches, acting as a backup to the allotment.Richard also shared how his polyculture experiment is progressing. It’s a learning curve, but already proving interesting: “You really do have to think about what you’re sowing and where and when those plants are going to be ready for harvesting.”The veggie pods are now filled with lettuce, spring onions and cut‑and‑come‑again salads — a setup he has relied on for years. Indoors, tomatoes, courgettes, pumpkins and more are filling every available space, with cold frames warming up ready for the next wave of seedlings.Inside the greenhouse, watering has become a daily reminder. As Richard noted, “a greenhouse doesn’t get rain on the inside” — something many gardeners forget at this time of year.Recipe of the WeekThis week’s dish was a bright, seasonal plate of purple sprouting broccoli with lemon butter and orzo. Quick, simple, and a perfect way to celebrate one of the best crops of early spring. Interview: Eddie from Traditional Garden GrowersIn the podding shed, you welcomed Eddie from traditional Garden Growers — a grower with a passion for soil science and regenerative methods. His journey from Harper Adams to market gardening, and now to producing natural fertilizers, made for a fascinating conversation.One standout moment was his explanation of wool pellets. Older farmers used belly wool and daggings on their veg patches, and Eddie has revived that tradition in a modern form. As he explained, wool pellets:Increase water‑holding capacityBoost microbial activityRelease nutrients slowlyProvide natural nitrogen and potassiumHe also introduced other products:Power Plant Pellets — digestate‑based rocket fuel for hungry cropsThatcher’s Mulch — pelletised straw that expands into a weed‑suppressing, moisture‑retaining mulchCompost Booster — a brown‑matter solution for slimy, green‑heavy compost heapsIt was a brilliant discussion on soil health, sustainability, and making the most of undervalued natural resources.If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
This week’s episode has been a satisfying mix of big winter jobs finally completed, steady progress in both the kitchen garden and the allotment, and the start of the busy seed‑sowing season. Here’s a written look at everything covered in Episode 648.Kitchen Garden UpdateThe biggest achievement this week was removing the large elm tree that had taken root beside the greenhouse. What looked manageable from the ground turned out to be around five metres tall, meaning a scaffold tower was needed to safely take it down. As you said in the episode, climbing up reminded you that heights still aren’t your favourite place to be, but the job needed doing and it’s now complete.With the stump cut low, a Dalek compost bin has been placed over the top. This is a method you’ve used many times before. By excluding light and keeping the area damp with added compostable material, the stump slowly rots away over a year or two. It’s simple, inexpensive and avoids the need for heavy machinery.The thinner branches have already been shredded for woodchip, which will be used around the garden and in the chicken coop. The thicker pieces will dry out and become winter fuel later in the year. It’s another step toward making the garden as self‑sufficient as possible.Elsewhere in the garden, weeds are being cleared and the chillies and peppers moved to the potting shed last week are looking strong and dark green. Seed potatoes also arrived this week. Eight varieties in total, now chitting in the potting shed and greenhouse. Chitting isn’t essential, but as you explained, if potatoes are going to sprout anyway, it makes sense to control the process and encourage sturdy, healthy shoots.Down on the AllotmentA mostly dry week had raised hopes for good soil conditions, but Friday’s rain left the ground claggy in places. Beds that haven’t had much organic matter added over the years were noticeably harder to hoe, while beds enriched with compost were far easier to work. It’s a clear reminder of how much difference organic matter makes to soil structure.The strimmer came in handy for cutting weeds where hoeing wasn’t possible. After that, homemade compost was spread on the poorer beds. Each bed takes around five wheelbarrow loads, and one compost bin filled only three beds, showing just how much compost a productive allotment needs. The long‑term goal remains the same: to produce enough compost on site to avoid buying any in.A new dwarf variety of Jerusalem artichoke called Small Wonder has also been planted. These grow to around 80cm tall, far more manageable than the towering varieties grown in previous years. Planting them in a large pot should help contain the tubers and make harvesting easier.Recipe of the WeekChef Scott returned with a seasonal dish: a warm salad of chargrilled spring vegetables with feta, mint and chilli. It features purple sprouting broccoli, spring cabbage, asparagus and peas, brought together with lemon zest, chilli, mint sauce and crumbled feta. A simple, fresh recipe that pairs beautifully with spring lamb chops. The full method is available on the Veg Grower Podcast website.Main Topic: Tips for Successful Seed GerminationWith March underway, seed sowing is now in full swing. Over the years you’ve developed a reliable routine for achieving strong germination, and this week’s episode shared those key principles.The first is to use seed that is in date. Older seed can still germinate, but fresh seed gives the highest success rate. The second is to read the packet. Every seed has its own requirements, whether that’s light, darkness, warmth, soaking or chilling. The packet contains all the information needed to give each seed the right start.A good quality seed compost is essential. A fine, free‑draining mix with added perlite and vermiculite creates the ideal balance of moisture and air. Checking seeds regularly is important, but patience is equally vital.
s up the episode with a listener message about straw bale gardening and share why squashes and cucumbers are a great place to start. As always, Richard invite listeners to leave a review, join the Supporters Club, or get in touch via the website or social media.
Potato BakeThis week’s recipe is a comforting, late‑winter favourite: a cheesy leek, kale and potato bake. It’s simple, warming, and perfect for using the leeks we’re sowing this month and potatoes from storage. You’ll find the full recipe on the website.Beekeeping Update with MarkMark from Buzz Into Beekeeping joined me for our monthly update. We talked about what bees are doing right now — clustering for warmth, taking cleansing flights on mild days, and beginning to collect early pollen as the queen starts laying again. It’s a crucial time for beekeepers to ensure colonies have enough stores and are ready for spring expansion.
Greenhouse PrepDespite the rain, I pushed on with allotment jobs. February is always a strange month — half winter, half spring — but I managed to clear prunings, weed, and top up beds with compost.When the rain set in, I moved into the greenhouse for a full clean and sterilise. Broken panes were swept up, frames washed, and everything disinfected with a natural biodegradable cleaner. It’s now ready for the season ahead.The second greenhouse, “The Sergeant,” still needs glazing, but I’m leaning toward covering it with polytunnel plastic — a practical and affordable solution that should get it functional quickly.In the Kitchen: Crispy Veg PancakesWith Shrove Tuesday and Chinese New Year coinciding, I cooked up crispy vegetable pancakes filled with homegrown leeks, cabbage, carrot and onion, finished with a sweet chilli and soy dressing. A delicious way to use winter veg.Grow Lights: Why They’re Becoming EssentialThis week I also talked about grow lights — something I once thought unnecessary but now consider vital for year‑round growing, especially with limited winter daylight.My older IKEA lights are fading after a decade of use, and last year’s cheap Amazon set hasn’t impressed. But this week I received a sample from a new company, Oasis Grow Lights, and the build quality and brightness immediately stood out.One key feature I love: adjustable chains. My own experiment this year showed that seedlings grown with lights 10cm above them were stockier and stronger than those grown with lights 60cm away. Light distance matters — a lot.I’ll be trialling these new lights properly over the coming weeks, but first impressions are excellent.
Mustard PastaDown on the allotmentA brief dry spell made it possible to visit the allotment, and the raised beds and no-dig approach are once again proving their worth. Despite all the rain, the soil remains workable and free-draining.Most of the time this week has been spent dealing with a problem area near neighbouring plots that have been left unattended. Brambles and weeds continue to creep in, along with dumped pots and debris. Cutting things back while everything is dormant helps keep the situation manageable.There are also clear signs that spring isn’t too far away. Buds are appearing on the thornless blackberry, garlic and onions are looking strong, and recent work on the potato beds is holding up well.Listener question: Is crop rotation still necessary?This week’s listener question comes from Lynn, who asked whether crop rotation is really necessary on an organic, no-dig plot, especially in a small space with perennial crops.Traditional crop rotation helps reduce pest and disease build-up and manage soil fertility, but in smaller gardens and allotments it isn’t always practical or essential.
Leek HashThis week’s recipe is a simple, humble favourite — crispy potato and leek hash with garlic and herbs.With plenty of potatoes in store, leeks still coming out of the ground, and herbs to hand, this felt like the perfect quick midweek meal.Parboiled potatoes are crisped up in a pan before adding leeks, garlic and herbs, finished with seasoning, butter, and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s cheap, filling, adaptable, and ideal for growers cooking from what they’ve got rather than following strict recipes.Book of the Month: Composting by Bob FlowerdewJanuary’s book of the month has been Composting by Bob Flowerdew, and it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable read.The book covers what actually happens inside a compost heap, the different ways compost can be made, and the pros and cons of each approach. Rather than telling you how to compost, it gives you the information and lets you decide what works best for you — something that feels very true to gardening as a whole.It’s an easy, readable book that still manages to inspire confidence and encourage you to do more with compost, whether at home or on the allotment.February’s read will be No Dig by Charles Dowding, borrowed from the library and ready to get started.
s experiences and take your gardening journey to the next level!If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commissionPremier seeds direct for all your seed needsAutopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week’s podcast is a bit longer than usual, but there’s plenty going on both in the garden and beyond. From steady progress on the allotment, to seed sowing at home, and a fascinating deep dive into beekeeping, it’s been a good week all round.Down on the AllotmentAfter a very wet week, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the allotment had dried out. With no major infrastructure projects planned this year, I’ve been concentrating on tidying problem areas.The space by the shed, where my gooseberries grow, is now almost finished. Brambles and self-seeded trees have been removed, and the gooseberries given a proper prune to remove dead and crossing branches. It already feels like a far more manageable and productive area.I’ve also been doing light tidying in front of the greenhouses and checking over the concrete pipes I’ll be using this year for carrots and parsnips. Speaking of which, I lifted a few carrots, parsnips and leeks for dinner and was impressed by how well the carrots are still holding up in the ground.Next on the list are the autumn raspberries, which need cutting back to ground level, and tackling brambles creeping in from neighbouring plots.In the Kitchen GardenAt home, seed sowing is continuing at a steady pace. Alongside the Supporters Club seeds, I’ve been sowing something every day, including basil, dill, cress, tatsoi, sunflower microgreens, sorrel and celery.Some earlier sowings, particularly the chillies started back in December, have now been potted on. Space is starting to become a bit tight under lights and on heat mats, but everything is growing well for now.One of the bigger home jobs this week has been continuing work on the elm tree. It’s slow, careful progress, but safety comes first. While we were outside, the chickens were also allowed to free-range around the garden again, which they thoroughly enjoyed.Beekeeping – A Fascinating ConversationThe main feature this week is a long and very interesting chat with Mark from Buzz Into Beekeeping.Beekeeping is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and Mark explains it all brilliantly – from how to get started, to what equipment you really need, how much space a hive takes up, and what’s involved in looking after bees throughout the year.We also talked about swarming, neighbours, garden suitability, and the many benefits of keeping bees, from pollination to honey and beeswax. It’s definitely left me even more inspired to give it a go.Marks email is Maark@buzzintobeekeeping.co.ukYou can also find Mark on his instagram https://www.instagram.com/buzzintobeekeeping/ Recipe of the WeekThis week’s recipe is a creamy garlic and herb root vegetable tray bake, using a mix of potatoes, parsnips, carrots, swede and onions. Simple to make, perfect with a roast, and just as good reheated the next day.If you’ve been thinking about beekeeping, or you’re just curious about how it all works, this is an episode well worth listening to.
HerbsThis week’s recipe is already live on the website and it’s a simple but brilliant one.Baked eggs with leeks and herbs makes the most of seasonal leeks and fresh eggs:Community Orchard Pruning Day: Learning TogetherOne of the highlights of the week was taking part in a community orchard pruning session here in Littlehampton.After a short health and safety briefing, we were given a practical introduction to pruning apple and pear trees – invaluable for those lacking confidence. I teamed up with Sarah, who had never pruned before, and together we tackled a heavily neglected tree that hadn’t been touched in over a decade.We worked methodically:
Thyme Soup After cold days in the garden, this week’s recipe is a proper winter warmer: leek, potato and thyme soup. It’s simple, seasonal, and perfect for using home-grown produce. You can find the full recipe on the website.Book of the MonthThrough out December we read Gardening with Junk by Adam Caplin. A thougughly enjoyable book detailing some simple ways to turn junk items into interesting pots and planters for our plants.January’s book is Composting by Bob Flowerdew, and I’ll be sharing my thoughts as I work through it this month.
This week’s episode is the final Veg Grower Podcast of 2025, and I wanted to take a step back and reflect on what has been a huge year here in the kitchen garden and down on the allotment.From new systems and new beds, to challenges with drought, job changes, and the reminder of just how powerful growing food can be for our mental health, this episode is very much about looking at what worked, what didn’t, and what I’ve learned along the way.Kitchen Garden Update2025 has been a brilliant year for the kitchen garden. Being able to step straight outside and spend even a few minutes tidying, mulching or weeding has made a massive difference, especially during busy periods.One of the biggest upgrades this year was installing an AutoPot system in the greenhouse, and it has more than paid for itself. Tomatoes, cucumbers and other greenhouse crops have thrived with very little intervention, producing an abundance of food for minimal effort.Other highlights from the kitchen garden include:Adding new beds and keeping a steady flow of crops coming inGrowing perennial crops like asparagus and rhubarb from seedSuccessful straw bale gardening, once the bales were properly conditioned using a high-nitrogen feedGrowing food from supermarket produce, including potatoes, garlic, ginger and herbsBeyond the harvests, the kitchen garden has played a huge role in supporting my mental health this year. During times of change and disruption, simply being outside, focused on small achievable jobs, made a real difference.Allotment UpdateDown on the allotment, 2025 was all about productivity, resilience and learning how to work with less time available.One of the standout successes this year has been using straw as a mulch. At around £3.50 per bale, it’s been a cost-effective way to protect soil, retain moisture during a very dry year, and massively improve yields – particularly with potatoes.Other key lessons and highlights include:Producing far more of our own compost using large corrugated iron compost binsAccepting that some crops struggled in the dry conditions, particularly beans and peasSeeing brassicas, potatoes and fruit crops really thrive despite the lack of rainGradually improving problem areas and boundaries over winterThe goal for 2026 is clear: add even more organic matter, improve soil structure, and push productivity even further.Recipe of the Week – Bubble and SqueakThis week’s recipe is a proper post-Christmas classic: Bubble and Squeak.It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover roast potatoes and vegetables, lightly mashed, mixed together and fried until crisp and golden. Perfect with an egg for breakfast, or served alongside cold meats – and it freezes beautifully too.You’ll find the full recipe on the website.£5,000 Food Growing ChallengeEvery year I aim to grow £5,000 worth of food, based on supermarket prices. While I didn’t quite hit the target in 2025, we still managed an impressive £4,500 worth of home-grown food.Fruit crops were the real stars this year, with tomatoes, peppers, chillies, cucumbers and soft fruit delivering huge value – and there’s plenty of scope to push that total even higher next year.Wrapping Up 2025As I say goodbye to 2025, I want to thank everyone who has listened, commented, shared the podcast, or supported the show through the Supporters Club. Your support genuinely keeps this podcast going.I’ll be back in 2026 with more growing, more learning, and more food from whatever space you have available.If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commissionPremier seeds direct for all your seed needsAutopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week on the Veg Grower Podcast, I’ve been making the most of a rare bright December day down on the allotment, starting a long-planned project that should completely change how the plot looks in years to come.Back at home, I’ve also been tackling a problem area in the kitchen garden and, with Christmas just around the corner, I’m sharing exactly what’s going to be on our home-grown Christmas dinner table.Down on the AllotmentIt’s been a surprisingly productive December day down on the allotment, with sunshine, dry spells and plenty of motivation. One of my regular winter jobs is keeping the grass trimmed — it makes a huge difference to how the plot looks, even when very little is growing.The main focus this week, though, has been starting a project I’ve wanted to do for a long time: training apple trees to form an edible fence. Along the roadside edge of the plot, I’ve cleared an underused area, removed old pots and revealed beautifully clean soil beneath the weed-suppressing membrane.I planted a new apple tree and set three sturdy posts with supporting wires. This tree is being trained as a Belgian fence (espalier style), with horizontal arms running left and right at different levels. It’s a bold thing to do — you have to be confident with the pruning — but it creates a productive and incredibly attractive feature.The posts went in deep (no concrete allowed on allotments), and I even uncovered an old lump of buried concrete that explained why a nearby apple tree had always leaned. Everything is now straight, mulched with compost and straw, and ready to grow.I also reused compost that had been rotting down over an old elder tree stump. This compost-bin-over-the-stump trick is one I’ve used many times — it slowly rots the roots away and feeds the soil at the same time. The stump isn’t quite ready to come out yet, but another year should do it.Back in the Kitchen GardenAt home, I’ve been sorting out a boundary bed between the kitchen garden and the patio. The old wooden trellis had finally given up, leaning badly and relying on blackberries and tayberries to stay upright.The plants were cut back hard, the rotten structure removed, and the area mulched with compost. It does mean less fruit next year, but sometimes a reset is exactly what’s needed. I’m now rethinking how best to create privacy here — possibly taking inspiration from the grapevine on the arch nearby, which has performed brilliantly.Christmas Dinner – Grown, Not BoughtWith Christmas almost here, I’ve been doing final checks on the vegetables — and I’m pleased to say we’re fully stocked. This year’s home-grown Christmas dinner includes:Roast potatoes (King Edward) with garlic and rosemaryRoast parsnips with maple syrupBrussels sprouts lightly boiled, then fried with crispy baconHoney-roasted carrotsRed cabbage with apple, spices and redcurrant sauce (made ahead)Cheesy leeks, prepared on Christmas Eve and baked on the dayIt’s simple food, cooked well, and made extra special because it’s been grown at home.
A busy December episode this week, taking in fresh eggs from the chicken run, winter protection in the kitchen garden, a productive day on the allotment, a festive bread sauce recipe, and my honest verdict after several months of using a HotBin composter.If you prefer to read along with the podcast or revisit a section, everything discussed in this week’s episode is summarised below.Kitchen Garden UpdateThere’s been some great news from the chicken run this week, with both of our newer hens now laying. That means four eggs a day, including some beautifully coloured blue and chocolate-green eggs. With bird flu restrictions still in place, the hens are confined to their run, so they’ve been enjoying plenty of garden greens to keep them happy.In the kitchen garden, I’ve also been making good use of cloches. I planted out a small batch of peas that were started in the shed, giving them protection while I test how well they cope outdoors at this time of year. Plastic bottles and fleece are also doing their job where cloches won’t fit.Despite it being December, we’re still harvesting Brussels sprouts, cabbages, broccoli and chard, and I’m pleased to see garlic and onions growing steadily.Supporters Club UpdateSupporters Club members have been sowing lettuce and chilli peppers this week. Chillies, in particular, benefit from an early start when given a bit of warmth, and they’re a great crop to get going now.Allotment UpdateA surprisingly sunny winter’s day made for a productive session on the allotment. Most of the time was spent on general tidying, including strimming the grass, which instantly made the plot feel more cared for.I also emptied several compost bins and used the finished compost as a mulch, topping it off with straw to protect the soil over winter. Harvests included carrots, leeks and some much-improved parsnips, helped along by recent moisture.Recipe of the Week – Bread SauceThis week’s recipe is a Christmas classic: bread sauce. It’s something we make every year in advance and freeze, ready for the big day.An onion studded with cloves is gently infused in milk before adding breadcrumbs, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Simple, comforting and an essential part of a proper Christmas dinner. The full recipe is available on the website.Product Trial – HotBin CompostAfter several months of use, the HotBin composter has genuinely impressed me. Running it alongside a standard compost bin showed just how much quicker and more productive it can be, producing far more compost in the same timeframe.It looks better than multiple Dalek bins, produces liquid feed, and importantly, keeps rats out. The main downside is the price, but based on compost produced, it should pay for itself within a couple of years.If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commissionPremier seeds direct for all your seed needsAutopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! I’m Richard, and my goal is to encourage and inspire you to grow more of your own food, no matter the space you have available. I share what I’ve been up to in my own allotment and kitchen garden here in Littlehampton on the south coast of the UK. After over 30 years of growing my own food, I’m still learning something new every single day.This week, I’ve been down on the allotment, getting stuck into some winter pruning, tending to my tools, and having a wander around the kitchen garden. Here’s what’s been happening.Winter PruningIt’s that time of year to prune trees and bushes. I’ve been focusing on my apple and pear trees, both now fully dormant, making it easier to see the branches and plan the cuts. I start with the three Ds: Dead, Diseased, and Damaged branches. Clean, sharp secateurs are vital here to prevent spreading disease. These pruned branches go straight into the compost—yes, even the diseased ones, where they’ll gradually break down over a few years.Next, I look for branches that cross or rub together and consider the overall shape and ventilation of the tree. Light and airflow are crucial for healthy growth, fruit production, and reducing fungal problems.One of my apple trees has been a bit of a challenge—it has a tendency to list over, despite staking. This week I hammered in a longer stake and tied the tree upright, then added straw mulch to protect the roots over winter. Mulching has worked really well this year, and I’m keen to continue using it wherever I can.Allotment UpdateDespite the cold weather, there’s still plenty of life on the allotment. Some tender plants have succumbed to frost, but my brassicas and green manures are holding strong. The garlic is emerging nicely too, so I’m feeling optimistic about Christmas dinner straight from the garden!The council has been improving the roads and paths up to our allotment. The main track is still closed to vehicles, but it’s looking much better than before. It’s exciting to see this progress, although some neighbours have been trying to improve traction with old plant matter—trust me, it doesn’t really work!After my allotment visit, I brought my tools home for a proper service.Tool CareTaking care of your garden tools is one of my passions. I give all my hand tools a thorough clean, sharpening, and treatment each year. Rust is removed, handles are sanded and treated with linseed oil, and metal parts are sharpened. I also use a bucket of sand mixed with used kitchen oil to store tools—it cleans, abrades, and coats them in one go. This simple routine keeps tools in great condition and ready to last for years.Chef Scott’s Recipe of the WeekThis week, Chef Scott has been cooking Carrot and Parsnip Spiced Fritters. A brilliant way to use up stored root vegetables, these fritters are lightly spiced, crisp on the outside, and soft in the middle. Serve them with yoghurt or a poached egg—they’re perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or garden snack.Ingredients:2 medium carrots, grated2 medium parsnips, grated1 small onion, finely chopped2 crushed garlic cloves1 tsp ground cumin½ tsp smoked paprika½ tsp ground coriander2 eggs4 tbsp plain flourSalt and pepperOil for fryingChopped parsley or coriander to garnishMethod:Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated carrots and parsnips.Mix with onion, garlic, spices, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Adjust flour if too wet.Heat a splash of oil in a pan, spoon in mixture, flatten slightly, and fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden.Drain on kitchen paper and garnish.Feel free to swap spices—curry powder, garam masala, chilli flakes, or even grated apple can give a different flavour twist.Seed PlanningWinter is also the perfect time to go through your seed collection.
s seed selection: aubergines! He explains why December is a great time to start these seeds, sharing tips on sowing, germination, and ensuring successful growth. With the right conditions, aubergines can thrive, leading to bountiful harvests well into the summer.If you are looking to buy some Aubergine seeds then check out premier seeds direct.Book of the MonthFinally, Richard discusses his latest read, Digging for Victory by Twigs Way and Mike Brown. He reflects on the historical significance of the Dig for Victory campaign, uncovering lesser-known facts and its impact on food production during challenging times. Richard encourages listeners to explore this fascinating topic further.The book of the month for December is Gardening with Junk by Adam Caplin
Welcome to this week’s companion blog post for The Veg Grower Podcast. In Episode 633, Richard shares what has been happening across the kitchen garden and allotment after a sudden blast of winter weather, and introduces a rather clever Christmas gift idea in conversation with a young gardener named Belle.Kitchen Garden UpdateWinter made itself known this week with a heavy frost across the kitchen garden. Many tender plants have finally keeled over, signalling the true end of the growing season. Although frost damage is never fun, it does help tidy the beds naturally and shows which plants are genuinely hardy.Richard talks through which crops held up well, which ones finally gave in, and what that means for the weeks ahead. Now is the time to clear away soft, spent growth and begin planning winter protection, mulching, and early sowing plans for the new year.Allotment UpdateA visit to the allotment gives a clearer picture of how the cold snap has affected things on the plot. Some crops have slowed right down, but others are surprisingly resilient.In this episode, Richard discusses:How the frost has changed the look and feel of the plotWhat still needs harvesting before the next cold spellJobs that will take priority over the coming weekHow the allotment is responding overall as winter approachesIt’s a good reminder that even after thirty years of growing, every season still has something new to teach us.A Christmas Gift Idea – Conversation with BelleTo round off the episode, Richard chats with Belle, who shares a fantastic and thoughtful Christmas idea for gardeners. It’s the sort of gift that is practical, personal, and genuinely useful — perfect for anyone who enjoys growing their own food.SEalstop.co.ukThis conversation offers a fresh perspective from a younger gardener and brings a lovely festive note to the end of the episode.Final ThoughtsWith frost now firmly part of the weekly forecast, the winter season is well and truly underway. That does not mean the garden falls silent — far from it. There is still plenty happening outdoors, and plenty to prepare indoors ahead of next year.If you have thoughts on how the frost has affected your own garden this week, or if you have your own gardening gift ideas, feel free to share them with the community.
Welcome to this week’s blog post accompanying Episode 632 of The Veg Grower Podcast. In this episode, Richard shares what’s been happening on the allotment and in the kitchen garden during mid-November, tackles a few tricky areas, takes us through pruning summer raspberries, and explains why bare-root fruit trees can save you a fortune.Allotment Update - Tackling problem areasAfter a very wet Saturday, the weather dried up enough for a productive session on the allotment. Mid-November brings a noticeable shift: fewer people around, shorter days, and trees only now beginning to drop their leaves thanks to the mild autumn.Tackling Problem AreasRichard focuses on a few tricky spots this week:The top boundary alongside an abandoned neighbouring plot, where brambles and tall weeds always creep across. Only so much can be done until the plot is re-let, but winter tidying keeps it under control.The asparagus bed, now fully died back. Richard:Cleared weeds around the crownsAdded homemade compostLayered on seaweed from the local beach (with permission)Finished with straw from the potato bedsAll to give the asparagus and rhubarb a strong start into spring.Under the gooseberry bushes, where thick bramble growth has taken hold. After cutting them back to the base:A few low gooseberry branches were removed for accessSome bramble roots were dug outThe plan now is regular hoeing to stay on top of regrowthIt’s part of a longer-term approach to improve the area while keeping things mostly no-dig.Kitchen Garden Update - Pruning raspberriesBack home, the focus is on pruning summer raspberries.Pruning Summer RaspberriesSummer-fruiting raspberries fruit on second-year canes. So the job now is to:Cut the older, brown canes at ground levelKeep the younger, greener first-year stems for next year’s cropRichard uses a system where one side of the raspberry bed is first-year growth and the other is second-year, making pruning simple and repeatable.Autumn RaspberriesThe autumn raspberries are still fruiting and even flowering, so they’ll be left until winter before being cut down.In the GreenhouseThings are still thriving:Tomatoes have now been clearedHabaneros, chillies, and aubergines are still fruitingStrawberry plants, citrus, grape and peach trees are now sheltered insideThe Autopot system has performed brilliantly againPlanning ahead for sowing chillies and aubergines in December/January to make the most of the long seasonRecipe of the Week: Habanero Honey Hot SauceWith so many chillies still producing, Richard shares a beautifully balanced homemade hot sauce. It works with any type of chilli and stores well in the fridge.The full recipe is available on the website.The Podding Shed: Bare-Root Fruit TreesIt’s the perfect season for bare-root fruit trees — usually available from November to February — and they’re one of the best ways to save money when expanding your fruit patch.Why Choose Bare-Root?Often less than half the price of potted treesMuch easier to transportEstablish extremely well when planted while dormantIdeal for gardeners on a budgetLooking After ThemSoak roots for 24 hours before plantingIf you can’t plant immediately, pot temporarilyGet them into the ground while the soil is still warmCome spring, they bounce into life with fresh growthRichard also mentions his chosen tree for the year — a Cornish Gold pear, grown especially for juicing.If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commissionPremier seeds direct for all your seed needsAutopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week on The Veg Grower Podcast, Richard reflects on another busy week in the garden and allotment. With mild weather still hanging on, there’s plenty of fresh food to harvest — from kale and leeks to the last of the tomatoes and chillies. But as winter creeps closer, Richard’s focus turns to preparing for the months ahead and keeping the growing going indoors.In the Kitchen GardenDespite the changing season, the kitchen garden is still producing well. Richard talks about his continued harvests of late crops and how the mild weather has delayed the first frost. He shares how vital homemade compost has been this year — improving soil moisture and helping crops like parsnips thrive even after a dry summer.With 16 water butts already in place, he’s been busy transferring rainwater between them to make the most of every drop. Richard also discusses plans to add an IBC tank to boost rainwater storage and the benefits of composting for soil health, including his ongoing success with the Hotbin composter.Its mentioned about some black Fridays deals from HOTBIN composters that might be of interest to you and can be found here, or by using BF2025 in your cart when checking outThere’s both good and bad news in the chicken coop this week. A compulsory housing order is now in place across the UK due to bird flu, meaning all poultry must be kept indoors. Richard shares how he’s keeping his flock safe — and the joy of discovering the very first egg from one of his new hens, a beautiful small blue-green egg laid by Panther.Down on the AllotmentAt the allotment, the focus has shifted to clearing and preparing beds for winter. Richard discusses the importance of green manures for protecting and improving soil health. He’s experimenting with different types — from phacelia to winter tares and forage rye — to see which works best in his soil.He’s also noticed some of his raised bed timbers are starting to rot, a good reminder that winter is the perfect time for maintenance projects like replacing boards and refreshing bed edges.Recipe of the WeekThis we week we have a perfect seasonal recipe — Roasted Root Vegetable and Apple Soup. This simple dish combines carrots, parsnips, swede and apples for a sweet, hearty winter warmer that’s ideal for using up stored crops.In the Potting ShedRichard finishes the episode talking about growing indoors — from microgreens on the kitchen windowsill to experiments with hydroponics. He explains how grow lights, heated propagators, and even small hydro systems can keep gardeners growing all winter long.Even when it’s cold and dark outside, the gardening doesn’t have to stop. With a few trays of microgreens or herbs, there’s always something fresh to enjoy — and plenty of ways to scratch that gardening itch through the winter.
In the AllotmentThis week, I’ve been experimenting with something a little different — late-night gardening under torchlight!With the clocks changing, I found myself missing the allotment after work, so I thought I’d give working by flashlight a try. Let’s just say, it’s not something I’ll be repeating. Between juggling a torch and trying to weed one-handed, it was more trouble than it’s worth.Still, it was good to see how things are ticking along. There’s not too much to do this time of year — overwintering crops are established and looking after themselves — but I did take the chance to observe the health of my soil.Lately, I’ve been noticing a lot of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil, those delicate white strands that form a natural network underground. It’s often called the “internet of the soil,” helping plants communicate and share nutrients. Seeing that tells me my soil is alive and healthy.Good soil health is everything. Adding organic matter, compost, leaf mould and mulches all feed the soil and the life within it — worms, fungi, bacteria — which in turn feeds our plants. That’s why we say, “feed the soil, not the plants.”With winter approaching, I’ll be leaving most of the work for the weekends, focusing on mulching and protecting the soil ready for next spring.In the Kitchen GardenBack home, it’s been a similar story of abundance. Despite being November, the beds are still bursting with produce — tomatoes, chillies, aubergines, kale, broccoli, cabbages, and peas. Even the nasturtiums and dahlias are still flowering, giving the garden a slightly overgrown but wonderfully productive look.The chickens are doing well too, though we’ve had a bird flu alert from DEFRA. Thankfully, I’m not in a protection zone, but I’ve started taking precautions — covering the run, moving feeders, and preparing to disinfect boots when going in and out of the coop if needed. It’s important to stay vigilant and protect our birds as winter sets in.Seed of the Month – Winter PurslaneOur Seed of the Month for November is Winter Purslane, also known as Claytonia or Miner’s Lettuce.It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow at this time of year.Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of moist, peat-free compost and cover lightly. It doesn’t need warmth — in fact, it prefers cool temperatures and short days. It’s perfectly happy in a cold frame, greenhouse, or even a windowsill pot.Harvest the young leaves regularly for salads. They have a soft, refreshing texture, a little like spinach, and are full of vitamin C. A perfect way to add a splash of green to winter meals.Get your seeds here.Recipe of the WeekThis weeks recipe has been inspired by our Seed of the Month and has created a Winter Purslane and Potato Salad with Mustard Dressing.This simple dish combines the mild lemony flavour of Winter Purslane with warm potatoes and a tangy mustard dressing — proving that even in the depths of autumn, the garden can still put dinner on the table.You can find the full recipe on our website.In the Potting ShedThis week, I’ve been reading Digging for Victory by Twigs Way and Mike Brown — a fascinating look at how gardeners in wartime Britain grew their own food and wasted nothing. That led me to think about wood ash, which ties in nicely with Bonfire Night.If you have a fire or bonfire, save that ash!Wood ash is rich in potassium, which supports flowering and fruiting plants. You can sprinkle it over vegetable beds or add it in small amounts to the compost heap. Just avoid using ash from treated wood or coal, and don’t add it where potatoes will grow next year, as it can encourage scab.Store it dry in a metal container, and it’ll be a valuable soil improver come spring.Final ThoughtsIt’s been a productive and reflective week — experimenting on the allotment, enjoying the abundance in the kitchen garden,
This week on The Veg Grower Podcast, Richard enjoys a productive weekend of gardening, with mild autumn weather, a few fireworks for the dog to contend with, and plenty of composting, tidying, and planning for the colder months ahead.In the Kitchen GardenAfter a lovely weekend of good gardening weather, Richard shares how it’s left him smiling — the kind of days that remind us why we love being outside this time of year.With the dog and chickens safely tucked away during the firework noise, the focus has been on tidying up the beds and adding more compost to improve the soil before winter sets in.Most of the compost used is home-made — the result of months of careful recycling and turning — but for anyone needing to top up, Richard recommends PSA100 compost bought in bulk as a cost-effective alternative.The same approach has been used in the Vegepod area, where the beds have been cleared and prepped ready for the next round of sowing. It’s all part of setting the garden up so it’s ready to burst into life again next spring.Supporters Club SegmentAs always, Richard pauses to thank his Supporters Club members for helping keep the podcast running.Members receive extra behind-the-scenes podcasts and a monthly seed pack to sow, along with exclusive growing tips and access to a friendly online community.You can join the Supporters Club for just £5 a month at theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk.Down on the AllotmentOver on the allotment, Richard has now lifted the last of the potatoes for the year — a satisfying job that marks the end of another growing season.The leftover straw mulch from the potato beds has been repurposed to cover the rhubarb and other perennial vegetables, helping protect them from the winter cold and frost.It’s a small but effective way to reuse materials and make sure the soil — and plants — stay healthy through the winter months.Chef Scott’s Recipe of the WeekChef Scott makes his return this week with a recipe for Quince Jam, perfect for making use of those seasonal fruits. His recipe is simple, fragrant, and a lovely way to preserve autumn flavours for the months ahead.You’ll find the full recipe over on the website.In the Podding ShedBack in the shed, Richard turns his attention to a timely topic — heating the greenhouse.The first step, he says, is always insulation. Bubble wrap or fleece can help trap warmth and protect plants from frost.He also uses a water butt full of water as a thermal battery, storing warmth during the day and releasing it at night.In the past, he even experimented with a compost heap for heating, inspired by the Victorians’ pineapple houses — though this proved less effective in practice.When it comes to heating options, paraffin heaters can work well but bring concerns about safety and ventilation. For reliability and peace of mind, Richard now leans towards an electric greenhouse heater fitted with a thermostat to keep conditions steady without wasting energy.
This week on The Veg Grower Podcast, Richard shares another busy few days of tidying, planning and preparing for the colder months ahead — and reflects on where he finds his garden design inspiration.Allotment Update: Storing CanesDown on the allotment, the big tidy-up continues. With the days drawing shorter, time after work is now limited, so Richard has been making the most of every dry spell.This week he’s been tackling weeds, laying down mulch, and organising tools and materials ready for winter. Straw has once again proven to be a fantastic mulch — keeping weeds at bay and making maintenance much easier.He’s also been sorting through canes and supports, using a simple but clever trick for storing them neatly: fixing a bungee cord to the shed wall and slipping the canes behind it. It’s easy, quick, and stops everything falling about in the wind — a great tip for anyone short on shed space.Plastic pots have also had a bit of a tidy. While Richard prefers to reuse rather than throw away, he’s been organising them into bins and boxes to keep things under control. The goal this winter is clear — get the plot tidy, mulched, and ready for another productive year.Kitchen Garden Update: Overwintering ChilliesBack home in the kitchen garden, listener Stuart Jackson got in touch with a great question: how do you overwinter chillies?Chillies are actually perennials, so with the right care, they can keep going for years. The trick is to move potted plants indoors — a shed, greenhouse, or even a bright windowsill works well — and keep them just ticking over.Richard recommends pruning each branch back to about a third, watering sparingly, and keeping them frost-free but not too warm. Then, when spring returns, the plants can burst back into growth and reward you with an early crop.It’s a simple method that helps keep those favourite chilli plants alive year after year.At home, the brassicas are thriving — Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbages and cauliflowers all doing well. The new chickens are settling in, though not yet laying, while the older hens continue to keep the egg basket full.Remarkably, the courgette plants are still producing flowers and fruit — quite something for October. And there’s plenty of beetroot too, recently harvested for a batch of delicious beetroot and chocolate brownies.Recipe of the WeekThis week’s recipe is Spicy Autumn Potato Soup, perfect for a chilly October day. It’s a simple, warming dish that uses stored potatoes, late chillies and peppers for a kick of flavour.You’ll find the full recipe on the website — ideal for using up seasonal veg and serving with crusty bread after a day in the garden.In the Potting ShedAs the rain fell outside, Richard found himself thinking about garden design — not just for practicality, but for beauty too.After ten years in the same home, the kitchen garden continues to evolve. The ambition now is to make it look amazing while still being productive. To do that, Richard’s been looking everywhere for inspiration — from social media to stately homes, RHS shows and hotel gardens.He’s already bringing ideas home, like training apple and pear trees over a small arch — a miniature take on the grand designs seen at places like West Dean or Bewley Gardens. It’s proof that even in a modest garden, we can borrow the elegance of larger spaces while keeping things edible and functional.So, where do you get your garden inspiration? Get in touch and let Richard know.
This week on The Veg Grower Podcast, I’ve been busy both at home in the kitchen garden and down on the allotment. Autumn is certainly upon us, and that means it’s time to tidy, store, and prepare for the months ahead.Kitchen Garden UpdateAt home, my main focus has been on checking over our stored fruit and vegetables. I always try to do this regularly – especially the ones that aren’t in the freezer. Apples and pears are kept in crates in the garage where it’s cool, dark, and dry, with just enough space between each fruit for airflow. It’s important to remove any showing signs of rot before it spreads to the rest.The same goes for the onions in sacks and root vegetables stored in damp sand. It’s a simple but vital job to keep our homegrown produce lasting right through winter.The chickens have now fully integrated into one flock, all sleeping together in the same coop, which is great to see. They’re not quite laying yet, but they’re certainly settled in. I’ve also been preparing for the colder weather by moving tender plants such as my peach, lemon, and potted grapevine into the greenhouse. The fleece is on standby in case of frost.My grapevine in the ground, though, has been incredibly productive this year, producing a mountain of dessert grapes – small but delicious. Alongside that, we’re still harvesting spinach, mustards, beetroot, and cabbage, while the pumpkins and winter squash are now safely stored after a good year.Allotment UpdateDown on the allotment, I’ve been continuing the long-running task of tidying from the bottom of the plot upwards, a little at a time each visit. This week, the big project has been building a new compost bin.Using reclaimed corrugated iron from an old shed, I’ve bolted together panels with wooden posts to create a strong, practical bin about 1.5 metres long by 1 metre wide. It joins my existing bins, including one made from old fridge doors – not the prettiest, but it does the job!I’ve already begun filling the new bin with grass clippings and trimmings, and it’s satisfying to see the allotment looking tidier and more productive again.Another key job this week was planting out overwintering onions, both from sets and from seed. The sets go about 5 cm deep before being backfilled and watered. They’ll provide an early crop next year. It’s one of those repetitive tasks that feels endless at the time but pays off later.We’ve also still got a few tomatoes hanging on, though blight has begun to appear on the larger varieties, so those plants have been cleared and composted. The smaller tomatoes are still ripening slowly, and we’re continuing to harvest apples, pears, chillies, peppers, and late carrots.Kitchen Garden Recipe – Autumn RatatouilleThis week’s Recipe of the Week is my Autumn Ratatouille – a great way to use up the last of the summer harvest.It’s a simple mix of onion, garlic, aubergine, courgette, peppers, and tomatoes, all gently cooked down with olive oil and herbs into a rich, warming dish. It’s perfect with pasta, as a side to a roast, or even spooned onto toast with a poached egg.You’ll find the full recipe on our website.In the Potting ShedBack in the shed, I’ve been sorting through my seed collection – a job I do every autumn. My seeds are stored in labelled boxes inside an old fridge to keep them cool, dry, and safe from mice.This week I’ve been checking expiry dates, removing old packets, and making a list of what I already have before I start looking through seed catalogues. It saves money and prevents duplication.Out-of-date seeds often still germinate but at a lower rate, so I donate them to local gardening charities or use them to feed the birds.If you fancy a bit of homework this week – go through your own seed collection, see what’s missing, and start planning what you’d like to grow next year. It’s a great way to get ahead before spring arrives.
This week on The Veg Grower Podcast, it’s been a wild and windy one as Storm Amy rolled through the south coast — but that didn’t stop progress in the allotment or the kitchen garden. I’ve been tidying up, sowing broad beans, and starting to make some exciting plans for the 2026 growing season.
Kitchen Garden UpdateBack home in the kitchen garden, the stormy weather certainly made things interesting. Thankfully, there was no serious damage — just a few wind-fallen apples and pears.
With the strong winds making outdoor jobs difficult, I took refuge in the greenhouse. The tomatoes had reached the end of their season, so it was time for a tidy-up and clear-out. Once the spent plants were composted, I realised how much space I had for winter crops such as winter lettuce and land cress.
A good reminder came to light during this process — a clean greenhouse lets in far more light. Over the year, dirt builds up on the glass, blocking valuable sunlight. So I gave the glass a thorough scrub, inside and out, using just water and a stiff brush. No harsh chemicals here — I like to keep it natural, especially in a space where I grow food.
As I tidied around, I reflected on how gardeners can sometimes be too tidy in autumn. Leaving some hollow stems and seed heads gives insects and other wildlife a place to overwinter. Nature is our friend — those ladybirds, bees, and lacewings will help with pest control next year.
Allotment UpdateDown on the allotment, I was relieved to find everything intact after the storm. No broken glass, no collapsed sheds — just a blustery mess to sort out.
Inside the greenhouse, I spent time tidying and preparing for the next phase — sowing broad beans. I’ve chosen two overwintering varieties: Aquadulce Claudia and Saturn. These are going into root trainers for now, ready to be hardened off and planted outside in about a month.
Broad beans are easy to grow and incredibly resilient. They’ll sit quietly through the colder months, then burst into growth in spring, often cropping before spring-sown varieties. Another advantage? Overwintered broad beans tend to suffer less from blackfly.
I also like to companion plant with nasturtiums, which attract blackfly away from the beans. When it comes to harvest time, I prefer picking the pods young and tender for the best flavour — though the pods themselves can also be battered and fried for something a bit different!
Once the plants are finished, I cut them down at the base, leaving the roots in place to add a little nitrogen back into the soil.
Recipe of the WeekThis week, Chef Scott wasn’t available, but I stepped in with a recipe that ties perfectly to our Seed of the Month – Broad Beans.
Try my Broad Bean and Mint Hummus — a simple, fresh twist on a classic.
You’ll need:
- 300g broad beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small clove garlic
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Juice of half a lemon
- A small handful of mint leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Boil the beans for a few minutes, drain, and pop them out of their skins if they’re large. Blend everything together until smooth, adding a splash of water or extra oil if needed. Season to taste, and serve with flatbreads or toast — it’s especially good with a poached egg on top.
Find the full recipe at theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk.
In the Potting Shed – Plans for 2026With the storm keeping me indoors, I took the chance to start mapping out plans for next year. For me, autumn marks the start of the gardening year — garlic and onions are going in, and it’s the perfect time to dream and plan.
In 2026, I want my kitchen garden to be more than just productive — I want it to look beautiful too. Inspired by some of the stunning kitchen gardens I’ve seen around the UK, I’m focusing on my own SNAP principles:
S – Simple
N – Natural
A – And
P – Productive
I’ll be embracing polyculture — growing different plants side by side to maximise space, encourage beneficial insects, and make the garden feel alive and full. Garlic, for instance, will line the edges of beds, freeing up the centres for mixed planting.
On the allotment, productivity remains the goal. My straw bale gardening experiment has been a huge success, providing great crops in tricky soil. The straw mulch has reduced weeding, conserved water, and even helped build compost. I’ll be continuing that next year while working towards producing even more of my own compost to fill every bed.
And who knows — maybe 2026 will finally be the year I glaze that allotment greenhouse!
Final ThoughtsDespite the wild weather, it’s been a productive week and a great reminder that even in stormy conditions, there’s plenty we can be doing — tidying, cleaning, sowing, and planning.
I’d love to know — what plans do you have for 2026? Are you changing your gardening style or trying something new? Let me know in the comments or on social media.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week on the Veg Grower Podcast we’re embracing the arrival of autumn. I’ve been reflecting on the kitchen garden, making plans for the allotment through the colder months, and sharing why leaf mould is one of the most valuable resources we can collect at this time of year.
Kitchen Garden UpdateThe kitchen garden is still full of food. Kale, turnips, radicchio, beetroot, parsnips, leeks, spinach, cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all growing strongly — not to mention the fruit scattered throughout the space.
That said, this week I’ve felt a little overwhelmed. The grass had grown long, crops were finishing, and I wasn’t sure where to begin. Clearing away spent summer crops was my first job. Beans and peas were cut at ground level, leaving the roots in place to enrich the soil. This not only feeds the soil with nitrogen but also helps improve its structure.
I’ve been topping beds with leftover compost from seed trays and pots, giving the soil a boost of organic matter. It’s a reminder that soil health underpins everything — and why no-dig gardening and constant mulching are at the heart of my approach.
Pumpkins have also started coming in, with my first small but perfectly ripe one harvested this week. Properly stored, squashes and pumpkins will last us right through winter, making them one of the most rewarding crops to grow. Root crops like beetroot, carrots, and turnips are also ready, while parsnips will be left until after the first frost for extra sweetness.
Allotment UpdateDown on the allotment, colder mornings are a reminder that autumn is well and truly here. Much of my work has focused on weeding and sowing green manures in empty spaces to protect and enrich the soil over winter.
Leeks and parsnips have finally put on a growth spurt, thanks to recent rainfall. It’s highlighted the importance of organic matter in the soil, something I plan to improve with more compost and possibly manure in the months ahead.
An unexpected globe artichoke appeared in an empty bed — self-seeded from somewhere — which I’ve potted up rather than waste. Meanwhile, a beefsteak tomato plant has produced some enormous fruits that stubbornly refuse to ripen. I’ve stripped away leaves to encourage ripening, but if the cold comes first, they’ll be picked and ripened indoors with a banana.
Perhaps most importantly, I’ve sat down and written a full winter to-do list for the allotment: compost bins, greenhouse repairs, shed tidying, and more. I’ve added it all into Notion, creating a timeline to keep me on track. Having that plan in place makes the workload feel manageable and ensures I’m ready for spring.
Recipe of the WeekChef Scott returns with something special: Spiced Poached Quince with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Quinces may not be a common sight in shops, but they’re worth growing or seeking out. Slowly poached with cinnamon, star anise, and lemon, they develop a deep red colour and an incredible fragrance. Served hot with vanilla ice cream, it’s a true autumn treat.
You’ll find the full recipe on the blog.
In the Podding Shed – Leaf MouldWith leaves now falling fast, it’s the perfect time to collect them. Leaf mould may not be high in nutrients, but it’s a fantastic soil conditioner, seed-sowing medium, and mulch.
I collect mine from recreation fields where leaves would otherwise be wasted, never from woodlands or roadsides. At the allotment I use homemade bins from wood and chicken wire to store and rot down the leaves. Over time they break down into a crumbly, woodland-like compost.
Leaf mould can be used to mulch fruit trees, protect rhubarb crowns, or improve soil structure. It reduces significantly in volume as it rots, so I also use spare Dalek bins to handle the surplus until it can be transferred.
It’s a free, abundant resource that really shouldn’t be wasted — and one that makes a big difference to the garden.
Final ThoughtsAutumn is often seen as the end of the growing year, but I see it as a beginning. Pumpkins and root crops are being harvested, green manures sown, and plans are being made for winter projects.
This is also the time to make use of resources like falling leaves — turning waste into something valuable.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week on the Veg Grower Podcast I’ve been busy with one of my favourite tasks of the year — planting garlic. Added to that, there are new chickens in the kitchen garden, and I share my thoughts on green manures as we move into autumn.
Allotment UpdateSaturday 20th September is always a big date in my calendar. It’s my wedding anniversary, yes — but it’s also the day I traditionally plant my garlic. Garlic is one of my favourite crops to grow because it sits in the ground over winter and makes the allotment look alive during the colder months.
I prepared the bed by clearing weeds, cutting old plants off at ground level to leave the roots in place, and topping with compost. After regular hoeing to keep it tidy, I planted my saved garlic cloves about 10cm deep and 10cm apart, pointy end up. A scattering of garlic fertiliser from the Garlic Farm (or blood, fish and bone if you prefer) and a good watering finished the job. Elephant garlic also went in.
From here it’s simply a case of monthly feeding, keeping it weed-free, and watering in dry spells until harvest next summer. The only real challenge I’ve faced in past years is leek rust, but good ventilation usually keeps it at bay.
Beyond garlic, the allotment is still providing well. Chillies, aubergines, peppers, apples, and pears are all being harvested. I’ve also been trialling straw bale gardening, which has given excellent results with chillies and aubergines. The moisture-holding, slowly decaying bales feed the plants well, and I plan to expand this trial next season.
Kitchen Garden UpdateBack at home, the big news is the arrival of two new chickens. Sadly, my oldest hen passed away recently, so I’ve added two new ones to the flock — a skyline and a moss belle, named Steel and Panther. Between them they’ll provide beautiful green and blue eggs once they start laying, hopefully by Halloween.
For now, they’re separated from the older hens while they get used to each other, but they’re already settling in. I always say chickens complete the kitchen garden: not only for eggs, but also for pest control, compost, and manure.
It’s also been a special weekend in the garden for another reason. On our anniversary trip we stopped at a garden near Brighton and found a reclamation yard next door. There we came across an antique aluminium garden bench with a matching bistro table and chairs — exactly what we’d been looking for. We brought it home as a gift to each other. Seating is such an important part of a garden, giving us space to pause and enjoy what we’ve created.
Recipe of the WeekWith the cooler weather setting in, nothing beats a tray of roasted autumn veg with garlic and herbs. Using aubergines, broccoli, garlic, chillies, and even apples or pears for sweetness, it’s a simple one-pan dish that makes the most of the harvest. You can find the full recipe on the blog.
In the Podding Shed – Green ManuresThis week’s shed chat is all about green manures. These cover crops are a brilliant way to protect and enrich the soil through autumn and winter.
Green manures such as clover, vetch, rye, mustard, buckwheat, phacelia, and field beans help prevent soil erosion, add organic matter, and improve fertility — particularly by fixing nitrogen in the case of legumes.
They’re easy to sow: just scatter seeds on cleared ground, rake or tread them in, and let them grow. Some die back over winter naturally, while others can be cut down and left to rot on the surface or dug in before planting spring crops.
I’m sowing winter tares and field beans this year, as well as trialling mixes designed for potato and sweetcorn beds. For me, green manures are essential to good soil health and far better than leaving ground bare or covering it with plastic.
Final ThoughtsFrom garlic planting to green manures, new chickens to garden benches, it’s been a weekend that has set us up well for the season ahead. The allotment and kitchen garden are still full of life, and now is the time to make plans that will carry us through into next year.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week on the Veg Grower Podcast, the weather has been the main story. With heavy showers and strong winds, I’ve had to adapt my plans in both the kitchen garden and on the allotment.
Kitchen Garden UpdateAt home, the wet weather kept me indoors more than I’d like, but I still managed to get some useful jobs done under cover. Seed sowing has continued in trays in the shed and greenhouse, ensuring a steady flow of crops as we move into autumn. These small steps mean the garden will keep providing, even when the weather isn’t on our side.
Allotment UpdateThe allotment has been a mix of challenges and small wins. The rain made weeding a little easier, and I managed to get a fair amount cleared. However, bigger jobs such as building a new compost bin had to be postponed thanks to the conditions.
With the stormy winds picking up, I also spent some time checking and securing things around the plot. It’s a reminder to us all at this time of year that a sudden gust can undo a lot of hard work if we’re not prepared.
In the Podding ShedThis week I’ve also been in the podding shed, where I shared a voicemail from listener Maria, who’s had trouble with slugs getting to her pumpkins. It’s a problem many of us face, and it’s always helpful to hear these challenges so we can share ideas and solutions together.
I also urged listeners to follow what I’ve been doing lately — taking some time to plan ahead for the coming year. Start by writing a list of the crops you’d really like to grow, then sketch out your allotment or garden space. Even a rough plan can make a huge difference in making the most of your growing area and ensuring everything has its place.
Final ThoughtsIt hasn’t been the most productive of weekends, but that’s often the way when the weather turns against us. Still, there’s always something to do — whether it’s seed sowing under cover, planning for next season, or simply tidying what we can.
This week on the Veg Grower Podcast I have been busy on both the allotment and in the kitchen garden. September always feels like the start of a new gardening year and with that in mind I have been preparing beds, harvesting plenty, and even picking up a bargain or two.
Allotment Update:I started the week by harvesting a couple of cauliflowers and some broccoli. Timing is everything with these crops. Too soon and they are small, too late and they bolt. Thankfully these were just right and have been blanched for the freezer, made into cauliflower cheese, and enjoyed fresh.
Harvesting them also freed up space in the brassica bed which will be home to garlic and overwintering onions. To prepare, I dug out some of my homemade compost and mulched the beds. It is satisfying to know that garden waste has come full circle to feed the soil for the next crops.
While digging compost I also took the opportunity to tidy up the scruffy corner where the bins live. Nettles were cut back and the area generally smartened up, which gave me better access to my leaf mould bins. These will be filled with fallen leaves in October and left to break down into a useful soil conditioner.
A trip to B&M also turned up an unexpected find. Trays of violas for just 20p each. After a good soak they perked up and I have planted them around the allotment and kitchen garden. Not only do they add colour but their flowers are edible too, perfect for salads or garnishes.
Kitchen Garden update:At home compost has been another big theme. The hot bin continues to churn out high-quality compost and thanks to my neighbours pruning their vines I had more material to add. Chopping it up finely helps it rot down faster and makes a better end product.
Looking ahead I am planning to try more polyculture planting next year in the kitchen garden. Rather than having beds for each crop, I want to mix things up with tomatoes and beetroot together or herbs tucked between vegetables. This will make the space more productive and resilient.
Another highlight was pricking out thyme seedlings. The smell was fantastic and it reminded me why I want to grow more herbs. Not just for cooking, but also as companion plants. Thyme works well with brassicas as its scent confuses cabbage whites, basil helps tomatoes by repelling whitefly, and chives can deter aphids. Herbs really can bring both flavour and natural pest control.
With rain finally arriving I have also been pumping water from full butts into others to make sure nothing goes to waste. My Autopot systems in the greenhouse have been a real help this year, keeping moisture levels steady and helping produce bumper crops.
Recipe of the WeekIn the kitchen garlic was the star with a batch of homemade aioli. This is a simple garlicky mayonnaise made with garlic, egg yolks, mustard, olive oil and lemon juice. It is easy to make but full of flavour and shows just how versatile garlic is both in the ground and in the kitchen.
Growing GarlicFinally, a few tips on growing garlic. I aim to plant mine around the 20th of September, which is also my wedding anniversary so I never forget. Garlic likes well-prepared, free-draining soil. I plant cloves 10cm deep and 10cm apart, pointy end up, and water well.
Planting in September means the bulbs get the cold spell they need to split properly and by June they will be ready to harvest. Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow and one I always look forward to.
Final ThoughtsThis week has been a reminder of how September is a turning point. Harvesting summer crops, preparing for winter, and planning ahead for next year. With compost, violas, herbs, and garlic all on the go it feels like the garden is full of energy and potential.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
As we step into September, the garden is changing pace – and this week I’ve been keeping dry in the shed, sowing our seed of the month: watercress, catching rainwater, and tidying up the allotment between showers.
Seed of the Month: WatercressWatercress is one of those crops that often gets overlooked, but it’s such a rewarding and easy one to grow. I’ve started mine two ways this week:
- From seed: Sow into a shallow tray of seed compost or fine multi-purpose compost. The key is to keep it moist at all times – never let it dry out. Simply sprinkle the fine seeds on the surface (don’t bury them) and place the tray in a bright spot such as a kitchen windowsill. Germination takes 7–14 days. Once the seedlings appear, thin them to a couple of centimetres apart to allow airflow.
- From supermarket salad: Buy a bag of watercress, pick out a few stems, and place them in a shallow dish of water (gravel in the bottom helps with stability). Change the water every 2–3 days and soon you’ll see new shoots and roots. Once rooted, they can be potted up in compost.
Watercress thrives in damp, shady conditions – it doesn’t need a pond, though it will happily grow in one! Keep it consistently moist (water-retaining compost in containers works well), and harvest by snipping outer leaves regularly while leaving the centre to keep growing. Avoid cutting more than one-third at a time to prevent stress.
In the kitchen, wash well before using. Watercress is brilliant in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, stir-fries, and, of course, soups. It’s best just before flowering when the flavour is at its peak.
Rain, Water Butts, and Saving PenniesAugust was unusually dry here in Littlehampton, with just 27 mm of rain – and 26 mm of that came last week! The downpours were a blessing, filling the water butts and saving countless watering trips.
I’ve also been busy installing extra rainwater diverters. A quick tip here: make sure the diverter is fitted level with the water butt inlet. Too high and the butt will overflow; too low and it won’t fill properly. Installed correctly, they divert water into the butt until it’s full, then allow excess to continue down the drainpipe.
It’s a simple job but pays off hugely – reducing bills, increasing self-sufficiency, and keeping the veg patch well-watered without relying on the tap.
Allotment UpdateThe allotment has benefitted from the rain too. Weeds are much easier to pull in the softened clay soil, and the plants look visibly better for the soak. Harvests are coming thick and fast: tomatoes, peppers, chillies, and aubergines are all doing well.
I did notice something interesting – carrot seeds sown in beds rich with organic matter have germinated far better than those in bare clay. Another reminder that compost is king. Adding organic matter improves structure, water retention, and germination, and it’s why I’ll be digging out and spreading compost across the beds in the coming weeks.
Security has also been on my mind. With darker evenings approaching, allotments can sadly be easy targets. I’ve secured my shed, avoid leaving anything valuable on site, and even set up a wildlife camera to keep watch. If food is taken, I’d happily share with those in need – I just wish people would ask rather than steal.
Recipe of the Week: Watercress SoupWith Chef Scott stepping back from weekly recipes, I’ve taken over this week’s cook-along. Naturally, it had to be a watercress soup – simple, peppery, and a beautiful shade of green.
Listener Projects & Fermented ExperimentsI was delighted to receive a message from Andy in mid-Wales, who built his own hot bin from recycled polystyrene boards. I love these DIY projects – I’ve built compost bins and beds from pallets and reclaimed timber myself. Autumn and winter are perfect seasons to plan these projects, as the garden slows down.
And thanks to Lynn for sharing her kombucha experiments! Starting with a SCOBY, she’s now brewing apple and blackberry kombucha at home – far cheaper than shop-bought and a great use for homegrown produce. Inspired by this, I’ve started sauerkraut again, and will report back soon.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Welcome back to another episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, where I share what’s happening on my allotment and in my kitchen garden here in Littlehampton, West Sussex. This week has been a busy one with summer pruning, experimenting with soil testing, and answering a brilliant listener question about fermentation.
Allotment Update – Summer PruningThe bank holiday weekend gave me extra time on the plot, and I’ve focused on summer pruning. Stone fruits like cherries and plums can’t be pruned in winter, so this is the time to give them attention. Starting with dead, diseased, or damaged wood, I worked through shaping the trees and preventing crossing branches. Apples and pears also had a light tidy-up to keep them healthy. It always feels counterintuitive to cut branches off, but it makes such a big difference to the harvest.
I mention a good book I ahve found for pruning and this book canbe found here.
Kitchen Garden – Soil TestingBack at home, I carried out a soil test to find out exactly what my soil needs. Using a simple kit, I discovered my soil is slightly alkaline (perfect for brassicas), potassium and phosphorus levels are fine, but nitrogen is low. That explains why leafy crops sometimes struggle. To address this, I’ll be sowing field beans as a green manure this winter – a natural way to add nitrogen back into the soil.
The test kit used can be found here.
Chef Scott’s recipe of the week.The harvests continue to be plentiful – tomatoes, chillies, aubergines, cabbages, and more. Chef Scott has also shared a delicious recipe: roasted greengages with star anise and orange, served with vanilla mascarpone and pistachios. If you don’t have greengages, plums will work perfectly too.
Listener Question – FermentationMark from Musselburgh asked if I’d ever tried fermentation as a storage method. I’ve dabbled – ciders and wines worked well, sauerkraut less so! But fermentation is one of the oldest ways to preserve food and it’s making a comeback. Sauerkraut, kimchi, and fermented pickles not only extend the life of our harvests but are also great for gut health. With food prices rising, it’s a skill I’m keen to revisit and explore more seriously.
Final ThoughtsFrom pruning trees to testing soil and learning old preservation skills, it’s been a week of both science and tradition in the garden. If you’ve got your own fermentation stories, or if you’ve tried a soil test, I’d love to hear from you.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast is packed with jobs on the allotment, progress in the kitchen garden, and a listener’s question about slugs. With summer harvests in full swing, it’s been a busy and productive week – plus I share a recipe of the week while Chef Scott is away.
Allotment UpdateThe main focus on the allotment has been seed saving. I’ve been busy collecting seeds from peas and beans – always reliable and easy to do – as well as saving poppy seeds that appeared on the plot without me ever sowing them.
I also talk through why saving squash seeds can be tricky due to cross-pollination, and why crops like carrots and parsnips need two years to produce viable seed. I share a past experiment with potatoes too – growing out “seed plants” to store tubers for replanting the following year, which worked surprisingly well.
Of course, alongside seed saving, it’s been the usual jobs of mowing, strimming, weeding, and watering in the warm weather.
Kitchen Garden UpdateBack at home, I’m delighted to say the driveway project is finally finished after weeks of disruption. With resin-bonded paths and drive now complete, I’ve been able to put the garden back together. Waterbutts, sinks, and pots are gradually returning to their proper places, although a few plants are struggling after the hot, dry spells.
Harvests have been plentiful – especially tomatoes – so a lot of batch cooking and freezing has been going on. I’ve also been busy potting up strawberry runners, moving baby plants into pots for next year’s crops while their mother plants get ready for another season outside.
Listener QuestionThis week we had a voicemail from Melissa, who asked about slugs attacking her beans. I share a range of approaches, including:
- Growing young plants in trays protected with copper tape
- Encouraging wildlife such as frogs, birds, and hedgehogs
- Collecting slugs on evening patrols and feeding them to chickens
- Using beer traps or upturned pots as shelters
- Nematodes as a last resort
- Avoiding chemical slug pellets where possible
Recipe of the WeekWith Chef Scott on holiday, I’m stepping in with a simple seasonal dish: Garlic & Herb Roasted Patty Pan Squash.
These quirky little summer squashes are delicious roasted with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs – perfect as a side dish or even the star of a light summer supper.
Final ThoughtsIt’s been a productive, rewarding week – saving seeds for the future, harvesting the best of summer, and finally reclaiming the garden after the driveway works.
Tune in to hear more about the seed-saving process, how I’m dealing with slugs, and why patty pan squash deserves a place in every veg garden.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast is all about making the most of the summer growing season while also planning ahead for autumn and winter. From uncovering rich compost in the hot bin to sowing green manures, I share what’s been happening on the allotment and in the kitchen garden, plus Chef Scott brings us a fresh take on our seed of the month. We round off with some thoughts on why growing your own food means so much.
Allotment UpdateI started the week by checking on my hot bin composter. The results were fantastic – rich, crumbly compost far quicker than my traditional bin could produce. This “black gold” has gone straight onto the beds as mulch, feeding the soil and helping lock in moisture during these warmer spells.
If you’re looking to buy a hotbin composter don’t forget to use discount code vgp10hb when buying from https://hotbincomposting.com
I’ve also sown mustard as a green manure in beds earmarked for garlic and overwintering onions later this year. It’ll protect the soil, outcompete weeds, and add valuable organic matter when it’s chopped and dug in.
Kitchen Garden UpdateOver in the kitchen garden, it’s been a week of steady maintenance – watering, feeding, and looking ahead to autumn crops. I also shared my favourite green manures for winter soil care and explained why they’re such a vital part of my growing plan.
Seed of the Month RecipeChef Scott’s recipe this week celebrates our seed of the month: pak choi. His miso & lemon butter stir-fried pak choi is quick, delicious, and a perfect side for a summer meal. You’ll find the full recipe on the blog and on Scott’s Instagram, Seed to Table Plot 13.
Final ThoughtsTo wrap things up, I’ve been reflecting on the many reasons we grow our own food – from unbeatable flavour and freshness to food security and sheer satisfaction. I’d love to hear why you grow your own
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Welcome back to this week’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, where we share our journey of growing food here on the South Coast of the UK and inspire you to do the same—whatever your space!
This Week in the GardenIn this episode, I reflect on a much-needed day at the allotment. With ongoing home renovations weighing heavily, I took a full day to reset among the raised beds, buzzing bees (including one surprise wasp’s nest!), and late summer crops. There’s something about the allotment that clears the mind, and I really needed that mental escape this week.
After a good tidy with the strimmer and lawn mower, I experimented with the chop-and-drop method—leaving weeds and trimmings on the soil surface to decompose and feed the beds in place. I also checked on our cabbages where the first earlies were previously growing, and they’re settling in nicely. Our maincrop potatoes are beginning to yellow, a clear sign they’re nearly ready for harvest.
And yes, I did get stung (on the ear!)—a not-so-friendly reminder that we share our spaces with nature. Always tread carefully!
Seed of the Month: Pak ChoiAugust may seem like a quiet time for sowing, but it’s actually perfect for leafy crops—and pak choi is our standout pick. Fast-growing, versatile, and brilliant in everything from stir-fries to Thai green curries, pak choi thrives in the cooler evenings of August without bolting.
Here’s how I sow it:
- Start in plug trays with seed compost, 1cm deep.
- Germinate in the propagation shed, then plant out in 2–3 weeks.
- Space at 20cm apart for full heads or closer for baby leaves.
- Consistent watering is essential to avoid bolting.
- Mulch well and protect with mesh to fend off flea beetle and butterflies.
Within 6–8 weeks, you’ll be harvesting full heads—or much sooner for baby leaves!
Buy your seeds from our trusted suppliers
- Ruby f1 a red leaved pak choi
- White stem, one of my most regullery grown pak choi varities
- Qing choi an intersting but large variety
Recipe of the Week: Cauliflower PakorasChef Scott is back with a tasty treat—crispy cauliflower pakoras (or use any mix of veg). They’re packed with spice and easy to whip up. You’ll need cauliflower, gram flour, mint, coriander, and a warming blend of cumin, garam masala, Kashmiri chilli powder and more. Simply whisk, mix and fry. Find the full recipe on our website or Chef Scott’s Instagram @seedtotableplot13.
Seeds You Can Still Sow in AugustDon’t be fooled—August has plenty of sowing potential. Some crops to get in the ground now include:
- Leafy greens: spinach, rocket, mizuna, lettuce, corn salad
- Orientals: pak choi, mustard greens
- Overwintering onions & spring onions
- Turnips, radicchio, chard, kohl rabi
- Chillies (for overwintering)
- Green manures for soil health
These will give you a harvest later this year or set you up nicely for winter and spring.
Listener CommentsThank you for all the feedback on Spotify this week! We heard from:
- Henry who’s been experimenting with compost and straw mulch.
- Becky, new to veg growing, is hoping for a patty pan squash recipe (Scott’s on it!).
- Linda, with 25 years of chicken-keeping wisdom, recommends avoiding wooden coops.
- And Natalie, who raised a great question about washing recyclables. We’ll dig into that one!
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
This week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast is full of practical tips and heartfelt reflections from the kitchen garden and beyond. With a hosepipe ban potentially on the way, Richard shares his water-saving strategies, gives us a greenhouse tour, and answers a listener question about keeping chickens for the first time. Here's what you'll hear in this episode:Kitchen Garden UpdateIt’s been a hot and dry week, and water has become more precious than ever. Richard has been getting inventive, using recycled water from the bath and kitchen sink to keep things growing. The greenhouse is thriving thanks to the autopot system, with tomatoes, aubergines, chillies, and cucumbers all coming along nicely.He also shares how he’s still sowing seeds even in late July – including kale, chard, winter lettuce and microgreens on the windowsill – proving it’s never too late to start something new.Allotment UpdateDown on the allotment, Richard reflects on the emotional loss of one of his hens. This prompts a discussion on preparing for changes and the importance of having flexible growing systems in place. He also shares some small wins – like harvesting courgettes and using water wisely – and hints at a few jobs lined up for the weekend.Main Feature: Keeping Chickens – A Beginner’s GuidePrompted by a listener question, Richard dives into the basics of chicken keeping from a gardener’s perspective. In this guide, you’ll hear about:How many chickens to start withChoosing between wood or plastic coops (and why he prefers plastic)Feeding, cleaning, and daily routinesDealing with common issues like rats and red miteWhy chickens are such a rewarding addition to the gardenThis segment is packed with tips for anyone considering their first flock – or looking to improve their current setup.Recipe of the WeekChef Scott returns with something a little different: Blackberry & Chilli Sauce. It’s sweet, spicy, and perfect for crispy duck, BBQ meats or even grilled vegetables. Find the full recipe here or on Scott’s Instagram: @seedtotableplot13.Final ThoughtsWith the weather heating up and water becoming more limited, this episode is a reminder of how adaptable and inventive gardeners can be. From water-saving ideas to preparing for livestock, there’s always something to learn and improve on.
This week on the Veg Grower Podcast, I share a jam-packed update from both the allotment and home garden, reflecting on everything from caterpillar invasions to rainwater harvesting – with plenty of musings on the tools that truly earn their keep.Allotment Update: Rain, Brambles & BrassicasThe long-awaited rain finally arrived in Littlehampton, giving the allotment a much-needed drink and easing the burden of watering. Rainwater always seems to perk up the plants more than tap water ever could.However, with the rain came growth in less welcome areas. Nettles and brambles have run rampant near both sheds. One area may be transformed into a new corrugated iron bed, while the gooseberry patch might require drastic action to remove deeply rooted brambles.The biggest issue, though, is caterpillars. With netting blown off the brassicas, cabbage white butterflies have taken full advantage. Cauliflower crops have been hit the hardest, and I’m now picking off caterpillars by hand – and letting the chickens lend a helping beak.At Home: Companion Planting & Metal Arch MakeoverBack in the kitchen garden, there's better news. Despite no netting on the brassicas at home, there are no caterpillar problems – likely thanks to bird activity and clever companion planting. Nasturtiums, used as a sacrificial crop, are proving their worth by attracting pests away from the main crops.I also share how an old metal arch is being transformed into a feature piece in the garden, destined to support an apple and pear tree to form an edible archway. A win for productivity and garden design.Tools of the Trade: What’s Worth Keeping?Inspired by recent renovations and a bit of a tidy-up, I’ve been reflecting on the tools I actually use – and which ones it’s time to pass on.Tools I wouldn't be without:Hori Hori Knife – for digging, cutting, and plantingBattery-powered Strimmer – lightweight and perfect for bordersBattery Hedge Trimmer – efficient and hassle-freeSecateurs – a sharp, reliable pair is essentialPerennial Spade – narrow blade for tighter spacesnormal spade – handy for bigger jobsFork – perfect for loosening soilRyobi Stick Pump – brilliant for pumping water from the butt to the bedsHoe – fast weeding between rowsRake – spreading compost or mulchThere’s no point keeping tools that don’t earn their place. I’m ready to clear out the clutter and make room for the tools that work hard.Chef Scott’s Recipe of the WeekScott’s been back in the kitchen giving cucumber a brand new lease of life. This week’s recipe pairs warm cucumber with hot smoked salmon and watercress, topped with a creamy horseradish and lemon dressing. A great way to use seasonal ingredients in a dish with a bit of flair.And Finally…It wouldn’t be a Veg Grower Podcast without a bit of drama – this week’s episode features a mishap with a snapped allotment key. Should I keep a battery-powered angle grinder in the car? You decide.Thanks for listening, and a big thank you to all our Supporters Club members who keep the podcast going.
This week’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast takes a deeper look at what lies beneath – literally and figuratively. With driveway works revealing long-hidden soil and water pipes, and a hot, dry summer pushing crops and gardeners alike, there’s plenty to reflect on.Here’s what you’ll hear in episode #614:Home Plot Update: What Lies Beneath?Work began this week on replacing the front driveway – an area where Richard previously grew fruit trees and bushes in pots. As the old concrete and gravel were removed, soil that hadn’t seen daylight in nearly 100 years was exposed.What did it look like? Lifeless. No worms, no structure, no organic matter. Just solid clay and compacted ground.This led to a powerful comparison with the healthy, rich, worm-filled soil in the veg beds – a reminder of just how important compost, mulch, and time are in building soil life.It also triggered a bigger thought: what’s beneath our gardens? A small leak in the water pipe and damaged drains revealed how much infrastructure quietly runs under our feet. What would happen if a pipe burst beneath your allotment or veg patch? Something to consider before planting perennials or laying paths.Allotment Update: Mornings and MulchWith high temperatures continuing, Richard has shifted his allotment routine to early mornings – working from 6:30 to 9:30am across the weekend. This made all the difference, especially for weeding and watering.First and second early potatoes are now being harvestedStraw mulch continues to prove invaluable – potato beds are holding moisture well despite the heatStraw bale gardening is also thriving, with the internal moisture levels keeping plants happy with very little wateringRichard shares his watering strategy too – watering deeply once a week to encourage deep roots, rather than frequent shallow watering. He uses the classic ‘finger test’ to check moisture and shares how to read plant signs.Midseason Blues? Keep GoingAround this time each year, many gardeners feel discouraged and start talking about “writing off” the season. Richard urges listeners to reframe that thinking.There’s still time to:Sow green manures to feed the soil and attract pollinatorsFill gaps with quick-growing crops like spinach, radish or carrotsReflect and adapt – not every season is perfect, but there’s always something to learnRecipe of the Week: Homegrown Tomatoes with Anchovy, Lemon, Basil & Caper DressingChef Scott is celebrating the tomato harvest with a fresh, bold-flavoured salad that lets ripe tomatoes shine. It’s a simple dish – tomatoes, anchovies, lemon zest, capers, olive oil and basil – but full of depth and perfect for a warm summer meal.Listener Message: Sterling from SeattleA shout-out to long-time listener Sterling from Seattle, who left a lovely voice message about discovering the podcast while searching for how to grow potatoes. He also shared how he tried Chef Scott’s rhubarb crumble recipe, swapping in strawberries. We love hearing stories like this!Ladybird Boom & Natural Pest ControlThere’s good news for gardeners this week – ladybird numbers are booming. A reported swarm even disrupted a cricket match at Lord’s!Ladybirds are a natural predator of aphids, and their increasing numbers this year are linked to the warm weather and rising aphid populations. Richard shares tips on encouraging beneficial predators, like:Leaving out shallow water bowls and shelter pilesPlanting flowers that attract insectsAvoiding pesticidesConsidering green manures that also feed pollinatorsFinal Thought:A hot week above ground. Big revelations beneath it. This episode is a reminder that gardening is as much about observation and reflection as it is about digging and sowing.
This week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast is a true slice of life from the garden and allotment. As the height of summer brings its usual mix of challenges and opportunities, I share what I’ve been up to, what’s working, and what I’ve learned.Here’s what you can expect:Allotment Update: Back on TrackAfter weeks of feeling behind, I’ve finally managed to get the allotment back under control. I spent time working through every bed, tidying, weeding, watering, and harvesting a satisfying haul – including potatoes, broad beans, raspberries, rhubarb, cabbage, gooseberries, and more.I also talk about thinning out my apples and pears by hand this year, due to a surprising lack of the usual June drop. Thinning feels counterintuitive, but the results in fruit size and quality are worth it.Dealing with Weedy BoundariesI touch on the ongoing battle with brambles spilling over from the neighbouring, abandoned allotment. It's a persistent nuisance and a reminder of how quickly things can get out of hand without regular maintenance.Straw Mulch Continues to Prove ItselfThe ongoing dry weather has made watering a near-daily task – but the beds mulched with straw are noticeably better at retaining moisture. I share just how well it’s working, and why I’m planning to mulch all beds with straw after laying compost each year.Filling the Gaps – Mid-Summer SowingWith a few crops failing (including sweetcorn devastated by slugs), and others now harvested, I’ve started sowing again to avoid empty beds. I walk you through what I’m sowing in the potting shed to fill those gaps:Dwarf French beansChardSpinachLettuceMicrogreensPlus suggestions for what to sow direct this month:CarrotsBeetrootRadishTurnipsKohlrabiSalad cropsMy approach continues to favour starting in modules to avoid confusion with weeds – except for root crops, which go straight into the soil.Visitors, Filming & The Great Driveway MoveIt’s been a busy week not just in the garden, but at home too. I hosted a filming day with the team from AutoPot, who make one of my favourite irrigation systems. We use their kit in the greenhouse and now in the potting shed – it’s a game-changer for watering seedlings and young plants.On top of that, the front driveway is being replaced – a big job, and one that required relocating every single fruit tree and plant growing out front. I talk about what that process was like and why we chose a porous surface to help with drainage and sustainability.Compost Trial Update: HotBin vs DalekI share the latest progress in our composting experiment between a HotBin and a traditional Dalek bin. The HotBin continues to impress – producing compost more quickly, breaking down volume effectively, and even generating more liquid feed than my wormery. I discuss materials, challenges with browns, and the signs that it’s working well.Don't forget the discount code VGP10HBRecipe of the Week: Fennel Salad with Grapefruit & CapersChef Scott celebrates our seed of the month, Florence Fennel, with a light and refreshing summer salad featuring grapefruit, lemon, capers and olive oil. A perfect pairing with grilled fish or pork – and another clever way to enjoy this bold-flavoured vegetable.Listener Comments & QuestionsWe hear from:Annabel , who shares her support for the podcast and a bit of shed envy!Lynn, who’s struggling to stop her pak choi from bolting. I offer some advice: keep the soil moist, offer partial shade, and try spring or autumn sowings when temperatures are cooler.Final Thought:The key message this week? Keep sowing, keep growing, and don’t be afraid to try again. Whether it's replanting a failed crop, trying a new composting method, or moving a garden full of fruit trees, there’s always something to learn.
This week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast is packed with personal updates, seasonal sowing, and an honest reflection on feeling overwhelmed during the busy summer gardening season.Here’s what you can expect:Kitchen Garden Update: A Brand New Potting ShedThis week saw a major upgrade in the garden — Richard has installed a brand new potting shed, combining greenhouse-style light with the solid build of a traditional shed. After removing the old, crumbling structure (which had long become a dumping ground), he replaced it with a spacious, double-doored model from Power Sheds.The new shed is already kitted out with shelves, growing trays and will be used primarily for propagation. It's a significant investment, but one that promises more organised and efficient seed sowing going forward.Seed of the Month: Florence FennelThis month’s featured seed is Florence Fennel, also known as bulb fennel. Richard discusses how to sow it, where it grows best, and why now is the perfect time to get it going.Key growing notes:Sow from late spring to midsummer (May–July)Direct sowing is best, though pot-grown transplants can workKeep soil moist to prevent boltingHarvest when bulbs reach 7–10cm in diameter (around 12–14 weeks after sowing)Richard prefers to start his in pots due to weed competition in open ground. He’ll be growing his inside the new potting shed.You can buy Florence fennel from our chosen suppliers belowPremier seedsSimply seedsRecipe of the Week: Confit Elephant GarlicChef Scott shares a beautifully simple and deeply flavoured recipe this week — Confit Elephant Garlic.By slow-cooking peeled garlic cloves in olive oil with rosemary and sea salt, you get soft, spreadable garlic perfect for toast or adding richness to dishes like bolognese. It’s a great way to preserve a bumper garlic harvest, and Richard plans to make a batch of his own.Feeling Overwhelmed in the GardenRichard opens up about the realities of struggling to keep up with the demands of summer gardening. From constant watering during a dry year to family life and work commitments, he shares his honest thoughts on burnout and how he’s coping.Tips discussed include:Mulching (especially with straw) to reduce watering needsWatering deeply but less frequently for strong root growthDoing a little weeding each day rather than letting it pile upWriting a weekly to-do list and focusing on just one job per dayAccepting that not everything has to look perfectThis segment is a reassuring reminder that it’s okay to slow down, simplify, and approach growing your own food in a sustainable, realistic way.Community Shout-OutA big thank you to Annabel Scott for her Spotify review, praising the podcast and Chef Scott’s seasonal recipes. It’s feedback like this that helps grow the community and reminds us why we do what we do.Also check out this article from Thompson and Morgon about natural pest control.
This week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast captures the ups and downs of gardening during a heatwave. With the sun blazing down, it’s been a challenge to stay on top of watering and weeds – but also a rewarding time for harvesting and experimenting with irrigation. Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:Allotment UpdateI began the week with a big tidy-up on the allotment. Weeds had started to get out of hand, so I put time into clearing paths, tidying beds, and giving everything a proper water. The combination of heat and rainfall has helped the soft fruits come along nicely – with blackcurrants, cherries and even some overwintered onions ready to harvest.After lifting the onions, I sowed a full bed of maincrop carrots. I talk about the importance of not leaving beds empty and making good use of the space we have.I also talk about the difference mulch has made this week – particularly straw mulch, which I’ve used on some beds to keep moisture in. While compost is my preferred mulch, the straw’s done a good job, and I reflect on how useful it’s been with such high temperatures.Kitchen Garden UpdateBack at home, I’ve been experimenting with some new irrigation ideas. I trialled an AquaBox Straight system to deliver water directly to the roots, and picked up a Ryobi Stick Pump at Gardeners’ World Live which helps move water from the waterbutt into the greenhouse more efficiently.Garlic was harvested this week too – including a few bulbs I grew from supermarket garlic. They’ve done surprisingly well and I’ll be looking at how spacing and placement can improve yields for next year.On the downside, I’ve had a battle with raspberry runners and mares tail popping up in awkward places – including the driveway. I share how I’m managing them without turning to chemicals.Listener LettersThis week I read out two emails:Courtney, a new gardener, got in touch for help with knotweed. I share some ideas on managing it and when to call in the council.Tanya is growing veg in containers and trying to save her own seed – we talk about how to get started with seed saving and how she can keep improving her soil.Recipe of the WeekChef Scott’s back with a summer favourite: Broad Beans on Toast with Burrata, Parma Ham, Mint & Chilli. A lovely fresh lunch that makes the most of the season’s harvest.Final ThoughtsIt’s been a hot, busy, productive week in the garden. From mulching and sowing to harvesting and experimenting, there’s always something new to learn. Tune in for all the updates, listener questions, and a few thoughts on how we manage our plots in heat like this.
This week’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast takes you on a field trip to one of my favourite events of the year – Gardeners’ World Live in Birmingham.Each year this show brings together gardeners of every type — from balcony growers to estate keepers — and celebrates the joy of growing. It’s full of inspiration, brilliant displays, expert talks, and of course, the latest gardening trends. I’ve attended many times, and every time I come away buzzing with ideas.What’s in this week’s episode?I caught up with Ade Sellars, a long-time friend and head of the “In Conversation” stage, to talk about kitchen gardening, lifestyle changes, and why he still proudly calls it a “kitchen garden”.I sat in on some cost-saving gardening tips from Adam, who reminded us all that you don’t have to spend a fortune to garden well — especially with his tips on taking cuttings, bargain plants, and chop-and-drop mulching.I chatted with Kate, designer of the stunning Nectury Garden, a pollinator-friendly show garden packed with bee-friendly planting, recycled and artisan materials, and even a handcrafted greenhouse painted with honey-toned detail.You’ll also hear snippets from Saul Walker (of Talking Heads Podcast) as we talked about emerging pests, new plant problems like Buddleia aphid, and how gardeners are adapting to climate changes.And we touched on the important link between gardening and mental health with Leigh, who blends his background in theatre and horticulture to create emotionally engaging gardening content — and even hosts fundraising events for mental health charities. Check out his upcoming event.Recipe of the WeekAs always, Chef Scott joins us to share a seasonal treat — this week it’s a Courgette & Feta Dip with Mint and Chilli, a cooling summer snack perfect for sunny days.Gardeners world live TakeawaysIf you’ve never been, I can’t recommend it enough!Gardeners’ World Live continues to be one of the most inclusive and inspiring events in the gardening calendar.There’s something for everyone — whether you’re after show garden ideas, expert advice, a bit of retail therapy, or simply to feel part of a growing community.
Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Veg Grower Podcast! I'm Richard, and my passion is to encourage and inspire you to grow more of your own food, sharing insights from over 30 years of experience in my own allotment and vegetable garden. This week, we've had a significant garlic harvest, a full update from the kitchen garden, and a fantastic email question from a listener. Let's dive in!Allotment Adventures: Harvests, Battles, and LearningsMy time at the allotment this week has been incredibly productive, despite not being able to visit as much in the evenings. The recent rain was incredibly welcome and certainly saved me some watering time! The big job for the weekend was harvesting our garlic. I planted it back in September, and usually, I'd harvest around early July. However, based on new information suggesting it's better to harvest about two weeks earlier when the leaves start to turn brown, I decided to pull it up. This year, we've had less rust on our garlic, which is a bonus, but some plants did seem to die off without a clear reason. During the harvest, I noticed a white fungi on some of the bulbs. This could be beneficial mycorrhizal fungi, or, less fortunately, onion white rot. Some bulbs with the fungi also had stem rot, which points more towards white rot. If it is white rot, it can persist in the soil for years, but luckily, I won't be using that bed for onions or garlic for that long, so it's not a major concern for future planting in that specific spot. I'm happy with the amount we harvested – well over 40 bulbs! After a good wash, they're now drying in the shed. The largest bulb of each variety will be saved for replanting in September. For the rest, instead of just storing them as bulbs, we're making "easy garlic" – blending the cloves with oil, heating it to prevent botulism, and storing it in the fridge or freezer. This method should help our large garlic harvest last considerably longer. Next, I tackled the top of my allotment, which borders a plot that's become a rambling mess after the previous tenants were kicked off. This area, where I have fruit bushes and rhubarb, is difficult to keep tidy, even with cardboard and mulch helping. The high weeds and brambles from next door are coming over, making it difficult to harvest my fruits, like the red currants, and care for my plants. I got my strimmer out and cut about a foot into the neighbour's plot, but of course, I ran out of string again! I then resorted to a bill hook, which did a surprisingly good job of hacking through brambles and nettles. Unfortunately, I couldn't clear the entire area due to dumped plastic bags and weeds. It's annoying, but I'll keep at it, coming down during the week to strim it back further. Despite the challenges, harvests are looking great! I've picked broad beans and peas, and the first early potatoes, grown under straw mulch, are looking fantastic – good size, healthy, clean, and easy to get out of the ground. I'm really starting to appreciate straw as a mulch, finding it more effective against weeds than grass clippings, especially if the ground is clear before application. We've also harvested some rhubarb and a couple of cherries. With the garlic bed now empty, I've filled it with mini bell tomato plants, ensuring no empty spaces and maximizing productivity. It means more tomatoes and easier maintenance. Overall, I'm happy with the allotment's progress; what felt overwhelming before is now coming together. Kitchen Garden Highlights: Autopots, Shed Plans & Hot CompostBack at the kitchen garden, we're consistently on top of weeding and watering to give the plants the best care. The greenhouse area is looking much tidier, and my autopots are truly performing! We've harvested our first cucumbers, and the autopots are producing some of the best cucumbers, tomatoes, chilies, peppers, and aubergines I've ever grown at this early stage....
Join Richard in this weeks podcast as we tackle the brassicas with our seed of the month kale. Down on the allotment Richard is also protecting his brasicas from pesky pigeons and we finish with a book of review of "Chas and his roock and roll garden"Seed of the month kaleThe first episode of every month we include our seed of the month and this month its kale.Kale is hardy and delicous brassica worthy to grow on any plot. Providing us with delicous leaves right through winter if sown at the right time. And now is the right time.Some of our favourite kale seeds includeNero Di TosconaDwarf green curledScarlet kaleAllotment update: protecting from pigeonsDown on the allotment Richard has been discovering the brassicas already planted out have been nibbled on by pigeons. To combat this Richard has got out his net covers and placed over his brassicas to protect them a little.He also shares some other effective methods of protecting brassicas from hungry pigeons.Chef Scotts recipe of the weekThis week chef Scott is sharing an interesting way to use rhubarb by incorperating into a indian dahll recipe.And finallyIn the final segment this week Richard share his book review of Chas and his rock and roll allotment.
Episode 605 – The Veg Grower PodcastAfter a whirlwind week travelling the country with Lee Connolly (aka the Skinny Jean Gardener) and his brother Dale, I’m finally back in the potting shed—albeit with a few snapped cabbages and a whole lot more inspiration. This week’s podcast is a mix of travel tales, allotment updates, and a fantastic interview with Andy from Hotbin. We’re also talking chickens, cucumbers, and how kids are the future of gardening.Touring with 10,000 Budding GardenersLast week I joined Lee and Dale on a mission to get 10,000 children gardening. We visited schools all over the UK, delivering high-energy seed sowing sessions filled with laughter, dancing, and even a few water pistols. The highlight? Seeing children leave with big smiles and wildflower seeds in their pockets.But it wasn’t all sunshine and spuds. A visit to the Royal School for the Deaf opened my eyes to just how inaccessible our audio-based content can be. It’s made me think seriously about making the podcast more inclusive. Suggestions welcome.And then there was the visit to the iconic Blue Peter Garden… I won’t spoil the video (coming soon on Lee’s YouTube channel), but let’s just say the vege patch didn’t quite live up to childhood memories.Back on the Plot: Mulch, Mayhem & A Greenhouse SurpriseReturning to the allotment after a week away is always a mixed bag. Thanks to good pre-trip watering and some faithful mulching, most of the crops survived—broad beans, potatoes, onions, and garlic all doing well.The big jobs this week? Planting out the squashes, courgettes, pumpkins, tomatoes, and peppers. I’d delayed them due to frost warnings and dryness—and it looks like that was the right call. Chef Scott lost half his squashes to a rogue frost!My greenhouse, however, was the biggest surprise. The cucumbers and tomatoes in the autopots had tripled in size while I was away! It just goes to show how reliable that watering system is, even in warm weather.Chickens, Slugs & SustainabilityWe had a great message from listener Laura in West Yorkshire this week, who asked about chickens and whether I’d ever keep bees or other animals. So this episode includes a little segment on what it’s like keeping chickens in the garden. Spoiler alert: I wouldn’t be without them.From eggs to pest control to rich compostable manure, chickens offer so many benefits. But they do require care, especially when you go away, and can be destructive if left to free-range during planting season!Bees and ducks are on my “maybe someday” list—but for now, chickens remain my top pick for productive pets.This Week’s Recipe: Gluten-Free Rhubarb CrumbleChef Scott returns with a seasonal treat—rhubarb crumble with a twist. This version is gluten-free but packed with flavour. Head to the blog to find the full recipe and give it a try with your latest rhubarb haul.Question of the Week:Do you garden with your children—or grandchildren? What are your tips for getting kids interested in growing food? I’d love to hear your stories. Leave a comment below or drop me a message.Until next time,Richard
Welcome back to The Veg Grower Podcast! This week’s episode is packed with useful updates from my garden and allotment, a very special interview with the folks from Hotbin, and of course – Chef Scott returns with a cracking recipe using your homegrown veg.In the Kitchen GardenWe’re now well into May, and the garden is shifting into high gear. This week, I’ve been planting out tomatoes, brassicas, peppers, chillies – basically anything I can to fill the gaps. The overwintered chard has started to bolt, so that’s out, and new plantings are in.As I’m heading off for a week on the road with Lee Connolly and our school gardening mission, I’ve had to prepare the garden for Amanda to take over the watering duties. I’m not a fan of using the hosepipe, but I’ve set one up to make life easier while I’m away. I’ve also prepped the greenhouse with the autopot system and the Vegepod with a water timer. With little rain recently – and none in the forecast – these measures should help everything establish nicely.Hotbin Composting – InterviewThe highlight of this episode is my chat with the team at Hotbin, a composting system designed to heat up your compost and speed up the process. I’ve been trialling the Hotbin against a traditional ‘Dalek’ bin and share a few observations of my own before the interview.If you’ve ever struggled to keep composting going all year round – especially in colder weather – the Hotbin could be a game-changer. We talk about how it works, what materials it handles best, and tips for getting the most out of your compost pile.If you are interested in buying a hotbin then hotbin have kindly giving us a discount code. Use code VGP10HB for 10% off.Recipe of the Week: Vegetable Crisps with Herbs & GarlicWith me travelling this week, Chef Scott’s whipped up the perfect travel snack – homemade vegetable crisps seasoned with crispy garlic, sage, rosemary, and sea salt.He uses whatever root veg are available: carrots, parsnips, beetroot, celeriac, sweet potato and even Jerusalem artichokes. They’re thinly peeled into ribbons and fried with herbs and garlic until perfectly crisp. No quantities needed – just a method and a bit of experimentation!Read the full recipe hereAllotment UpdateEvery evening this week I’ve made it to the allotment to get some solid watering in. The garlic, onions and potatoes are all doing well. Even though I mulched the potatoes last week, they’ve already shot up and need another layer of straw.I’ve held off planting anything new since Amanda won’t be able to water while I’m away – but the weeds are making up for it with their rapid growth. A quick tidy-up and I’m calling it done until I return. Join the Supporters ClubIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a review – it really helps. And if you want to go one step further, why not join the Supporters Club? For just £5/month you’ll receive:Exclusive behind-the-scenes podcast episodesA mini newspaper posted to your door each monthA curated pack of seeds to sow that very monthThis week’s pack includes runner beans and winter cabbage – both great choices for succession sowing. Sign up at Here.Community CornerWe wrap up with a lovely comment from listener Lynn on Spotify. She’s had six allotments over the years – from vandalised plots to marestail nightmares – but now has one she’s happy with. Thank you for sharing your story, Lynn. Stay in TouchGot a question or story to share?Email me, leave a voicemail on the website, or message me on social media.And don’t forget – you can support the show by shopping through our affiliate links:Autopot (use discount code auto10rvg for 10%off)Premier Seeds DirectThanks for listening, and I’ll see you next week!
Join Richard in this week’s episode as he shares the latest from his allotment—detailing innovative mulching techniques and smart watering solutions to keep his garden thriving—plus Chef Scott is back in the kitchen with a mouth-watering recipe: Olive Oil Braised Runner Beans.Allotment Update: MulchingRichard takes us through the evolving challenges at his allotment. What was once a peaceful field has transformed with increased road noise from a new bypass. Even so, his passion for growing food and adapting his techniques remains strong.Here’s what he’s been up to:Embracing Change: Once a quiet haven with open fields (and even horses), the allotment now experiences constant traffic noise. Despite this, Richard remains committed to his gardening methods, adjusting on the fly as the environment changes.Mulching Magic: Mulching is key to a healthy garden. Richard explains how he’s refined his approach:Moisture Retention: A solid layer of mulch locks in water, which is especially important during long spells without rain.Weed Suppression: Proper mulching helps prevent weeds from sprouting, making garden maintenance much easier.Soil Enrichment: Whether it’s nutrient‑rich compost, grass clippings, or cost‑effective straw (ideal for his potato beds), these materials break down to nourish the soil over time.Kitchen Garden Update: IrrigationWith no rain since February, Richard is making every drop count:Rainwater Harvesting: He’s set up 16 water butts around the allotment, prioritizing those attached to downpipes that refill quickly during showers.Automated Irrigation Systems: In the greenhouse, his AutoPot system ensures that aubergines, strawberries, cucumbers, and other crops receive consistent hydration.AutoPot SystemsVegepod & Quick Hose Connectors: For his raised beds, Richard has introduced an automated sprinkler system. With secure “wing” quick hose connectors and a timed 15‑minute morning mist, he’s streamlined the watering process and minimized hassle.Vegepod Raised BedsQuick Hose ConnectorsBy combining these smart mulching and watering strategies, Richard is successfully adapting to a busier landscape—and ensuring that his garden stays lush and bountiful regardless of the weather.Chef Scott's Recipe of the WeekChef Scott delivers a recipe that transforms humble produce into a gourmet delight. This week’s dish is Olive Oil Braised Runner Beans, a recipe inspired by fresh harvests and designed to brighten up any meal.What to expect from the recipe:The Dish: Chef Scott’s method turns runner beans into a standout plate by slow-cooking them with complementary ingredients, creating a blend of flavors that is both hearty and refined.Key Ingredients & Process:Ingredients: Runner beans (trimmed and ready), cherry tomatoes, cooked butter beans, sliced white onion, garlic, green olives, olive oil, water, lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese.Method Snapshot:Gently cook chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.Add runner beans, olives, and tomatoes along with water, then gently simmer.Introduce the butter beans and continue the slow cook until the beans soften yet retain their shape.Finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice, seasoning, and a generous crumble of feta that ties it all together.Don't forget to follow Chef Scott on Instagram.Final Thoughts & How to Support the PodcastGardening is all about adapting, experimenting, and finding what works best for you—even when change is constant. Whether you’re rethinking mulch and watering methods in your allotment or whipping up a new dish in your kitchen garden, there’s always something fresh to learn.If you enjoy the show, please consider:Leaving a Review: Your ratings help more gardeners discover the podcast.Joining the Supporters Club: Gain access to behind‑the‑scenes content, seasonal updates,
Join Richard in this weeks episode in which we have Mays seed of the month and Richard visits gardeners world spring fair at Beulieu in the new forest. Also Richard shares the latest from the allotment and Chef Scott is back with a delicious asparagus recipe.Kitchen garden update: Seed of the month Runner Bean.We find ourselves in May and its time for our seed of the month. This month its the runner bean which isn't one of Richards favourite vegetables but it certainly brings back lots of memories.Runner beans are often considered a staple for many and they are a very reliable crop. As a legume they also feed the soil with nitrogen so many benefits to growing beans.Some of Richards favourite verities are listed below with affiliate links: Runner Bean Lady Di a good reliable runner bean.Bellotto bean a beautiful looking beanPolestar stringless a string less varietyDwarf runner bean bean Hestia A dwarfing plant but still produces wellMany more choices out there as well.The show season has started with gardeners world spring fairRichard headed down to The national motor museum at Beulieu this week for the Gardeners world spring fair, which happens to be one of Richards favourite gardening shows. As always its another fantastic show with plenty of show gardens to see and talks to listen too. Also Richard came back with plenty of purchases from independent stall holders too.Chef Scott's Recipe of the week: Asparagus wrapped in Parma with buretta and salsa verdeChef Scott is back with another seasonal recipe and this week its perfect as Richard has just harvested his first asparagus.This recipe uses asparagus wrapped in ham and served with a cheese stuffing and salsa verde is just mouth watering
In this weeks veg grower podcast Richard shares the latest from his allotment including more straw bail gardening and mulching. Richard also visits Stephens allotment and hear the latest from Richards kitchen Garden.Allotment update: Using more strawDown on Richards allotment Richard has been investing a lot into straw. Using straw bail gardening in a metal raised planter that would cost a fortune to fill wiht compost, might be an easy solution. But Richard has also used straw to mulch his potatoes.One of the most important things Richard believes anyone can do with there allotment is to mulch. Mulching feeds the soil, suppresses weeds and reduces watering. All of which saves the gardener time and resources.Stephens allotmentIts been a few years since we last visited Stephens allotment but this week Richard has visited Stephen on his small allotment to find out how his allotment is getting on and how productive it has been.Stephens blog can be found at http://sunflower.moleville.co.uk/Chef Scott's recipe of the week Rhubarb and ginger cordialChef Scott is back with a refreshing rhubarb and ginger cordial, perfect way to rehydrate after a hard days work in the garden.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast in which Richard has spent this Easter Weekend gardening. Chef Scott is also back with another tasty recipe.Kitchen Garden Update: Easter Weekend GardeningOver this weekend Richard has spent a lot of time in his kitchen garden. It started with a good tidy up ensuring all weeds where removed and the grass cut. Followed up with cementing in a washing line, another use for the garden and Richard finally removed an elder tree.Richard was reluctant to remove this elder tree but being to close to the neighbours fence he felt it needed to go. Added to that Richard will also get wood chip from the removal of this tree.On the bank holiday Monday Richard also spent the day potting up lots of his plants, getting them into bigger pots.Allotment update:Down the allotment Richard is still finding it a little too early to plant out any plants but that doesn't mean he cant prepare. He went through every bed removing every single weed and followed that up with a good cut of the grass paths. This has made the allotment look amazing and prepared for the growing season.The grass clippings of course where not wasted and used as a mulch around many of Richards plants, Locking in moisture and suppressing weeds.Added to that so many fruit trees and bushes are in flower and it looks like its going to be a good year for currents.Chef Scott's recipe of the weekChef Scott is back with another delicious recipe using a large amount of coriander. This Chermoula is a vibrant and tasty dip.
Join Richard in this weeks episode of the veg grower podcast. This week Richard is having another go at straw bale gardening in the kitchen garden. Down the allotment Richard has been sowing lots of seeds directly into the ground, and finally Richard is joined by Lee Connolly The Skinny Jean Gardener to discuss national kids gardening week.Of course chef Scott is also back with another delicious recipe.Kitchen garden update: Straw Bale Gardening.A couple of years ago Richard tried Straw Bale Gardening. A method of growing plants in straw bales. However, when Richard tried he didn't feel it was as successful as it could be, so this year he decided to give it another go.Richard has got 2 straw bales and set them in position and started the conditioning phase of this system. The conditioning phase is where Richard believed he went wrong last time as he used the incorrect fertiliser to start it off. This time he is using urea to add a high amount of nitrogen to the straw bales. This should hopefully get the bales started correctly but there is a routine to this conditioning phase as below.Day 11/2 cup urea per baleWater until saturatedDay 2Water until saturatedDay 31/2 cup urea per baleWater until saturatedDay 45litre water per baleDay 51/2 cup urea per bale5litre per baleDay 65litre per baleDay 71/4 cup urea per bale5litre per baleDay 81/4 cup urea per bale5litre per baleDay 91/4 cup urea per bale5litre per baleDay 101 cup balanced fertiliser5litre per baleDay 111 cup balanced fertiliser5litre per baleDay 121 cup balanced fertiliser5litre per baleAfter this the straw bales are ready for planting. Check out the Digwell YouTube Channel for more.Allotment update: Sowing Seeds Directly.Down on the allotment Richard has been busy clearing and preparing the allotment for the growing season. But that also includes sowing a few seeds directly, which is something Richard rarely does.However some seeds do need direct sowing and they include:CarrotsParsnipsPeasLinks are included to Premier seeds direct.Chef Scott's recipe of the week.Chef Scott is back with his recipe of the week and this weeks its another simple dish using radishes. Roasted Radishes with feta is sure to delight anyone who eats this dish.National Kids Gardening Week.In the last segment this week Richard is joined by his friend and fellow gardening podcaster, Lee Connelly The Skinny Jean Gardener.Lee's here this week to promote and upcoming event, National Children's gardening week. THe plan is to get as many children and families out into the garden this week, with prizes up for grabs.Support this podcast
Join Richard in the 600th episode of the veg grower podcast. This week Richard has an update from the allotment followed by a new trail, Hotbin vs Dalek. At the end of this podcast you can also be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets to gardeners world spring fair on Sunday the 4th May 2025
Join richard in this weeks podcast in which Richard shares the seed of the month Pumpkins. Richard also shares the latest from the kitchen garden and his thoughts on this months book of the month.Kitchen garden update Whitefly and more space.Over the last week, while Richard inspected his young plants he noticed some white aphids on his chillies. While only a small infestation it was time to take quick action. Richard used an organic pesticide which worked within a day but wasn't Richards preferred choice.Richard also needed his kitchen table back with family over for mothering Sunday. This table was full of plants so Richard went out and bought a vegtrug nursery to house his plants outside, but still undercover. So far so good.Seed of the month PumpkinsPumpkins are a delicious and easy to grow edible, but often over looked as used for Halloween carvings. Well Richard prefers to grow food and this month Richard delves into growing pumpkins.Links to suggested varietiesCrown PrinceVif d'etempasAtlantic giantBig MaxJAck Be littleWhite baby booChef Scott recipe of the weekThis week Chef Scott has a delicious pea guacamole using pea instead of avocadoAnd finallyRichard finishes off with a review of the book of the month for March Allotted time by Robin Shelton. A great example of how gardening can help us deal with tough times.Richard also answers a question about his root trainers
Join Richard in this weeks podcast in which Richard is springing into action. With Spring officially here its time to really get to work and this week Richard has been busy on the allotment cutting the grass and tending to his garlic. In the kitchen garden Richard has also been busy potting on lots of plants and planting up his greenhouse in order to grow food. Chef Scott is also back with another tasty recipe.Allotment update: Springing into actionDown on Richards allotment, Richard has been cutting the grass over the last couple of weeks. Not the most exciting of tasks but this week Richard has made this task a little easier by investing in some new strimmer line for his ryobi grass strimmer and adding a bigger battery to his collection of ryobi batteries. This has made the grass cutting task much easier.Added to that Richard has also tended to his over wintered garlic and onions. They are starting to show signs that they are springing into action. But they needed a good feed and with the dry spell we have had lately a good watering.Kitchen Garden Update: Greenhouse is go.Back at home Richard has been busy sowing more seeds, pricking out more seedlings and potting up young plants. All of which is taking up precious space!!However there is light at the end of the tunnel as the weather has improved and temperatures inside the grow house and tunnel now means that young plants can live in this 2 places. With that Richard has moved plants into these areas freeing up space indoors.Not only that with the greenhouse now war, enough Richard has planted some young veg plants into the autopot system in the greenhouse. Richard trailed the autopot system last year and was so impressed with the result he decided to expand upon it this year. If you are interested in the autopot don't forget Richards discount code AUTO10RVG when buying from AutopotChef Scott's Recipe Of The WeekThis week Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe. A delicious spring vegetable and mozzarella filo parcels cooked in an air fryer!! A great snack or to take on a lovely picnic and cooked in an air fryer. What's not to love. And Finally.Towards the end of this podcast Richard turns his attention to propagation, in particular a method called layering. This method of propagation happens in nature and is a very reliable way to propagate new plants from existing plants.Premier seeds direct for all your seed needsAutopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Join Richard in this weeks Veg Grower Podcast where this week, with Spring in the air Richard has set up his coldframes including building one out of scrap. Down on the allotment Richard has also been planting out his potatoes and back in the podding shed Richard has had a bit of correspondence from listeners.Kitchen Garden Update: ColdframesWith spring just around the corner Richard has got his coldframes out and ready to use. Coldframes are a great way to protect young plants and free up some space from all the plants in Richards kitchen.Richard has a collection of coldframes but Richard also made a temporary coldframe out of some scrap materials this week in order to provide more protection.Allotment update: Potato PlantingThis week also sees the ST Patrick's day holiday which for Richard is the best time to plant his potatoes ready for a crop later this year.Potatoes are a staple in many households and growing our own potatoes usually means we get better potatoes. For Richard this is also a good sign Spring is nearly here and the allotment is about to get very busy.Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week: Spring Vegetable RisottoChef Scott is back this week with a delicious spring vegetable Risotto. A great way to make a delicious heart warming meal using spring vegetableFrom The Podding ShedRichard finishes off in the podding shed with some correspondence from listeners. One question in particular is about Richard use of AI to come up with a seed sowing plan for the year and this plan can be found here.
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the primary speaker, shares a wealth of updates and insights from his gardening activities, both at his allotment and at home. This episode is particularly poignant as it is set against the backdrop of Richard's recent job change, which has significantly impacted his schedule for visiting the allotment. Despite these changes, Richard emphasizes the value of dedicating a little time each day to gardening tasks, such as weeding and watering. He highlights how even small, consistent efforts can lead to significant progress in maintaining a healthy garden.The "Little and Often" Gardening MethodOne of the key themes Richard discusses is the effectiveness of the "little and often" gardening method. This approach involves spending short bursts of time on gardening tasks each day, which can be incredibly effective in maintaining control over an allotment without becoming overwhelmed.Benefits of the "Little and Often" Method:Consistency: Regular attention prevents tasks from piling up.Manageability: Short, daily sessions are less daunting than long, infrequent ones.Efficiency: Focused, daily efforts can lead to a more organized and productive garden.Actionable Tips:Set a Timer: Dedicate 10-20 minutes each day to specific tasks like weeding or watering.Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-priority tasks that need immediate attention.Stay Flexible: Adjust your tasks based on weather conditions and plant needs.Maintaining Grass Paths for CompostingRichard also discusses the importance of keeping grass paths clear, particularly for composting purposes. Well-maintained paths not only enhance the overall appearance of the garden but also facilitate easier access to different areas, making it simpler to manage various gardening tasks.Benefits of Grass Paths:Aesthetic Appeal: Neat paths make the garden look organized.Compost Material: Grass clippings can be added to compost bins or used as mulch.Accessibility: Clear paths make it easier to navigate the garden.Actionable Tips:Regular Mowing: Gradually lower the mower's height each week to keep the grass manageable.Use Clippings Wisely: Add clippings to compost bins or use them as mulch to retain soil moisture.Battery-Powered Mowers: Consider using a battery-powered mower for efficiency and environmental benefits.The Social Aspect of GardeningGardening is not just about growing plants; it's also about fostering a sense of community. Richard shares anecdotes about his interactions with neighbors at the allotment, illustrating how gardening can bring people together.Benefits of Social Gardening:Knowledge Sharing: Exchange tips, advice, and experiences with fellow gardeners.Community Building: Develop relationships and a sense of belonging.Resource Sharing: Share produce, seeds, and tools with neighbors.Actionable Tips:Engage with Neighbors: Take time to chat and share experiences with fellow gardeners.Join Gardening Groups: Participate in local gardening clubs or online communities.Host Garden Tours: Invite neighbors to tour your garden and share your successes and challenges.Managing Trees and Creating Woodchip for CompostingRichard addresses the challenges he faces with managing trees on his property. He talks about the process of processing branches from these trees to create woodchip for composting, which not only helps in recycling materials but also contributes to the sustainability of his gardening practices.Benefits of Woodchip:Soil Improvement: Woodchip adds organic matter to the soil.Moisture Retention: Helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.Weed Suppression: Acts as a natural mulch to suppress weeds.Actionable Tips:Use a Garden Shredder: Invest in a garden shredder to process branches into woodchip.
Spring is creeping in, and with it, the start of another exciting growing season. March is a month of new beginnings—seed trays filling up, beds being prepared, and the first real sense that warmer days are on the way.In this week’s podcast, Richard covers:The Seed of the Month – TomatoesWhat can be done on the allotment in MarchChef Scott’s recipe: Roast Pork Chops with RhubarbA review of A Jam Maker’s GardenLet’s get stuck in.Seed of the Month: TomatoesFew crops are as rewarding as homegrown tomatoes. This month, Richard is sowing a mix of different varieties to suit a range of growing conditions.One of the first tomatoes sown this year was ‘Minibel’ , a dwarf variety ideal for pots and small spaces. One plant has even been growing in Richard’s hydroponic system and is thriving.For those looking for reliability outdoors, ‘Crimson Crush’ is a top choice. This variety is blight-resistant, making it a great option for UK growers who often battle unpredictable summers.Other Great Tomato Varieties to Consider‘Sungold’ – A cherry tomato with an incredibly sweet flavour.‘Gardener’s Delight’ – A classic and reliable variety, perfect for greenhouse or outdoor growing.‘Marmande’ – A large beefsteak variety with a rich flavour, great for slicing.‘San Marzano’ – The famous Italian plum tomato, perfect for sauces.‘Alicante’ – A traditional British tomato, known for its excellent taste.‘Tigerella’ – A striking striped variety with a good balance of sweetness and acidity.How to Sow and Grow TomatoesWhen to Sow: January to April (indoors), April-May (outdoors, under protection).Where to Grow: Greenhouse, windowsill, or outdoor containers once the risk of frost has passed.Top Tip: Water consistently—irregular watering can lead to split fruit or blossom end rot.For a full breakdown of tomato growing, including support methods, common problems, and harvesting tips, listen to this week’s episode.Support the PodcastIf you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, please take a moment to rate and review it on your favourite podcast platform. It really helps.And if you’d like to become a member of the supporters’ club, you’ll get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and even some seed giveaways. March on the AllotmentMarch is one of the busiest months on the allotment—the soil is waking up, and so should we. This week, Richard recorded from the plot, getting his hands dirty while discussing the key jobs for the month.March Allotment TasksPrepare the soil – A light forking over, a good compost top-up, and a check for overwintering weeds.Sow early crops – Broad beans, peas, spinach, beetroot, radish, and early carrots.Plant out onions, shallots, and garlic – A great low-maintenance crop for beginners.Potatoes – Time to get first earlies in the ground.Spring is also a key time for pruning fruit trees and bushes. If you’ve got raspberries, make sure last year’s canes are cut back (if they’re autumn-fruiting) or tied in (for summer-fruiting varieties).It’s a big month, but there’s nothing better than getting stuck in after winter’s quiet months.Recipe of the Week: Roast Pork Chops with RhubarbThis week, Chef Scott brings a seasonal favourite—roast pork chops with rhubarb. If you’ve never paired rhubarb with savoury dishes, this is a great way to try it. Its sharpness cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a beautifully balanced dish.For those growing rhubarb, now is the time for the first harvest. Any flower stalks should be removed to keep the plant productive.Book Review: A Jam Maker’s GardenFor those who love preserving the harvest, Holly Farrell’s A Jam Maker’s Garden is an essential read. It’s not just a book of recipes—it guides growers through cultivating and harvesting the best fruit for jam-making, ensuring top flavours and yields.
Join Richard and Scott in this weeks podcast where this week Richard has noticed that there are signs that the allotment is springing into life. Back at home Richard is building on his grow light system in order to be able to grow more seedlings and he also shares a few insights from the garden press event. Scott is also back with his recipe of the week.Springing Into Life On The AllotmentDown on the allotment Richard has seen some signs that spring is just around the corner. Nettles and comfrey are just starting to show, Rhubarb has begun breaking through and even the over wintered garlic and onions are showing signs of life.This is all good signs that spring is just round the corner but bringing with it is of course weed growth too. Time to start weeding more.Grow Lights The Secret To Good SeedlingsThis week at home Richard has been potting on lots of young seedlings and what he has noticed is that the seedlings under grow lights show better growth both in foliage and in roots. The downside is that he only has so many grow lights and only so much space.Grow lights can be cheap and so Richard has fitted grow lights to the inside of an old bottle fridge in his garage on the hope that will provide more space and better growth on his plants.Will it work only time will tell.Chef Scott's Recipe Of The WeekThis week Chef Scott is back with another delicious broccoli recipe. This recipe is a very quick and easy dish to make in next to no time.The Garden Press EventThis week Richard attended the garden press event which is an annual event for brands to get there latest products in front of the media.Some of Richard most notable items areThe App FrydA soil monitor okoA delicious tasting pear treeJayes fluidCheck out the podcast to find out more
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast and this week Richard is sharing his tips for seed starting success, from the allotment we have a question from a listener about saving potato seed and finally we have a new project of making our own compost in order to be more self sufficent.Kitchen garden update: Seed Starting Success.With March and Spring being just around the corner, it brings with the real seed sowing time. Seed sowing is a skill in its own right but this week Richard suggests ways in which to make seed sowing more successful for you.This tips include:Use the freshest seed possible and buy from a reputable source such as Premier seeds direct or Simply Seed.Use a good quality seed compost and add a bit of perliteHeated propagators help warm the soil, but a soil thermometer also helps you work out when the soil is warm enoughWhen you seedlings germinate they need light and grow lights can really help with strong growth.Allotment update: Saving our own Seed PotatoesDown on the allotment this week Richard is answering a question from a listener by the name of Steve. Steve is asking if its possible to save our own seed potatoes.Saving our own seed potatoes can help save money and also could mean we could have our own supply of varieties that may not be available in the garden centres.Richard reflects on a time when he did save his own seed potatoes and how that worked out and shares how he managed to save his own seed potatoes. Something he feels we should all do more of as we try and be more self sufficient.Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week.Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe and a interesting twist on the good old broccoli stem. Tempura broccoli is one to delight many when it arrives on the kitchen table adding a oriental zing to a delicious vegetable.And Finally making our own compost mixes.Towards the end of this weeks podcast Richard shares a new project he is attempting. Making his own ingredients to mix his own compost mixes.Over the years Richard has noted that compost is one of the most expensive costs in growing his own food. After doing lots of research Richard has identified ways of making it possible to make his own compost. But this starts with making his own ingredients.
Join Richard on his allotment and kitchen garden as he continues his mission to grow as much of his own food as possible. This week, he’s been busy organising his shed, finding ways to save money on the allotment, and building a pallet wood seed tray—a fantastic upcycling project. Plus, Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe, perfect for using this month’s seed of the month: leeks!Organising the Shed: Kitchen Garden UpdateWith a little extra time on his hands, Richard has been giving his shed a much-needed makeover, turning it into a more efficient and organised workspace.Here’s how he’s improved his shed setup:Storage Solutions – Using IKEA recycling bins to store bulk materials like compost, keeping everything neat and accessible.Repurposing Containers – Old juice bottles are now handy storage for liquid plant feeds, while a craft box keeps seeds neatly organised.Clear Labelling – Using a Nimbot label maker to ensure everything is easy to find when needed.A well-organised shed saves time, effort, and frustration, making growing food even more enjoyable! For an extra tip these craft boxes are great for organising and storing seeds!!1Saving Money: Allotment UpdateRunning an allotment can get expensive if you're not careful! This week, Richard has been focusing on budget-friendly gardening, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a productive plot.Here are some of his top money-saving strategies:Making as much compost as possible – A great way to create free, nutrient-rich soil while reducing waste.Using cardboard to suppress weeds – An eco-friendly, cost-free alternative to expensive weed barriers.Reusing and recycling materials – From repurposing old containers to making DIY garden projects, every little helps!By thinking creatively and making the most of what’s available, Richard is cutting costs while keeping his allotment thriving.Chef Scott’s Recipe of the WeekChef Scott is back in the kitchen with another hearty, winter-warming dish: Chicken & Leek Savoury Crumble.This delicious recipe makes the most of this month’s featured seed: leeks—a true winter staple. With tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy sauce, and a cheesy crumble topping, this dish is pure comfort food at its best!Missed last week’s podcast? Be sure to check it out for more tips on growing leeks and how to make the most of your harvest.You can find the full recipe here or over on Scott’s Instagram: Seed to Table Plot 13.DIY Project: Making a Pallet Wood Seed TrayFinally, Richard has been putting his DIY skills to good use by making a sturdy, upcycled seed tray from old pallet wood.This simple yet practical project is perfect for:✅ Starting seedlings indoors or in a greenhouse✅ Reducing plastic waste by replacing flimsy store-bought trays✅ Giving new life to scrap woodIf you’re looking for a fun and easy upcycling project, this one is definitely worth trying!
As we edge closer to spring, there’s nothing like a bit of time on the allotment to lift the spirits. This week on The Veg Grower Podcast, I share how preparing the potato beds for planting has helped me shake off the winter blues and get excited for the growing season ahead. We also have our seed of the month. This month its the winter hardy favourite leeks.Getting Ready for Potatoes: Allotment updateWith just a few weeks until planting time, I’ve been busy prepping my potato beds. There’s something therapeutic about working the soil, clearing any weeds, and ensuring the ground is in the best condition for a good crop. It’s amazing how focusing on simple tasks like this can boost your mood and set you up for a productive season ahead.Seed of the Month: LeeksIn our seed of the month segment, we’re talking about leeks—an incredibly versatile and hardy crop that no veg grower should be without. I’ll be sharing why I love growing leeks, how to get them started, and some tips to ensure a strong harvest later in the year.This segment is in collaboration with Premier Seed Direct and some of my recommended varieties areas followsMusselburgh A popular and hardy variety of leek Bulgarian giant A long thin early variety with exceptional tasteJolant Fairly new leek but seems to be very popularChef Scott’s Recipe: Spaghetti With Broccoli And Hot Smoked SalmonChef Scott is back with another delicious recipe to inspire you to cook with homegrown produce. This week, he’s sharing his salmon spaghetti—a simple yet flavourful dish that pairs beautifully with fresh ingredients.Mini Greenhouse BuildFinally, I’ve invested in a mini greenhouse! Space for seed sowing is always at a premium this time of year, so I decided to buy and build a compact greenhouse to help free up some room. I’ll take you through the process and share how I plan to use it to maximise my growing space.So, grab a cuppa, tune in, and let’s talk all things veg growing!
In this weeks podcast Richard is joined by Lucy chamberlain, author of the book Grow Food Anywhere. Which has been our book of the month for January.Grow Food AnywhereLucy's latest book Grow Food Anywhere is out now and is unlike any vegetable gardening book out there.This book is aimed at working the conditions you already have in your garden and finding the right plant for your conditions. Filled with ideas on tips on how to improve your garden and make the most of the space you have.LinksLucy's InstagramBuy the book on AmazonChef Scott's Recipe of the weekThis week Chef Scott is back with his Guoguang Roast Carrots. A delicious Korean recipe using the good old staple, carrots. Adding a delicious spicy twist to those sweet tender orange sticks.And finally.If you have enjoyed this podcast and hearing about Lucy and her book then please rate and review on your podcast provider.
In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard shares updates from his kitchen garden and allotment, emphasizing winter gardening. He discusses essential tasks like weeding, checking plants, and managing pests, including setting up a scarecrow for pigeons. Richard highlights the importance of maintaining bird feeders and composting kitchen scraps and garden waste. He also shares his efforts to encourage wildlife, such as hedgehogs and ladybirds, and offers pruning tips for raspberry beds. Richard encourages listeners to support the podcast through the supporters club, which offers exclusive content and community benefits.Winter Woes From The Kitchen GardenLast week Richard complained that he felt his kitchen garden was very scruffy. With that in mind Richard decided this week to really turn his attention to tiding the kitchen garden. This meant time was spent clearing away weeds from some of the beds, Protecting brassicas from the hungry pigeons while also trying to provide food and habitat to other birds and nature.Composting is a big part of Richards garden and a lot of the pruning's made over the last couple of weeks have been run through a garden shredder. Providing Richard with plenty of wood chipping. Perfect for use in the compost bins or as a mulch.Continued Weeding On The AllotmentDown on the allotment the winter tidy up continues. Each week Richard is focusing his time and energy to one particular area of the allotment that he has struggled to manage. This week that area happened to be his autumn raspberry bed.This area has struggled with couch grass and many weeds over the years that have been very stubborn. But Richard determined to beat the winter woes got stuck in and gave a good sort out of this area. Every Allotment plot has a scruffy area of course but Richard believes we can always do better.Chef Scott's Recipe Of The WeekChef Scott is back once again with another delicious recipe. This week the recipe is this lovely peach and cherry cobbler for a real taste of the summer. Using ingredients Scott has grown and stored in his freezer to bring the taste of summer back in the middle of winter.And FinallyThe last segment Richard responds to reviews and comments from the last couple of podcast with listeners quest such asIs there any difference in taste between different Rhubarb varaties?IS it worth sowing seeds in JanuaryWhen do i plant out my onion seedlings.These are all from listeners who have rated and review or got in touch. If you have enjoyed this podcast then please rate and review on your podcast provider.
Join Richard on This Week's Episode of The Veg Grower Podcast!In this week's episode of The Veg Grower Podcast, Richard dives into his January goals for the allotment and kitchen garden, sharing insights, tips, and progress updates. Here's a sneak peek of what to expect:Down on the AllotmentJanuary is all about tackling problem areas on the allotment. For Richard, this means focusing on the trickiest spots: the very top of the allotment and the area behind the greenhouses. These spaces have always been challenging to manage, but by addressing them early in the year, he’s setting the stage for a smoother growing season ahead.By clearing weeds, organising tools, and preparing the soil, Richard is transforming these once-problematic areas into productive parts of the allotment. His proactive approach ensures these areas will require less effort to maintain as the year progresses.In the Kitchen GardenThis year, Richard is determined to give his kitchen garden the attention it deserves. While it’s been a productive space, it’s not always as tidy as he’d like.January’s focus is all about tidying up and making improvements to boost efficiency and yield. Inside the greenhouse, Richard has been hard at work decluttering, reorganising, and setting up systems to maximise productivity. Outside, he’s been pruning trees and cutting back overgrown bushes to allow more sunlight into the garden and the chicken run. These changes are already making a noticeable difference, and the chickens are certainly appreciating the extra light!Chef Scott’s Recipe of the WeekWe’re thrilled to have Chef Scott back with another delicious recipe! This week, he’s sharing his recipe for mackerel pâté with a rhubarb relish. With rhubarb as our seed of the month, this versatile ingredient adds a delightful tang to the dish. It’s the perfect way to make use of this perennial favourite in your kitchen.Seedling UpdateRichard’s propagators are already working overtime! In this week’s seedling update, he shares what’s germinating and how he’s keeping everything thriving during these colder months. From early sowings to preparing for the upcoming growing season, it’s all systems go in Richard’s kitchen garden.Support the PodcastIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, we’d love for you to leave a rating and review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners.Want to support the podcast even further? Consider joining our Supporters Club to gain exclusive benefits and help us continue producing great content for the gardening community.Tune in now and get inspired for your January gardening goals!
In this weeks podcast the first podcast of 2025, Richard shares a seed he has to sow every year as the seed of the month. The seed is Rhubarb. Although it is too early to sow most seeds Richard shares other seeds that can be sown this month. We of course another delicious recipe from Chef Scott. So lets get into it.Rhubarb Our Seed Of The MonthEach month Richard shares a seed of the month in collaboration with Premier Seed Direct Richards number 1 seed supplier.This months seed is Rhubarb which is slightly unusual to grow from seed but Richard finds it incredibly easy to grow from seed. Added to that growing from seed gives more choice and saves money when compared to buying a plan.Some of the most popular varieties of Rhubarb include champagne and victoriaOther Seeds To Sow In JanuaryJanuary can be a very tricky month to sow seeds says Richard. The days are short and cold but many gardeners find themselves itching to sow seeds. Because of this Richard has suggested a few seeds to sow this monthBroad beansOnionsLeeksChardWinter SpinachLettuceParsleyRadishCarrotsCeleryChicoryKaleRocketBasilRhubarbChilli peppersCorrianderGlobe ArtichokesSweet peppersPlease note that some of these seeds can be directly sown outside the majority will need protection or supplemental heat and lighting to grow strong.Chef Scott Recipe Of The WeekThis week Chef Scott is back with another delicious mouth-watering recipe. This weeks recipe is an Cajun style mac and cheese, using some ingredients you may have in the freezer.Give this recipe a go and share how you enjoyed this dish.Technology And Seed SowingIn the final segment of this podcast Richard shares how technology can help us sow seeds to produce food earlier and more reliably. Heated propagators provide heat to warm up seeds and speed up germination. Grow lights help supply plenty of light to grow strong plants from young seedlings.Hydroponics are becoming a more common site amongst vegetables gardener's too and Richards 5 pod from West Kent Hydroponics is being used to grow more summer crops such as tomatoes and chillies this January.Ai is also a new technology and Richard shares a seed sowing plan made for the entire year using ai to create the plan. Richard intends to follow this plan in 2025 to see if it works.
In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the main speaker, takes us on a reflective journey through his gardening experiences in 2024 and shares his plans for 2025. Alongside him, Chef Scott introduces a delightful recipe for baba ghanoush, emphasizing the importance of cooking with seasonal ingredients. This episode is a blend of gardening insights, personal reflections, and culinary inspiration, highlighting the joys and challenges of growing food at home.
Richard’s Gardening Journey: Lessons from 2024Weather Woes and Pest ProblemsRichard begins by discussing the unpredictable weather patterns of 2024, which posed significant challenges for his allotment and kitchen garden. The mild winter and spring, followed by a lacklustre summer, hindered the growth of many plants. Additionally, he faced severe pest issues, particularly with slugs and snails, which devastated young plants.
Security Concerns: Theft and VandalismRichard recounts distressing incidents involving theft and vandalism at his allotment. He discovered that several of his wooden raised beds were stolen and later recovered. Additionally, he found hidden kitchen knives on his plot, prompting him to install security cameras.
Celebrating SuccessesDespite the challenges, Richard celebrates the successes of his allotment. He reports a bountiful harvest of potatoes, garlic, and onions, and is particularly pleased with the performance of brassicas like cabbages and cauliflowers. He also highlights the success of growing cucumbers, specifically the “dragons” variety.
Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025Allotment ImprovementsRichard has plans to tidy up certain areas of the allotment, particularly behind the greenhouses, and hopes to glaze a second greenhouse for cucumber cultivation. He emphasizes the importance of regular visits to the allotment, which have helped him stay on top of weeds and maintain productivity.
Home Garden ReflectionsRichard reflects on the challenges faced in his home garden, previously referred to as the “modern victory garden.” Despite the weather, he has managed to grow most of the food needed for his household. He acknowledges the ongoing battle with slugs and snails and shares his commitment to using natural methods to control these pests.
Chef Scott’s Culinary Inspiration: Baba Ghanoush RecipeIn the latter part of the episode, Chef Scott shares a recipe segment, introducing a dish that brings a touch of summer to the winter months: baba ghanoush, a smoky aubergine dip. He discusses his approach to cooking with seasonal ingredients, particularly during the long, dark days of January.
Recipe can be found here.
Conclusion: Embracing the Gardening JourneyThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is a testament to the resilience required in gardening and the culinary possibilities that come with growing your own food. Richard’s reflections serve as a reminder that each setback offers valuable lessons, while Chef Scott’s recipe provides a practical and tasty way to enjoy the fruits of that labour. Together, they inspire listeners to embrace their gardening journeys and explore the culinary delights that come with it.
By learning from past experiences and planning for the future, gardeners can continue to grow and thrive, making the most of their home gardens and allotments. Whether you’re dealing with pests, weather challenges, or security concerns, there are always ways to improve and adapt. And when it comes to enjoying the harvest, there’s nothing quite like a homemade dish that celebrates the fruits of your labour.
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Join Richard in this weeks pod cast in which we are having a pub quiz.
Time to test your veg gardening knowledge with 15 questions all related to vegetable gardening.
Grab a pen and pencil and lets have some fun.
Mentioned in this is Lucy’s Grow veg anywhere book available here.
Chef Scott is also back with another recipe of the week. This week its an alcohol free Irish cream Liquer
This recipe makes 8 drinks, and you will need you will need
300ml double cream
110 ml evaporated milk
4 tbsp maple syrup
50ml freshly brewed espresso
pinch of ground cinnamon
10ml vanilla extract
1tsp coco powder
Ice
Method whisk all the ingredients together and then pour over ice to serve.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week its all about pruning.
You may remember at the beginning of November we started to read the rhs pruning and training as our book of the month. well this week we can put that book into action and prune some of our trees and bushes.
Time To Prune On The Allotment.Using this book Richard starts off on the allotment with pruning the Autumn Raspberries, which are some of the easiest soft fruits to prune.
After that Richards attention turned to coppicing his hazel tree. Richard grows a Hazel tree to provide hazel nuts and bean sticks and coppicing is a great way to prolong the life of a tree and get hazel sticks from it.
Then Richard turned to his pear tree and gave that a tidy up ensuring that no brunches where rubbing against each other.
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Join our supporters club Getting Clever With Pruning At HomeIn the vegetable garden located at Richard’s home, Richard has continued tackling the pruning tasks starting with Summer Raspberries.
Summer raspberries are not as easy to prune as Autumn Raspberries but Richard shares a little tip that might help make this job a little easier.
Richard also tackles pruning a grape vine which is a little trickier to prune and then has started a project of creating a three tiered espalier apple tree. Something that will really test Richards pruning skills, but hopefully create a fine looking tree too.
Recipe Of The WeekChef Scott isn’t available this week but Richard has stepped in and has created a recipe that uses parts of the Brussel sprout plants that we don’t usually use, the leaves.
Ingredients
- 5 Fresh green leaves from a brussel sprout plant
- A knob of butter
- A splash of olive oil
- 1 garlic clove minced
Method
Cut the hard spine out of the leaves and discard. Take the remaining leaves and roll into a cigar then using a sharp knife slice into strips.
In a pan melt the butter with the olive oil, then add the minced garlic. Once the garlic is soft add the chopped leaves and stir. Cook until the leaves are tender and serve immediately.
ConclussionAs Richard wraps up this weeks podcast Richard share his final thoughts on the book. He particularly says how he feels much more confident with pruning many trees and bushes.
Richard also shares what the next book on the reading list is. Grow Veg Anywhere by Lucy Chamberlain is released on the 2nd January 2025 but is available for pre-ordering now. It promises to be a good read and one definitely worth checking out.
If you have enjoyed this podcast then please rate and review on your podcast provider.
If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission
- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
- Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
Welcome to an in-depth exploration of Richard’s gardening plans for 2025, as shared on the Veg Grower Podcast. Richard, an experienced gardener, offers a wealth of knowledge on crop rotation, successional sowing, and garden layout. This blog post will break down each of his tips in detail, providing actionable advice and thorough explanations to help you optimize your vegetable garden for the upcoming year.
The Importance of PlanningRichard emphasizes the critical role of planning in gardening, especially when faced with challenging weather conditions. By organizing your garden layout and crop rotation plans, you can ensure a continuous supply of vegetables throughout the year. Here are some key takeaways from Richard’s approach:
Crop RotationCrop rotation is essential for maintaining soil health and maximizing productivity. Richard uses both a paper sketch and a digital tool called Veg Plotter to keep track of his garden layout and crop rotation plans. This dual approach allows him to have a reference in his shed while also having access to his plans on his phone or computer.
Benefits of Crop Rotation: Prevents Soil Depletion: Different crops have varying nutrient requirements. Rotating crops helps prevent the depletion of specific nutrients in the soil. * Reduces Pest and Disease Pressure: Many pests and diseases are crop-specific. Rotating crops can break the life cycle of these pests and reduce their impact. * Improves Soil Structure:* Different crops have different root structures, which can help improve soil structure and aeration.
Richard’s Crop Rotation Strategy: First Early Potatoes to Leeks: After harvesting first early potatoes, Richard plants leeks in the same bed. This method keeps the garden productive year-round. * Brassicas After Potatoes: Richard plants brassicas in the beds where he harvested potatoes, ensuring a steady supply of cabbages and other brassicas. * Garlic and Onions:* Beds previously used for peas and beans are planted with garlic and onions, continuing a successful tradition.
Successional SowingSuccessional sowing involves planting certain crops at intervals to ensure a continuous supply throughout the year. This technique is particularly effective for quick-growing crops but can also apply to slower-growing varieties.
Richard’s Successional Sowing Schedule: Daily: Microgreens * Weekly: Radishes and spinach * Fortnightly: Headed lettuce, rocket, peas, kohlrabi, and turnips * Every Three Weeks: Salad leaves, carrots, beetroot, spring onions, mustard, and French beans * Monthly:* Cabbage and cauliflower
Garden LayoutRichard’s garden layout consists of several beds designated for specific crops. He provides a virtual tour of his garden, detailing the crops he plans to grow in each bed.
Patio Area: Small Veggie Pod: Dedicated to growing herbs. * Medium Veggie Pod: Used for salad crops like spinach and loose-leaf lettuce. * Large Veggie Pod:* Successful for root crops such as beetroots and carrots.
Main Kitchen Garden: Bed 1: Carrots and celery transitioning to cucumbers and squash. * Bed 2: Peas and beans transitioning to garlic and onions. * Bed 3: Brassicas transitioning to peas and beans. * Bed 4:* Spring brassicas remaining dedicated to brassicas.
Medium-Sized Beds: Bed 1: Runner beans. * Bed 2: Cannellini beans. * Bed 3:* Rhubarb.
Smaller Beds: Bed 1: Dahlias. * Bed 2: Carrots. * Bed 3:* Asparagus.
Companion PlantingRichard incorporates companion planting to deter pests and enhance the garden’s biodiversity. He plans to use nasturtiums and marigolds, which are known to attract beneficial insects and repel harmful pests.
Greenhouse ManagementRichard’s greenhouse is an essential part of his gardening strategy. He is implementing an autopilot watering system to simplify plant care and plans to grow cucumbers, melons, tomatoes, peppers, chilies, and strawberries in the controlled environment of the greenhouse.
Allotment PlansRichard’s allotment plans continue the theme of crop rotation and careful planning. He describes the layout and crop rotation strategy for his allotment, ensuring that each bed is utilized effectively.
Southern Side of the Plot: Bed 7: Leeks. * Bed 8: Parsnips. * Bed 9:* Previously used for carrots, considering sweetcorn, tomatoes, and spare cucumbers.
Newer Half of the Plot: Beds 10-12: Designated for first early, second early, and main crop potatoes. * Beds 13-15:* Covered with cardboard for the winter, with green manures and broad beans planted. Planned for beans next year, including broad beans, French beans, runner beans, and peas.
Greenhouses: First Greenhouse: Used for cucumbers and melons this year, planned for tomatoes next year. * Second Greenhouse:* To be glazed and used for cucumbers, birds, and melons in 2025.
ConclusionRichard’s detailed gardening plans for 2025 provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to optimize their vegetable gardening efforts. By emphasizing the importance of planning, crop rotation, and successional sowing, he offers a comprehensive approach to achieving a fruitful harvest throughout the year.
Key Takeaways: Plan Ahead: Use tools like Veg Plotter to keep track of your garden layout and crop rotation plans. * Rotate Crops: Prevent soil depletion, reduce pest and disease pressure, and improve soil structure. * Successional Sowing: Ensure a continuous supply of vegetables by planting at intervals. * Companion Planting: Enhance biodiversity and deter pests with plants like nasturtiums and marigolds. * Greenhouse Management:* Utilize controlled environments to maximize productivity.
By following Richard’s insights and recommendations, you can create a well-organized and productive vegetable garden that thrives throughout the year. Happy gardening!
As the winter months settle in, gardeners often find themselves with a bit more time on their hands. This period is perfect for planning and organizing, ensuring that when the busy planting seasons arrive, everything is in place. In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard delves into the essential gardening activities for December, focusing on seed organization, planning for the upcoming growing seasons, and the benefits of microgreens and sprouting seeds. Additionally, Chef Scott adds a culinary twist with a delectable recipe for roasted sprouts with hot honey and feta cheese. Let’s break down the key insights and actionable tips from this episode.
Seed Organization: The Foundation of a Successful GardenAssessing Your Seed CollectionRichard begins by emphasizing the importance of sorting through your seed collection. This annual ritual helps in identifying what you have, what needs to be discarded, and what new seeds you need to order. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively organize your seeds:
- Gather Your Seeds: Collect all your seed packets and containers. Richard stores his seeds in wooden boxes kept in an old fridge in his shed, which helps maintain their viability.
- Check Expiration Dates: While some seeds can germinate years past their expiration date, it’s generally a good idea to use these dates as a guideline. Discard any seeds that are significantly out of date or have been opened for a long time.
- Categorize Seeds: Organize your seeds into categories such as brassicas, legumes, root vegetables, etc. Richard keeps his seeds in alphabetical order within these categories, making it easier to find specific seeds when needed.
- Create a Shopping List: Identify any gaps in your collection. Richard, for instance, is on the lookout for blight-resistant tomato varieties and a specific carrot variety that can be sown in December. Explore seed catalogs, both physical and online, to discover new varieties and plan your garden effectively.
Benefits of Seed Organization Efficiency: A well-organized seed collection saves time during the planting season. * Better Planning: Knowing what seeds you have helps in planning your garden layout and crop rotation. * Reduced Waste*: By discarding old or non-viable seeds, you ensure that your garden is planted with the best possible seeds.
Embracing Microgreens and Sprouting SeedsThe Seed of the Month: Microgreens and Sprouting SeedsRichard introduces microgreens and sprouting seeds as the “seed of the month,” highlighting their benefits during the winter months. These tiny, nutrient-dense plants can be grown indoors, providing fresh greens even when outdoor gardening is limited.
In Collaboration with premier seeds direct, a great resource for reasonably priced seeds including microgreens and sprouting seeds
Growing MicrogreensMicrogreens are young vegetable greens that are harvested just after the first true leaves have developed. They are packed with nutrients and can be grown easily in small spaces. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose Your Seeds: Popular choices include pea shoots, radish, sunflower, and broccoli.
- Prepare the Growing Medium: Use a shallow tray with damp tissue paper or a thin layer of soil.
- Sow the Seeds: Scatter the seeds evenly over the growing medium and press them down gently.
- Water and Cover: Mist the seeds with water and cover the tray with a lid or plastic wrap to create a humid environment.
- Germination: Place the tray in a warm, dark place until the seeds germinate. This usually takes a few days.
- Light and Harvest: Once the seeds have sprouted, move the tray to a sunny spot or under grow lights. Harvest the microgreens when they are about 1-2 inches tall.
Growing SproutsSprouts are germinated seeds that are eaten raw. They are easy to grow and can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Here’s Richard’s method for growing pea shoots:
- Soak the Seeds: Soak the seeds in water for 8-12 hours.
- Rinse and Drain: Rinse the seeds thoroughly and drain them. Repeat this process twice a day.
- Sprouting: Keep the seeds in a jar or sprouting tray. Within a few days, you’ll see the seeds begin to sprout.
- Harvest: Once the sprouts reach the desired length, usually within a week, they are ready to eat.
Benefits of Microgreens and Sprouts Nutrient-Dense: Microgreens and sprouts are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. * Quick Growth: They grow quickly, often within a week, providing a fast source of fresh greens. * Space-Efficient*: Ideal for small spaces, making them perfect for indoor gardening.
Culinary Delights: Roasted Sprouts with Hot Honey and Feta CheeseAdding a culinary twist to the gardening theme, Chef Scott shares a simple yet delicious recipe for roasted sprouts with hot honey and feta cheese. This recipe showcases how homegrown produce can be transformed into mouthwatering dishes.
Recipe: Roasted Sprouts with Hot Honey and Feta CheeseIngredients:* Brussels sprouts * Hot honey * Feta cheese * Olive oil * Salt and pepper
Instructions:1. Prepare the Sprouts: Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. 2. Roast: Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. 3. Drizzle with Hot Honey: Once roasted, drizzle the sprouts with hot honey. 4. Add Feta: Crumble feta cheese over the top and serve immediately.
Benefits of the Recipe Flavor Combination: The sweetness of the hot honey complements the savory feta and the earthy sprouts. * Simplicity*: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for showcasing fresh, seasonal produce.
Leveraging Technology: AI in GardeningRichard explores the innovative use of technology in gardening, specifically how artificial intelligence (AI) can be utilized to create a personalized seed sowing plan. By inputting data such as local climate conditions and frost dates, gardeners can receive tailored advice on when to sow different seeds.
Benefits of Using AI in Gardening Personalized Plans: AI can generate month-by-month sowing plans tailored to your specific location. * Optimized Planting: By considering local climate conditions, AI helps optimize planting times for better yields. * Time-Saving*: Automated planning saves time and reduces the guesswork involved in gardening.
Richard’s ExperienceRichard shares his experience using AI to create a comprehensive list of edible plants to grow throughout the year in Littlehampton, West Sussex. While he finds the technology helpful, he emphasizes that it should be supplemented with personal gardening knowledge and experience.
Conclusion: Embrace the Winter Months for Planning and PreparationRichard concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to stay organized, embrace the winter months for planning, and consider the benefits of growing their own food. He invites feedback and questions from listeners, fostering a sense of community among gardening enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways Seed Organization: Regularly assess and organize your seed collection to ensure you are prepared for the planting season. * Microgreens and Sprouts: Utilize the winter months to grow nutrient-dense microgreens and sprouts indoors. * Culinary Inspiration: Incorporate homegrown produce into delicious recipes like Chef Scott’s roasted sprouts with hot honey and feta cheese. * Technology in Gardening*: Explore the use of AI to create personalized seed sowing plans, optimizing your gardening efforts.
By following these tips and insights, gardeners can make the most of the quieter winter months, setting the stage for a successful and bountiful growing season ahead.
In this special episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, we deviate from our usual format to bring you a live Q&A session from the Bishopstoke Gardening Club. Richard, our main speaker, shares his wealth of knowledge on home gardening, addressing audience questions and providing invaluable insights. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to grow their own food, offering practical advice and organic gardening techniques. Let’s explore the key topics Richard covers, providing actionable tips and expert insights to help you cultivate a thriving garden.
Navigating Weather ChallengesSafety FirstRichard kicks off by discussing the recent weather challenges, such as early frost and storms in the UK. He stresses the importance of safety during these events:
- Stay Indoors: Avoid gardening during severe weather to prevent injuries.
- Prepare Your Garden: Secure loose items and protect vulnerable plants ahead of storms.
Organic Pest ManagementDealing with Caterpillars on KaleOne of the initial questions Richard addresses is about caterpillars on kale, likely caused by the white cabbage butterfly. Here are his organic solutions:
- Fine Mesh Netting: Use fine mesh netting to prevent butterflies from laying eggs on your plants. Ensure the netting doesn’t touch the plants to stop butterflies from landing.
- Encourage Natural Predators: Attract birds and hedgehogs to your garden. Provide bird baths and feeders to invite birds that feed on caterpillars.
- Chickens for Pest Control: Chickens are excellent at catching caterpillars and other pests. Allow them to forage in your garden for natural pest control.
- Nematodes: Introduce nematodes to the soil to target specific pests. Be cautious, as they may also affect beneficial soil organisms.
Growing Garlic SuccessfullyTips for Thriving Garlic PlantsGarlic is a Mediterranean plant that can thrive in the UK with the right care. Richard shares his top tips:
- Avoid Supermarket Bulbs: Use bulbs from garden centers to ensure they are suitable for your climate.
- Planting Depth: Plant garlic cloves at a depth of about ten centimeters for optimal growth.
- Soil Health: Use specialized garlic fertilizer and mulch with leaves to improve soil health.
- Save the Best Bulbs: Replant the largest bulbs from each harvest to enhance the genetic quality of your garlic over time.
Managing Apple TreesEnsuring a Healthy HarvestA listener’s question about an apple tree that hasn’t produced flowers or fruit leads Richard to offer these insights:
- Nutrient Deficiency: Lack of flowering may be due to insufficient potassium. Supplement with tomato feed or wood ash.
- Pollination Partners: Ensure you have the right pollinators for your apple tree variety. Different varieties require specific types of pollination partners.
Controlling BindweedEffective Weed ManagementBindweed is a persistent garden weed, but Richard shares his approach to managing it:
- Regular Hoeing: Hoe regularly to prevent bindweed from photosynthesizing, which will eventually exhaust its roots.
- Chickens as Helpers: Allow chickens to scratch the soil and remove weeds while providing manure for the garden.
Enhancing Soil HealthBuilding a Strong FoundationHealthy soil is the cornerstone of a thriving garden. Richard emphasizes the importance of soil health:
- Organic Amendments: Use organic fertilizers and amendments to enrich the soil.
- Mulching: Mulch with organic materials like leaves to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
Culinary Delight: Café de Paris ButterRecipe by ScottThe episode also features a delightful recipe segment by Scott, who introduces Café de Paris butter. This versatile compound butter can enhance a variety of dishes:
- Ingredients: Butter, herbs, spices, and other flavorings.
- Preparation: Mix ingredients thoroughly and refrigerate. Use it to elevate grilled meats, vegetables, and more.
Community and SupportEngaging with the AudienceRichard’s passion for gardening and sustainable practices shines through as he encourages listeners to share their own gardening journeys:
- Q&A Sessions: Engage with the podcast by asking questions and sharing feedback.
- Supporters Club: Consider joining the Veg Grower Podcast’s supporters club to help continue providing valuable content.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is a treasure trove of gardening wisdom, offering practical tips, delicious recipes, and a sense of camaraderie among those passionate about growing their own food. Whether you’re dealing with pests, looking to enhance your soil, or seeking inspiration for your next meal, Richard’s insights are sure to motivate and empower you on your gardening journey.
By following Richard’s advice and embracing organic gardening methods, you can create a thriving, sustainable garden that not only provides fresh, homegrown food but also supports a healthy ecosystem.
As the festive season approaches, many of us find ourselves pondering the perfect gift ideas for gardeners in our lives. In a recent episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard delves into this very topic, offering a wealth of gardening tips, product recommendations, and seasonal cooking ideas. This blog post will break down the key insights from the episode, providing detailed, actionable advice for both seasoned gardeners and those new to the hobby.
Links to all products mentioned.* Germie seed starter trays * Rubber seed starter trays * Plug plant trainer * Garden centre vouchers * Autopot watering systems * Vegepod * Qwick hose * Wormery * Leon wellie boots * Ryobi uk tools * Root trainers * Fiskers loppers
Gift Ideas for Gardeners1. Quality Over QuantityRichard emphasizes the importance of selecting high-quality gardening tools and products. He shares his personal experiences with various items, highlighting their durability and effectiveness.
- Welly Boots: Richard recommends investing in a good pair of welly boots. He owns both a shorter pair for gardening and dog walking, and a longer pair for more extensive outdoor work. Despite their lightweight design, these boots have proven to be durable and reliable.
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Fiskars Loppers: For pruning and cutting tasks, Richard praises his Fiskars loppers. These tools are essential for maintaining a garden, especially during pruning season. He suggests considering an additional pair for future use.
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Seed Starter KitsStarting seeds early can lead to better yields, and Richard introduces the Germy Seed Starter Kit as a valuable tool for this purpose.
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Durability and Reusability: These kits are made of durable, reusable plastic trays that can be easily cleaned and used season after season.
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Versatility: Available in small, medium, and large sizes, these trays can accommodate various seed types. The small version can hold up to 41 plug plants, making it ideal for those with limited space.
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Gift Vouchers from Garden CentersGift vouchers allow gardeners to choose their own supplies, ensuring they get exactly what they need.
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Rocket Gro Compost: Richard shares his positive experiences with Rocket Gro compost, noting its consistent quality and suitability for various gardening needs. A gift card to a garden center that stocks this compost can be a practical and appreciated gift.
Gardening Activities and Tips1. Sowing Chili SeedsRichard loves growing chilies and finds that starting them early in the season leads to better yields. He advises against purchasing overpriced gift packs of chili seeds and instead recommends buying seeds separately from reputable suppliers.
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Efficient Watering SystemsRichard discusses the Auto Pot Growing System, which he finds invaluable for watering plants efficiently.
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How It Works: The system automates watering, ensuring plants receive the right amount of water without the need for constant monitoring.
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Winter Storage: Richard mentions that he packs the system away for the winter to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. He is excited to use a new four-pot system gifted by his wife in the upcoming growing season.
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Year-Round Growing with Veggie PodsVeggie Pods allow for year-round growing, and Richard shares his experience with a new hose connector system from Quick Hose.
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Ease of Use: The connectors make watering much easier and more efficient, preventing hoses from popping off during use.
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Reliability: Richard appreciates the reliability of these connectors, which have made a significant difference in his gardening routine.
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Composting with a WormeryA wormery is a fantastic source of liquid fertilizer and worm castings. Richard explains how he insulates his wormery during winter to protect the worms from freezing temperatures, ensuring he can continue to utilize kitchen waste for composting.
Seasonal Cooking with Chef ScottThe episode also features a delightful segment by Chef Scott, who shares a recipe for a Winter Vegetable and Sausage Tray Bake. This dish is simple, adaptable, and perfect for utilizing homegrown produce.
Recipe Highlights Ingredients: The recipe includes a variety of winter vegetables and sausages, but it can be easily adapted based on what is available. * Method*: Chef Scott provides a straightforward method for preparing the meal, making it accessible for listeners.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is a treasure trove of gardening tips, product recommendations, and seasonal cooking ideas. Richard’s thoughtful approach to gift-giving, coupled with his practical gardening advice, makes this episode a valuable resource for anyone passionate about gardening. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a gardening enthusiast or seeking new ways to enjoy winter vegetables, the insights shared in this episode are sure to inspire and guide you through the festive season and beyond.
Key Takeaways Invest in Quality Tools: Durable and reliable tools like welly boots and Fiskars loppers can make a significant difference in gardening tasks. * Start Seeds Early: Using seed starter kits can lead to better yields and more efficient gardening. * Consider Gift Vouchers: Allowing gardeners to choose their own supplies ensures they get exactly what they need. * Utilize Efficient Watering Systems: Systems like the Auto Pot can automate watering and save time. * Year-Round Growing: Veggie Pods and reliable hose connectors can facilitate year-round gardening. * Composting*: A wormery can provide valuable compost and liquid fertilizer, even during winter.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can enhance your gardening experience and make the most of the festive season. Happy gardening!
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the host, dives deep into the world of gardening tools and their maintenance. Drawing from his personal experiences on the allotment, Richard provides invaluable advice on choosing the right tools, maintaining them for longevity, and organizing your gardening space. Additionally, Chef Scott joins the episode to share a mouth-watering recipe for celery potato chive and sour cream soup, emphasizing the benefits of growing your own herbs. This blog post will break down the key takeaways from the episode, offering detailed, actionable advice for gardeners of all levels.
Choosing the Right Tools: Battery-Powered vs. Petrol-PoweredPros and Cons of Battery-Powered ToolsRichard begins by discussing the ongoing debate between battery-powered and petrol-powered gardening tools. He highlights the convenience and environmental benefits of battery-powered tools, such as:
- Ease of Use: Lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for smaller gardens.
- Environmental Impact: No emissions, making them a greener choice.
- Noise Levels: Quieter operation, which is less disruptive to both the gardener and the neighbors.
However, Richard also points out the limitations of battery-powered tools, particularly when dealing with wet, thick grass. They often struggle in these conditions, which can be a common issue on allotments.
Advantages of Petrol-Powered ToolsOn the other hand, petrol-powered tools are more robust and can handle tougher tasks, such as:
- Power and Performance: Better suited for cutting long, wet grass and handling larger areas.
- Durability: Generally more durable and can withstand more rigorous use.
Richard’s advice is to assess your specific gardening needs and choose the tools that best fit those requirements. For smaller, more manageable gardens, battery-powered tools may suffice. However, for larger allotments with tougher conditions, petrol-powered tools might be the better option.
The Importance of MulchingBenefits of MulchingAfter cutting the grass, Richard utilizes the clippings as mulch for his garlic plants. He emphasizes the numerous benefits of mulching, including:
- Moisture Retention: Helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Weed Suppression: Prevents weed growth, saving time and effort in weeding.
- Soil Enrichment: Adds organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and fertility.
Practical Tips for MulchingRichard shares a practical tip for mulching: use grass clippings from your lawn. This not only recycles garden waste but also provides a free and effective mulch for your plants. However, he advises ensuring the grass is free from weed seeds to avoid introducing them to your garden beds.
Organizing Your Gardening SpaceDecluttering and Optimizing SpaceA significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the organization of Richard’s sheds. He likens the process to cleaning out a wardrobe, adopting a practical rule: if he hasn’t used a tool in the past year, it’s likely he won’t need it again. This philosophy leads him to donate unused tools to charity, benefiting both his space and the community.
Using Pegboards for Tool StorageRichard highlights the advantages of using pegboards for tool storage in his shed:
- Flexibility: Allows for easy rearrangement of tools as needs change.
- Visibility: Keeps tools visible and accessible, reducing the time spent searching for them.
However, he notes that the pegboards from IKEA have started to warp due to the damp environment of the shed, prompting him to consider upgrading to more durable materials in the future.
Assessing and Replenishing SuppliesAs he organizes his shed, Richard also assesses his supplies of feeds and fertilizers, ensuring everything is labeled and easy to find. He mentions the importance of replenishing supplies, especially with garden centers offering sales, and reflects on whether he truly needs all the various products he has accumulated. This self-assessment is part of his broader goal to create a more efficient and organized gardening space.
Tool Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity and EfficiencyAnnual Maintenance RoutineRichard explains that he likes to perform a thorough check and service of his tools at least once a year. This involves:
- Cleaning: Removing dirt and debris with a wire brush.
- Sharpening: Using a bench grinder to sharpen blades, ensuring they are set at the correct angle for optimal performance.
- Oiling: Using a bucket filled with coarse sand and vegetable oil to clean and oil tools, prolonging their lifespan.
Caring for Wooden HandlesRichard also highlights the need to care for wooden handles by sanding them and applying oil to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. This simple maintenance step can significantly extend the life of your tools.
Culinary Inspiration: Chef Scott’s Celery Potato Chive and Sour Cream SoupBenefits of Growing Your Own HerbsIn a delightful segment, Chef Scott joins the podcast to share a recipe for celery potato chive and sour cream soup. He emphasizes the value of growing herbs at home, noting that they can be expensive to buy at the store. Homegrown herbs not only save money but also add fresh, vibrant flavors to your dishes.
Recipe: Celery Potato Chive and Sour Cream SoupScott provides a detailed list of ingredients and a step-by-step method for preparing the soup, which serves as a delicious way to utilize homegrown produce. Here’s a quick overview of the recipe:
Ingredients:
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Chives
- Sour cream
- Vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Sauté chopped celery and potatoes in a pot until tender.
- Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer until the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Blend the mixture until smooth.
- Stir in sour cream and chopped chives.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This simple yet flavorful soup is a perfect example of how homegrown ingredients can elevate your cooking.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is a rich blend of practical gardening advice, tool maintenance tips, and culinary inspiration. Richard’s insights encourage listeners to reflect on their gardening practices, maintain their tools for better efficiency, and embrace the joys of cooking with homegrown produce. By following his advice, you can create a more organized, efficient, and enjoyable gardening experience.
As Richard wraps up the episode, he invites feedback and reviews from listeners, reinforcing the community aspect of the podcast and expressing gratitude for their support. He looks forward to returning next week with more gardening insights and inspiration.
By diving into the nuances of each topic, this blog post aims to provide valuable, detailed information that can guide listeners of the Veg Grower Podcast. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips and insights will help you make the most of your gardening tools and space.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many gardeners might feel inclined to hang up their trowels and wait for spring. However, in the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard encourages listeners to keep their gardening efforts alive through the colder months, especially sowing some herbs. This episode is packed with practical advice, expert insights, and delicious recipes that will inspire you to continue growing your own food, even in winter.
Seed of the Month: Herbs to Sow in NovemberOne of the standout segments of this episode is the “seed of the month,” where Richard shares his top recommendations for herbs to sow in November. Growing herbs indoors on a windowsill is a fantastic way to ensure a continuous supply of fresh ingredients for your kitchen.
This segment is in collaboration with Premier Seed Direct. Richards go to supplier for very reasonable priced seed in very generous quantities. Don’t forget to use discount code PSDVEGPOD
Here are Richard’s top picks:
- Basil Why Basil?*: Basil is a fragrant, Mediterranean herb that thrives indoors, especially on a sunny windowsill. Its aromatic leaves are a staple in many dishes, from pasta to salads.
- How to Sow: Fill a pot with multi-purpose compost, scatter the basil seeds on the surface, lightly cover them with more compost, and water them. Basil loves moisture, so keep the soil consistently damp for optimal growth.
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Care Tips: Ensure the pot is placed in a sunny spot. Regularly pinch off the tops to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from flowering too soon.
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Chives Why Chives?*: Chives, particularly garlic chives, have a mild garlicky flavor and are a perennial plant, meaning they will return year after year if harvested correctly.
- How to Sow: Sow a few seeds in pots, allow them to grow, and then harvest as needed. Chives can be moved to a greenhouse in the spring for further growth.
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Care Tips: Chives prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location. Regularly trim the leaves to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
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Parsley Why Parsley?*: Parsley is a cold-loving herb that grows best when sown in the cooler months. It’s a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes.
- How to Sow: Sow parsley seeds similarly to basil and chives. It can be harvested in larger quantities for cooking.
- Care Tips: Parsley prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Regular harvesting will encourage new growth.
Recipe Spotlight: Celeriac Steaks with Salsa VerdeIn addition to gardening tips, the episode features a mouth-watering recipe from Chef Scott. He shares his method for preparing celeriac steaks with salsa verde, emphasizing the joy of cooking with homegrown vegetables.
Ingredients:* Celeriac * Olive oil * Garlic * Rosemary * Fresh herbs for salsa verde (e.g., parsley, mint, basil) * Capers * Lemon juice * Olive oil * Salt and pepper
Method:1. Prepare the Celeriac: Peel the celeriac and cut it into thick slices. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 2. Roast the Celeriac: Roast the celeriac slices in the oven until they are tender and golden brown. 3. Fry with Garlic and Rosemary: In a pan, heat some olive oil and add garlic and rosemary. Fry the roasted celeriac slices until they are crispy on the outside. 4. Make the Salsa Verde: Finely chop the fresh herbs and mix with capers, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. 5. Serve: Plate the celeriac steaks and drizzle with salsa verde.
Winter Gardening TipsRichard also shares valuable tips for continuing your gardening activities during the colder months. Here are some key takeaways:
- Sowing Winter Crops Broad Beans*: Sow broad beans in November for an early spring harvest. They are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures.
- Garlic and Onion Sets: Plant garlic and onion sets now for a bountiful harvest next year. They require a cold period to develop properly.
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Winter Lettuce and Spring Onions: These can be sown in a greenhouse or cold frame to provide fresh greens throughout the winter.
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Protecting Plants Use Cloches and Fleece*: Protect tender plants from frost by covering them with cloches or horticultural fleece.
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Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants to insulate the soil and retain moisture.
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Cleaning and Storing Plastic Pots Eco-Friendly Cleaning*: Use rainwater to wash out plastic pots. Stack them in the ground and let the rain do the work, making the process efficient and environmentally friendly.
- Storage: Once clean, store the pots in a dry place to prevent them from becoming brittle and cracking.
Join the Supporters ClubRichard also promotes the podcast’s supporters club, which offers members exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and monthly seed packs. Joining the club is a great way to enhance your gardening experience and stay connected with the podcast community.
Join our supporters club Addressing Food SecurityTowards the end of the episode, Richard reflects on the challenges posed by recent weather conditions, particularly heavy rain, and its impact on food supply. He emphasizes the importance of food security and the role that home gardeners can play in mitigating potential shortages.
Gardening on Clay Soil Challenges: Waterlogged conditions and pests like slugs and snails can be problematic. * Solutions*: Richard uses no-dig gardening and raised beds to improve drainage. Compost is essential for maintaining healthy soil.
Natural Pest Control Slug and Snail Management: Regularly walk through the garden to collect these pests and feed them to chickens. * Encouraging Wildlife*: Attract birds and hedgehogs to help control slug populations naturally.
Engage with the CommunityRichard invites listeners to share their thoughts and experiences regarding food security and gardening strategies for the upcoming year. Engage through email, social media, or the podcast’s website, where you can leave comments or voicemails.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is a treasure trove of information for home gardeners. With practical tips, engaging recipes, and a focus on community, Richard inspires listeners to embrace their gardening journey and contribute to food security in their own way. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, there’s something in this episode for everyone. So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to grow!
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard delves into the challenges and strategies of gardening in colder climates, specifically addressing a listener named Joanna from the Highlands of Scotland. Joanna’s email raises important questions about the feasibility of sowing seeds during the winter months and how to adapt gardening practices to suit harsher climates. Richard’s response is filled with practical advice, personal experiences, and expert insights that can guide gardeners facing similar conditions. Let’s break down the key takeaways from this episode.
Understanding Your Climate ZoneThe Importance of Hardiness ZonesRichard emphasizes the significance of understanding local climate conditions and gardening zones. Hardiness zones, such as the RHS hardiness zones in the UK, help gardeners determine which plants can thrive in their specific climates. For instance, Richard is in RHS hardiness zone H3, while Joanna is likely in H6, where temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Adapting to Local ConditionsGardening success in colder climates hinges on adapting techniques based on local conditions. Richard shares his experiences visiting different regions, including Scotland, where unique gardening practices are necessary due to varying climates. He highlights the importance of observing and understanding microclimates within your garden, which can provide more favorable growing conditions even in colder areas.
Selecting Hardy PlantsChoosing the Right VarietiesRichard discusses the hardiness of certain plants that can withstand cold temperatures. He mentions varieties such as:
- Kale
- Winter Cabbage
- Savoy Cabbage
- Certain Root Vegetables
These plants are more resilient to cold and can provide a bountiful harvest even during the winter months.
Experimenting with Different PlantsRichard encourages gardeners to experiment with different hardy plant varieties to see what works best in their specific conditions. Keeping a gardening journal to track successes and setbacks can help refine your approach over time.
Winter Gardening PracticesInfrastructure WorkFor Richard, winter is often a time for infrastructure work rather than active growing. He focuses on building and repairing garden beds, sheds, and paths while also pruning dormant plants. This preparation ensures that the garden is ready for the growing season.
Indoor Seed SowingRichard shares practical advice for winter gardening, emphasizing the importance of bringing seed sowing indoors. He has set up a shelf in his kitchen with heated propagators and grow lights to facilitate seed germination during the colder months. Alternative methods include placing seed trays on top of radiators to provide warmth.
Growing Microgreens and Herbs IndoorsGrowing microgreens and herbs indoors can provide fresh produce throughout the winter. These plants require less space and can thrive in indoor conditions with adequate light and warmth.
Protecting Outdoor PlantsUsing Cloches and Cold FramesRichard discusses the use of cloches and cold frames to protect outdoor plants from frost. He shares his experiences with various types of cloches, including those made from old plastic bottles. These structures create a microclimate that can extend the growing season and protect young plants from harsh weather.
Soil Health and PreparationEnsuring soil health is crucial for successful winter gardening. Richard advises enriching the soil with organic matter to retain warmth and moisture, creating a more conducive environment for seed germination. Well-drained soil is also essential to prevent waterlogging and frost damage.
Community and CollaborationConnecting with Fellow GardenersRichard emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration among gardeners. He encourages listeners to connect with fellow allotment holders for advice and support. Sharing knowledge and tips can benefit everyone involved and foster a sense of connection among those who share a passion for gardening.
Embracing ExperimentationGardening is a continuous learning process, and Richard reassures listeners that even seasoned gardeners face challenges. He encourages experimentation and trying new techniques, as adapting to local conditions is part of the journey.
Chef Scott’s recipe of the week.This week Chef Scott has another delicious recipe. Its a leek crumble which is just as well as we have plenty of leeks to use.
Recommended Reading“Plot 29” by Allan JenkinsRichard mentions a book he has been reading, “Plot 29” by Allan Jenkins, which has inspired him and aligns with the theme of exploring new ideas in gardening. This book can provide additional insights and inspiration for gardeners looking to expand their knowledge and try new approaches.
ConclusionRichard’s insights in this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast provide valuable guidance for gardeners like Joanna, who are navigating the challenges of growing in colder climates. By understanding local conditions, selecting hardy plants, and utilizing indoor and outdoor gardening techniques, gardeners can continue to enjoy the rewards of growing their own food, regardless of the climate they face. Embracing community and experimentation further enriches the gardening experience, making it a fulfilling and collaborative journey.
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Join our supporters club For more tips and discussions on gardening, be sure to tune in to future episodes of the Veg Grower Podcast. Happy gardening!
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard and guest Chef Scott delve into the intricacies of gardening, focusing on compost trials, seasonal planting, and a delectable recipe. This blog post will break down the key themes and tips discussed in the episode, providing you with actionable advice and expert insights to enhance your gardening experience.
Richard’s Gardening InsightsCompost Trial ResultsRichard conducted a detailed compost trial to compare the performance of different compost types in growing tomatoes. Here’s a breakdown of his findings:
Types of Compost Tested1. Budget Compost: * Source: Local range * Cost: Approximately £2.50 per bag when bought in bulk * Performance: Initially produced larger and stronger tomato plants but suffered from blossom end rot, reducing the number of edible tomatoes. 2. Heart of Eden Compost: * Source: Received for free * Cost: Available on Amazon for £17 per bag * Performance: Yielded around 20 tomatoes with no signs of blossom end rot. 3. Rocket Gro Compost: * Source: Local garden center * Cost: About £9 per bag * Performance: Similar to Heart of Eden, yielded around 20 tomatoes with no signs of blossom end rot.
Key Takeaways Quality Over Quantity: While budget compost may seem cost-effective, the quality of the produce can suffer. Investing in higher-quality compost can lead to better yields and healthier plants. * Accessibility and Affordability*: The availability and cost of compost are crucial factors. Richard struggled to find Heart of Eden compost locally, highlighting the importance of accessible and affordable gardening supplies.
Importance of Quality CompostRichard emphasizes the significance of using quality compost, especially as gardeners transition to peat-free options. He notes that some gardeners have reported finding debris like bits of brick and plastic in their compost, raising concerns about quality. Here are some tips to ensure you’re using the best compost:
- Check for Debris: Inspect your compost for any unwanted materials.
- Read Reviews: Look for feedback from other gardeners about different compost brands.
- Experiment: Conduct your own trials to see which compost works best for your plants.
Current Gardening ActivitiesRichard shares his current gardening activities, focusing on sowing broad beans and peas for overwintering and planting spring bulbs.
Sowing Broad Beans and Peas Varieties: + Broad Beans: ‘Aqua Dolce Claudia’ + Peas: ‘Meteor’ * Method: Sowing seeds in root trainers for easy transplanting. * Benefits: + Early Harvest: Plants sown in the fall can be harvested earlier in the spring. + Pollinator Attraction: Early flowers from spring bulbs attract pollinators, benefiting the overall garden ecosystem. + Reduced Pest Issues*: Overwintering broad beans can help avoid problems with blackfly, which typically affects spring-sown plants.
Planting Spring BulbsRichard discusses planting spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips. Although he primarily grows edibles, he enjoys incorporating ornamental plants to attract pollinators and add visual interest to his garden. Here’s his approach:
- Lasagna Pot Technique: Planting bulbs at different heights within the same pot for a staggered blooming period.
- Annual Practice: Planting new bulbs in pots each year and relocating older bulbs to the lawn after they have finished flowering.
Listener Engagement and FeedbackRichard values listener engagement and encourages them to share their winter gardening experiences. He also addresses gardening questions and feedback from listeners, fostering a sense of community.
Gardening QuestionsRichard answers a question from a listener named Lynn about using well-rotted horse manure on heavy clay soil. Here’s his advice:
- Mulching Over Winter: Some gardeners prefer to use manure as a mulch over winter, allowing worms to incorporate it into the soil.
- Spring Application: Others recommend saving manure for spring when plants need nutrients the most.
- Condition of Manure: Consider the condition of the manure and cover it with a plastic sheet if used as mulch to prevent nutrient loss from rain.
Chef Scott’s Recipe SegmentChef Scott shares a mouthwatering recipe for a pear, walnut, and salted caramel strudel. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Ingredients* 450g diced ripe eating pears * 100g walnuts * 25g caster sugar * ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1 teaspoon corn flour * 50g melted butter * 100g shop-bought salted caramel * 4 sheets of shop-bought filo pastry
Method1. Prepare the Pastry: Layer the filo pastry sheets, brushing each with melted butter. 2. Mix the Filling: Combine diced pears with sugar, walnuts, cornflour, and cinnamon. 3. Assemble the Strudel: Place the mixture on the pastry, dollop with caramel, and roll into a parcel. 4. Bake: Brush with butter, sprinkle with walnuts, and bake until golden brown.
Scott encourages listeners to check out the full recipe on the Veg Grower Podcast website and his Instagram page.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast offers a wealth of gardening tips, insights into compost quality, and a delicious recipe. Richard’s passion for gardening and Chef Scott’s culinary expertise provide listeners with valuable information and inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these insights can help you grow healthier plants and enjoy the fruits of your labor in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts Rate and Review: Richard reminds listeners to rate and review the podcast to help reach a wider audience. * Follow on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest episodes and gardening tips by following the podcast on social media. * Community Engagement*: Share your gardening experiences and questions to foster a supportive community of gardeners.
By incorporating these tips and insights into your gardening routine, you can enhance your garden’s productivity and enjoy the process of growing your own food. Happy gardening!
In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard and chef Scott delve into the world of sustainable gardening and culinary creativity. Richard shares his experiences and tips for effective ways to suppress weeds, while Scott introduces a mouth-watering recipe that encourages listeners to use homegrown produce.
Suppressing weeds on the allotmentThe Use of Old Carpets and Cardboard for Weed SuppressionRichard begins by discussing the common practice of using old carpets in gardening, particularly for weed suppression. However, he highlights the potential issues associated with this method:
- Chemical Concerns: Carpets may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil, affecting plant health.
- Damage to Equipment: Carpets left in the ground can cause damage to gardening machinery, making them a less desirable option.
Instead, Richard advocates for the use of cardboard as a biodegradable alternative. Here’s how you can effectively use cardboard in your garden:
- Preparation: Remove any non-biodegradable materials, such as Sellotape, from the cardboard. Wetting the cardboard can make this process easier.
- Application: Lay the cardboard over empty garden beds to suppress weeds. As the cardboard breaks down, it enriches the soil with organic matter.
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Join our supporters club Benefits of Mulching with Woodchip and SeaweedRichard emphasizes the importance of mulching in maintaining a healthy garden. Mulching offers several benefits:
- Moisture Retention: Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Weed Suppression: A thick layer of mulch can prevent weeds from germinating and taking over your garden.
- Soil Improvement: As mulch decomposes, it adds valuable nutrients to the soil.
Richard shares his experience with two types of mulch:
- Woodchip: Often delivered to allotment sites for free, woodchip is an excellent mulch that improves soil quality as it decomposes.
- Seaweed: Collected from the beach after storms, seaweed is rich in nutrients and has been historically used in coastal gardening.
Collecting Leaves for Mulch and CompostAnother valuable resource Richard discusses is leaves, which are often considered a nuisance in public spaces. Here’s how you can make the most of fallen leaves:
- Mulch: Use leaves as a mulch to protect plants and suppress weeds.
- Compost: Add leaves to your compost heap to create nutrient-rich compost.
- Leaf Mold: Create leaf mold by collecting leaves in a bin or bag and allowing them to decompose over time. Leaf mold is an excellent compost for seed sowing and growing specific plants like parsnips.
Effective Mulching TechniquesRichard concludes his gardening segment by emphasizing the importance of effective mulching. Here are his key tips:
- Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to mulch half a bed well than to spread a thin layer over an entire bed poorly.
- Compost as Mulch: While compost is the best mulch, save it for when it’s most needed to maximize its benefits.
Chef Scott’s Recipe SegmentIn the latter part of the episode, chef Scott introduces a delicious recipe for a sweet potato and spinach lasagne with a hint of chili. This recipe not only showcases the versatility of sweet potatoes but also encourages listeners to grow their own produce.
Scott encourages listeners to try growing sweet potatoes, highlighting their rewarding nature. Here are some tips for growing sweet potatoes:
- Climate: Sweet potatoes thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight.
- Soil: Plant them in well-drained, sandy soil enriched with organic matter.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Harvesting: Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the leaves start to yellow and die back.
Creating a hot bed.A project Richard has wanted to do for a while is to build a hot bed. A hot bed simply uses the heat from the composting process to warm up a bed and any plants in that hot bed can thrive.
This is a simple build using an existing bed, simply needed the addition of a cover and fresh compost material.
- Use fresh chicken or horse manure, including straw and wood chips for maximum heat.
- Top up regullery
- A cover helps trap the heat for the benefit of the plants.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast offers a wealth of knowledge on sustainable gardening practices and culinary creativity. Richard’s practical tips on using biodegradable materials and effective mulching techniques provide valuable guidance for gardeners. Meanwhile, Scott’s delicious recipe for sweet potato and spinach lasagne inspires listeners to incorporate homegrown produce into their meals.
As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, gardeners everywhere are gearing up for the winter months. In a recent episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard shares his extensive knowledge and personal experiences on how to prepare your garden for winter. From greenhouse maintenance to the benefits of green manures, Richard provides a wealth of practical advice to help you protect your plants and ensure a bountiful harvest come spring. Additionally, Chef Scott joins the episode to share a mouth-watering recipe for roast elephant garlic and potato soup, perfect for the season.
Greenhouse Maintenance: Maximizing Light and HeatCleaning and OrganizingRichard begins by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and organized greenhouse. This is crucial for maximizing light penetration, which is essential for the growth of plants during the darker winter months.
- Cleaning Glass and Plastic Panels: Ensure that all panels are free from dirt and debris to allow maximum sunlight to reach your plants.
- Organizing Plants: Position plants that require more light on the southern side of the greenhouse. Richard mentions that his tomatoes are thriving on this side, while the northern side, which receives less light, is reserved for plants that have finished their growing season.
Enhancing Heat RetentionRichard has made several modifications to improve heat retention in his greenhouse, which is particularly important as temperatures drop.
- Adding Gravel: On the northern side of the greenhouse, Richard has added gravel to improve drainage and create a thermal bank. The gravel retains heat during the day and releases it at night, helping to keep the greenhouse warmer.
- Moving Tender Plants Indoors: Richard has moved several tender plants, such as his peach tree, grapevine, citrus tree, and various peppers, into the greenhouse earlier than usual due to the sudden drop in temperature.
Considering Additional HeatingRichard expresses concern about the lack of heating in his plastic greenhouse, which is more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. He is considering adding heat to a new potting shed he plans to build, which could provide a more stable environment for his tender plants.
Vegetable Beds: Mulching and MonitoringMulching for InsulationRichard discusses the importance of mulching perennial beds to insulate plants and protect them from the cold.
- Using Straw: He has mulched his rhubarb and dahlia beds with straw, which provides an effective barrier against frost.
- Dealing with Spent Plants: Richard acknowledges the challenges of dealing with spent plants, such as tomatoes affected by blight, but is pleased to see that some courgettes are still producing.
Monitoring TemperaturesRichard emphasizes the need to closely monitor temperatures and be prepared to take action if they drop significantly.
- Horticultural Fleece: He has horticultural fleece ready to protect his plants if temperatures drop below minus five degrees Celsius. This is particularly important for younger plants like spring cabbages and cauliflowers, which are more vulnerable to cold.
Allotment Preparations: Harvesting and PlantingHarvesting Root VegetablesRichard shares his experiences at the allotment, where he has been busy preparing for winter.
- Main Crop Potatoes: He has harvested his main crop potatoes and is pleased with the yield, particularly from the King Edward variety, which typically struggles in his soil.
- Removing Root Vegetables: Richard stresses the importance of removing root vegetables before the ground freezes to prevent damage.
Planting Brassicas and Using NetsRichard plans to plant more brassicas in the now-empty potato beds and discusses his approach to protecting these plants.
- Using Nets: Although he dislikes using nets to protect his plants from birds, he acknowledges their necessity as winter approaches.
- Fleece for Extra Protection: Richard is prepared to use fleece if temperatures drop significantly, as this could pose a risk to his plants.
The Benefits of Green ManuresImproving Soil HealthRichard is a strong advocate for using green manures to improve soil health and suppress weed growth.
- Sowing Green Manures: He explains the process of broadcasting seeds, raking the soil, and watering the beds to encourage germination.
- Cutting Down Green Manures: Richard typically allows the green manures to grow for a month before cutting them down, either leaving the foliage to decompose on the soil or composting it for later use.
Specific Green ManuresRichard shares his enthusiasm for specific green manures and their benefits.
- Mix for Potato Crops: This includes radishes and mustards, which add nitrogen to the soil, reduce weed competition, and even fumigate the soil to eliminate pests and diseases.
- Field Beans: Another excellent green manure option, field beans fix nitrogen in the soil and are started in root trainers at home before being transplanted into the garden.
Managing WeedsUsing CardboardRichard mentions using cardboard to suppress weed growth in certain beds, which he finds effective.
Sowing White CloverHe also shares his experience with sowing white clover, another legume that adds nitrogen to the soil and helps smother weeds. Although he faced challenges with the clover germination, Richard remains committed to nurturing his garden and adapting his strategies as needed.
Recipe of the Week: Roast Elephant Garlic and Potato SoupIn a delightful segment, Chef Scott joins Richard to present the recipe of the week. This time, Scott shares a delicious recipe for roast elephant garlic and potato soup, accompanied by roast elephant garlic bruschetta.
Scott highlights the unique flavour profile of elephant garlic, which adds a distinct taste to the dish. This recipe not only showcases the versatility of homegrown ingredients but also encourages listeners to experiment with their own harvests in the kitchen.
The recipe in full can be found here.
ConclusionAs always please leave a rate and review on your preferred podcast platform, it helps this podcast get seen by more people.
This week Richard has received some questions including a question asking what pot he used for his edible pond. The link for this pot can be found here.
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In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the host, and Scott, a chef, share their insights and experiences on gardening and cooking with seasonal produce. Richard focuses on the process of planting garlic, particularly elephant garlic, and discusses various seeds that can be sown in October. Scott complements this with a delicious recipe for an autumn vegetable gratin. This blog post will break down each tip in detail, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to guide you through your gardening journey.
Planting Elephant GarlicUnderstanding Elephant GarlicElephant garlic is a unique variety that grows similarly to regular garlic but is much larger and milder in flavor. It is more closely related to leeks than to regular garlic, which is interesting given its name and appearance. The bulbs can grow up to 14 cm in diameter, making them a standout addition to any garden.
Steps for Planting Elephant Garlic1. Choosing the Right Location * Sunlight: Select a sunny spot in your garden. Garlic thrives in full sunlight, which is crucial for a successful harvest. * Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained. Elephant garlic does not do well in waterlogged conditions. 2. Preparing the Soil * Weed Removal: Clear the area of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients. * Soil Enrichment: Incorporate organic matter such as compost to enhance soil fertility. This creates a nutrient-rich environment for the garlic to grow. 3. Planting Technique * Spacing: Plant the cloves about 10 cm deep and 20 cm apart, with the pointed end facing upwards. This spacing allows the plants to grow without competing for resources. * Depth Adjustment: If you have clay soil, consider planting shallower to prevent the cloves from rotting. 4. Watering and Mulching * Initial Watering: Water the cloves immediately after planting to help them settle in. * Mulching: Cover the area with a mulch of chopped leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds. 5. Care and Maintenance * Cold Period: Garlic needs a period of cold to split into cloves, which is why it is planted in autumn. * Minimal Care: Once growth starts, usually by December, ensure the soil remains moist and weed-free.
Seeds to Sow in OctoberRichard emphasizes the importance of growing food year-round and provides a comprehensive list of seeds that can be sown in October. Here are the detailed recommendations:
Herbs Basil, Parsley, Coriander, Dill, and Chives*: These herbs thrive in cooler temperatures and can be grown on a kitchen windowsill. They provide fresh flavors for winter cooking and can be harvested throughout the season.
Microgreens Indoor Growing*: Microgreens are small, flavorful plants that can be grown indoors. They are quick to harvest and add color and taste to dishes. Consider growing varieties like radish, mustard, and cress.
Brassicas Cauliflower and Cabbages*: These can be sown in October but will need protection from the cold. Use cloches or cold frames to shield them from frost.
Winter Salads Winter Lettuces and Hardy Spring Onions*: These can provide fresh produce during the colder months. They are hardy and can withstand lower temperatures.
Broad Beans and Peas Indoor Starting*: Sow broad beans and peas directly into the ground or start them in root trainers in a greenhouse. Starting them indoors can ensure an earlier crop and reduce the risk of black fly infestations.
Green Manures Soil Health*: Green manures like field beans and phacelia help protect the soil, prevent nutrient loss, and suppress weeds. They improve soil health and structure, making them a valuable addition to your garden.
Recipe of the Week: Autumn Vegetable GratinChef Scott shares a comforting recipe for an autumn vegetable gratin, perfect for using up seasonal produce. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe:
Ingredients Leeks * Chili * Rosemary * Garlic * Celeriac * Squash or Pumpkin * Potatoes * White Wine * Double Cream * Wholegrain Mustard * Grated Gruyère Cheese*
Instructions1. Preparation * Preheat the oven. * Slice the leeks, celeriac, squash, and potatoes into thin, even pieces for even cooking. 2. Sautéing * In a pan, sauté the leeks and garlic in a bit of oil until they become soft and fragrant. * Add chili and rosemary to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. 3. Layering * Layer the sautéed vegetables in a baking dish, alternating between the different types of vegetables for a colorful presentation. 4. Adding Liquids * Pour a mixture of white wine, double cream, and wholegrain mustard over the layered vegetables, ensuring they are well-coated. 5. Baking * Cover the dish with foil and bake until the vegetables are tender. * Remove the foil towards the end to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
ConclusionRichard wraps up the episode by reviewing “The Urban Vegetable Patch” by Grace Poole, a book focusing on sustainable growing practices in limited spaces. He encourages listeners to explore the book and apply its principles to their gardening efforts.
This episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is filled with practical advice for planting and caring for garlic, as well as a variety of seeds to sow in October. Richard and Scott provide valuable insights and inspiration for listeners looking to grow their own food and enjoy seasonal recipes. By following these detailed tips and recommendations, you can extend your growing season and make the most of your garden year-round. Happy gardening!
In this weeks episode of the Veg Grower podcast, host Richard and head community gardener Jason delve into the transformative world of community gardening. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories that highlight the importance of community gardens, especially for those without personal garden space. Let’s break down the key themes and actionable tips discussed in the episode to help you understand the profound impact of community gardening and how you can get involved.
Rebuilding Connections with NatureRecognizing Natural Food SourcesJason begins by reflecting on how society has lost touch with the natural sources of our food. He points out that many towns have apple trees that often go unnoticed. These trees, which grow without cultivation or chemical treatments, can provide healthier options than store-bought produce. Jason emphasizes the need to rebuild this connection, encouraging people to recognize that these trees are not just part of the landscape but are sources of edible food.
Community InvolvementCollaborative EffortsRichard shares his own experience with the community orchard and expresses his desire to get involved. Jason invites him to participate in weekend activities, highlighting the collaborative nature of community gardening efforts. They discuss the smallholding at Angmering Secondary School, which serves as a hub for various gardening initiatives.
The Smallholding and Its PurposeMultifunctional Spaces
The smallholding is described as a vibrant space dedicated to sustainable living and education. Jason explains that the polytunnel on the property has been used for various activities, including seed starting and sustainable living classes. The area is designed to be multifunctional, allowing students and community members to engage with gardening and learn about food production.
Innovative Gardening PracticesResourcefulness and Recycling
Richard and Jason discuss the creative ways they utilize recycled materials in their gardening efforts. For instance, old school desks are repurposed as potting benches, showcasing the ingenuity of gardeners in reducing waste. Jason highlights the importance of reusing materials, such as wooden pallets, to create seed trays and other gardening tools.
The Arun and Chichester Food PartnershipBuilding Sustainable Food Systems
The conversation shifts to the Arun and Chichester Food Partnership, which aims to create a sustainable food system by connecting local charities and community groups. Jason explains that the partnership was established to facilitate collaboration among various organizations, allowing them to share resources and support one another.
Exploring the GardensPerennial Fruit and Sensory Garden
As they explore the gardens, Jason describes the perennial fruit and sensory garden, which features a variety of fruits, herbs, and flowers designed to attract pollinators. This space serves as a calming environment for visitors, encouraging them to connect with nature.
The Edible Garden
Overcoming Challenges
Next, they visit the edible garden, which is filled with vibrant plants like rainbow chard and squash. Jason shares the challenges they face, such as pest issues, but highlights the resilience of the plants. The produce grown in this garden is shared with the local community, reinforcing the idea of collective effort and support.
Community Engagement and ChallengesInclusivity in Gardening
Jason discusses the challenges of engaging the community, noting that many people feel intimidated by gardening. He reassures listeners that prior gardening experience is not necessary to participate. The project is designed to be inclusive, welcoming individuals of all skill levels.
Advice for Starting a Community GardenBuilding a Support Network
For those interested in starting their own community garden, Jason offers valuable advice. He suggests connecting with local councils or established community groups to gain support and resources. Collaborating with charities can also provide additional knowledge and assistance.
Chef Scott’s recipe of the weekWith tomatoes coming to an end its time to get our tomatoes in the freezer for winter storage. This week Chef Scott shares exactly how he does this. full recipe can be found here.
ConclusionThe episode concludes with a strong message about the power of community gardening. Richard and Jason highlight the benefits of working together to grow food, share knowledge, and foster connections among community members. By participating in community gardening initiatives, individuals can not only enjoy fresh produce but also contribute to a more sustainable and connected community.
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In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard delves into a variety of gardening topics, offering practical advice and updates from his home garden. The episode also features a culinary segment with Chef Scott, who shares a recipe for Vada Pav, an Indian street food dish. This blog post will break down the key themes and tips discussed in the episode, providing actionable advice for gardening enthusiasts and home cooks alike.
Managing Caterpillars on BrassicasCaterpillars can be a significant pest for brassicas, especially during warmer days in winter. Richard shares several strategies to manage these pests effectively:
Regular Inspections and Manual Removal Frequent Checks: Regularly inspect your brassicas for signs of caterpillars or eggs. Early detection is crucial. * Manual Removal*: Remove any caterpillars or eggs you find by hand. Richard feeds them to his chickens, which enjoy the treat.
Encouraging Beneficial Wildlife Birds: Attract birds like thrushes and small birds to your garden. They are natural predators of caterpillars. * Predatory Wasps*: Consider introducing predatory wasps, which can help control caterpillar populations.
Using Netting Fine Mesh Netting: Use fine mesh netting to cover your brassicas. This prevents cabbage white butterflies from laying eggs on your plants. * Avoiding Bird Entanglement*: Be cautious with netting to ensure birds do not get caught.
Planting Sacrificial Plants Nasturtiums*: Plant nasturtiums as a trap crop. They attract caterpillars away from your brassicas and are also edible and visually appealing.
Applying Nematodes Nematodes*: Use nematodes, tiny parasitic worms, to control caterpillar populations. They require reapplication and can be costly but are effective.
Overwintering LemongrassRichard also addresses a listener’s question about overwintering lemongrass. Here are his tips:
- Indoor Relocation: Move lemongrass pots indoors to a sunny spot to protect them from frost.
- Mulching: If planted in the ground, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots.
- Watering: Reduce watering during winter to prevent root rot, but ensure the soil remains slightly moist.
Home Garden UpdatesRichard shares updates from his home garden, highlighting his proactive approach to garden management:
Winter Crops Planting: Richard has planted sprouts, kale, and cabbages to sustain him through the winter months. * Garden Bed Preparation*: He has removed some fennel and other plants to make room for these winter crops.
Summer Raspberries Overgrowth Management: Richard plans to thin out his summer raspberry plants to prevent overgrowth and improve grass growth underneath. * Variety Experimentation*: He is considering experimenting with different raspberry varieties better suited for home gardening.
Tomatoes Blight Management*: Richard grows a mix of blight-resistant and non-blight-resistant tomato varieties. He emphasizes the importance of preventing the spread of blight between different gardening locations.
Year-Round Gardening Continuous Gardening*: Richard believes in growing food year-round and rejects the notion of packing up for winter. He encourages listeners to adopt this philosophy.
Wildlife Considerations Balancing Tidiness and Wildlife*: While Richard identifies as an edible gardener, he acknowledges the importance of allowing some natural elements to remain in the garden for the benefit of local wildlife.
Culinary Segment: Vada Pav Recipe by Chef ScottChef Scott shares a delicious recipe for Vada Pav, a popular Indian street food made with spiced potato patties. Here’s a brief overview of the recipe:
Ingredients* Potatoes * Green chilies * Ginger * Garlic * Mustard seeds * Curry leaves * Turmeric * Salt * Gram flour (besan) * Water * Bread rolls
Instructions1. Prepare the Potato Filling: Boil and mash the potatoes. Sauté green chilies, ginger, garlic, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Add turmeric and salt, then mix in the mashed potatoes. 2. Make the Batter: Mix gram flour with water to form a thick batter. 3. Form Patties: Shape the potato mixture into patties, dip them in the batter, and deep-fry until golden brown. 4. Assemble the Vada Pav: Place the fried patties in bread rolls and serve with chutneys.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grow Up Podcast offers a wealth of practical advice for gardeners and home cooks. Richard’s insights into managing caterpillars, overwintering lemongrass, and maintaining a productive home garden are invaluable for anyone looking to grow their own food. Chef Scott’s Vada Pav recipe adds a delicious culinary dimension, showcasing the connection between gardening and cooking with fresh produce.
Engage with the Podcast Leave Ratings and Reviews: Help increase the podcast’s visibility by leaving ratings and reviews on your podcast platform. * Join the Supporters Club: Gain access to exclusive content and monthly seed deliveries by joining the supporters club. * Interact with the Community*: Engage with the podcast through email, social media, and the active Facebook group.
By following these tips and engaging with the Veg Grow Up Podcast community, you can enhance your gardening skills and enjoy the rewards of homegrown produce. Happy gardening and cooking!
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard delves into the world of automated watering systems with Jason, the head of AutoPot. This episode is packed with valuable insights into the AutoPot system, its setup, functionality, and the impressive results it can yield. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, this blog post will break down the key takeaways from the episode, offering actionable advice and expert tips to enhance your gardening experience.
If you are interested in buying an Autopot system. For this Richard has negotiated an affiliate code AUTO10RVG to save you some money.
Richard’s Charity Climb and Gardening PassionRichard kicks off the episode by sharing his recent charity climb of Mount Snowdon, where he and his gardening friends raised over £4,000 to promote gardening in schools. This event underscores Richard’s commitment to encouraging others to grow their own food and his passion for gardening.
Introduction to the AutoPot SystemThe main focus of the episode is the Auto Pot watering system, which Richard has been testing. AutoPot approached him earlier in the year to review their system, and he was eager to try it out. The AutoPot system operates without electricity, relying solely on gravity to deliver water to the plants. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the system and its components:
Components of the AutoPot System Two 8-Liter Pots: These pots are designed to hold the plants and the growing medium. * Float Valve (Aqua Valve): This key component controls the flow of water to the plants based on their needs. * 47-Liter Reservoir*: This reservoir stores the water that will be delivered to the plants.
Setup ProcessRichard describes the setup process, which he completed in May. Here are the steps he followed:
- Level Area: Ensuring the area is level is crucial for the system to function effectively.
- Organizing Parts: Richard organized the parts, cut the rubber pipes, and assembled the system.
- Filling the Pots: He filled the pots with a mix of compost and perlite to ensure proper aeration.
- Planting: Richard planted two tomato plants, excited to see how they would grow using the Auto Pot system.
Ease of InstallationRichard highlights the ease of installation, noting that it took him about half an hour to set everything up. This simplicity makes the Auto Pot system accessible to gardeners of all skill levels.
Visit to AutoPot’s R&D FacilityThe episode then transitions to Richard’s visit to AutoPot’s research and development (R&D) facility, where he meets Jason, the big boss of Auto Pot. Jason provides a deeper understanding of the technology and products offered by the company.
Origins and EvolutionJason explains that the AutoPot system was initially developed in Australia and has since evolved into a widely used watering solution in over 30 countries. The system’s key component, the Aqua Valve, controls the flow of water to the plants based on their needs.
Versatility and Environmental BenefitsJason elaborates on the versatility of the Auto Pot system, which includes various setups for different gardening needs, from pots to trays. He highlights the environmental benefits of using the system, such as water conservation and reduced salinity in the soil.
Plants in the R&D FacilityJason shares insights into the plants being grown in the R&D facility, including exotic varieties like papaya and bananas. This showcases the system’s effectiveness in a controlled environment.
Growing with AutoPot: Richard’s ExperienceRichard shares his personal experience with the Auto Pot system, particularly his success in growing tomatoes. Here are some key points:
Minimal Care RequiredThe system has required minimal care, making it ideal for busy individuals who still want to grow their own food. Richard highlights the efficiency of the system, which has used only half of the water in the reservoir.
Impressive ResultsComparing his tomatoes grown in the Auto Pot system to those grown in traditional pots, Richard is impressed by the size, health, and uniformity of the tomatoes produced. He reports harvesting significantly more tomatoes from the Auto Pot system, with the fruits being larger and healthier overall.
Future Plans and InnovationsLooking ahead, Richard shares his plans to further integrate the AutoPot system into his gardening routine. Here are some of his future plans:
Greenhouse RevampRichard intends to revamp his greenhouse by removing old compost and replacing it with gravel, allowing for better drainage and plant growth. He plans to use larger pots for growing tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as expanding the system to include a variety of other plants like chilies, peppers, and strawberries.
New Greenhouse and Potting ShedRichard discusses the potential for using the AutoPot system in his new greenhouse and potting shed, which he plans to set up with the help of an inheritance. He envisions using the Tray to Grow system for starting seedlings and young plants, emphasizing the versatility of the system.
Chef Scott’s recipe of the week.This week Chef Scott has another delicious recipe for you. Its a good old takeaway favourite, onion Bhajis.
Conclusion and Community EngagementAs the episode draws to a close, Richard reflects on the endless possibilities that the AutoPot system offers for both home gardeners and those with larger gardening projects, such as allotments. He encourages listeners to consider the benefits of the system, despite the initial investment, as it can lead to increased productivity and reduced labour in the garden.
Call to ActionRichard invites feedback from the audience, asking them to share their thoughts on the AutoPot system and whether they would consider using it in their own gardening practices. He expresses gratitude to Auto Pot for the opportunity to explore their R&D department and share his insights with listeners.
Join the Supporters ClubRichard also encourages listeners to join the podcast’s supporters club. Which offers exclusive content and seed packs for a monthly fee. This support helps sustain the podcast and allows Richard to continue sharing valuable gardening insights.
Join our supporters club Final ThoughtsThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast provides a comprehensive look at the Auto Pot watering system, Richard’s successful gardening experiences, and the exciting future possibilities for integrating this technology into various gardening setups. Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced grower, the Auto Pot system offers a revolutionary approach to plant care that can enhance your gardening journey.
For more detailed insights and to stay updated on Richard’s gardening adventures, be sure to tune in to the Veg Grower Podcast and consider joining the supporters club. Happy gardening!
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the host, delves into the essential tasks for September, focusing on seed sowing and the benefits of growing overwintered onions from seed. Joined by Chef Scott, who shares a delectable plum and almond crumble recipe, the episode is packed with practical advice, culinary inspiration, and tips for indoor gardening. Let’s break down the key takeaways and actionable advice from this episode.
The Seed of the Month: Alisa Craig OnionsThis month the seed of the month is an onion variety called Ailsa Craig. This feature is in collaboration with premier seeds direct, an absolutely awesome supply of reasonably priced in seed in large quantities.
If you are looking to buy these seeds or any other seeds from premier seed then don’t forget our discount code psdvegpod
Why Choose Seeds Over Sets?Richard introduces the “seed of the month,” the Alisa Craig onion variety, and explains the advantages of growing onions from seed rather than sets:
- Cost-Effective: Seeds are generally more economical than sets.
- Reduced Bolting: Onions grown from seed are less prone to bolting, a common issue with overwintered onions.
- Healthier Plants: Starting from seed can lead to stronger, more resilient plants.
Sowing Alisa Craig Onion SeedsRichard provides a detailed guide on sowing onion seeds:
- Materials Needed: Plug plant trays, seed compost.
- Sowing Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of about 1 cm.
- Germination Conditions: Maintain a warm environment, ideally around 20°C (68°F), to ensure successful germination, which typically takes about two weeks.
- Care for Seedlings: Once germinated, ensure the seedlings receive plenty of light and are kept moist but not waterlogged. Thin out the seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Planting Out Timing: Transplant the seedlings into the garden when they are large enough to handle, usually after 6-8 weeks. * Spacing: Space the plants about 10-15 cm apart to allow for proper growth. * Soil Preparation*: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Other Seeds to Sow in SeptemberRichard encourages listeners to think ahead and plan for winter and spring crops. Here are some vegetables to consider sowing in September:
- Spring Cabbages: Choose hardy varieties that can withstand colder temperatures.
- Cauliflowers: Opt for winter-hardy types.
- Root Crops: Turnips and radishes are quick-growing and can be harvested before the first frost.
- Salad Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and arugula can be sown for a quick harvest.
Tips for Maximizing Garden Space Interplanting: Plant fast-growing crops between slower-growing ones to make the most of your garden space. * Thinning*: Regularly thin out seedlings to prevent overcrowding and ensure healthy growth.
Culinary Delight: Plum and Almond CrumbleChef Scott joins the episode to share a mouth-watering recipe for a plum and almond crumble. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe:
Ingredients Plums: 500g, pitted and sliced. * Almonds: 100g, ground. * Flour: 150g. * Butter: 100g, cold and cubed. * Sugar: 100g, divided (50g for the fruit, 50g for the crumble topping). * Cinnamon*: 1 tsp.
Method1. Prepare the Fruit: Toss the sliced plums with 50g of sugar and cinnamon. Spread them evenly in a baking dish. 2. Make the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, and remaining sugar. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 3. Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the plums. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
Indoor Gardening: Edible HouseplantsRichard addresses a listener’s question about indoor plants, focusing on his experience with edible houseplants like ginger, turmeric, and cardamom.
Propagation and Care Ginger: Start with a fresh ginger root. Place it in a shallow dish of water until it sprouts, then plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. * Turmeric: Similar to ginger, turmeric can be propagated from a fresh root. Ensure it has plenty of warmth and humidity. * Cardamom*: This tropical plant thrives in humid conditions. Plant the seeds in a pot with rich, well-draining soil and keep it in a warm, bright spot.
Environmental Conditions Humidity: These tropical plants require high humidity. Consider using a humidity tray or misting the plants regularly. * Light: Place the plants in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. * Watering*: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is a treasure trove of practical advice, culinary inspiration, and tips for indoor gardening. Richard’s enthusiasm for growing food and Chef Scott’s culinary expertise combine to create an engaging and informative experience for listeners. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, there’s something in this episode for everyone. Happy gardening and cooking!
By following these detailed tips and insights, you’ll be well on your way to a successful September in the garden and kitchen. Don’t forget to tune in to the Veg Grower Podcast for more expert advice and inspiration!
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard delves into a variety of gardening topics, sharing his personal experiences and experiments from his allotment and vegetable garden. This episode is packed with valuable insights on soil health, mulching techniques, pest control, and even includes a delicious recipe segment and a book review. Let’s break down each topic in detail to provide actionable advice and thorough explanations for fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Soil Health Experiment: The Underwear TestUnderstanding Soil HealthRichard’s innovative soil health experiment involved burying a pair of cotton underwear in his garden beds. This method, while unconventional, is a practical way to gauge the biological activity in the soil. After a few weeks, he unearthed the underwear to find that approximately 75% of it had decomposed. This significant level of decomposition indicates a healthy soil ecosystem rich in microorganisms and organic matter.
Key Takeaways: Microbial Activity: The decomposition of the underwear suggests a high level of microbial activity, which is crucial for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil. * Organic Gardening Practices*: Richard attributes the positive results to years of adding compost and avoiding pesticides and chemicals, which support a thriving soil ecosystem.
Actionable Advice: Conduct Your Own Test: Try burying a piece of cotton fabric in your garden to assess soil health. Check it after a few weeks to see the level of decomposition. * Enhance Soil Health*: Regularly add organic matter such as compost, leaf mould, and well-rotted manure to your soil. Avoid using chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can harm beneficial microorganisms.
Mulching Techniques: Pros and ConsExploring Different Mulch TypesRichard experimented with various mulching techniques throughout the growing season, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
- Straw Mulch Pros*: Excellent for retaining moisture and suppressing weeds.
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Cons: Increased slug and snail activity, especially in wet weather.
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Grass Clippings Pros*: Free resource from mowing the lawn, helps retain moisture.
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Cons: Not as effective as straw for weed suppression, may require additional watering.
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Homemade Compost Pros*: Reduces watering needs, provides nutrients to plants.
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Cons: Contains weed seeds, leading to some weed growth.
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Heart of Eden Mulch Pros*: Significantly reduces watering needs.
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Cons: Less effective in weed suppression, with bindweed and brambles still growing through.
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Rocket Grow Mulch Pros*: Most effective for weed suppression, helps retain moisture.
- Cons: None mentioned, highly appreciated for its performance.
Key Takeaways: Straw: Best for water retention. * Rocket Grow Mulch*: Best for weed suppression.
Actionable Advice: Choose the Right Mulch: Select mulch based on your specific garden needs. For moisture retention, straw is ideal, while for weed suppression, Rocket Grow mulch is highly effective. * Monitor and Adjust*: Keep an eye on how different mulches perform in your garden and be ready to adjust your approach based on weather conditions and pest activity.
Nematodes for Pest Control: A Natural SolutionBattling Compost FliesRichard faced a nuisance with compost flies in his kitchen and turned to nematodes as a natural pest control method. Nematodes are microscopic worms that can target and control pest populations effectively.
Key Takeaways: Effectiveness: Richard reported a significant reduction in both compost flies and larvae after applying nematodes. * Sustainability*: Using nematodes aligns with sustainable gardening practices by reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Actionable Advice: Apply Nematodes: Purchase nematodes specific to the pests you’re dealing with and follow the application instructions carefully. * Expand Use*: Consider using nematodes for other pest issues, such as slugs and snails, to maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.
Recipe Segment: Moroccan Meatball and Aubergine BakeChef Scott’s Culinary DelightChef Scott shares a mouth-watering recipe for Moroccan meatball and aubergine bake, emphasizing the use of homegrown ingredients.
Recipe can be found here
Book Review: The Milkwood Permaculture HandbookExploring PermacultureRichard reviews “The Milkwood Permaculture Handbook,” a book that delves into the principles of permaculture, a sustainable gardening method.
Key Takeaways: Permaculture Principles: The book emphasizes working with nature, creating self-sustaining ecosystems, and reducing waste. * Challenges*: Richard found some sections of the book lengthy and difficult to engage with, but appreciated the overall concept of permaculture.
Actionable Advice: Learn About Permaculture: Explore resources on permaculture to understand its principles and how they can be applied to your garden. * Start Small*: Implement small permaculture practices, such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and companion planting, to create a more sustainable garden.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast offers a wealth of information for gardeners of all levels. From innovative soil health experiments and effective mulching techniques to natural pest control methods and delicious recipes, Richard’s insights provide valuable guidance for cultivating a thriving garden. Engage with the podcast by leaving ratings and reviews, and share your own gardening experiences and questions to foster a sense of community among fellow gardening enthusiasts. Happy gardening!
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard and guest Chef Scott delve into the intricacies of greenhouse gardening, vegetable storage, and a delightful recipe to make the most of your homegrown produce. This blog post will break down the key themes and tips discussed in the episode, providing you with actionable advice and expert insights to enhance your gardening and culinary experiences.
Greenhouse Gardening: Types of Glazing Materials and Maintenance1. Understanding Greenhouse Glazing Materials
Richard begins by discussing the different types of glazing materials used in greenhouses, each with its own set of advantages and challenges.
Glass Glazing:**
Pros: Excellent light transmission, aesthetically pleasing.
Cons: Highly breakable, costly to replace (around £6 per panel), and vulnerable to storm damage.
Tip: Regularly inspect and replace broken panels to maintain optimal growing conditions.
Plastic Glazing:**
Pros: Safe for households with children, less breakable.
Cons: Poor heat retention, temperature inside mirrors outdoor conditions until heated by the sun.
Tip: Consider using additional insulation methods to improve heat retention.
Twin-Walled Polycarbonate Sheets:**
Pros: Better heat retention than single-sheet plastic, cheaper than glass, easy to cut to size.
Cons: May not be as aesthetically pleasing as glass.
Tip: If converting a glass greenhouse to polycarbonate, seek advice from experienced gardeners to ensure a smooth transition.
- Challenges and Solutions in Greenhouse Maintenance
Richard shares his personal experiences with maintaining multiple greenhouses, highlighting common challenges and practical solutions.
Finding Replacement Panels:**
Challenge: Difficulty in sourcing second-hand glass panels of the right size.
Solution: Regularly check platforms like Facebook Marketplace and local classifieds for suitable panels.
Temperature Control:**
Challenge: Maintaining consistent temperatures, especially in plastic greenhouses.
Solution: Use thermal mass (e.g., water barrels) to stabilize temperature fluctuations and consider installing ventilation systems.
Preparing for Winter: Vegetable Storage Techniques1. Storing Potatoes
Richard emphasizes the importance of proper storage to extend the shelf life of harvested vegetables.
Harvesting: Wait until the foliage has died down to allow the skins to harden.
Initial Storage: Place potatoes in trays in the greenhouse to avoid pest issues.
Long-Term Storage:** Transfer to hessian sacks or brown paper bags and store in a cool, dry, and dark place like a garage.
- Storing Root Vegetables
Carrots and Parsnips:**
In-Ground Storage: Leave in the ground as long as possible, but dig up before the soil freezes.
Alternative Storage: Store in damp sand to keep them fresh.
- Storing Apples and Pears
Method: Wrap each fruit in newspaper and place in a box in a cool, dark place.
Maintenance: Regularly inspect stored fruit to prevent spoilage.
Tip:** Properly stored, certain varieties can last through winter and into spring.
- Freezing Vegetables
Suitable Vegetables: Cabbages, cauliflowers, and other produce.
Sweetcorn: Must be cooked shortly after harvesting to preserve sweetness. Check for ripeness and boil immediately after picking.
Culinary Delight: Chef Scott’s Jalapeno, Coriander, and Lime Butter RecipeChef Scott shares a simple yet flavorful recipe that pairs perfectly with homegrown sweetcorn.
Ingredients:
Good quality salted butter
1 finely diced jalapeno
Zest and juice of 2 limes
Chopped coriander
Method:
Preparation: Soften the butter at room temperature.
Mixing: Combine the softened butter with the diced jalapeno, lime zest and juice, and chopped coriander in a bowl.
Shaping: Roll the mixture in greaseproof paper to create a sausage shape.
Chilling: Chill in the fridge until firm.
Serving: Slice the butter into rounds and apply liberally to freshly cooked sweetcorn.
Building a New Rhubarb Bed: Richard’s Latest ProjectRichard shares his excitement about his latest gardening project—building a new rhubarb bed.
Steps to Build a Rhubarb Bed:
Dimensions: Determine the size of the bed based on available space and the number of plants.
Filling: Use old compost and additional compost from your compost bin to fill the bed.
Planting: Grow rhubarb from seed to save costs and enjoy the process. Richard recommends varieties like Gaskins Perpetual and Champagne.
Conclusion: Embracing the Gardening JourneyRichard concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of learning from both successes and failures in gardening. He encourages listeners to share their experiences and insights, particularly regarding greenhouse glazing and vegetable storage techniques. The episode wraps up with a reminder to enjoy the fruits of your labor and make the most of the growing season.
Engage with the Community:
Share Your Tips: Reach out via social media or email to share your gardening tips and experiences.
Stay Connected: Join the Veg Grower Podcast community to stay updated on the latest episodes and gardening advice.
Join our supporters club This episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is packed with practical advice, creative cooking ideas, and a sense of camaraderie among gardening enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s something to learn and enjoy in this engaging discussion.
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the passionate host, delves into his recent gardening projects and shares valuable insights on improving your garden’s aesthetics and productivity. This episode covers a range of topics, from installing a water feature to preparing your allotment for the next growing season. Let’s break down each segment in detail and explore the actionable advice Richard offers to fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Water Feature Project: Adding Beauty and FunctionalityThe Inspiration and SetupRichard has long desired to incorporate a water feature into his garden, believing it would enhance the garden’s appeal and attract wildlife. His previous attempts included a simple washing-up bowl filled with water, which was neither visually appealing nor functional. However, a recent visit to The Range inspired him to create a more sophisticated water feature using a large plastic plant pot and a solar-powered fountain.
Benefits of a Water Feature Aesthetic Appeal: A water feature can transform the look of your garden, making it more inviting and serene. * Wildlife Attraction: Birds, insects, and other wildlife are drawn to water, increasing biodiversity in your garden. * Plant Growth*: Certain plants, like watercress, thrive in moving water, making a water feature an ideal environment for them.
Growing Watercress and WasabiRichard plans to grow watercress in his new water feature. He shares his method of buying watercress from the supermarket, placing sprigs in water to encourage root growth, and then transplanting them into a pot. The gentle trickle of water from the fountain will help the watercress thrive. Additionally, Richard is considering growing wasabi, which has similar water requirements.
Allotment Updates: Overcoming Challenges and Preparing for the FutureReflecting on the Growing SeasonRichard candidly shares the challenges he faced this growing season, including issues with squash and beans. However, he also highlights successes with potatoes and cucumbers. As summer progresses, Richard is focused on preparing for the next growing season, which he believes begins in late September or early October.
Soil Health: The Key to a Successful GardenRichard emphasizes the importance of improving soil health to ensure a bountiful harvest. He discusses the use of animal manures and green manures to enrich the soil.
Types of Animal Manures Horse Manure: Rich in nutrients but should be well-rotted before use to avoid burning plants. * Chicken Manure: High in nitrogen, making it excellent for leafy greens. Compost it before application. * Cow, Sheep, and Alpaca Manure*: Each has unique benefits and should be composted to enhance soil fertility.
Green Manures Phacelia: A fast-growing green manure that shades out weeds and protects the soil during winter. It also helps ward off pests. * Field Beans: As legumes, they fix nitrogen in the soil, essential for plant growth. * Mustard*: Effective at breaking up compacted soil and adding organic matter.
If you are after some green manures then check out premier seeds directs green manures. Don’t forget the discount code psdvegpod
Preparing for the Next Season Clear Empty Beds: Remove spent plants and debris to prevent disease and pests. * Mulch with Compost: Add a layer of compost to enrich the soil and improve its structure. * Plan Crop Rotation*: Rotate crops to prevent soil depletion and reduce pest and disease build-up.
Supporters Club: Join the CommunityRichard invites listeners to join the Veg Grower Podcast Supporters Club. For a small monthly fee, members gain access to exclusive content, including behind-the-scenes podcasts and a monthly package containing a newsletter and seeds suitable for planting that month. This community offers valuable resources and support for anyone interested in growing their own food.
Join our supporters club Recipe Section: Homemade Mustard Powder and SauceWith Chef Scott away, Richard shares a simple yet delightful recipe for making mustard powder and mustard sauce from mustard seeds.
Mustard Powder1. Toast the Seeds: Toast mustard seeds in a dry pan over low heat to release moisture and enhance flavour. 2. Grind the Seeds: Use a pestle and mortar or a mechanical grinder to grind the seeds into a powder.
Mustard Sauce1. Soak the Seeds: Soak mustard seeds in white wine vinegar overnight. 2. Blend the Ingredients: Blend the soaked seeds with honey and salt to taste. 3. Adjust Texture: Experiment with the grinding time to achieve your desired mustard texture, whether grainy or smooth.
Conclusion: Embrace the Joy of GardeningRichard’s passion for gardening shines through in this episode, as he shares his experiences and tips for creating a thriving garden. From enhancing your garden with a water feature to improving soil health and preparing for the next growing season, Richard’s advice is both practical and inspiring. By joining the Veg Grower Podcast Supporters Club, listeners can access even more valuable resources and become part of a supportive gardening community.
As Richard wraps up the episode, he encourages listeners to leave ratings and reviews for the podcast, helping it reach a wider audience. He also invites them to connect through various platforms, fostering a sense of community among gardening enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more gardening tips and experiences in future episodes, and happy gardening!
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard and guest chef Scott share their wealth of knowledge on gardening and cooking, focusing on the tasks and opportunities that August brings. This blog post will delve into the main themes of the episode, providing detailed, actionable advice for gardeners looking to make the most of this month. From sowing seeds to managing allotments and preparing delicious recipes, this guide will help you navigate the late summer gardening season with confidence.
Seed of the Month Of August: Easter Egg Radishes and Purple Spring OnionsEach Month we have our seed of the month feature in collaboration with Premier seeds direct. Premier seeds sell pretty much every vegetable seed you could imagine for very reasonable prices and in decent quantities. Links are of course added but we also have the discount code psdvegpod to save you even more money.
Easter Egg RadishesRichard introduces the Easter Egg radish, a vibrant variety that includes shades of blue, red, and purple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing these colourful radishes:
Sowing: Create a shallow drill about half a centimetre deep. Scatter a few seeds in the drill, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding. Succession Planting: Sow a few seeds each week to ensure a continuous harvest. This method prevents all your radishes from maturing at the same time.
Moisture Management: Keep the compost consistently moist to encourage germination and healthy growth. Radishes can bolt if they dry out. Thinning: As the radishes grow, thin them out to allow for proper spacing, aiming for one plant every two centimetres. This ensures each radish has enough room to develop.
Purple Spring OnionsNext, Richard discusses the purple spring onion, a delightful twist on the traditional green variety. Here’s how to grow them:
Sowing: Plant a few seeds at a depth of half a centimetre. Spring onions can be grown year-round, so sow them every couple of weeks to maintain a steady supply. Minimal Care: These onions require minimal care. Keep them weed-free and ensure they have decent compost to thrive.
Harvesting**: Spring onions can be harvested when they reach a desirable size. Regular sowing ensures you always have fresh onions available.
Richard also provides a discount code for Premiere Seeds Direct, encouraging listeners to try these varieties and share their experiences.
Additional Seeds for AugustRichard highlights other seeds that can be sown in August, emphasizing the importance of diversifying your garden:
Salad Crops
Lettuce and Salad Leaves: Essential for a healthy diet, these can be sown throughout August. Varieties like rocket and mustard greens add diversity to your meals. Swiss Chard: Known for its vibrant stems and leaves, Swiss chard can be harvested throughout the winter, providing a continuous supply of greens.
Brassicas
Cabbages: Typically sown for spring harvests, but winter-hardy varieties can be planted now. Turnips: Quick to grow and best harvested young for better flavour. Richard has already sown his turnips and recommends them for their ease of growth.
Kohlrabi**: A unique brassica worth growing for its delicious taste and versatility in the kitchen.
Carrots and Chilies
Carrots: Although it may seem late, early varieties and round carrots can still be sown. Richard plans to salvage a crop despite earlier challenges. Chilies: August is not too late to start chilies for next year’s harvest. Richard shares his method of overwintering chili plants to ensure an early crop in the following season.
Green Manures
Chicory and Radicchio**: These hardy plants improve soil health and reduce weeds. They can withstand cold temperatures and provide a unique flavour profile.
Allotment UpdateRichard shares updates from his allotment, discussing the state of his plants and the tasks he needs to complete:
Watering and Composting
Regular Watering: Emphasizes the importance of regular watering, especially in the greenhouse where plants can quickly become stressed in hot weather. Composting: Plans to add plenty of compost to his first bed after harvesting his main crop potatoes. This enriches the soil for future plantings, particularly for his Nebraska variety crops.
Crop Updates
Peppers, Chilies, and Cucumbers: These are producing well, although they were thirsty after a week without attention. Parsnips, Cabbages, and Broccoli: All growing well, though some plants, like cauliflowers, may have gone too far. Richard views this as part of the learning process.
Challenges
Neglected Neighbouring Plot**: Richard expresses frustration over his neighbour’s neglected allotment, which has overgrown weeds encroaching on his space. He hopes the council will take action soon.
Recipe Segment: Beetroot, Green Bean, and Horseradish Salad with Hot Smoked MackerelChef Scott shares a fresh and vibrant recipe perfect for a late summer evening. Its a Beetroot, green bean and horseradish salad with hot smoked Mackerel which sounds so delicious
ConclusionAs the episode wraps up, Richard encourages listeners to embrace the growing season, experiment with new seeds, and enjoy the bounties of their gardens. With practical tips, inspiring stories, and delicious recipes, this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their gardening journey. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these insights will help you make the most of August in your garden.
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard and guest Scott delve into a variety of gardening topics, offering listeners practical advice on plant propagation, pest management, soil health, and food preservation. This comprehensive blog post will break down each segment of the episode, providing detailed, actionable tips and expert insights to help you enhance your gardening and culinary skills.
Propagation Techniques: Maximizing Plant GrowthSoftwood CuttingsRichard begins by emphasizing the importance of propagation techniques, particularly softwood cuttings, to maximize plant growth. Softwood cuttings are taken from the current year’s growth, unlike hardwood cuttings, which come from older wood. Here’s a step-by-step guide to taking softwood cuttings:
- Gathering Cuttings:
- Use sharp secateurs to cut approximately ten centimeters from various plants.
- Place the cuttings in a plastic bag with labels to keep them moist and organized.
- Preparing the Cuttings:
- Cut the stems at an angle just below a leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves to prepare the cuttings for rooting.
- Using Rooting Hormone:
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to enhance the success rate.
- Planting the Cuttings:
- Place the cuttings in pots filled with seed and cutting compost, which is more sandy and allows roots to penetrate easily.
- Keep the compost moist and cover the pots with a lid or plastic bag to maintain humidity.
LayeringRichard also discusses another propagation method called layering, which occurs naturally in some plants like blackberries. Here’s how you can use layering to propagate plants:
- Securing a Branch:
- Secure a branch to the ground to encourage it to root and create a new plant.
- Using a Plant Pot:
- Place a plant pot filled with compost under the branch to make it easier to propagate various plants.
By using these propagation techniques, you can increase your stock of plants like rosemary, lavender, sage, currant bushes, gooseberry bushes, Sichuan pepper plants, and olive plants, all while saving money.
Tackling Blight on PotatoesBlight is a fungal disease that can devastate crops, particularly potatoes and tomatoes. Richard shares his experience with blight affecting his Aaron Victory potatoes and offers the following tips for managing this issue:
- Identifying Blight:
- Look for early signs of blight, such as dark spots on leaves and stems.
- Types of Blight:
- Understand the difference between early blight (rare in the UK) and late blight (more common and can kill crops overnight).
- Removing Infected Parts:
- Cut away the infected foliage to prevent further spread.
- Disposing of Infected Foliage:
- Ideally, burn the infected material. If bonfires are restricted, consider composting or burying the foliage deep in the soil.
- Growing Resistant Varieties:
- Focus on growing blight-resistant varieties while experimenting with different types to find the best flavor.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage blight and protect your crops.
Exploring Soil HealthHealthy soil is crucial for growing robust plants. Richard shares his insights on soil health and offers practical tips to improve it:
- Testing Soil Health:
- Bury an old pair of underwear in your garden beds. If the underwear decomposes significantly within a month, it indicates healthy soil with active microbial life.
- No-Dig Gardening Approach:
- Use layers of compost to retain moisture and improve soil structure, especially in hard clay soil.
- Observing Soil Life:
- Look for insects and worms as indicators of soil health. An increase in worms suggests improved soil conditions.
- Beneficial Microorganisms:
- Introduce beneficial bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi to the soil. Companies like Empathy provide products to enhance soil health.
By focusing on soil health, you can create a thriving garden ecosystem that supports plant growth.
Recipe Segment: Lacto-Fermenting VegetablesIn the recipe segment, Scott introduces the concept of lacto-fermentation as a method for preserving produce. Here’s a detailed guide to making sour dill pickles:
- Ingredients:
- Cucumbers
- Garlic
- Dill
- Various spices
- 4% salt solution for the brine
- Preparation:
- Ensure cleanliness in the preparation process.
- Make the brine and pack the ingredients into a jar.
- Fermentation Process:
- Ensure the vegetables remain submerged in the brine to create an environment conducive to the growth of beneficial bacteria.
- Allow the pickles to ferment for 5 to 7 days, then taste them to achieve the desired flavor.
- Storage:
- Store the pickles in the fridge for up to a year.
Lacto-fermentation not only preserves the nutritional value of the vegetables but also enhances their flavor.
ConclusionIn this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard and Scott provide valuable insights into gardening practices, from propagation techniques and pest management to soil health and food preservation methods. By following their expert advice, you can cultivate a thriving garden ecosystem and enhance your culinary skills. Engage with your garden, observe your surroundings, and set goals to create a sense of achievement throughout the gardening season. Share your experiences and feedback with the supportive community surrounding the podcast, and continue to learn and grow as a gardener.
In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard takes listeners on a detailed tour of his allotment, divided into two sections, 1-28A and 1-28B. He discusses the current state of his crops, including broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbages, and the challenges posed by pests like slugs and pigeons. Richard also shares his experiences with weed management, crop rotation, and his West Kent five pod hydroponic growing system. He emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and offers practical gardening tips, aiming to inspire listeners to grow their own food despite the inevitable challenges.
Allotment Tour And Layout and Initial ChallengesRichard’s allotment is divided into two sections, 1-28A and 1-28B. He acquired section 1-28A a few years ago, inheriting a well-maintained space with fruit plants. However, he’s faced challenges with weed overgrowth and even found hidden kitchen knives, which he reported to the authorities.
Tips:
- Regular weeding is essential.
- Always inspect for hazardous items.
- Engage with neighbours and local councils for collective maintenance.
Raised Beds and Pest IssuesRichard’s raised beds, originally for beans and peas, have been hit hard by slugs and snails. Despite using the hugelkultur method, his crops struggled this year.
Tips:
- Control slugs with organic pellets, copper tape, or beer traps.
- Maintain proper layering and moisture in hugelkultur beds.
- Rotate crops to prevent pest buildup.
Crop-Specific InsightsRichard has had success with broccoli but faced challenges with cauliflower and cabbages. Despite pests, his brassicas have thrived.
Tips:
- Use netting to protect plants.
- Check plants regularly for pests.
- Plant in succession for a continuous harvest.
Long-Term Plans and Fruit ManagementRichard has plans for section 1-28B, including an apple tree and asparagus plants. His apple tree is promising, and asparagus is finally thriving.
Tips:
- Thin fruit trees for better air circulation and quality.
- Be patient with asparagus and maintain soil health with compost.
Hydroponic Growing SystemRichard shares his positive experience with a hydroponic growing system, especially for basil.
Tips:
- Set up and maintain hydroponic systems properly.
- Start with easy-to-grow herbs like basil.
- Experiment with different herbs and vegetables.
Chef Scott’s Coq au Vin RecipeIn addition to gardening tips, this episode features a delicious recipe from Chef Scott. Try his mouth-watering Coq au Vin, a classic French dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Click here for the recipe.
ConclusionRichard’s passion for gardening shines through as he shares practical tips and personal anecdotes. He encourages listeners to embrace the challenges of gardening, finding joy and satisfaction in growing their own food.
Engage with the Community Richard invites feedback and interaction, emphasizing the community aspect of gardening. Share your experiences, ask questions, and connect with fellow gardeners
Also don’t forget to consider becoming a member of our supporters club and help keep this podcast running
Join our supporters club
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard delves into the intricacies of tomatoes ripening, shares an innovative upcycling project, and discusses the benefits of a new compost tumbler on his allotment. Additionally, Scott brings a delightful culinary twist with a recipe for lemon and elderflower posset with red gooseberry compote.
Understanding and Solving Tomato Ripening IssuesThe Science Behind Tomato RipeningRichard begins by addressing a common issue many gardeners face: tomatoes not ripening as expected. He explains that the ripening process is influenced by the plant hormone ethylene, which is crucial for the development of the fruit’s colour and flavour. Environmental factors such as temperature and sunlight play a significant role in ethylene production.
Factors Affecting RipeningTemperature: Tomatoes require a consistent temperature range of 21-24°C for optimal ripening. Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) or below 50°F (10°C) can hinder the process.
Sunlight: Adequate sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, which in turn supports the ripening process. Ensure your tomato plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Practical SolutionsRichard offers several practical solutions to encourage tomato ripening:
Remove Lower Leaves: By removing the lower leaves of the tomato plant, you can improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease, which can indirectly support ripening.
Use Ethylene-Emitting Fruits: Placing bananas near your tomato plants can help. Bananas emit ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening process.
Prune and Pinch:** Regularly prune and pinch off suckers (the small shoots that grow between the stem and branches) to direct the plant’s energy towards fruit development.
Upcycling Project: Turning Tomato Sauce Tins into Plant PotsThe Benefits of UpcyclingRichard introduces an upcycling project where he repurposes large tins of tomato sauce as plant pots. Upcycling not only reduces waste but also provides a cost-effective solution for gardening.
Step-by-Step GuidePrepare the Tins: Clean the tins thoroughly and remove any labels.
Drill Drainage Holes: Use a drill to create several drainage holes at the bottom of each tin to prevent waterlogging.
Add Perlite and Compost: Fill the tins with a mixture of perlite and compost to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability.
Planting: Richard chose to plant ginger in his upcycled pots, but you can experiment with various plants based on your preference.
Encouraging CreativityRichard emphasizes the importance of creativity in gardening. Upcycling projects like this not only benefit the environment but also add a unique touch to your garden. Consider using other discarded items such as old buckets, tires, or even broken furniture to create functional and aesthetically pleasing garden features.
Efficient Composting with a New TumblerAdvantages of a Compost TumblerRichard shares his excitement about a new compost tumbler he received for his allotment. Compost tumblers offer several advantages over traditional compost bins:
Faster Composting: The tumbling action aerates the compost, speeding up the decomposition process.
Ease of Use:* Tumblers are easier to turn and manage, making them ideal for gardeners with limited physical strength.
*Pest Control:** Enclosed tumblers reduce the risk of pests such as rodents and insects.
Tips for Effective CompostingBalance Green and Brown Materials: Ensure a good mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Green materials include kitchen scraps and grass clippings, while brown materials include leaves and cardboard.
Maintain Moisture Levels: The compost should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it’s too dry or dry materials if it’s too wet.
Regular Turning:** Turn the compost regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process.
Chef Scott’s Lemon and Elderflower Posset with Red Gooseberry CompoteScott brings a refreshing culinary twist to the episode with his recipe for lemon and elderflower posset with red gooseberry compote. This dessert is not only delicious but also highlights the use of homegrown ingredients.
You can find chef Scott’s recipe here, or on his Instagram page seed to plot 13
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast offers a wealth of practical advice and inspiration for gardeners and home cooks. From understanding the science behind tomato ripening to embarking on creative upcycling projects and efficient composting, Richard provides valuable insights that can enhance your gardening experience. Meanwhile, Scott’s delightful recipe adds a touch of culinary magic, encouraging listeners to make the most of their homegrown ingredients.
Get Involved and Stay ConnectedRichard also highlights his participation in a charity fundraising event organized by the Bearded Growers, aiming to get kids gardening in schools. He encourages listeners to donate to the cause and mentions the opportunity to win fantastic prizes. Additionally, he urges listeners to rate and review the podcast and consider joining the supporters club for exclusive content and benefits. Find out more by clicking the button below
Join our supporters club For more gardening tips, creative projects, and delicious recipes, be sure to tune in to the Veg Grower Podcast and stay connected with Richard and Scott through their various platforms. Happy gardening and cooking!
Time StampsTomatoes not ripening (00:00:05)
Richard discusses the challenges of his tomato plants not ripening due to cold weather, lack of sunlight, and ethylene hormone production.
Upcycling project with tomato tins (00:07:57)
Richard shares an upcycling project using large tins of tomato sauce as plant pots, including drilling drainage holes and planting ginger plants.
Lemon and elderflower posset recipe (00:13:09)
Scott shares a recipe for lemon and elderflower posset with red gooseberry compote as a quick and simple dessert using homegrown berries.
New compost tumbler (00:15:08)
Richard expresses his excitement about receiving a compost tumbler, explaining its unique features and its role in producing compost.
Importance of mixing compost (00:17:11)
Richard emphasizes the importance of mixing compost to accelerate the production process and discusses the tools he uses for this purpose.
The new compost tumbler (00:21:25)
Richard discusses the addition of a new compost tumbler to his allotment and expresses hope for its productivity.
Fundraising event announcement (00:22:34)
Richard announces his participation in a charity fundraising event to get kids gardening in schools and encourages donations with a chance to win prizes.
Podcast wrap-up and call to action (00:23:38)
Richard encourages listeners to rate and review the podcast, discusses changes on Spotify, and invites support through the supporters club.
In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard and Chef Scott delve into the intricacies of summer gardening and the joys of using fresh produce in culinary creations. Richard shares his wealth of knowledge on managing summer crops, finding and caring for bargain plants, and ensuring the well-being of plants and livestock during holidays. Chef Scott complements this with a delectable recipe for Vietnamese salad rolls, showcasing the versatility of garden-fresh ingredients.
Tending to Summer Crops: Essential Gardening Tips for a Bountiful Harvest1. Maintaining Moisture Levels
One of the primary challenges Richard discusses is keeping the ground moist during the hot summer months. This is crucial for preventing bolting in brassicas like cabbages and cauliflowers. Bolting occurs when plants prematurely flower and go to seed, often due to stress from inadequate moisture.
Actionable Tips:
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Consistent Watering: Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for efficient water delivery.
Rainwater Harvesting:** Collect rainwater in barrels to use during dry spells, reducing reliance on tap water.
- Monitoring for Potato Blight
Potato blight is a common issue that can devastate crops if not managed properly. Richard emphasizes the importance of vigilance and timely intervention.
Actionable Tips:
Regular Inspections: Check your potato plants regularly for signs of blight, such as dark spots on leaves and stems.
Proper Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between plants to improve air circulation and reduce humidity, which can exacerbate blight.
Preventative Sprays:** Use organic fungicides or copper-based sprays as a preventative measure, especially during wet weather.
- Thinning and Pruning Fruit Trees
Thinning apple trees and pruning cherry trees are essential tasks for promoting better fruit production and preventing disease.
Actionable Tips:
Thinning Apples: Remove excess fruit to ensure the remaining apples grow larger and healthier. Aim for one fruit per cluster.
Summer Pruning: Prune cherry trees in the summer to reduce the risk of disease. Focus on removing dead or diseased branches and improving the tree’s shape.
Bargain Plants: Finding and Caring for Discounted TreasuresRichard shares his experience of finding bargain plants at garden centre’s and offers tips on how to care for them to ensure successful growth.
Actionable Tips:
Inspect Before Buying: Check for signs of disease, pests, and overall plant health. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
Acclimatization: Gradually acclimate bargain plants to their new environment by placing them in a shaded area before moving them to their final location.
Soil Preparation:** Ensure the planting area is well-prepared with nutrient-rich soil and proper drainage.
Managing Your Garden and Livestock While on HolidayRichard provides valuable insights into how he manages his garden and livestock during holidays, emphasizing the importance of planning and cooperation.
- Pre-Holiday Preparations
Actionable Tips:
Weeding: Thoroughly weed your garden before leaving to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
Watering Systems: Set up automatic watering systems, such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses, to ensure consistent moisture levels.
Rainwater Utilization:** Use rainwater harvesting systems to supplement your watering needs. - Enlisting Help
Actionable Tips:
House-Sitting: Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to house-sit and care for your livestock, ensuring they have adequate food and water.
Neighbour Cooperation: Collaborate with allotment neighbours to look after each other’s plants, creating a supportive community network. - Innovative Solutions
Richard discusses his experience with the auto pot system and solar-powered irrigation for his greenhouse, highlighting the benefits of these technologies.
Actionable Tips:
Auto Pot Systems: Consider using auto pot systems for self-watering, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Solar-Powered Irrigation: Invest in solar-powered irrigation systems to ensure your plants receive water even when you’re not around.
Culinary Delight: Chef Scott’s Vietnamese Salad RollsChef Scott’s segment features a refreshing recipe for Vietnamese salad rolls, utilizing fresh produce from the garden. This dish is a perfect way to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Recipe can be found here
Join our supporters clubThis podcast is kept running through the kind members of our supporters club. For just £5 a month you can become a member and help keep this podcast running.
To find out more click the button below
Join our supporters club ConclusionThe Veg Grower Podcast episode offers a wealth of knowledge for gardening enthusiasts, from managing summer crops and finding bargain plants to ensuring the well-being of your garden and livestock during holidays. Chef Scott’s Vietnamese salad rolls recipe provides a delightful way to enjoy fresh produce. By following these detailed tips and insights, you can enhance your gardening practices and savour the rewards of your hard work.
For more Summer gardening tips and delicious recipes, be sure to tune in to the Veg Grower Podcast and join the community of passionate gardeners. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review, and share your feedback with Richard and Chef Scott through their various channels. Happy gardening!
Tools And Discount Codes Mentioned “Automatic Chicken Coop Opener“: “00:21:32” * “VegePods“: “00:23:31” * “Discount Code AUTO10RVG for Auto Pot System“: “00:25:34” * “Autopot valve for trays“ * “Solar Powered Drip Irrigation System for Greenhouse“: “00:26:36” * Premier seeds direct discount code VEGPOD10*
Timestamps Tending to Summer Crops (00:00:04)
Richard discusses tending to summer crops, including brassicas and potatoes, on the allotment.
Dealing with Bargain Plants (00:08:28)
Richard shares tips for dealing with bargain plants bought from garden centre’s, such as thinning fruit trees and pruning stone fruits.
Caring for Plants and Livestock on Holiday (00:20:28)
Richard talks about considerations for looking after vegetable plants and livestock, particularly chickens, while on holiday.
House Sitting and Chicken Care (00:21:32)
Discusses arrangements for house sitting, feeding, and watering chickens while on holiday.
Garden Care and Watering (00:22:28)
Explains the maintenance of the garden, watering methods, and the use of irrigation systems.
Potted Plant Care (00:23:31)
Discusses the care of potted plants, including the use of trays to hold water and experimenting with auto pot systems.
Automated Watering Systems (00:25:34)
Covers various automated watering systems such as solar-powered irrigation and the auto pot system.
Cooperation with Neighbour’s (00:27:31)
Describes the cooperation with allotment neighbour’s for watering and harvesting plants while away on holiday.
Feedback and Podcast Wrap-Up (00:28:29)
Shares listener feedback and encourages leaving ratings and reviews. Wraps up the podcast episode.
Contact Information and Supporters Club (00:30:32)
Provides contact details and encourages joining the supporters club.
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! In this episode, Richard, our dedicated host, dives deep into the seeds to sow in July, shares the seed of the month, and introduces a mouth-watering recipe from Chef Scott. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable tips and actionable advice to help you make the most of your garden this month. Let’s break down the key points discussed in the episode and explore each tip in detail.
Seed of the Month: Gourmet Loose Leaf LettuceWhy Gourmet Loose Leaf Lettuce?Richard kicks off the episode by highlighting the seed of the month: gourmet loose leaf lettuce. This variety is celebrated for its ease of growth and versatility in the kitchen. Loose leaf lettuce is perfect for gardeners of all levels, offering a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Tips for Growing Gourmet Loose Leaf Lettuce Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Loose leaf lettuce thrives in fertile soil with good moisture retention. * Sowing Seeds: Sow the seeds directly into the ground or in containers. Space the seeds about 1 inch apart and cover them lightly with soil. * Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lettuce has shallow roots, so regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. * Thinning: Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to allow about 6 inches of space between plants. This ensures adequate air circulation and reduces the risk of disease. * Harvesting*: Harvest the outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. This method, known as “cut-and-come-again,” provides a continuous supply of fresh lettuce.
Special OfferRichard also mentions a discount code VEGPOD10 for purchasing seeds from Premier Seeds Direct, making it easier for listeners to get started with their gourmet loose leaf lettuce.
What Seeds to Sow in JulyJuly is a busy month in the garden, and Richard provides a comprehensive list of seeds to sow in July. Here’s a detailed look at each category:
Salad Greens Varieties: Lettuce, rocket, spinach, and mustard greens. * Tips*: Sow in succession every two weeks to ensure a continuous harvest. Use shade cloth to protect from intense summer heat.
Radishes Varieties: French Breakfast, Cherry Belle, and White Icicle. * Tips*: Radishes grow quickly and can be harvested in as little as 4 weeks. Sow in well-drained soil and keep consistently moist.
Spring Onions Varieties: White Lisbon and Ishikura. * Tips*: Sow directly into the ground or in containers. Thin seedlings to about 1 inch apart for optimal growth.
Beetroots Varieties: Boltardy and Detroit Dark Red. * Tips*: Sow in rows about 12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart to allow room for the roots to develop.
Herbs Varieties: Basil, parsley, dill, and coriander. * Tips*: Sow in well-drained soil and provide plenty of sunlight. Regularly pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
Winter Vegetables Varieties: Cauliflowers, cabbages, and swedes. * Tips*: Start these seeds indoors or in a sheltered area. Transplant seedlings to their final positions once they are strong enough.
The Importance of Herbs in a Vegetable GardenRichard emphasizes the role of herbs in a vegetable garden. Not only do they enhance the flavor of your dishes, but they also attract beneficial insects and can act as natural pest repellents.
Sowing and Caring for Herbs Basil: Prefers warm conditions and plenty of sunlight. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. * Parsley: Can be grown in partial shade. Keep the soil moist and harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth. * Dill: Sow directly into the ground. Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil. * Coriander*: Best sown in cooler conditions. Provide partial shade and keep the soil moist.
Supporters Club: Benefits and How to JoinRichard introduces the Supporters Club, highlighting the exclusive benefits members receive. By joining, you support the podcast and gain access to:
- Monthly Seed Pack: Receive a curated selection of seeds each month.
- Behind-the-Scenes Podcasts: Enjoy exclusive content and insights from Richard’s gardening journey.
- Discounts and Offers: Get special discounts on gardening products and seeds.
Joining the Supporters Club is a great way to enhance your gardening experience while supporting the podcast.
Join our supporters club Chef Scott’s Recipe: Summer Cabbage Side DishChef Scott shares a delightful recipe for a simple side dish using summer cabbage. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe:
Ingredients* Summer cabbage * Smoked bacon * Fresh dill * Sour cream
Instructions1. Preparation: Shred the summer cabbage and chop the smoked bacon into small pieces. 2. Cooking: In a large pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Add the shredded cabbage and cook until tender. 3. Finishing Touches: Stir in fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 4. Serving: Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.
For more details, visit the recipe page or Chef Scott’s Instagram page.
Richard’s Garden Tour: Insights and TipsRichard provides a detailed tour of his back garden, offering a wealth of information on his gardening practices. Here are some highlights:
Garden Layout and Features Shed and Water Butts: Essential for storing tools and collecting rainwater. * Balcony Garden and Nursery Area: Ideal for starting seeds and growing plants in containers. * Vegetable Beds and Raised Beds: Organized for efficient planting and easy maintenance. * Trellis with Grapevine: Perfect for vertical gardening and maximizing space. * Underground Composting System*: Efficient way to recycle kitchen waste and enrich the soil.
Current Gardening Activities Sowing Vegetable Spaghetti Seeds: A fun and unique variety to try. * Growing Cabbages and Cauliflowers: Tips on spacing and care. * Hanging Baskets of Tumbling Tomatoes and Strawberries: Great for small spaces and adding visual interest. * Auto Pot System for Tomatoes: Ensures consistent watering and reduces maintenance. * Herb Garden and Raspberry Beds*: Essential for fresh, homegrown flavors.
Listener Feedback and TipsRichard shares valuable tips from listeners, including:
- Mulching in Hot Weather: Helps prevent water loss and keeps plants cool.
- Using a Water Barrow: Makes watering more efficient and less labor-intensive.
Connect with the Veg Grower PodcastRichard encourages listeners to connect with the podcast through their website, where you can leave a voicemail or comment on the blog post. Although the forums have been closed due to spam, you can still engage with the community by leaving comments and joining the Supporters Club.
Stay Connected Website: * Social Media*: Follow the Veg Grower Podcast on social media for updates and gardening tips.
ConclusionThis episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is packed with valuable information for gardeners of all levels. From the seed of the month to detailed sowing tips and a delicious recipe, Richard and Chef Scott provide a wealth of knowledge to help you make the most of your garden in July. Don’t forget to join the Supporters Club for exclusive benefits and stay connected with the podcast for more gardening inspiration. Happy gardening!
Time stamps for this episodeTimestamps
Seed of the Month: Lettuce (00:00:50)
Richard discusses the seed of the month, gourmet loose leaf lettuce, and provides tips for sowing and caring for this variety.
Supporters Club Benefits (00:08:21)
Richard explains the benefits of joining the Supporters Club, including access to behind-the-scenes podcasts and a monthly seed pack.
Sowing Salad Crops (00:10:32)
Richard discusses sowing various salad crops such as speedy mixes, texel greens, oriental vegetables, and radishes for continuous supply.
Winter Vegetables and Herbs (00:15:01)
Richard covers sowing winter vegetables like cauliflowers, cabbages, and swede, as well as the importance of growing herbs.
Recipe: Summer Cabbage with Smoked Bacon (00:19:20)
Chef Scott shares a simple recipe for a side dish using summer cabbage, smoked bacon, dill, and sour cream.
Garden Tour (00:21:10)
Richard takes the audience on a tour of his home garden, providing updates on the current activities.
Shed and Garden Layout (00:21:27)
Richard describes the layout of his garden, including the shed, water butts, and nursery area for seedlings.
Patio Gardening and Plans (00:23:31)
Richard discusses the transformation of his patio area into a space for entertaining and outdoor workshops.
Vegetable Beds and Composting (00:28:47)
Richard details the contents of his vegetable beds, including onions, peas, brassicas, and his underground composting system.
Greenhouse and Gardening Tips (00:37:37)
Richard provides an overview of his greenhouse, mentioning tomato and cucumber plants, as well as sharing a gardening tip from a listener.
Forum Shutdown (00:42:01)
Richard discusses the shutdown of the forums on the website due to spam and encourages leaving comments on blog posts.
Supporters Club (00:42:01)
Richard invites listeners to consider becoming a member of the Supporters Club for exclusive benefits.
Conclusion (00:42:35)
The episode concludes with a reminder to take care, signalling the end of the podcast.
Welcome to another episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! This week we are noticing we are having spaces appear in our allotment beds, so what crops to plant now is the question. richard aslo delves into watering on the plot and labelling of plants.
Best Crops to Plant Now:In our first segment, we explore the best options for planting in those spaces where you’ve recently harvested crops. With plenty of sunlight and warm weather, now is the perfect time to introduce new plants to your garden. We’ll discuss a variety of vegetables and herbs that are well-suited for mid-summer planting.
Supporters Club Advert:A quick shout out to our amazing Supporters Club members! Your support helps us continue to provide valuable content for all our listeners. If you’re interested in joining, click the button below to find out more.
Join our supporters club Watering Tips for Heatwaves:With the heatwave upon us, it’s crucial to keep your plants well-watered. In this segment, we share essential watering tips to ensure your garden stays hydrated and healthy. From the best times of day to water to techniques that minimise water waste, we’ve got practical advice to help you navigate the scorching temperatures.
Chef Scott’s recipe of the week:This week, Chef Scott brings us a refreshing and delightful recipe perfect for hot summer days: Fresh Strawberry and Lavender Sorbet. Combining the sweetness of strawberries with the subtle floral notes of lavender, this sorbet is a must-try. Tune in to get the full recipe and step-by-step instructions.
Labelling Your PlantsIn our third segment, we discuss the importance of labelling your plants. Because proper labelling can save you time and confusion, especially as your garden grows. We’ll go over different labelling methods and materials, helping you find the best approach for your garden.
Discount Codes:
- Premier seeds direct: Get 10% off your seeds using discount code vegpod10.
- Autopot.co.uk: Save 10% off your order with code auto10rvg.
Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. We hope you found it informative and inspiring. Happy gardening!
Welcome to another exciting episode of our podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to share my recent adventure at Gardeners’ World Live 2024. This year’s event was held at the NEC Birmingham and showcased the very best in gardening, from stunning show gardens to informative talks by top horticultural experts. If you’re passionate about gardening or looking for inspiration for your garden, this post is for you!
Show Gardens: A Feast for the Eyes and Taste BudsOne of the main attractions at Gardeners’ World Live 2024 was the spectacular show gardens. This year, there was a noticeable trend towards incorporating more vegetables into the designs, highlighting the beauty and utility of edible gardens. Here are two standout gardens:
- The Viewers’ Garden: This garden was a wonderful example of how to blend vegetables seamlessly with ornamental plants and upcycling materials to create a gorgeous garden.
- The Plot with Chickens: This garden was a delightful mix of vegetable plots and chickens. Designed by Ben, it showcased how you can create a sustainable and productive garden while keeping chickens. I had the pleasure of talking to Ben about his inspiration and the practical aspects of integrating chickens into a garden.
In the Halls: A Shopper’s ParadiseAfter exploring the show gardens, I ventured into the halls where an array of gardening products awaited. Here, I picked up a few items that caught my eye:
- Innovative Gardening Tools: From ergonomic hand tools to state-of-the-art watering systems, the range of products on offer was impressive.
- Unique Plant Varieties: I found some rare and unusual plants that I can’t wait to add to my garden.
- Garden Decor: Beautiful garden ornaments and decor items were available to help personalise any garden space.
Plant Expert Stand: A Conversation with Lucy and SaulOne of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to talk to Lucy and Saul at the Plant Expert Stand. They provided invaluable advice on plant care and selection.
Why Visit Gardeners’ World Live?Gardeners’ World Live is more than just a garden show; it’s an experience that inspires and educates. Here are a few reasons why you should attend:
- Inspiration: Discover new ideas and trends in gardening.
- Education: Learn from the best in the industry through talks and demonstrations.
- Community: Connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
- Shopping: Access a wide range of gardening products and plants.
Conclusion
My trip to Gardeners’ World Live 2024 was an unforgettable experience, filled with inspiration and practical tips for every gardener. If you’re passionate about gardening, I highly recommend visiting this fantastic event. Tune into our podcast to hear more about my adventure and get some exclusive tips from the experts!
Call to Action
Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more gardening tips and updates. If you enjoyed this post, share it with your fellow gardening enthusiasts and let us know your favourite part of Gardeners’ World Live 2024 in the comments below
Welcome to episode 557 of the Veg Grower Podcast! I’m Richard, and I’m here to encourage and inspire more people to grow their own food by sharing my 30 years of gardening experience. In this week’s episode, we dive into refreshing the fruit garden, reflect on the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign during WWII, share a delicious beetroot soup recipe from Chef Scott, and provide an update from the allotment. Let’s get started!
In the Fruit Garden:In this segment, I take you to my front garden or fruit garden as its sometimes called. Where I grow a variety of fruit trees and bushes in pots. I discuss the importance of regular weeding, watering, and feeding to keep your plants healthy. I also explain the ‘June drop,’ a natural process where fruit trees shed some of their fruits to ensure the remaining ones are well-nourished. Learn about the benefits of thinning fruit and summer pruning to promote better growth and higher quality fruit and a better fruit garden.
Key Points:
- Regular weeding and watering
- Understanding the ‘June drop’
- Benefits of thinning fruit
- Summer pruning techniques
Reflecting on WWII’s Dig for Victory: Last weekend marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which got me thinking about the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign during WWII. This initiative encouraged people to turn their gardens into food-producing spaces to combat food shortages. I reflect on what my garden might have been like back then and discuss the importance of self-sufficiency and community gardening in times of crisis. Could we survive if a similar situation arose today? Join me as I explore these thoughts and encourage you to think about how you could adapt your own gardening practices.
Key Points:
- History of the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign
- Importance of self-sufficiency and community gardening
- Adapting modern gardening techniques for crisis situations
Chef Scott’s Botwinka Recipe:This week, Chef Scott has shared a delightful Botwinka recipe. Beetroots are not only nutritious but also versatile in the kitchen. Tune in to get the full recipe and tips on how to make this vibrant and delicious soup. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy while reaping the rewards of your gardening efforts.
In the Allotment:In the final segment, I update you on the latest happenings at the allotment. After the theft of our raised beds last week, we’ve rebuilt them and made significant progress. I planted out sweetcorn, tomatoes, and cucumbers into the new beds, something I had planned to do earlier but was delayed due to the theft. Additionally, I harvested broad beans, rhubarb, and our first early potatoes of the season. It’s always rewarding to see the fruits of our labour, despite the setbacks.
Key Points:
- Rebuilding stolen raised beds
- Planting sweetcorn, tomatoes, and cucumbers
- Harvesting broad beans, rhubarb, and early potatoes
Supporters Club:If you’re enjoying the Veg Grower Podcast, please consider rating and reviewing us on your podcast provider. It only takes a few seconds, but it helps promote the podcast so others who might be interested in growing their own food can find it.
For those who want to support us further, join our Supporters Club for just £5 a month. As a member, you’ll get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes podcasts, monthly seed collections, and our mini newspaper packed with growing tips and tasks for the month. This week in the Supporters Club, we’ve been sowing beetroot and carrots, both of which are delicious and staple vegetables. To learn more and sign up, Click the button below
Join our supporters club Discount codesPremier seeds direct: vegpod10 for 10% off your orders
Auto pot: AUTO10rvg for 10% off
Thank you for joining me in the garden today. Stay tuned for more gardening tips, historical reflections, and delicious recipes in future episodes. Happy gardening!
Welcome to another episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! In episode 556, we have a jam-packed programme designed to inspire you to grow your own food and share in the joys and challenges of gardening. From the excitement of this month’s seed selection “Beetroot Boltardy” to the unfortunate incident of theft on my allotment, we cover a range of topics that every gardening enthusiast can relate to. Plus, we’ve got a delicious recipe from Chef Scott and tips on harvesting garlic. Let’s dive in!
Seed of the Month – Beetroot Boltardy This week, we kick off with our “Seed of the Month” feature, highlighting the versatile and reliable Beetroot Boltardy. In collaboration with Premier Seeds, we’re excited to offer our listeners a 10% discount on orders using discount code vegpod10. Beetroot Boltardy is known for its excellent flavour and resistance to bolting, making it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Don’t forget to use the discount code provided in the episode!
Join Our Supporters Club Support the Veg Grower Podcast by joining our Supporters Club. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including early access to episodes, special content, and more. Your support helps us continue to bring you the best gardening tips and advice.
Join our supporters club Theft on the Allotment In a more sombre segment, I discuss a distressing incident where someone stole four of my raised beds from the allotment. It’s heart-breaking to see the fruits of your labour taken away, but I’m determined to rebuild and secure my garden better. I share my thoughts on how to prevent such incidents and the steps I’m taking to protect my allotment in the future.
Chef Scott’s Recipe of the Week: Roasted Cabbage This week’s mouth-watering recipe comes from Chef Scott, who teaches us how to prepare roasted cabbage. This simple yet flavourful dish is perfect for any meal. Be sure to check the link in the episode description for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions.
Harvesting Early Wight Garlic As we approach the end of the episode, I talk about my success with the early Wight garlic. I explain how to tell when garlic is ready for harvesting and share tips on recognising the signs that other varieties are ready as well. Harvesting garlic at the right time ensures the best flavour and longevity, so you won’t want to miss this segment.
Thank you for tuning into episode 556 of the Veg Grower Podcast. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Join us next week for more tips, stories, and inspiration from the allotment. Don’t forget to follow us on social media
If you want to get in touch you can click here or email me Richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk
Discount codesPremier seeds direct: use discount code vegpod10 for 10% off your order
Autopot.co.uk: Use discount code AUTO10RVG for 10% off your order
Join Richard in this week’s podcast as he embarks on an ambitious quest: to produce enough compost to meet the demands of his allotment year-round. Additionally, Richard visits the stunning West Dean Gardens, a remarkable vegetable garden near Chichester, West Sussex, and announces the winner of the Belfast Sink competition.
Allotment Update: The Compost ChallengeThis week, Richard has been diligently spreading compost on his allotment beds, particularly around his potato plants. This task sparked a thought-provoking question: can he produce enough compost to have it readily available whenever he needs it?
Typically, compost is spread during the winter when beds are vacant. However, Richard aims to grow food all year round and needs compost at various times throughout the year. For instance, his garlic bed will soon be empty, and he plans to plant beans in its place. Before planting, he wants to enrich the soil with fresh compost.
In this episode, Richard explores various strategies to achieve continuous compost production. One practical tip he shares is using a compost thermometer to monitor the composting process. You can purchase a compost thermometer here.
Garden Tour: A Visit to West Dean GardensRichard loves exploring public gardens, especially those with vegetable plots. This week, he takes listeners on a virtual tour of the walled gardens at West Dean, near Chichester. Having visited these gardens regularly in the past, Richard reflects on the changes over the years and seeks inspiration for his own garden.
Vegetable Garden Update: Winner of the Belfast Sink CompetitionThe Belfast Sink competition has concluded, and the winner is Veronica, with her brilliant idea of creating an edible flower garden in the sink. Taking advantage of the bank holiday, Richard has transformed the sink into a vibrant garden, planting:
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
- Cornflowers
- Hibiscus
- Pansies
What would you plant in an edible flower garden?
Support and SubscribeIf you enjoyed this podcast, please rate and review it on your preferred podcast platform. To support the show, consider joining our supporters club by clicking the button below. Don’t forget to use our exclusive discount codes:
- Premier Seeds Direct: Use code VEGPOD10 for 10% off.
- AutoPot: Use code AUTO10RVG for 10% off their self-watering systems.
Thank you for listening, and happy gardening!
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Join Richard in this weeks podcasts where the on going battle with slugs and snails continues but Richard thinks he has found out why. Richard has also been sowing some flower plants and is joined by Lee Connolly for national children’s gardening week.
Where are all these slugs and snails coming from?In most years Richard never has a problem with slugs and snails. This year however Richard has noticed a huge increase in the amount of slugs and snails at home. The wet winter and spring has of course made the slugs and snail population worse but Richard noticed that the allotment isn’t suffering.
So what’s changed?
In this segment Richard shares with you what action he has now taken.
Sowing flowers.You probably thinking Richard doesn’t grow flowers! And you would be correct. However Richard does grow edibles and some flowers can be edible and some can be beneficial to his edible crops.
This week Richard has been growing some flowers that full into this category such as
- Nasturtiams
- Sunflower’s
- Marigolds
- Dahlias
There’s many more that can also be sown too.
Chef Scott Recipe Of The Week.This week chef Scott shares a delicious Pasta with broad bean, pancetta and parmesan. Which sounds delicious but also uses broad beans that have just came into season.
National Children’s Gardening Week.And finally Richard is joined by Lee Connolly of the Skinny Jean Gardener where we are talking about National children’s gardening week.
Lee has offered a discount code for his book from his website using discount code veggrower
If you have enjoyed this podcast then please rate and review on your podcast provider. If you would like to help support this podcast then please consider becoming a supporting member by clicking the button below to find out more.
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Join Richard in this weeks podcast where Richard shares why he is not doing No Mow May. A couple of methods of easy irrigation and its time to sow some winter veg.
Allotment update: NO No Mow May.Down on the allotment Richard has had to make a repair to his lawnmower. A belt change was all that was needed after his lawnmower seemed to not work very well.
This has lead Richard to share his thoughts on why he is not doing No Mow May this year. No Mow May is a month where gardeners don’t mow their grass areas in order to encourage wild flowers to grow and help our wildlife.
In The Vegetable Garden: Easy IrrigationIrrigation is a time consuming part of growing your own food, but its a necessary task that helps our plants thrive.
Because of this Richard has started to experiment with 2 methods that might help with irrigation
Method one is an autopot system. The system is the 2 pot system which uses gravity to keep pots well irrigated and should lead to plenty of good growth and good veg.
If you are interested in this autopot system then Richard has got a discount code for you use the code AUTO10RVG when buying from Autopot.co.uk
Method two is an ancient method using a terracotta pot called an olla. This olla is submerged in the ground and slowly trickles water to the soil. It should be interesting to see how well this system works.
In The Shed: Sowing Winter Veg.Winter might seem a long time away, but if we want to eat in winter there’s some veg we need to sow now. These seeds include, winter squash, many brassicas and of course Parsnips
This week Richard has been sowing lots of these seeds in order to keep growing and eating in the winter months.
Chef Scott’s Recipe Of The Week: Sweetcorn, Feta And Bean Salad.This week Chef Scott shares with us this delicious Sweetcorn, feta and black bean salad. Which not only sounds delicious but also is on the back of this months seed of the month.
The seed of the month is in collaboration with Premier seeds direct. A fantastic supplier for plants seeds but also have given us a discount code VEGPOD10
And finally.We hope you have enjoyed this podcast. If you have then please rate and review on your podcast provider.
If you want to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club. Fond out more on the button below.
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Join Richard in this weeks podcast where Richard has taken a trip to BBC gardeners world spring fair. An annual event at Beulieu motor museum in the new forest. Richard also shares the seed of the month a sweetcorn variety from premier seeds and he has been planting seed on the allotment.
Gardeners world spring fair 2024.On Friday Richard headed to Beulieu motor museum, house and gardens for the annual BBC gardeners world spring fair. We have been attending this event for a few years and we always enjoy the show.
Richard takes us through the kitchen garden at Beulieu as well as visits a couple of show gardens and finishes off with a bit of shopping.
Always a thoroughly enjoyable event but if you went let us know your experience.
Seed of the month: Sweetcorn Rising Sun.Each month we have a seed of the month in collaboration with Premier seeds direct. Premier seeds direct are a fantastic supplier of all your garden seed needs.
This month we have a sweetcorn variety Rising Sun which is an early sweet variety of sweetcorn. Easy to grow and Richard considers sweetcorn to be a staple in any kitchen garden or allotment.
Don’t forget to use discount code vegpod10 for a further discount on already low prices at Premier seeds direct.
Down the allotment.Down on the allotment Richard has been getting lots of plants in the ground. This year has been a tricky year and there’s been a lot of worry about it being too cold or wet to get plants in the ground. Richard decided to get a few in the ground now and see how it works out but it seems to have worked well.
Listen to the podcast to find out more.
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This week on the veg grower podcast, Richard has been busy potting on young plants, sowing parsnips and tending to his Rhubarb.
Potting onWe start this week in the greenhouse, where Richard is potting on lots of young plants into bigger and bigger pots. Richard like to wait for the compost to have plenty of roots before potting up. That way the root ball comes out easily and the compost doesn’t get wasted.
Potting up is essential for encouraging growth in our young plants. Given the roots more space to stretch out and search for moisture and nutrients.
Richard usually uses a large collection of plastic pots which get re used over and over again. However he is also using some biodegradable pots including some from wool pots.
Support this podcast.The Veg Grower Podcast is a club set up to support this podcast. Each month member receive a collection of seeds that can be sown that very month, as well as extra behind the scenes podcast’s sharing what’s happening at the veg grower podcast hq. Click the button below to find out more.
Join our supporters club Sowing parsnips.This week Richard has sown some parsnips. Parsnips of course being a fantastic tasty winter veg.
But getting parsnips seeds to germinate can be tricky!!!
Richard believes this to be due to the soil temperature. Parsnip seed germinates in soil above 12c. There’s an old wives tail about how to test if the soil is warm enough but the best way to test is with a soil thermometer.
Chef Scott’s recipe of the week.This week chef Scott has a delicious Asparagus hummus recipe for you to try. A great way to make a healthy tasty dip from your asparagus harvests.
Rhubarb check up.Inspired by the asparagus recipe Richard heads over to his asparagus and rhubarb to make a few pickings. Rhubarb is in plentiful supply currently but flower spikes have appeared.
Flower spikes on Rhubarb is usually a sign of stress. Given the weather its not surprising and its easy to rectify.
Join Richard in this weeks episode of the veg grower podcast. This week Richard feels like its all coming together as he is is looking at making more space in his greenhouse by using cold frames. He plants out some cabbages and cauliflowers. Also the grass paths have had their first cut at the allotment. Chef Scott shares an rhubarb BBQ sauce recipe too.
Making room in the greenhouse.Like many of us Richard has lots of seedlings in his greenhouse and on his windowsills. But at this time of year a greenhouse also needs to be used for the growing of food.
Richard now turns to his cold frames as a way of making more room in greenhouses and to harden off his plants.
Join the supporters clubIf you enjoy this podcast and would like to support the work we do, then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club.
For just £5 a month you get access to extra behind the scenes podcast as well as a monthly pack sent to your door. This pack contains our mini newspaper and a collection of seeds to sow in that very month.
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Join our supporters club Its all coming together.One thing we have to do to grow our own food is plant plants!
This week Richard has planted out his summer cabbages and cauliflowers, two of the hardest vegetables to grow.
Richard talks you through his process of preparing the ground and planting out the plants and how to protect from pigeons.
Chef Scott’s recipe of the weekThis week Chef Scott has a delicious BBQ sauce using rhubarb for you to try. BBQ season is just around the corner and there’s plenty of Rhubarb being harvested.
The first cut.And finally we end with the first cut of the grass paths on the allotment. But the grass clippings don’t get wasted, they can be used to make compost or for mulching the brassicas planted out earlier.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast as he opens up some bags of compost and prepares his hazel sticks for use
Join us in this weeks episode of the veg grower podcast where Richard wants to guide you through his journey of growing hi s own food on his allotment and vegetable garden. This week we have the seed of the month from premiers seeds, A visit to the Vegepod garden and how Richard has won the battle with whitefly. Lets not forget the draw for the name that chicken is taken place.
Seed of the month: Dragons egg CucumberWith Easter and the beginning of the month coinciding, it only seemed fitting that the seed of the month for April be a dragons egg Cucumber. This promotion is in collaboration with premier seeds direct a great resource for all your seed needs. Premier seeds direct sell very reasonably priced seeds but to save even more money use discount code VEGPOD10 when shopping with them.
The Dragons egg cucumber is a white egg looking cucumber that looks stunning and produces plenty of cucumbers. Sow now for a summer harvest and in this episode you will hear how Richard grows his.
Support this podcast.If your enjoying this podcast then please leave a review on your podcast provider. It’ll only take you a few seconds but helps get this podcast discovered by more people.
But if you are really wanting to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of the supporters club. Hit the button below to find out mroe.
Join our supporters club The Vegepod GardenIts time to revisit the Vegepod garden. Richard’s Vegepod garden is located on his patio and consists of 3 Vegepod. Small medium and large all of which has different uses.
In this weeks podcast Richard takes you through his Vegepod and shares what’s growing currently. he also shares what’s next to do in his vegepod’s.
Chef Scott’s recipe of the week.Each week chef Scott shares a delicious recipe and this week its a broad bean and apricot salsa. Just in time for our broad bean harvests.
How we beat whiteflyWhitefly has been a problem for Richard this year. And the loses have been mounting.
However this did give Richard the chance to test out methods for tackling whitefly that sit with Richards ideology. The methods richard used that worked are
- Grazers g3 but this needs to be used before whitefly appears
- Natural predators such as lady birds
- A jet of water to blow of the whitefly
- Horticultural soap
and now the whitefly is reduced.
And the winner is.This month we launched a competition called name that chicken. There was lots of entries but there could only be one winner.
And the winning name is Heggwig.
Congratulations to the winner.
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! I’m Richard, and my mission is to inspire and empower more people to grow their own food. Join me as we feel it is now time to spring clean the garden and allotment.
Time to Spring Clean the Garden: As spring unfolds, it’s time to rejuvenate our gardens. Learn how to integrate new chickens into your flock, tidy up neglected areas, and repurpose straw bales for mulching and composting. Discover the benefits of repurposing old structures, like transforming a quail cage into a hedgehog house. Plus, get insights into combating persistent pests like whitefly with organic solutions.
Support this podcast: Support the Veg Grower Podcast by rating and reviewing on your podcast platform. Join our Supporters Club for exclusive content and monthly seed packs to boost your gardening journey. Find out more by clicking the button below
Join our supporters club Planting Potatoes and Combatting Couch Grass: Join me at the allotment as we plant potatoes and tackle couch grass. Learn the importance of soil preparation, spacing, and mulching for successful potato cultivation. Discover how potatoes can help suppress weeds like couch grass and the optimal timing for planting different varieties.
Chef Scott Recipe of the Week: Stay tuned for Chef Scott’s delicious recipe using fresh garden produce! This week its a delicious spring cabbage roll recipe which is just delicious.
Maintaining the Fruit Garden:Explore strategies for maintaining a thriving fruit garden in limited space. Discover the benefits of container gardening and the importance of relocating potted plants for optimal sunlight. Learn how to protect delicate fruit trees from late frosts and diseases like peach leaf curl. Plus, dive into fruit propagation techniques like layering to expand your garden’s bounty.
Conclusion:
As we wrap up, remember that spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about setting the stage for a fruitful season ahead. Join me next time as we continue our gardening journey together.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast in which Richard asks himself Why do we have so many plant feeds? Richard then takes us down the allotment where we find how the rain has affected the planting of potatoes and finish off with how the temperature in the greenhouse ahs freed up the kitchen worktops. Of course there’s chef Scott’s recipe of the week too!
Why Do We Have So Many Plant feeds?Lately Richard has been asking himself why do we have so many plant feeds? Do we really need lots of different feeds and what do they do?
With that in mind Richard looks in his shed to see what he actually has and does he actually use them in the garden or allotment.
With so many different feeds it can be very complicated to work out just what is needed.
Become a member of the supporters club.If you have been enjoying this podcast then please rate and review on your podcast provider. By rating and reviewing it helps give us important feedback and helps get us seen by new listeners.
But if you are really enjoying this podcast, then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club. For just £5 a month you get access to extra behind the scenes podcast as well as a collection of seeds sent to your door each month. Click the button below to fond out more.
Join our supporters club Has the allotment dried out.This week Richard has been able to visit his allotment every day after work. This has really helped get on top of the weeds and make the allotment look tidier and prepped for growing. However the allotment is still very wet and after digging a small hole and monitoring the water Richard has postponed the planting of potatoes for a week in the hope the ground will dry out enough. Planting when so wet can lead to the potatoes rotting.
Chef Scott’s Recipe Of The Week.This week Chef Scott has this delicious asparagus, tomato and feta focaccia recipe. Asparagus season will soon be upon us and having this recipe ready for those delicious spears makes it all the more exciting.
The Greenhouse Has Warmed Up.Over this last week, Richard has been able to move his pepper and aubergine seedling out into the greenhouse away from the kitchen worktops. Below 10c these plant go dormant. But as the temps in the greenhouse have exceeded that now, its safe for his seedlings to go into the greenhouse.
Outside the new chickens are settling in well. It’ll soon be time to mix the old and new together. Don’t forget there’s a chance to win tickets to gardeners world spring fair just by suggesting a name for the chicken.
The seed of the month seedlings are also growing. These are the summer squash zephyr f1 in collaboration with premier seeds direct. Use discount code vegpod10 for even more savings.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media and rate and review on your podcast provider
Welcome back to another exciting episode of our podcast! In this instalment, we embark on a journey of transformation, from repurposing a Belfast sink into a herbal tea bed to exploring the veg gardens of RHS Hyde Hall. Join us as we delve into the joys of gardening and culinary delights!
Creating a Herbal Tea Bed in an Old Belfast Sink We kick off the episode by diving into the process of transforming an old Belfast sink into a flourishing herbal tea bed. I was set the challenge to create a herbal tea bed. After doing a lot of research I decided to use a Belfast sink I was recently donated.
There are lots of herbs we could use for making teas but the only herbs available at this time, are Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Moroccan Mint and Lemon Balm. We would have liked to add Lavender, Chamomile and Bergamot to the mix.
What herbs do you use for tea?
Become a supporting member.If you enjoy this podcast then please rate and review on your podcast provider. Rating and reviewing only takes a few seconds but helps get this podcast seen by other people who might be interested in growing there own food.
But if you really want to support this podcast, then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club. For just £5 a month you get extra behind the scenes podcast as well as a collection of seeds sent to your door each month. Click the button below to find out more.
Join our supporters club Exploring RHS Hyde Hall with Lee Connolly Next, we’re joined by special guest Lee Connolly as we embark on a captivating journey to RHS Hyde Hall. We really enjoy visiting gardens, especially if they have a vegetable garden. RHS Hyde Hall certainly delivered on the vegetable garden front and looking around gave us many ideas of what we could incorporate into our own gardens.
Lee Connolly of course is well know for his work getting kids into gardening. Find out more about lee here.
Chef Scott’s Recipe Of The Week Our resident chef, Scott, shares a mouth-watering recipe featuring our seed of the month Zephyr f1 summer squash. This recipe uses the squash to make a delicious pasta delicious which can be found here. Give it a try and let us know what you think.
Premier seeds direct have also given us a discount code for you to use when shopping at their website. Use discount code VEGPOD10 when checking out.
A Visit to the Allotment We wrap up the episode with a visit to the allotment, where we share updates and insights from our gardening adventures. Join us as we reflect on the joys of tending to our own patch of greenery.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard has been dealing with a few pests and got some new chickens. WE also have a new feature called seed of the month in collaboration with Premier Seed Direct.
Pests are aboutUsually Richard gets very little problem with pests but this year slugs and snails have attacked his seedlings and aphids have started attacking his young plants.
As a rule Richard hates pesticides, preferring nature to do its thing, but as these plants are in his kitchen Richard has used grazers g2 and g3 to tackle these pests.
Mice or rats have also appeared in the garden, which is inevitable with chickens
Become a supporting memberIf you enjoy this podcast then please rate and review, but if you want to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of the supporters club. Click below to find out more
Join our supporters club Seed of the monthWe have launched a new monthly segment if collaboration with premier seeds direct. Premier seed direct offer fantastic price on seeds with very reasonable quantitys.
This month seed of the month is the fantastic zephyr f1 and courgette like summer squash with a unique look and taste. Get your seeds from premier seeds direct
Chef Scott’s recipe of the weekEach week chef scott brings us a delicious recipe of the week and this week its this delicious parsnip hash brown recipe.
New chickensThis week saw the arrival of 2 new chickens. Chickens are great in the vegetable garden for a wide range of reasons but mostly because of fresh eggs.
However these chickens do need names and Amanda has named one egguinox but the other needs a name too. Submit your name suggestion and you could be in with a chance to win tickets to the Gardeners world spring fair. Details can be found here.
This week Richard attended the garden press event. A yearly event where garden media personalities come together and explore new trends and products for the coming year. Richard discusses what he discovered with Jenny and Scott.
Allotment update: Flooding avoidedRichard went to his allotment but with it being so wet there is little that can be done. This however did cause him to reflect on how no dig gardening may prevent flooding.
While on the allotment Richard has been running the hoe through the beds, in order to keep weeds down.
Join the supporters clubThe Veg Grower Podcast is a club set up to support this podcast. Each month member receive a collection of seeds that can be sown that very month, as well as extra behind the scenes podcast’s sharing what’s happening at the veg grower podcast hq. Click the button below to find out more.
Join our supporters club Garden press eventRichard attended the Garden press event and discovered a huge selection of new products to get excited about including
- Gardeners world live events
- Andermatt potato mist with a 15% discount using code veggrower15
- Kent and stowe sure cut range with shock absorbers
- Envii plant feeds
- Germie seed starter kits
- The dipping tank
You can hear our conversation on this products in todays podcast
Chef Scott Recipe of the weekThis week Chef Scott shares with us this delicious Crispy Chilli Cauliflower With Tofu rice. Very popular at his place of work and sounds delicious.
Garden update: Seed sowing and potting onIn the garden Richard finds himself in the shed to stay dry and has been sowing a collection of seeds including radish, spinach and more. Also he tests the germie seed starter
In this weeks mailbag episode Richard has received a few correspondence that he wanted to share with you. Richard also has the latest from the allotment and garden and chef Scott has a delicious recipe using purple sprouting broccoli
Veg garden update: getting ready for springThis week in the garden Richard has been busy getting ready for spring. The beds have been mulched and feed or lime. The hoe has been running through empty beds and the garlic, onions and daffodils are showing off in the February sun.
Supporters members clubIf you enjoy this podcast then please rate and review on your podcast provider. by rating and reviewing you help get this podcast discovered by others.
but if you really enjoy this podcast then please consider becoming a member of the supporters club. For just £5 a month you get extra behind the scenes podcast as well as a collection of seeds sent to your door every month. To find out more click the button below.
Join our supporters club Mailbag episodeThis week we have received a few messages. The first comes from Ellen. She shares how her turmeric and ginger harvest have performed as well as a tip for growing citrus through the winter. Stuart shares how he appreciates hearing us admit to mistakes. And Deborah is after some help with her chillies.
Chef Scott’s recipe of the week.Chef Scott has a delicious recipe this week which can be found here
Allotment update: New compost bin and compostContinuing with the spring prep Richard has spread more compost on the allotment. But also wanting to produce more compost he has built a new compost bin. Built from old fridge doors this compost bin should last a while.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where he is asking have you ever grown asparagus from seed? Why is he asking that well its because he has grown asparagus from seed and is sowing more today.
This weeks podcast is a little different as Richard was asked to participate in Seedy Sunday's local gardeners question time.Seedy SundaySeedy Sunday is an annual event held in Brighton, East Sussex. Its Britain's oldest and longest running seed swop eventThe idea is a simple, you bring along some seeds you want to swop for seeds you want to go home with. Its held every year on the first Sunday in February.Local Gardeners question timeThis year Richard was invited to be on the panel answering members of the publics questions on gardening. Joining Richard on the panel wasKate Bradbury a well known wildlife gardenerRuth a founding member of brighton and hove organic gardening groupKate Harrison, the boss of Seedy Sunday and chaired this event.Questions asked incudeHow to save money agrdeningHow to rescue a poorly olive treeHow to prepare for droughtsand many moreRichard mentions an olive feed for olive trees, the product he recommends is here.
In tis weeks podcast Richard has suffered a bit of storm damage. We have a new member with a new allotment join the team and we finish with a discussion on shed storage.Allotment update: Storm damageLast week the uk got hit with 2 storms, and Richards shed got blown over. Luckily the shed was due to be moved this weekend anyway and the damage wasn't to serious. With the shed sorted and moved this freed up space to move an apple tree. This apple tree when planted was squeezed into a space that wasn't large enough so it was time to give it the room to thrive.Supporters clubIf you enjoy this podcast then please rate and review. Rating and reviewing helps more people discover this podcast.But if you really want to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of the supporters club where you get extra benefits for just £5 a month. Click the button below to find out more.Jenny's allotment: A new allotment adventureThis week we have a new member to the team who has a new allotment. Jenny has taken on allotment with lots of plans to grow food but work with nature.We look forward to hearing plenty of updates in the future.Scott's recipe of the week: scotch broth.This week Scott has this delicious scotch broth recipe, one that his grandmother used to cook for him.Garden update: Shed organisationIn the garden Richard is looking at how he organises his shed in order to make his life easier. Tools are hung using pegboard and stocking filled with pots make a good use of space.A good tidy shed makes gardening much easier.
Join Richard in another productive week on the veg garden and the allotment. Richard was also invited onto BBC radio 2 to quiz DJ OJ about veg gardening. Listen to it all in this weeks veg grower podcastVeg garden update: Compost flies.From the home plot this week Richard is indoors potting up some of his seedlings that are growing well. However he has noticed that some of his multi purpose compost seems to contain compost flies, which is causing a few issues in his kitchen.To tackle this Richard has decided to use coir compost as this shouldn't have any fly eggs in it, but as a second line of defence he has introduced a carnivorous plant into his set up.Join the supporters clubIn this supporters club this week we have been sowing celeriac and rhubarb. 2 long term vegetables that are well worth growing from seed.The supporters club is set up to help keep this podcast running. For just £5 a month members get a collection of seeds sent to your door every month as well as extra behind the scenes podcast. To find out more and sign up click the button belowRichard Appears on Radio 2Richard was invited onto radio 2 to take part in a feature known as "midnight mastermind". Richards specialist subject of course being vegetable gardening.DJ OJ was the Dj and wanted to get all 3 questions correct but how did he do and how well will you do?Listen to play alongChef Scott's recipe of the weekThis week Chef Scott has another fantastic recipe for you. A chicken and squash traybake which is easy to make and uses up some of those squashes that we all have in storage.Give it a try and let us know what you think of this recipe.Allotment update: Clearing more areasDown on the allotment this week Richard has cleared an area in preparation for growing potatoes later on this year. These potatoes are to be saved for seed for the following year but also serves to help reduces the weeds in this tricky part of the allotment.Richard has also started to move the shed to a new location, although the plan has changed on this.And FinallyEach week Richard is setting a mission for everyone and this week he wants to know how you store gardening items in your shed?Send your photos or email to Richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk or via social mediaWe will be back again next time so until then please take care
Join Richard in this weeks episode of The Veg Grower Podcast. This week Richard has had to protect his garden from the cold weather and removed a gooseberry bush from the allotment. Richard also ways in on a debate about is it too early for sowing seeds.Garden update: Protecting from frostThis week the temperature has really dropped. Although there is not much actively growing in the garden at the moment, what is growing needs protecting. Richard has covered his plants with some horticultural fleece in order to protect them from frost.Richard has also wrapped his wormery with fleece, bubble wrap and even a duvet to protect the worms from getting too cold too. A wormery is a great addition to any garden as any kitchen waste gets thrown into the wormery of which the worms munch through and create compost.Other tasks in the garden have included building a new bed and spreading wood ash onto his beds for extra potash. Nothing gets wasted here.This week in the supporters clubRating and reviewing this podcast really helps this podcast get discovered by new listeners. This week we was left a lovely review from Lynn about how the discussion on plug plant trainers was very useful information. This type of feedback is valuable to us. So please do Rate and review.The Veg Grower Podcast also runs a supporters club as a way of keeping this podcast running. For just £5 a month you can get extra behind the scenes podcasts as well as a collection of seeds each month you are a member. Over this last week we have been sowing Fenugreek, a tasty microgreen and Parsley and herb that needs no introduction.If you are considering becoming a member please click the button below to find out more.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This Week Richard has had a good weekend on the plot, some time spent gardening on the alltometn and the veg garden. its made him very happy to tackle a number of jobs with a lovely break in the weather.Allotment update: Pruning BlackcurrantWe head to the allotment first of all where Richard tackled a number of tasks.Firstly Richard tackled a bit of a tidy up. Strong winds have a habit of blowing unwanted litter onto Richards allotment all of which needs tidying up. However Richard does say we can be to tidy!! Nature loves messy areas so leaving some dead plant material for example can provide nature a home.Richard also harvested some Brussel sprouts and mulched the asparagus bed with some seaweed collected from a local beach.But the main task Richard tackled is the pruning of a blackcurrant bush that he inherited. Pruning can be a very daunting task but plants do benefit from a prune. When it comes to Blackcurrants pruning can be pretty easy. Richard always starts with any dead, diseased or damaged brunches all of which get pruned away, after that he looks at the overall shape of the bush, planning to try and end up with a goblet shaped bush at the end. This allows plenty of light and air around the plant. To achieve this Richard prunes away any brunches that are more the 5 years old.Overall a good weekend work on the alltomentSeed potato experiment; the harvestRichard is always trying to find ways of saving money and seed potatoes is a way Richard is experimenting with this year.2023 Richard planted some extra potatoes in concrete pipes in a separate area of the allotment, the idea being to grow these plants to produce some seed potatoes. This weekend Richard harvested these seed potatoes in preparation for growing these in 2024.Will it be a success?Chef Scott's Recipe Of The WeekSticking with potatoes Chef Scott has shared a delicious potato tart recipe. Which sounds delicious and easy to make. Its certainly one I will be trying.Garden update: A good weekend for bed makingAt home the veg garden is coming together nicely. Beds are continuing to be mulched in preparation for growing and a new bed has been built.Building this bed Richard uses thick untreated wood which is cut to size and screwed together. Sticking with no dog principles Richard then places cardboard on the ground and compost on top.This also gave Richard the chance to test his new ryobi battery charger. This charger can charge 6 batteries at the same time and also doubles up as a handy carry case for all his battery's, making life simpler.Added to that this week Richard has also sown a few seeds. Celery ahs been sown in the greenhouse, Mustard and Spring onions have been sown in the vegepod and indoors Richard has sown a second batch of chillies and aubergines.As you can see there's been lots going its been a good weekend on the plot
Welcome back to another exciting episode from the veg grower podcast. Happy new year to you are you ready to hear the start of the 2024 garden updates?This week Richard has wanted to hit 2024 running with the gardening so over the last week there has been preparations underway.Garden Update:We first head into Richard's garden for the first 2024 garden update, where work has been taking place to get the vegetable beds ready to grow. Food has been harvested such as leeks, parsnips and sprouts. But there is still more food waiting to be harvested, carrots and purple sprouting broccoli to name a few.With vegetables harvested this cleared the beds to have some space. In which weeds have been cleared and the areas mulched with compost. All this is getting our 2024 garden ready.Seeds have also been sown including peppers and aubergines indoors and onions in the greenhouse. However some chilli pepper seedlings have been attacked by slugs or snails. Them damn pests.The 2024 Garden needs some seeds:After the garden update we head into Richard's greenhouse where Richard is evaluating the plug plant trainer's he has used. These are great way to start some seeds and Richard has found that it reduces the amount of time spent pricking out later on in the year.There are 4 types of plug plant trainers Richard has used and they can be found at Cheap plug plant trainers that might last a season or 2. These are far from Richards favourite but are cheap. Richard bought his from wilko's or the range.A much better option is these plug plant trays that Charles Dowding helped design. These are reusable and easier to get the plants out.Richard has also found these rubber plug plants trainers to be easy to use and reusable.But Richard's favourite are these plug plant trainers from Agralan. These have been well thought out and offer many handy features that gardeners might find useful.What do you like to use to start off your seeds?Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week:This week Chef Scott has adapted a recipe sent in by a listener. This is a great way to use butternut squash and make a quick and easy pasta dish.Check out the recipe in full here.Allotment Update:Of course it wouldn't be complete without a visit to the allotment. December was a wet and dark month so Richard is hoping for a better start to the year and he got it!!!On the allotment Richard has made a note of tasks to do especially throughout January including moving a shed.Richard has also been covering empty spaces with cardboard and mulching fruit bushes with wood chip and lets not forget the dreaded weeding!!!And finally:Its been a productive week and start to the new year. Richard has set some homework for you. That is to take a photo of your allotment or garden at the start of the year. That way we can all refer back to it later on in the year and see how it changes throughout the year.Don't forget to share your photos or get in touch with anything regarding todays podcast.If you have enjoyed this podcast then please rate and review on your podcast provider, and if you want to support the work we do then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club. Click the button below to find out more.
In this weeks podcast we are evaluating how much food we have produced in our allotment and garden and ew have an interview with Littlehampton community fridge
As 2023 draws to a close its time to look at some the experiments we have run over 2023 and see what the results are.
Planning is one of those tasks that I absolutely love. This week I have sat down to make my 2024 veg garden and allotment layout plants.
This week podcast we has started seed planning for 2024, this involves sorting out his seed collection, creating spreadsheet and working out a plan. We also have a recipe from chef Scott and a visit to the allotment.Veg garden update: Sorting out the seed collection.As Richard has been unwell and not wanting to make himself worse, he figured it was a good chance to get rid of some old seeds.Richard stores seeds in an old fridge which had become so full he couldn't fit anymore seeds in it. Using the seeds use by date as a cut off point he did something he hates. He threw old seeds in the bin.However this still left us with plenty of remaining seeds, which are now been stored in boxes to make it easy in the future. The wooden boxes Richard uses can be bought from the works, where as the photo boxes can be found from Amazon (The supplied link may lead to us getting a little kickback if you buy the box).Added to that we also had the chance to list all our remaining seeds to save us buying any seeds that we still have.Seed Planning for 2024With our seeds now sorted it was time to fire up the computer and create a couple of simple spreadsheets. Sticking with the KISS (keep it simple stupid) method we created 2 spreadsheets.The first is a simple list of all seeds that we can sow and what months we can sow these seeds in. This creates an easy at a glance account of what we can sow each month.The second spreadsheet is a seed planning list for 2024 broken down on a weekly basis. Each week we can sow some seeds and each week we will sow seeds following this plan. This just lays out everything we want to sow in order to have plenty of food growing in 2024.Chef Scott's recipe of the weekThis week Chef Scott has another delicious recipe for us. Its a artichoke salad which sounds absolutely delicious and we cant wait to try it out.Here at the veg grower podcast we have been considering not growing Jerusalem artichokes anymore as we wasn't eating them so much. However after this recipe we might change our mind at continue to grow them.Give it a try and let us know what you think?Allotment update: After our first frostOver the weekend we had our first frost. Now frost can be a good thing, some vegetables taste better after being frosted such as leeks, parsnips and sprouts. But some vegetables can also be damaged by frost.It can also make harvesting of some crops difficult as the ground might become frozen, and this is a concern for leeks on our allotment. The way to avoid this is to heal our leeks in the ground where they can be easier to harvest as required.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast, where he has received a question from a listener about the pros and cons of a garden shredder and the wonders of woodchipAllotment update: Using the woodchip to protect plants over winterRichard heads down to the allotment this week where a delivery of woodchip has been mysteriously arriving. Richard uses this woodchip in a variety of ways on the allotment, adding to compost bins or making paths.But the real use Richard has used this woodchip for is to mulch over some of his garden beds. By using this woodchip as a mulch like this, Richard hopes to protect the roots and crowns of some plants from a heavy frost. It also should reduce weeds and water loss as well as looks great on the plot too!!!!Tool care of the week: The wheelbarrowAfter using the wheelbarrow a lot Richard noticed his wheelbarrow was in need for some tlc. So back in his workshop he took some time to oil the wheel and paint some chipped areas.Richard wheelbarrow has some special rotating handles from a company called Itip. These handles are great for taking the strain off the wrist as the handles rotate while manoeuvring the wheelbarrow. Making it much easier to use and much less likely to cause injury.If you want to find out more about these please visit itiphandles.comChef Scott's recipe of the weekThis week Chef Scott has another fantastic recipe for you. Its a smoked haddock, chorizo and leek risotto. This recipe had our mouths watering just hearing about it and we cant wait to cook this ourselves.Vegetable garden update: Shredding for woodchip.In the vegetable garden this week, Richard has got his shredder out and is shredding a few branches from a tree.A garden shredder is a useful tool for shredding woody material, turning it into small pieces which are great to use in a variety of ways such asMulchFor the chikens to scratch and dig throughreducing the volume to fit more in the council garden waste binAdding to the compost bin to produce a much finer compost in a quicker time.Richard has had his shredder for a few years now and wouldn't be without it. If you are interested in a garden shredder then perhaps the newer model of The one that richard uses might be of interest to you. Click this link to view. Please note that this is an amazon affiliate link and we might earn a commission if you use this link.So sit back and enjoy this weeks podcast. Don't forget to rate and review on your podcast provider.
In this weeks podcast, storms and bad weather has prompted Richard to take the gardening indoors. Growing your own food all year round is tricky and with the ground being incredibly wet, we need to try different methods.Veg garden update: Growing in the kitchen.Due to the latest storm, it hasn't stopped raining all week. In preparation for the expected cold weather, Richard has moved his more delicate plants into the greenhouse for protection. In particular his peach tree, which also prevents peach leaf curl.Unfortunately this doesn't leave much room in the greenhouse for growing food, so Richard has reinstalled his grow lights and heated propagator, taking the gardening indoors, to grow more herbs, microgreens and salad leaf's in his kitchen.Join the supporters clubThis week in the supporters club we have been sowing some lettuce seeds of which we will be growing successionally together.Tool care of the week: Heated PropagatorThis weeks its time to take care of our heated propagator. A good clean and check over to make sure they are good for another year.A heated propagator is a great tool for starting seed by providing bottom heat.Chef Scott's recipe of the weekThis week Chef Scott has shared with us this fantastic Baked bean recipe. A great way to make some comforting meals from ingredients we have grown ourselves.Allotment update: Growing in the greenhouseWe head to the allotment for an update and this week Richard is in grandads greenhouse for this weeks update.Richard has harvested a bed of main crop potatoes of which the varieties are Maris piper and sarpo Mira. These potatoes have been growing since March although the foliage hasn't grown that well this year. These potatoes where then placed in grandads greenhouse to harden the skin before going into winter storage.After that Richard shares a few seeds and plug plants he is growing inside the greenhouse for this winter, in order to make the most of the growing space.And finallyIf you have any thoughts on this episode get in touch. Leave a comment below, or click the speakpipe button and leave a voicemail. Alternatively Email Richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk We love to hear from you.If you have enjoyed this podcast then please rate and review on your podcast provider
Welcome to Episode 525 of the Veg Grower Podcast, where we're embracing the Halloween spirit with Spooky Allotment Adventures and Halloween Harvest. Join me, Richard, as I take you on a journey through the enchanting and sometimes eerie world of my allotment.Allotment Update: The Mysterious Pumpkin CrossbreedsThe wet and rainy weather may have dampened our spirits, but it hasn't stopped the surprises in our allotment. We'll delve into the peculiar tale of our pumpkin harvest. Originally meant to be Crown Prince pumpkins, these gourds took an unexpected twist due to cross-pollination. The result? A unique collection of pumpkins that will leave you amazed.Tornado Tales: When Nature StrikesAs if the pumpkin mystery wasn't enough, a tornado hit our allotment site on a dark Saturday night. I'll recount the dramatic events and the aftermath of this natural disaster, underscoring the resilience of our gardening community.Supporters Club: Join the Veg Grower Podcast CommunityBefore we continue, I'd like to extend a special invitation to our listeners. Consider joining our Supporters Club and be part of our growing community. Plus, your feedback matters! If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment to rate and review it.Axe Sharpening Segment: Keeping Your Tools in Top ShapeEvery gardener knows the value of well-maintained tools. In this exclusive segment, I'll guide you through the art of axe sharpening. Learn how to keep your trusty tool in prime condition for all your gardening needs.IF you would like the sharpening stone that I use they are available at Amazon on this link. Chef Scott's recipe of the weekThis week Chef Scott educates us with a delicious Yorkshire Parkin recipe. I had never heard of parkin before so was very interested with this recipe and the history of this dish.Vegetable Garden Update: Garlic, Onions, and MoreOur vegetable garden is a hub of activity. Discover the latest updates on planting out garlic and onion sets, and get a glimpse of thriving chard and the promising growth of celery within the Vegepod.Conclusion: A Halloween Harvest to RememberAs we conclude this Halloween-themed episode, I hope you've enjoyed these Spooky Allotment Adventures. Remember to leave your thoughts in the comments and consider rating and reviewing the Veg Grower Podcast. Thanks for tuning in, and may your Halloween harvest be bountiful and bewitching.
This week we celebrate National apple day with an apple affair podcast.In the Veg Garden: Cultivating Dreams of an Orchard This week, delve into Richard's dream of an orchard right in his garden. Learn how he tends to apple trees in pots with the correct rootstock. Discover the importance of choosing the right apple tree as the season approaches, and find out how fresh compost can boost production.Supporters Club: Sowing Seeds for Podcast Sustainability Explore the world of our supporters club where we've been busy sowing broad beans and celtuce seeds. To learn more about becoming a member, click the button below.Tool Care: Sharpening Fiskars Secateurs Richard takes you through the art of maintaining and sharpening his Fiskars secateurs. Ensure they're ready for pruning and in top working order for the year ahead with a bit of oil and a few simple tools.Chef Scott's Recipe: A Scrumptious Toffee Apple Delight Chef Scott shares a mouth-watering toffee apple recipe, perfect for the season, with Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner.An Apple Affair on the Allotment: Tending to the Trees Join Richard on the allotment as he tends to his two apple trees. Discover the story of the Kingston Black variety, ideal for cider making, and the plan to give it more space this winter. Learn how the second apple tree is being propped up to stay upright.Remember to Connect and Share Your Thoughts Don't forget to connect with us, rate, and review the podcast on your preferred platform if you've enjoyed this episode.
Welcome back to the Veg Grower Podcast! In this week's episode, we're diving into a crucial topic for our feathered friends—winter care for chickens. As the temperatures drop, it's time to ensure our clucking companions are well-prepared for the chilly months ahead.Diary Update: Home Garden BlissIn the vegetable patch at home, we've experienced a mix of warmth and rain. With the changing weather, it's time to make some strategic moves. Tender plants like chillies and aubergines have found shelter in the greenhouse, with the hope of extending their growth through the winter. Tool maintenance is in full swing, with the trusty spade getting a good clean and treatment. The herb garden has also received some love, ensuring everything is tidy for the approaching season.Deep Dive into Chicken CareNow, let's turn our attention to the stars of our garden—the chickens. These feathered friends are pretty tough, but a little extra care during winter can make a significant difference in their well-being.Coop Cleaning Rituals:A deep clean of the coop is in order. We discuss the importance of using organic chicken coop disinfectant to create a bug-free environment.Changing bedding regularly is essential, and we weigh the pros and cons of various methods, from weekly changes to layering fresh bedding on top of the old for added warmth.Run Revamp:Disinfecting feeders and water bowls is a must as we prepare the run for the winter season.We explore the importance of addressing muddy spots with sand and consider using covers to protect against both weather and potential bird flu risks.Entertainment for Happy Hens:Winter can be dull, so we discuss various ways to keep our chickens entertained—from carved pumpkins to hanging cabbages.Adding corn to their diet is a simple yet effective way to provide extra warmth during chilly nights.Preparing for Potential Challenges:As the risk of bird flu looms, we share tips on keeping our chickens safe and complying with guidelines, from moving bird feeders away to disinfecting shoes before entering the chicken run.Considerations for Expanding the Flock:Thinking of adding more chickens to the flock? We discuss the strategy behind it, considering the natural laying patterns of chickens and planning for next spring.Recipe Delight: Scott's Sticky Spiced Pumpkin CakeThis week, Scott shares a delightful recipe perfect for the season—a Sticky Spiced Pumpkin Cake. Using ingredients like butter, black treacle, and, of course, pumpkin, this cake is a warm, comforting delight. Paired with a spiced toffee sauce, it's practically a healthy treat—one of your five a day!https://theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk/scotts-sticky-spiced-pumpkin-cake/Allotment Update: Planting for the WinterAs we transition to the allotment, things have slowed down. Planting overwinter onion sets takes centre stage. We delve into the process, sharing a homemade tool that makes planting quick and efficient.Wrapping Up the Seasonal CareAnd that's a wrap for this week's podcast episode. We've journeyed from the home garden to the allotment, focusing on the seasonal care of our cherished chickens. Remember to rate and review the podcast, join our Supporters Club, and connect with us through email or social media.Until next time, take care, and may your winter be filled with happy clucks and thriving crops.
Welcome back to The Veg Grower Podcast! Episode #522 takes you on a delightful journey through the edible gardens of Batemans, a historic National Trust property, and provides a sneak peek into the latest updates from our very own veg garden. Join me, Richard, as we explore the charm of Batemans and discover the joys of home harvests.Garden Update:We kick off this week's episode by diving straight into my veg garden. After the productive week we had last time, clearing out spaces and preparing for the growing season, exciting developments are underway. One of the highlights is the creation of our very own nursery area, strategically positioned right in front of our trusty greenhouse.This nursery area is designed to efficiently nurture our young plants, creating a seamless production line from sowing seeds to final planting. While it's still a work in progress, plans are coming together beautifully. However, the soaring wood prices have added a slight twist to our building endeavours.We'll also discuss the saga of an old bottle fridge that attempted to serve as a cold frame earlier this year. It got a bit too enthusiastic and cooked our plants, leading to a tough decision about its fate.And what's a week in the veg garden without some cabbage talk? More cabbages have been planted, and a couple have been harvested, leaving us with an intriguing question: will we have cabbages for Christmas? The answer lies in our winter preparations.Our harvest basket is brimming with courgettes, raspberries, tomatoes, chillies, aubergines, carrots, and much more. The supermarket aisles seem a world away as we revel in the joys of growing our own produce.As the days grow shorter, it's also time to tackle the seed tins, sorting and organizing, ensuring that we're well-prepared for next year's gardening adventures.But hold on, we're just getting started! Stay tuned for an exciting trip to Batemans, a National Trust property, and discover the latest from our supporters club.Join the supporters club:The supporters club is the backbone of The Veg Grower Podcast, keeping it thriving and growing. By becoming a member, you'll receive a monthly seed collection delivered right to your doorstep. These seeds aren't just for show; they're ready to be sown, aligning perfectly with the seasons. And for our dear listeners, consider leaving a rating and review. Your feedback warms our gardening hearts and helps others discover the green corner of our podcast world.Trip to Batemans:Our journey takes an exciting twist as we visit Batemans, a National Trust property steeped in history. While this segment is unscripted, the experience was nothing short of fascinating.You can find out more about Batemans here.Or to look into visiting check out the National trust page.Chef Scott recipe of the week:Our culinary expert, Scott, brings us a delightful recipe perfect for October: Celeriac, Apple, and Walnut Soup. This comforting soup combines classic flavors and works wonders in the autumn months. Scott guides us through the recipe, making sure to include an optional but highly recommended sprinkling of blue cheese.Allotment Update:Back on the allotment, we encounter surprises and challenges. Swiss chard finds its new home, adding vibrant hues to our garden. But a surprise lurks beneath the soil—a black membrane that explains the struggles of our sweetcorn.Our trusty elder tree gets a much-needed pruning, taming its wild side, but now we're left with a pile of trimmings and a lack of space in the compost bins.Winter projects are on the horizon, including the relocation of our shed. The journey begins with dismantling the old compost bin, a task made easier by repurposed pallet wood. Comfrey-covered ground awaits levelling, setting the stage for future shed-moving endeavours.Conclusion:As we conclude this episode, we invite you to explore the full recipe and find more informatio...
Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. In this week's instalment, we dive into the fascinating world of woollen wonders in the garden. Join me, Richard, as we explore the latest updates from my home garden, hear an interesting lamb curry recipe from Scott, and discover the potential of woollen products to revolutionize your gardening experience.Home Garden Update:This week, my focus shifted to our home garden, spurred by some precious time off work. A significant task involved the removal of non-edible bushes at the top of our garden—privet and a towering buddleia. Armed with a chainsaw, we transformed the branches into valuable compost and mulch, creating space for a more aesthetically pleasing garden. I also revamped the area outside the greenhouse, envisioning it as a nursery-like space with cold frames and greenhouses.Supporters Club Advert:Before we delve into our main topic, a quick shout out to our Supporters Club. Your support keeps the Veg Grower Podcast thriving.Woollen Products:Over recent years, I've witnessed a surge in woollen products making their mark in the garden. Wool pellets, known for deterring slugs, have been a staple in my greenhouse. This episode features insights Hortiwool, a company producing versatile wool mats for seed starting and hanging basket liners. Their eco-friendly products have earned a spot in my gardening repertoire.We also explore Wool Pots, a company offering woollen pots resembling cosy socks that serve as eco-friendly alternatives for traditional plant pots. From stability to environmental benefits, these woollen wonders have proven their worth in my garden. Additionally, we discuss a wool-based wood preserver, promising a natural solution for garden beds and tools.Share your experiences with woollen products and any innovative gardening solutions in the comments below!Links to company's mentionedHortiwoolWool PotsEwe StopScott’s Recipe: Lamb CurryWhat better way to complement our woollen theme than with a hearty lamb curry? Scott shares a mouth-watering recipe that's sure to tickle your taste buds. Find the recipe here.Allotment Update:Switching gears to the allotment, I share progress from clearing out the old onion bed to sowing field beans and tidying up the asparagus bed with seaweed mulch. The growing season is in full swing, and I'm excited to see the fruits (and vegetables) of my labour.Conclusion:That concludes this week's episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. Thank you for joining me on this exploration of woollen wonders in the garden. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, happy growing!Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for regular gardening inspiration, and share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, it's a tell-tale sign that winter is just around the corner. But for dedicated gardeners, the changing seasons bring new opportunities and challenges. In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, we dive into the world of winter gardening, focusing on an essential aspect of the preparation—getting your greenhouse ready for the colder months. Join me, Richard, as we explore the ins and outs of greenhouse prep and delve into some exciting updates from our allotment and garden.Allotment AdventuresBefore we open the doors to the greenhouse, let's take a stroll through our allotment. It hasn't been all smooth sailing, as Mother Nature decided to play a trick on us with strong winds knocking over our beloved sweetcorn. But, as true gardeners do, we're making the best of the situation. We're harvesting whatever's ripe, clearing out those pesky weeds, and planting some delicious garlic, including unique varieties that we've carefully saved from our previous harvest.Our allotment is a testament to the cycle of life and the resilience of nature. It's a place where we learn from every challenge and celebrate every success, no matter how big or small.Supporters Club: Sowing Seeds of SupportA big shout out to our Supporters Club members who are with us every step of the way. In this week's update, we've been busy sowing daikon radish and corn salad. The Supporters Club plays a crucial role in keeping this podcast running, and it's an opportunity for you to join our gardening community. For just £5 a month, you'll gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content and receive a curated collection of seeds each month, perfectly timed for sowing. Learn more by clicking the button below and become a part of our growing family.Greenhouse PrepNow, let's turn our attention to the star of the show—the greenhouse. Often associated with spring and summer, greenhouses are the secret weapon of winter gardeners. They allow us to extend the growing season, cultivate winter-loving crops like lettuce, and provide a warm haven for delicate plants during the colder months.Our journey begins with a thorough greenhouse cleaning. We empty everything out, careful not to disturb our thriving tomato plants, which are still producing fruit. Using warm water and a bit of elbow grease, we wash away the dirt and dust that have accumulated over the seasons. Our goal is to create a clean and inviting space for our winter crops.We emphasize a chemical-free approach, avoiding disinfectants and opting for a good old-fashioned water wash. Afterward, we leave the greenhouse windows open for an hour to promote ventilation and wash all the items that were removed.Next, we inspect the greenhouse beds, adding nutrient-rich compost and addressing any necessary repairs. Attention to detail is key, right down to tightening all nuts and bolts to ensure the structure is solid.One of our greenhouse secrets is the water-butt, strategically placed to act as a heat battery. During the day, it soaks up the sun's rays, warming the water inside. At night, it releases that stored heat, providing a cosy environment for our plants.Winter Gardening DelightsWith everything in place, our greenhouse prep is now ready for autumn and winter gardening. As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, we'll be sowing and tending to a variety of cold-hardy crops, ensuring a fresh supply of homegrown produce throughout the winter.In our garden update, we celebrate successes like harvesting tasty celery and preparing for the winter and spring with potted brassicas. We bid farewell to the spent runner beans and make room for more garlic, eager to explore different varieties and flavours.Our cucumber plants have gracefully completed their journey, reminding us that in gardening, as in life, every season has its beginning and its end.Conclusion
With the cost of living still being a concern, this week we look into seed saving as a way to save more money by growing our own foodGarden updateIn this weeks garden update we have plenty of tasks to share with you. What have you tackled in your garden this week?Scotts recipeAs usual our resident chef Scott has a fantastic curry base to share with you. You can find the recipe here
Good day, fellow garden enthusiasts! In episode 518 of the Veg Grower Podcast, we embarked on an exciting journey that took us from tending our allotment to exploring the vibrant world of local flower and produce exhibits. Let's dive into the highlights of this episode:
Allotment Update: Clearing Weeds, Cutting Grass, and More
We started by giving you the latest scoop on our allotment. From battling stubborn weeds to maintaining a well-groomed lawn and addressing blighted tomatoes, we covered it all. Plus, the squash plants are flourishing – a promising sign for our upcoming harvest.
Supporters Club Advert
Before delving deeper into our adventures, we took a moment to express our gratitude to our dedicated supporters. Your continued support keeps our podcast thriving!
A Day at the Flower and Produce Show
The heart of this episode was our visit to the local Flower and Produce Show. We strolled through the exhibits, marvelling at the impressive displays of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Our hosts contemplated the possibility of participating in next year's event, drawing inspiration from the talented exhibitors.
Culinary Delights: Scott's Chinese Braised Aubergine Recipe
We couldn't resist sharing a mouth-watering recipe with you! Scott's Chinese Braised Aubergine recipe is a delightful treat for the taste buds. If you're looking for a creative way to enjoy aubergines from your garden, this recipe is a must-try.
Veg Plot Update: Surprises and Challenges
Our journey continued with an update on our veg plot. A mischievous squirrel had a hand (or paw) in damaging the roots of our beloved blackberry plant. But, on a brighter note, we witnessed the bare-rooted trees sprouting fresh leaves, and we proudly planted an abundance of Swiss chard.
Thank you for joining us on this podcasting adventure, and we hope you enjoyed the journey as much as we did. Don't forget to subscribe to the Veg Grower Podcast for more gardening tips, updates, and exciting adventures in the world of homegrown produce.
Until next time, happy gardening!
Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! I’m thrilled to take you on a journey as I share the details of my very first live stage talk. This special event took place on the Let’s Grow stage at the prestigious Gardener’s World Autumn Fair, held at the stunning Audley End House.
During this captivating stage talk, we explored the fascinating topic of ‘Turning Your Garden into a Lean, Mean Food-Producing Machine.’ Join me as I delve into the key insights and tips from this enlightening presentation, packed with valuable information on maximizing your garden’s potential for bountiful food production.
A Gardeners world Autumn Fair Stage TalkIn this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, we’re diving deep into the heart of my first-ever live stage talk at the Gardener’s World Autumn Fair. It was an exhilarating experience to stand before fellow gardening enthusiasts on the Let’s Grow stage and share insights on the transformative topic of ‘Turning Your Garden into a Lean, Mean Food-Producing Machine.’
During this podcast episode, you’ll have the opportunity to relive the excitement of that day as I walk you through the key points and revelations from my stage talk. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning your gardening journey, there’s something here for everyone. I’m thrilled to bring this valuable content to you through the podcast format, allowing you to listen at your convenience.
Throughout the episode, we’ll explore practical strategies and innovative ideas that can help you unlock your garden’s full potential for food production. From garden design tips to plant selection, pest management, and sustainable practices, you’ll discover a treasure trove of information to elevate your gardening game.
So, join me in this virtual journey back to the Gardener’s World Autumn Fair, where we’ll tap into the energy and knowledge shared on that stage. Let’s get ready to cultivate thriving gardens and harvest the rewards of our labour. Tune in, and let’s get started on this exciting gardening adventure together
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Good evening, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Veg Grower Podcast. I'm your host, Richard, and I'm here to guide you through all things related to growing your own delicious and nutritious produce. In this 516th episode, we're diving deep into the world of allotment gardening, sharing updates from the plot, discussing the not-so-rosy aspects of allotment life, and of course, bringing you some delectable recipes and garden insights. Let's get started!
Allotment Update: Cultivating Comfrey and Bountiful Harvests
In this week's allotment update, I'm thrilled to report that we've been hard at work. We've recently cut down the comfrey plants to help enrich our compost piles. Plus, we're celebrating our first substantial harvest of Berlotti beans – a true testament to our dedication and care. As autumn approaches, we've also had the pleasure of plucking ripe pears from the trees, savouring the literal fruits of our labour.
Supporters Club Shoutout: Growing Together and Sharing Tips
Our supporters club has been abuzz with activity. This week, we've been busy sowing the seeds of parsley and spinach, gearing up for a future of fresh greens. If you've been enjoying our podcast, we kindly invite you to show your support by leaving a review on your podcast provider. Your feedback fuels our passion and helps us reach more budding gardeners like yourself.
Listener Interaction: Tackling the Squash Question
Speaking of engagement, we received an interesting question from a listener: "How big do we allow squashes to get?" Tune in to find out our take on this common concern and gain some insights into managing squash growth for optimal results.
Main Segment: The Reality Check of Allotment Gardening
Now, let's dive into the heart of today's episode. While allotment gardening offers numerous rewards, it's not always a bed of roses. Join us as we explore the less glamorous side of allotment life:
Theft: Unfortunately, allotments aren't immune to theft. We'll discuss strategies to safeguard your hard-earned harvests.
Neighborly Challenges: Awkward or unkind neighbors can sour the experience. Learn how to navigate such situations while fostering a sense of community.
Weed Killer Woes: Dealing with the use of weed killers by others? We've got tips on maintaining an organic and healthy growing environment.
Rules and Regulations: Allotments come with rules that need to be followed for the greater good. We'll shed light on how to stay in harmony with allotment regulations.
Land Ownership Realities: Remember, as allotmenteers, we're stewards of the land, not owners. We'll explore the nuances of this relationship with the earth.
Scott's Recipe Corner: A Culinary Delight
It's time to tantalize your taste buds with Scott's delectable recipe. Dive into our Scott's Recipe segment and discover a culinary masterpiece that's sure to make your mouth water. Don't forget to check out the link to the recipe and give it a try in your own kitchen!
Check it out here
Veg Garden Update: Harvests Galore and Compost Experiments
Our veg garden is in full swing! We're celebrating the harvest of patty pan squash, a versatile and delightful addition to our culinary repertoire. Additionally, our compost experiment has yielded a bounty of potatoes – a testament to the power of soil enrichment. Stay tuned as we reveal which compost mixture emerged as the true champion.
Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the world of allotment gardening. Remember, it's not always about the picture-perfect harvests; challenges are opportunities for growth. Until next time, keep tending to your plants, fostering community, and savoring the joys of cultivating your own corner of nature's bounty. Happy gardening!
Stay connected with The Veg Grower Podcast on Social media], and don't miss out on future episodes packed with practical tips,
Gardening is a delightful journey filled with moments of joy and unexpected challenges. In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, we delve into the dynamic world of Richard's garden as he navigates the highs and lows of cultivating his own oasis of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Join us as we explore the heart-warming progress of plants, the bittersweet farewell to a beloved chicken, and the unwelcome appearance of blight that has sent shockwaves through the garden.
In the Home Garden
The episode starts with a heart-touching story – the tale of Hawkins, a beloved chicken whose fate took a tragic turn due to a sparrowhawk encounter. A once-timid chicken, Hawkins had been a regular egg-layer and a cherished garden companion. Her passing due to the sparrowhawk's visit serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between nature's wonders and its challenges.
Amidst the anecdotes, Richard shares his endeavors in nurturing young Swiss chard and kale plants, a task made more challenging by the influx of slugs and snails encouraged by the wet weather. Nevertheless, his determination shines through as he carefully tends to the plants, determined to help them flourish. The kohl rabi finds its home in the soil, while hedgehogs, long-awaited guests, add a touch of wild charm to the garden.
Richard also recounts his efforts in transforming an area in his garden previously occupied by logs into a space for winter water butts. A dilapidated chicken coop awaits a new home, free for the taking. But the true stars of the garden are the harvests – a delightful medley of beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, beetroot, carrots, salad leaves, and fragrant herbs. However, this abundance is marred by the arrival of blight, a formidable adversary that demands immediate attention.
The Blight Encounter
The episode takes a turn as blight makes its presence known. Richard's tomato plants have fallen victim to this devastating disease, threatening to wipe out an entire crop. Late Blight, caused by a fungi-like organism, is notorious for its rapid spread, and Richard details the unmistakable symptoms – dark patches on leaves that quickly lead to withering and death. He answers the question of what exactly blight is and elaborates on its impact, drawing parallels to its role in historical events like the Irish potato famine.
Richard provides insights into combating blight – from the swift removal and destruction of infected plants to methods of prevention. He shares valuable tips, like ensuring proper spacing for good air circulation, watering soil rather than foliage, and considering blight-resistant varieties. While Richard acknowledges that there is no definitive treatment, he emphasizes the importance of vigilance and action to curb the disease's effects.
Supporters Club Buzz
The podcast episode also highlights the vibrant community of gardening enthusiasts who make up the supporters club. Richard encourages listeners to leave reviews on podcast platforms or become club members to access exclusive content and seed collections. This week, the supporters club has been focused on sowing spring cabbage seeds and discussing ways to make gardens both beautiful and efficient.
Click the button below to find out more
Scott's recipe
Chef Scott is back this week with a tasty recipe. Aubergine, chickpea and spinach Curry. Absolutely delicious so go give it a try
Conclusion
In the end, the episode encapsulates the essence of gardening – a beautiful blend of challenges and triumphs. The garden is a realm where life flourishes, but it's also a battleground against forces like blight that test a gardener's resilience. Through Hawkins' memory, the tale of plants' progress, and the fight against blight, the episode paints a vivid picture of a gardener's journey – one that is rewarding, humbling, and ever-evolving.
As we bid farewell to this episode,
Welcome back to another captivating episode of the Veg Grower podcast, where we cultivate the knowledge and skills needed to transform your gardening endeavours into a bountiful table spread. Today, we're embarking on a journey through the realms of harvest storage – an indispensable aspect of reaping the rewards of your hard work. Before we dive into the depths of storing your precious produce, let's kick things off with an enticing update from the allotment.
Allotment Update:
Bask in the glory of drier weather as we traverse the lush expanses of our allotment. The sun's warm embrace has graced us, allowing the earth to exhale after a refreshing rain. This weather shift brings exciting news – our tomato vines are heavy with vibrant red treasures, ready for the plucking. Onions, too, have responded to nature's rhythm, and their papery layers beckon us to gather them for future culinary delights. And, as we bid farewell to summer, a new chapter unfolds as we lovingly tuck in butternut squash plants, promising autumnal abundance in the days to come.
The art of storing our harvests.
When we spend much of the year growing our food in order to have fresh produce it seems a shame to not make some of this food last into the winter months where we can. This week we Dive into the art of storing our harvests, with the following points to think about
Temperature and Humidity: As the season's dance guides us through transitions, our harvests embark on a new journey – from garden to table. Join us as we unlock the secrets of temperature and humidity, crafting the perfect environments for each precious crop. From the cool embrace of root veggies to the warm haven of tomatoes and peppers, discover how to honour their individual preferences while preserving their essence.
Darkness and Light: As the sun casts its enchanting glow upon our garden, we delve into the interplay of darkness and light. We explore the subtle art of light exposure, safeguarding the potential of onions and potatoes to blossom while nurturing herbs and fruits that thrive under its gentle touch.
The "Don't Wash Everything" Rule: In the delicate balance between garden and plate, the wisdom of washing takes centre stage. Unearth the secrets of selective washing – a practice that elevates the flavours and longevity of your produce. Learn when to embrace the water's caress and when to hold off, preserving the pristine quality of your harvests.
Choosing the Right Containers: Amidst this journey of preservation, containers emerge as our steadfast companions. Discover the art of container selection, from rustic wooden crates that embrace airflow to the elegant embrace of glass jars. With each choice, we safeguard the future of our harvests and relish in the convenience of well-labelled vessels.
Inspect and Rotate: Vigilance becomes our ally as we traverse the landscape of storage. Regular inspection and timely removal of imperfections ensure that our harvest's integrity remains intact. Enter the dance of rotation, a mindful choreography that maximizes enjoyment while minimizing waste.
Freezing and Preserving: In times of abundance, the freezer becomes our ally, and preservation our art. Step into the world of blanching, where the essence of flavours and nutrients are preserved in icy embrace. Journey into the realm of pickling and canning, where our garden's offerings transcend their seasonal boundaries.
Garden Update and Conclusion:
As our episode draws to a close, let's journey back to our garden sanctuary for an update on its ever-changing tapestry. With each passing day, we witness the growth, transformation, and the symphony of life that envelops our green haven. Remember, the garden is a testament to your dedication, a living testament to your nurturing touch.
With the wisdom garnered today, you're now prepared to embark on a journey of harvest storage mastery. Each segment has illuminated a new facet of this art,
Hey there, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. We've got a fantastic line-up for you today, filled with updates from the allotment, some amazing gardening bargains we've uncovered, a mouth-watering recipe from Chef Scott, a garden update to envy, and an exclusive competition that you won't want to miss. So, let's dive right in!
Allotment Adventures: Navigating Rain and Greenery
We kick off this episode with a rundown of the latest happenings at the allotment. The rain has been quite the challenge, leading to a lack of attendance. However, our determination knows no bounds! Despite the wet weather, we rolled up our sleeves and managed to tackle some important tasks on Monday. We pulled weeds, emptied a compost bin, and even got around to mowing the grass. Our neighbours have finally joined the mowing party too!
Supporters Club: Join the Green Revolution!
Before we get to the juicy details, a quick shout out to our incredible supporters club. Your unwavering support keeps the Veg Grower Podcast thriving and blooming. Plus I believe its another one of our gardening bargains. If you're as passionate about gardening as we are and want to be part of our green revolution, consider joining our supporters club today!
Hidden Treasures: Unearthing Gardening Bargains
Now, let's talk about the exciting treasure hunt we've been on. We've struck gardening gold with our latest finds – two current plants from Wilko, each costing a mere 20p! But the adventure didn't stop there. We scoured garden centres, car boot sales, and various shops in search of more unbelievable deals. Tune in to learn our top strategies for unearthing these gardening gems on a budget.
Competition Alert: Win Tickets to Gardeners World Autumn Fair!
We've got a fantastic competition for you. One lucky winner will have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the highly anticipated Gardeners World Autumn Fair on September 3rd, 2023. Participating is as easy as pie – simply email us your best gardening bargain of the year by August 14th, 2023. All entries will be placed into a hat, and our winner will be chosen at random. Keep your eyes peeled for our social media updates and website for the full terms and conditions.
Culinary Delight: Chef Scott's Crispy Chilli Garlic Oil Recipe
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a delectable treat from the kitchen of Chef Scott. Today, he's sharing his secret recipe for crispy chilli garlic oil. With a hint of garden-fresh flavour, this aromatic oil is the perfect companion to many dishes. Tune in for a step-by-step guide to creating this culinary masterpiece.
Full recipe can be found here
Garden Glory: Weeding, Harvesting, and Compost Bin Adventures
Time to step back into the garden and soak in the beauty of nature's bounty. Our gardening efforts have paid off! We've cleared even more weeds, emptied yet another compost bin, and the harvest has been nothing short of spectacular. Veggies aplenty have graced our kitchen, and we can't wait to share our haul with you.
Wrapping Up: Until Next Time
As we wind down this episode, we want to thank you, our dedicated listeners, for joining us on this gardening journey. Your support fuels our passion, and we're thrilled to share our experiences, tips, and triumphs with each and every one of you. Don't forget to submit your gardening bargain for a chance to win those Gardeners World Autumn Fair tickets! Stay tuned for more exciting content in our upcoming episodes, and until next time, happy gardening!
Welcome, green thumbs and gardening enthusiasts, to another exciting episode of the Veg Grower podcast! This week, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of wormeries – those incredible systems that turn organic waste into nature's very own "black gold." So, buckle up, because we're about to explore how these wriggling wonders can transform your garden and make a positive impact on the environment.
What is a Wormery?
A wormery, also known as a vermicomposting system, is a clever way to harness the power of worms to break down organic matter and produce nutrient-rich compost. These composting heroes are no other than earthworms, a gardener's best friends. They work tirelessly to convert kitchen scraps, garden waste, and even paper into a dark, crumbly, and highly nutritious compost that can breathe new life into your plants.
Why Should You Embrace Wormeries?
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Sustainable Waste Management: With wormeries, you can significantly reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills. By composting your kitchen and garden waste with the help of these eco-friendly helpers, you're actively contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
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Nutrient-Rich Compost: The compost produced by wormeries is a powerhouse of nutrients. Worm castings, also known as "vermicast," are filled with essential minerals and beneficial microorganisms that promote soil health and plant growth.
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Improved Soil Structure: Adding wormery compost to your soil enhances its structure, making it more airy and well-draining. This improved soil structure allows plant roots to access oxygen and water more effectively, leading to healthier and more robust plants.
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Cost-Effective Solution: Wormeries are relatively low-cost and low-maintenance. Once established, they provide a continuous supply of compost, saving you money on commercial fertilizers and soil conditioners.
Starting Your Own Wormery
Setting up a wormery is straightforward, and you can do it in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Choose the Right Worms: Red worms (Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei) are the ideal species for vermicomposting. They thrive in organic matter and reproduce quickly, ensuring a steady workforce for your composting needs.
Step 2: Select a Suitable Container: You can use a specially designed wormery bin or even a DIY solution using old containers. Ensure it has good ventilation and drainage to maintain a healthy environment for the worms.
Step 3: Bedding and Feeding: Fill the container with moist bedding material such as shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir. Introduce the worms to their new home and start feeding them kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and fruit scraps. Avoid adding meat, dairy, oily foods, or pet waste.
Step 4: Maintenance: Keep an eye on the moisture level and ensure the wormery remains moist but not waterlogged. Feed the worms regularly, but don't overfeed. Harvest the compost when it's ready, usually every few months.
Podcast Highlights
In this week's Veg Grower podcast, we delve deeper into the ins and outs of wormeries. Richard shares how he has successfully implemented wormeries in his garden, exploring their tips and tricks for a thriving vermicomposting system.
We also have Scott's recipe of the week a delicious slow cooked runner bean with preserved lemons dish which is absolutely delightful.
Don't forget we can only grow this podcast with your help. Leave a review on your podcast provider or consider becoming a supporting member by clicking the button below
Hello, gardening enthusiasts! Welcome to another exciting episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. I'm Richard, your host, on a mission to grow all my fruit, vegetables, and herbs in my beloved allotment and garden. In this episode, we'll explore effective ways for dealing with garden pests naturally, along with the latest updates from my productive allotment. Let's dive in!
Dealing with Garden Pests Naturally:
While my garden usually enjoys pest-free days, this week has brought a few unwelcome visitors. First, I noticed peach leaf curl, a fungal disease affecting peach and nectarine trees. It's a rare sight at this time of year, but I'm tackling it by handpicking the infected leaves and taking extra precautions by bringing affected plants into the greenhouse from November to May.
Another challenge I faced is powdery mildew on my courgettes. This common fungal disease can be quite a nuisance, but I'm promptly removing the affected leaves. Some fellow gardeners have recommended a natural treatment using milk spray, which I'm eager to try.
Caterpillars have also been spotted munching on my beloved Brussels sprouts. Although this is an uncommon issue in my garden, I'm taking action by picking off the caterpillars and their eggs regularly. The wild birds, who are excellent allies in the garden, usually help maintain the balance, but I'm supporting them further by providing these caterpillar snacks to my chickens.
I recently received a query from a listener in our Facebook group about allium leaf miners. These pesky small flies lay eggs on allium plants, causing damage. Unfortunately, there are no specific treatments available, but I plan to incorporate crop rotation and good garden hygiene to mitigate future occurrences.
Allotment Adventures:
Our allotment has been bustling with activity lately. I can't help but notice how much noisier it has become since the new reload opened nearby. Nevertheless, we continue our commitment to grow food here despite the distractions.
Harvests have been abundant this week, with beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions gracing our baskets. The hard work invested in nurturing these plants has certainly paid off, and we're reaping the rewards of fresh, homegrown produce.
Additionally, I had the chance to harvest some delightful currants from the top part of the allotment after lending a helping hand to my neighbor by trimming their plot. It's always a pleasure to foster a sense of community among allotment growers.
Rainy weather has left the grass area too thick to mow, but I'm eagerly waiting for it to dry out so I can tidy it up properly. As we strive for an efficient and productive allotment, I've emptied a compost bin, spreading its fantastic compost over one of our beds to nourish the soil for future growth.
Empty spaces are emerging, and I'm quickly filling them with seeds and other vegetable plants. Every inch of space matters, and I'm maximizing our growing potential in the allotment.
Conclusion:
That's a wrap for this week's episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. I hope you found the tips on dealing with garden pests without pesticides helpful and enjoyed the updates from our lively allotment adventures. Remember, maintaining a healthy garden and allotment requires vigilance and a harmonious relationship with nature.
Be sure to try out Scott's mouth-watering French peas recipe, and stay tuned for more exciting gardening insights and updates in future episodes. Until next time, happy gardening, and remember to grow and enjoy your own produce!
If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support us then please hit the button below to find out more!!
Welcome to Episode 510 of the Veg Grower Podcast! In this exciting instalment, we dive into the latest happenings in the world of vegetable gardening, allotments, and fruitful harvests. Join us as we explore allotment updates, summer fruit tree care, and the joys of a bountiful garden harvest. Let's get started!
Allotment Updates: Weeding, Harvesting, and Surprising Discoveries
On the allotment, we've been diligently tackling the ongoing task of weeding to ensure our crops thrive. The battle against weeds is never-ending, but it's a crucial step to maintain a healthy growing environment. Alongside weeding, we've been rewarded with an abundant harvest. Tomatoes, runner beans, potatoes, blackberries, currents, and gooseberries have graced our baskets. One highlight has been the introduction of Maris Bard early potatoes, which have surpassed our expectations with their impressive yield and size. While they may suffer from scab, the reward of flavour and quantity more than makes up for it. Additionally, we've explored creative ways to utilize empty beds, such as planting purple French beans after clearing the broad bean plants. Our gardening journey has also included the excitement of Charles, our crown prince pumpkin plant, producing a squash with intriguing features. We eagerly await its further development.
Summer Fruit Tree Care: Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Growth
In the segment on summer fruit tree care, we discussed how recent strong winds posed a risk to our precious trees. We explored techniques to address potential damage, such as gently using tights to hold broken branches together. Additionally, we delved into the concept of the June drop, nature's way of thinning excess fruit to ensure optimal development. Pruning stone fruit trees was highlighted as a vital task during the summer months, along with providing proper nutrition, mulching, and consistent watering. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment that promotes fruit tree health and productivity, ensuring a future abundance of delicious homegrown fruits.
Recipe time
A few weeks ago I thought it would be good to get some new voices on the podcast in particular a chef. Well listener Scott has stepped up and share a recipe and even recorded audio for it. Its a Stilton, Smoked Bacon and vegetable gratin. It sounds absolutely delicious and love to know what you think of it.
Garden Update: Strawberries, Peas, Spinach, and Abundant Harvests
Transitioning to the home garden, we expressed gratitude for minimal damage caused by the strong winds. In the greenhouse, we've witnessed our strawberries in hanging baskets sending out runners. We've taken advantage of this natural process, carefully pinning the runners into small pots filled with multi-purpose compost, with the goal of obtaining new plants for next year. Outside, we've cleared the first batch of peas, making space for a potential new sowing to tackle the challenges we've faced this year. Spinach has also found its place in a raised bed, ready to provide us with an additional harvest. The season has brought us peas, radishes, beetroot, courgettes, raspberries, Tayberries, and currents, filling our kitchen with an array of homegrown delights.
Conclusion: A Call to Action and Growing Together
As this episode comes to a close, we extend an invitation to our listeners to leave a review for the Veg Grower Podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more gardening enthusiasts and share the joy of growing our own food. We also encourage you to consider becoming a supporting member, unlocking exclusive behind-the-scenes content and receiving monthly seed collections. Connect with us via email or our website's voicemail feature, and don't forget to follow us on social media for further updates, tips, and inspiration.
Until next time, take care, keep gardening, and relish in the abundant harvests nature provides. Happy growing!
Hello, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Welcome to another exciting episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of basil. Get ready for a basil bonanza filled with growing tips, recipe delights, and updates from our thriving allotment.
Allotment Update: Harvests and Green Vibrancy
In our allotment update segment, we'll share the latest happenings in our vegetable garden. It's been a rewarding time as we've been reaping the fruits of our labour. Juicy Tayberries, succulent raspberries, crisp peas, luscious strawberries, and versatile courgettes have been gracing our plates with their homegrown goodness. There's truly nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting your own produce.
But it's not just about harvesting; we've also been sowing new crops to keep our garden vibrant and diverse. Recently, we planted a variety of lettuces and rocket, adding a splash of green to our garden beds. The process of nurturing these leafy greens from seed to plate is both rewarding and fulfilling.
Basil: A Herb with Green Magic
In the spotlight of today's episode, we have the magnificent herb: basil. Basil holds a special place in the hearts of gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. From its vibrant green leaves to its enticing aroma, basil is a must-have in any herb garden.
Growing Tips: Unlocking the Basil's Potential
We'll provide you with expert tips on growing your own basil. Whether you have a spacious garden or a tiny windowsill, basil can thrive with the right care. We'll guide you through the process, from sowing the seeds to maintaining the plants for bushier growth. You'll learn how to harness the full potential of this versatile herb in your own garden.
The Versatility of Basil: From Garden to Kitchen
But it doesn't stop there! Basil is renowned for its various culinary applications. We'll explore the incredible versatility of basil in the kitchen, from classic Italian dishes like Caprese salad and pesto sauce to exotic Thai curries and Vietnamese pho. You'll discover how basil can elevate your favorite recipes with its distinct flavor and fresh aroma.
Recipe Delights: Homemade Pesto
Speaking of recipes, our recipe segment will feature a delightful pesto recipe. Pesto is a timeless favorite that showcases the amazing taste of basil. Here's how you can make your own pesto:
Ingredients:
A generous bunch of fresh basil leaves
A handful of pine nuts
Two garlic cloves
Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese
A quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown and become fragrant.
In a food processor or blender, combine the toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and fresh basil leaves. Pulse until they're finely chopped and well combined.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt. Give it a few more pulses to incorporate the cheese into the mixture.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a week, but trust us, it won't last that long!
Allotment Updates: Shed Tidying and Harvest Delights
But before we wrap up, we'll also provide updates from our allotment. We have a voicemail from a fellow allotmenteer and youtuber Bill and Val's Allotment
We'll share the progress of our ongoing projects, such as tidying the shed and the recent harvests we've enjoyed. Additionally, we'll announce an exciting opportunity for our listeners to join our Supporters Club, where they can access exclusive content and receive monthly seed collections.
Join us on this basil-filled journey as we delve into the world of growing, savoring, and enjoying the wonders of this magnificent herb. Together, let's cultivate knowledge,
In this weeks veg grower podcast we are noticing that many of our crops are being harvested which is leaving empty spaces. Seems a shame to leave that space empty so what can we plant in those empty spaces. Find out in the podcast
Welcome to another episode of The Veg Ground Podcast! Today, as the evening sun bathes my allotment, I find myself reflecting on how this plot has shaped the past ten years of the podcast. Join me as I take a trip down memory lane and share some exciting updates from the garden.
Garden Update:
When I first started this podcast a decade ago, I wasn't on this very allotment. Back then, I was co-working an allotment in Brighton—an hour's drive away. Maintaining that garden from afar was quite challenging, but it introduced me to the vibrant world of allotments. I fell in love with the sense of community and the joy of growing my own food. Eventually, I decided to apply for an allotment closer to home, and I was fortunate to be accepted.
Eight years ago, I took on plot 128B—a space overrun with waist-high couch grass. It was a daunting task, but I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Clearing the grass and learning valuable lessons along the way, I built a series of beds using pallet wood. Though they served me well initially, I soon realized that pallet wood wasn't a long-term solution. Recently, I replaced those beds with reclaimed timber, providing a sturdier and more aesthetically pleasing foundation for my crops.
Five years ago, I expanded to plot 128A, doubling the size of my allotment. With a generous growing space of 250m2, I replicated the bed system that worked so well on the lower plot. However, I learned from my previous mistake and made the paths between the beds wider—60cm—making it easier to navigate and tend to the plants.
Ten Year Anniversary Segment:
Today marks a significant milestone—ten years of The Veg Ground Podcast! It has been an incredible journey, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the listeners who have joined me throughout the years. Your support and enthusiasm have been invaluable. We've shared gardening tips, discussed challenges, and celebrated the joys of growing our own food.
In honor of this special occasion, I want to highlight some of the heartwarming messages we received from listeners. Your kind words and stories have touched my heart, and they serve as a reminder of the strong community that has grown around this podcast. Thank you for being a part of it!
Cherry Pie Recipe:
In celebration of the season's bounty, I want to share a delightful cherry pie recipe with you. With the abundance of cherries from my allotment, this recipe is a perfect way to savor their sweet and tangy flavor. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
4 cups of fresh cherries, pitted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir until the cherries are well coated.
Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the cherry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips. Create a lattice pattern on top of the cherry filling by weaving the strips over and under each other.
Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help the filling set.
Slice into this scrumptious cherry pie and savor the flavors of summer. It's the perfect dessert to enjoy while reflecting on a decade of gardening adventures.
Allotment Update:
Returning to the present, let's take a look at the current state of my allotment. The early summer crops are flourishing,
Welcome to the Veg Grower Podcast, where we dive into the wonderful world of growing our own food! In today's episode, we'll take you on a journey through our visit to the highly anticipated Gardener's World Live 2023 event. Join us as we share the inspiring highlights, captivating interviews, and a delightful elderflower cordial recipe that will quench your thirst this summer.
On the Allotment: Preparing for the Journey
Before embarking on our adventure to the Gardener's World Live, we made sure to prepare our beloved allotment. Watering and weeding diligently, we also took the opportunity to plant some squash plants in the empty spaces. Our efforts were rewarded with a bountiful harvest of potatoes, rhubarb, broad beans, and cherries, ensuring that our allotment thrives even during our absence.
Gardeners World Live Show: A Gardening Paradise
Now, let's transport you to the Gardener's World Live Show, where green thumbs from far and wide gather to celebrate their love for gardening. We had the pleasure of chatting with Jenny and Kate, two incredible individuals who not only shared their own highlights from the show but also offered their unique perspectives as wheelchair users navigating the event. From vibrant show gardens that ignited creativity to meeting gardening experts like Monty Don, the Gardener's World Live Show proved to be a true gardening paradise for enthusiasts of all abilities.
Back in the studio, we couldn't wait to share our personal highlights from the Gardener's World Live Show. The vivid colours of the flower displays and the exquisite fragrances filled our senses, inspiring us to bring a touch of the show's magic to our own gardens. Discovering rare plant varieties in the plant market was a delightful experience, and we couldn't resist adding a few new treasures to our collection. But the journey doesn't end there – we have a special treat for you!
Elderflower Cordial Recipe: Refreshingly Floral
As summer arrives, it's time to indulge in the refreshing flavours of elderflower cordial. We've crafted a simple yet delightful recipe that showcases the essence of elderflowers. Gather the freshest elderflower heads, infuse them with zesty lemon, and sweeten the mixture with sugar. Our recipe also includes a touch of citric acid for a tangy twist. Sip this floral elixir when the sun is high, and let its enchanting flavours transport you to a blooming garden.
Ingredients:
20-25 elderflower heads
1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) granulated sugar
1.5 liters (6 cups) boiling water
2 lemons
75g (2.6 oz) citric acid (available at pharmacies or specialty stores)
Instructions:
Begin by shaking the elderflower heads gently to remove any insects or debris. Make sure to use freshly picked elderflowers for the best flavor.
In a large heatproof bowl or container, place the elderflower heads.
Zest the lemons and add the zest to the bowl with the elderflowers. Cut the zested lemons into slices and set them aside for later.
In a separate pot, bring the water to a boil.
Carefully pour the boiling water over the elderflowers and lemon zest in the bowl. Stir gently to submerge all the flowers.
Cover the bowl and let the mixture steep for 24-48 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
After the steeping time, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot.
Add the sugar and lemon slices to the strained liquid, and heat gently over low heat until the sugar has dissolved completely. Stir occasionally to ensure thorough mixing.
Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the citric acid until fully dissolved. This helps to preserve the cordial and gives it a tangy flavor.
Allow the cordial to cool completely.
Once cooled, pour the cordial into sterilized glass bottles or jars.
Welcome to this week's episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! In today's show, we explore the fascinating world of companion planting, discover the latest updates from our allotment and garden, and wrap up with a delicious potato salad recipe. So, let's dive right in!
Allotment Update:
This week at the allotment, we've been tackling various tasks influenced by the scorching heat. We've carefully tended to our plants during the cooler parts of the day to ensure their well-being. One of the highlights has been harvesting an abundant crop of new potatoes. The earthy aroma and tender texture of these freshly dug spuds make them a true summer delight. We've savoured their creamy goodness in a variety of dishes, from simple boiled potatoes to flavourful potato salads.
Companion Planting:
In the main segment of this week's podcast, we delve into the wonderful world of companion planting. We explore the benefits of cultivating plant partnerships that enhance growth and pest control. From the classic combination of tomatoes and basil to the protective companionship of marigolds and nasturtiums, we discuss the strategies and plant pairings that thrive in hot weather. Discover how to harness the power of nature's harmony to create a vibrant and resilient garden ecosystem.
Garden Update:
Moving on to our garden update, the hot weather has presented both challenges and opportunities. We made the difficult decision to remove a mature perpetual spinach plant that had succumbed to the heat. This opens up space for new growth and experimentation. We've also been busy potting up young plants, providing them with shade and extra care to ensure their survival in these challenging conditions. Additionally, we've joyfully harvested sweet and crisp peas, relishing the flavours of summer and celebrating the rewards of our hard work.
Potato Salad Recipe:
And now, let's tantalize your taste buds with a delightful potato salad recipe that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds (680g) new potatoes, washed and halved
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place the halved potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped red onion, parsley, and dill.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked potatoes to the bowl of herbs and onions. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and gently toss until well coated.
Adjust the seasoning to taste and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing combination of flavors and textures!
And finally:
As we wrap up this episode, we want to express our gratitude to our dedicated listeners. Your support means the world to us. If you enjoy the Veg Grower Podcast and would like to become a supporting member, we invite you to join our Supporters Club. By signing up, you gain access to exclusive content, receive free seeds each month (this month, it's butternut squash and kale seeds), and enjoy behind-the-scenes podcasts for just five pounds a month. To become a member, visit our website at theveggrowerpodcastco.uk and take part in this thriving community of passionate gardeners.
We hope you've enjoyed this week's episode, packed with insights into companion planting, updates from our allotment and garden, and a delectable potato salad recipe. Remember to tune in next week for more gardening inspiration and tips. Don't forget to leave a review and share the podcast with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Happy gardening!
Welcome to another episode of The Veg Grower Podcast, where we dive into the world of gardening to help you make the most of your green space. In this week’s episode, we’ll explore the art of mulching and mulches and how it can enhance your gardening experience. So, let’s get started!
Allotment Update: Tidying, Feeding, and PlantingIn our latest allotment update, we’ll take you through the exciting activities that took place over the past week. From tidying up the greenhouse to feeding the tomatoes and planting cucumbers, we’ve been busy nurturing our plants for a bountiful harvest. Join us as we share valuable tips and tricks for maintaining a thriving allotment garden.
Mulch Section: Exploring a Variety of MulchesMulching is an essential practice for any gardener looking to improve soil health and plant performance. In this segment, we’ll delve into the mulches we use in our garden. From grass clippings and comfrey to compost, cardboard, wood chips, and even membrane, we’ve experimented with a range of options. We’ll discuss the benefits of each type of mulch and offer insights on how to choose the right one for your garden’s unique needs. Tune in to discover the wonders of mulching and unlock its potential for your own green oasis.
Garden Update: Longing for Rain and Promising FruitsAs we gaze upon our garden, we find ourselves longing for rain to quench the thirst of our plants. However, despite the dry spell, our front garden fruits have started showing promising signs of growth. Join us as we share the excitement of seeing our hard work pay off and discuss the challenges and triumphs of gardening in unpredictable weather conditions. Plus, we’ll take you to our Vegepod garden, where we’ll talk about removing spinach and sowing more pea seeds for a continuous harvest.
Outro with a Delicious Mayonnaise RecipeAs we bid farewell to another informative episode, we can’t leave without sharing a delectable bonus with you. Today, we have a mouthwatering homemade mayonnaise recipe to complement your culinary adventures.
Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe:Ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while whisking continuously until the mixture begins to emulsify and thicken.
- Continue whisking and drizzling the oil until you’ve incorporated all of it and the mayonnaise has reached a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, giving it a final mix.
Now you have a homemade mayonnaise that will take your sandwiches, salads, and dips to the next level. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
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In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, we delve into the wonders of embracing the seasons in our gardens and allotments. Join Richard, your host and passionate gardener, as he shares valuable insights on what to sow now for winter veg, provides updates on his own garden and allotment, and offers a delightful recipe featuring fresh spinach.
Allotment Update: Planting Out Runner Beans and SweetcornRichard takes us through his latest allotment adventures, where he shares the excitement of planting out runner beans and sweetcorn. Discover his tips for successful planting and learn how to make the most of warm weather conditions to ensure the thriving growth of these crops. Plus, get ready for a funny anecdote about an accidental early potato harvest during a weeding session!
Sow Now for Winter Veg: Planning Ahead for a Bountiful SeasonAs the bank holiday weekend approaches, Richard dives into the importance of sowing now for winter veg. Discover the varieties that thrive during colder months and the steps you can take to ensure a successful winter harvest. From selecting the right crops to preparing the soil, Richard shares practical tips and tricks to help you plan ahead and enjoy a bountiful season.
Garden Update: Bank Holiday Gardening ExtravaganzaRichard provides an exciting update on his own garden, highlighting the productivity of the bank holiday weekend. Learn about his recent plantings, including beans, squash varieties like courgette and cucumber, and the beloved trio of tomatoes, chillies, and peppers. Additionally, explore Richard’s creative use of hortiwool liners for hanging baskets, adding a touch of vibrancy to outdoor spaces. Keep an eye out for the mention of spinach starting to bolt, a timely reminder to make the most of this delicious leafy green.
Recipe of the Week: Spinach and Chickpea CurryTo tantalize your taste buds, Richard shares his Recipe of the Week featuring fresh spinach—a delectable Spinach and Chickpea Curry. Discover how to combine the vibrant goodness of spinach with protein-packed chickpeas for a hearty and flavorsome meal. Richard provides step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure your curry turns out delicious every time. Get ready to enjoy the flavors of homegrown goodness on your plate.
Spinach and Chickpea Curry
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Next, add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and chili powder to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the onions, garlic, and ginger, creating a fragrant curry base.
- Now, add the fresh spinach leaves and chickpeas to the pan. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts down and combines with the other ingredients.
- Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt to taste. Stir well and let the curry simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the curry has thickened slightly and the spinach is cooked to your desired consistency, it’s ready to be served. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
Conclusion and Calls to ActionAs the episode draws to a close, Richard encourages listeners to take action. Leave a review on your favourite podcast provider to help the Veg Grower Podcast reach more gardening enthusiasts. Consider becoming a supporting member to access exclusive content and early releases. Richard invites listeners to get in touch via email or voicemail, welcoming their gardening questions and stories. Finally, don’t forget to follow the Veg Grower Podcast on social media for ongoing inspiration and community discussions.
Join our supporters club
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! In Episode 502, we dive into the world of vegetable gardening, sharing insightful updates from our allotment, exploring the art of making plant feeds for free, and tantalizing your taste buds with a delectable broad bean recipe. Get ready to grow green, feed your plants naturally, and savour the flavours of your harvest!
Allotment Update: In this episode, we bring you the latest happenings from our beloved allotment. From efficient weeding strategies to maintaining the health of our crops, we discuss the triumphs and challenges of tending to our vegetable garden. Discover how we make the most of our time on the allotment and learn valuable tips to enhance your own gardening practices.
Making Plant Feeds for Free: One of the highlights of this episode is our segment on making plant feeds for free. We delve into the importance of sustainable gardening practices and provide practical methods to create nutrient-rich feeds using readily available materials. Learn how to make compost tea, create liquid manure, and harness the power of nettle and comfrey to nourish your plants naturally. Taking control of your plant nutrition has never been easier or more rewarding.
Broad Bean and Mint Salad Recipe: No garden update is complete without a delicious recipe to showcase the flavours of our harvest. In this episode, we share a delightful Broad Bean and Mint Salad recipe that celebrates the vibrant taste of freshly harvested broad beans. Discover how to blanch the beans to perfection and combine them with the aromatic freshness of mint for a refreshing and satisfying salad. It’s a simple dish that will elevate your culinary experience and allow you to fully enjoy the rewards of your gardening efforts.
Ingredients:
- Freshly harvested broad beans
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lemon juice
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blanch the broad beans in boiling water for a few minutes until tender. Drain and cool them under cold running water.
- Remove the tough outer skins from the beans to reveal the vibrant green beans inside.
- Finely chop the fresh mint leaves.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched broad beans and the chopped mint leaves.
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the mixture and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to ensure the beans and mint are coated evenly with the dressing.
- Allow the flavors to meld together for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion: As we wrap up this episode, we invite you to explore the full spectrum of vegetable gardening. From nurturing your allotment to harnessing the power of free plant feeds, there are endless opportunities to grow green and feed your plants naturally. And remember, every journey through the garden is made better by the delicious flavours of homegrown produce. So, join us in savouring the joys of gardening and discovering new ways to connect with nature through our shared love for vegetables.
Be sure to listen to the Veg Grower Podcast, Episode 502, to dive deeper into the allotment update, learn how to make plant feeds for free, and get the mouth-watering Broad Bean and Mint Salad recipe. Happy gardening and bon appétit!
Welcome to another exciting podcast from Richard The Veg Grower Podcast! In this episode, we’ll provide you with an update on our allotment progress, delve into the world of growing sweetcorn, and even share a mouth-watering recipe for creamed spinach. Join us as we explore the joys of cultivating our own food and discover the delicious rewards of homegrown produce.
Allotment Update: In our latest allotment adventure, we’ve been busy tending to our plot, nurturing a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. From preparing the soil to planting seeds and nurturing the growing plants, each step has brought us closer to a bountiful harvest. We’ll share our experiences, successes, and challenges, as well as the valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Growing Sweetcorn: One crop that has particularly captured our attention is sweetcorn. We’ll take you through the process of growing sweetcorn from seed in the UK, providing essential tips for a successful harvest. From site selection and soil preparation to seed selection, planting, and maintenance, we’ll guide you through each stage of the sweetcorn journey. Discover how to nurture these tall, majestic plants and revel in the satisfaction of homegrown sweetcorn on your plate.
Creamed Spinach Recipe: To celebrate our love for homegrown greens, we’re excited to share a delectable recipe for creamed spinach. It’s the perfect way to showcase the vibrant flavours of freshly harvested spinach from your own garden. This creamy side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses and is sure to delight your taste buds. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create this savoury, nutrient-packed delight that will elevate your meals to a whole new level.
- 1 pound fresh spinach, rinsed and tough stems removed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup double cream
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the spinach to the pan, stirring until wilted, for about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the double cream and sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg.
- Cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cream has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish.
- Serve warm as a delectable side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Conclusion: As gardeners, we know the joy and fulfilment that comes from growing our own food. The experiences shared in this episode and blog post reflect our passion for sustainable gardening and the rewards it brings. From the excitement of nurturing an allotment to the satisfaction of a homegrown harvest, we hope our stories and insights inspire you on your own gardening journey.
Remember to tune in to The Veg Grower Podcast for more episodes filled with valuable gardening tips, updates, and delicious recipes. Join our growing community, leave a review to let us know your thoughts, and consider becoming a supporter to gain access to exclusive content. Connect with us on social media and share your gardening experiences—we’d love to hear from you!
Now, go forth, cultivate your dreams, and savour the flavours of your own garden. Happy gardening!
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Welcome to episode 500 of the Veg Grower Podcast! In this episode, we’ll be discussing the No Mow May campaign and how it can benefit your vegetable garden.
No Mow May is a campaign that encourages people to stop mowing their lawns for the entire month of May to allow wildflowers to grow and provide food and habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. But how can it benefit your vegetable garden?
One way is to create a wildlife area in your garden. Instead of mowing your lawn, you can turn an old washing up bowl into a wildlife pond and sow wildflower seeds around it. This will provide food and habitat for pollinators, which will help to increase the yield of your vegetable crops.
Companion planting is also a great way to support the health and productivity of your vegetable garden. By planting certain crops together, you can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings. For example, planting marigolds next to your tomatoes can help to repel nematodes and whiteflies, while attracting pollinators to your garden.
Another important aspect of vegetable gardening is mulching. Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and add organic matter to the soil as the mulch breaks down. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, including straw, leaves, grass clippings, and compost. Just be sure to avoid using fresh grass clippings, which can create a thick mat that can smother your plants.
Crop rotation is also essential for maintaining the health of your vegetable garden. By rotating your crops, you can help to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil. Ideally, you should rotate your crops every year, moving plants from one family to another. For example, if you grew tomatoes in a particular bed last year, this year you should plant a crop from a different family, such as beans or brassicas.
In this episode, I also shared an update on my own vegetable garden. Some of my crops are doing well, such as my peas and strawberries, while others are struggling, such as my spinach and lettuce. It’s important to remember that not every crop will thrive in every season, so don’t be discouraged if some of your plants don’t do well.
Drop me an email to share what you are doing for No mow May too!!!
Finally, I want to thank our listener for their message and share a delicious recipe for coronation quiche. This quiche is perfect for a spring picnic or lunch in the garden.
That’s all for today’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. Thanks for listening, and happy gardening!
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Hello and welcome to episode 499 of The Veg Grower podcast! In today’s episode, I’m excited to share my experience at the Gardeners World Spring Fair in Beaulieu. But before we dive into that, let’s start with some updates from my allotment.
Allotment updateDown on the allotment I have been busy adding the final touches to the new beds, this included using a reciprocating saw to repurpose a piece of wood already on the allotment and build 2 new beds. Just in time to get planted in the next few weeks
I have also been planting tomatoes and harvesting asparagus
My day at the Gardeners World Spring Fair. This event is one of the most anticipated gardening shows of the year, bringing together enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate gardening and horticulture.
At the fair, I had the opportunity to meet with some incredible exhibitors, attend informative workshops, and speak with the one and only “Skinny Jean Gardener” Lee Connelly. Lee is a well-known garden expert and host of the popular podcast “The Skinny Jean Gardener Show,” and it was a pleasure to talk with him about his passion for gardening and the highlights of the Spring Fair.
Garden updateThis week in the vegetable gardens I have been concentrating on tiding my sheds, the long weekend being the ideal time for this.
I have also been spending time potting in plants, pricking out seedlings and sowing many seeds including sweetcorn and beans
And finallyAs always, I like to end each episode of The Veg Grower Podcast with a recipe featuring produce from my garden. Today’s recipe features one of my favourite springtime vegetables: asparagus.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the asparagus in the mixture until well coated.
- Grill the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender.
- Transfer the asparagus to a serving dish and serve.
This dish is simple, flavourful, and highlights the fresh and delicate flavour of asparagus. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
That’s it for today’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast. Thank you for tuning in and I hope you enjoyed hearing about my day at the Gardeners World Spring Fair in Beaulieu. For more gardening tips, recipes, and inspiration, be sure to follow me on Social media.
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Join our supporters club Until next time, happy gardening!
Hello, gardening enthusiasts! Welcome back to our podcast, where we share our latest updates and tips for growing your own food. In this week’s episode, we’ll be discussing straw bale gardening, the latest from our garden and allotment, and a delicious spinach recipe that you can try at home.
Straw bale gardeningFirst up, we’ll be talking about straw bale gardening. This is a great solution for those with limited garden space, as it allows you to grow plants vertically on a small area. We’ll be discussing the benefits of straw bale gardening, how to get started, and some tips for success.
Latest from the allotment and veg gardenNext, we’ll be giving you an update on what’s been happening in our garden and allotment. We’ll be talking about our chickens, our fruit bushes, the peas we’ve sown, and what we’ve been harvesting. We’ll also be sharing some tips on how to use cut grass as a mulch and how to plant tomatoes in a greenhouse.
And last but not least, we’ll be sharing a delicious recipe that you can try at home. Our spinach and feta stuffed chicken breast is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavour and nutrition. We’ll be giving you the recipe and instructions so that you can try it for yourself.
Ingredients:* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts * 4 oz crumbled feta cheese * 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped * 1 clove garlic, minced * Salt and pepper * Olive oil
Instructions:1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the feta cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture. 5. Secure the pockets with toothpicks or kitchen twine. 6. Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. 7. Brown the stuffed chicken breasts on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. 8. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. 9. Remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine before serving.
If you’re interested in learning more about straw bale gardening or want to catch up on any of our previous episodes, be sure to check out our website and listen to episode 274. And as always, we love to hear from our listeners, so feel free to send us your questions or comments through email or voicemail.
Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, happy gardening!
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Welcome to our latest gardening update, where we share the latest news and insights from our garden and allotment. In this episode, we’ll cover a range of topics, from tidying up after strong winds to sowing a variety of vegetables and maintaining our allotments. We’ll also explore some common reasons why seeds fail and what we can do to improve our success rate. Plus, we’ll wrap up with a delicious recipe using fresh rhubarb. So, let’s get started!
Garden Update: After a bout of strong winds earlier this week, we had quite a mess to clean up in our gardens. Fallen branches, twigs, and debris were scattered all over the place, and it took us a good few hours to clear them all up. We also had to straighten some of our plants that had been blown over and tie them up for support. It’s important to keep an eye on the weather and take action to protect our plants from damage whenever possible.
We also set up a vertical garden wall on our balcony, using some wooden pallets, lining them with landscaping fabric, and filling them with soil and a variety of plants, including herbs, lettuces, and flowers. It’s a great way to add some greenery to our urban environment and enjoy fresh produce right at our doorstep.
We harvested some rhubarb from our forced rhubarb plants, which have been growing under cover for the past few months. The forced rhubarb is much sweeter and more tender than the open-grown rhubarb, and makes for delicious desserts and jams. We’ve also tried using it in savory dishes, like stir-fries and stews, and it adds a nice tangy flavor. If you haven’t tried forced rhubarb yet, we highly recommend it.
Why Seeds Fail: Sowing seeds can be a hit or miss affair, and it’s not uncommon to experience failures along the way. Some common reasons why seeds fail include poor soil quality, incorrect planting depth, insufficient watering, pest and disease problems, and unfavorable weather conditions. To improve your success rate, it’s important to choose the right seeds for your location and growing conditions, prepare your soil properly, plant at the right time and depth, water consistently and adequately, monitor for pests and diseases, and protect your seedlings from harsh weather.
Allotment Update: We’ve been busy sowing a variety of vegetables in our allotments, including radishes, parsnips, cabbages, turnips, courgettes, French and runner beans, and a variety of herbs. To maintain our allotments, we’ve been cutting grass to use as mulch, which helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. We’ve also been weeding regularly, using a hoe to cultivate the soil and remove any weed seedlings. These simple tasks can make a big difference in the health and productivity of our plants, and are well worth the effort.
Outro and Recipe:We hope you enjoyed this gardening update and found some useful tips and insights to apply to your own gardening adventures. As promised, we also have a delicious recipe to share with you, using the rhubarb we harvested earlier. Here’s how to make stewed rhubarb:
Ingredients:
- 500g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 100g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, combine the rhubarb, sugar, and cinnamon stick (if using).
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb starts to break down and release its juices, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
- Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.
This stewed rhubarb is a versatile topping for desserts, breakfast dishes, or even as a sweet and tangy condiment for savoury dishes. Enjoy!
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Introduction:Welcome to our allotment and veg gardening podcast, where we share tips, advice, and updates on all things gardening. In this episode, we’ll be taking you through our latest allotment diary update, sharing our experiences of growing cabbages from seed in the UK, and giving you the latest on our garden. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started.
Allotment Diary Update:We’ve been busy on the allotment lately, mowing grass areas, fitting glass to our greenhouse, building a new bed, and planting the last of our potatoes and some onions. It’s been a lot of hard work, but we’re excited to see our efforts pay off as our plants start to grow and thrive.
Growing Cabbages from Seed:Cabbages are a popular and nutritious vegetable that can be grown from seed in the UK. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, growing cabbages can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips and advice on how to get started:
1 Choosing the right cabbage variety:When choosing your cabbage variety, consider factors such as taste, size, and maturation time. Some popular varieties include “January King,” “All Seasons,” and “Golden Acre.” Check the seed packets for information on each variety’s characteristics, and choose one that suits your needs.
2 Preparing your soil:Cabbages prefer a well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or compacted, consider adding some compost or other organic matter to improve its texture and fertility. Aim for a pH between 6.5 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Add lime if needed!!
3 Starting seeds indoors!!Cabbage seeds can be started indoors in late winter or early spring, around 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds in small pots or trays filled with seed compost, and keep them in a warm and bright location. Once the seedlings have emerged, move them to a cooler spot and thin them out to one seedling per pot.
4 Transplanting your seedlings:When your seedlings have grown to around 10cm tall and have at least two sets of true leaves, they’re ready to be transplanted to their final growing location. Choose a spot that’s sheltered from strong winds and has full sun exposure. Dig a hole that’s slightly larger than the pot, and plant the seedling at the same depth as it was in the pot. Firm the soil around the base of the plant and water it in.
5 Caring for your cabbages:Cabbages require regular watering, especially during dry spells. They also benefit from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer or a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as blood meal. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, such as cabbage aphids, clubroot, and cabbage whitefly, and take action if necessary.
6 Harvesting your crop:Cabbages can be harvested when they reach maturity, which typically takes around 3-4 months from planting. Look for firm and compact heads, and cut them off at the base of the stem. You can store cabbages in a cool and dry location, such as a root cellar or a refrigerator, for several weeks.
Winter and Christmas Cabbages:If you want to grow cabbages for the winter or Christmas season, timing is key. Sow your seeds in early summer, around late May or early June, and transplant the seedlings to their final location in mid-summer. Choose a variety that has a shorter maturation time, such as “January King,” and protect your plants from frost with a fleece or cloche.
Garden Update:In our garden, we’ve been busy potting up plants using coir, feeding them with bonemeal, and mowing the grass. We’re also happy to report that our chickens have settled in well and are happily clucking away in their coop.
I mention installing greenhouse shelf brackets in my greenhouse as a way of adding some extra space. These can be found here.
Mint Sauce Recipe:And now, for our mint sauce recipe. This classic condiment is perfect for serving with lamb or other roasted meats, and it’s super easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) boiling water
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) white wine vinegar
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped mint leaves and sugar.
- Pour the boiling water over the mint mixture, and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the white wine vinegar, and stir to combine.
- Let the mint sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Conclusion:Thanks for joining us for this episode of our allotment and gardening podcast. We hope you’ve found our tips and advice on growing cabbages from seed in the UK helpful, and that you’ve enjoyed our allotment and garden updates. Don’t forget to leave us a review, become a supporting club member, get in touch, and follow us on social media. And until next time, happy gardening!
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Welcome to the Veg Grower Podcast, where I’m on a mission to grow all my fruit, vegetables, and herbs in my garden and allotment. In this weeks podcast Richard is discussing how to grow delicious salad greens from homemade salad seed mixes, including some recipes for making your own mixes. But first, let me give you an update on what’s been happening on the allotment and home plot this week.
Allotment Update: Unfortunately, it’s been a rainy week, so I haven’t been able to do as much on the allotment as I would have liked. However, I did manage to fit some glass to the greenhouse and lay down a wood chip mulch around my fruit bushes. I also planted more potatoes, which are coming along nicely.
Home Plot Update: On the home plot, I’ve been busy with some new projects. I’ve repurposed an old fridge into a cold frame and sown some melon seeds. I’ve also started a potato experiment to see which varieties grow best in different types of compost. It’s all very exciting!
Now, let’s get back to the main topic of this post: how to grow delicious salad greens from seed mixes.
Types of Salad Greens: In order to create a tasty salad mix, it’s important to choose the right types of greens. Some popular choices include lettuce, Rocket, kale, spinach, and mustard greens. Each of these greens has its own unique flavour and texture, and they can be mixed and matched to create a variety of tasty salads.
Homemade Salad Mix Recipes: One great way to ensure that your salad greens are fresh and flavourful is to make your own seed mixes. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
- Classic Salad Mix: 2 parts lettuce seeds, 1 part Rocket seeds, 1 part spinach seeds.
- Spicy Salad Mix: 1 part Rocket seeds, 1 part mustard green seeds, 1 part radish seeds.
- Nutty Salad Mix: 2 parts lettuce seeds, 1 part kale seeds, 1 part chard seeds.
To make your own seed mix, simply combine the seeds in a bowl and mix well. Then, sow the seeds according to the instructions on the packet, and watch as your delicious salad greens begin to grow!
Conclusion: And that’s it for this week’s Veg Grower Podcast and Blog. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to grow delicious salad greens from seed mixes, and that you’ll try making your own mixes at home. Remember to leave a review, become a supporting member, get in touch via email or head to the website to leave a comment or voicemail, and follow us on social media for more gardening tips and tricks. And, as promised, here’s a tasty recipe for colcannon to enjoy with your fresh salad greens:
Colcannon Recipe: Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and mash with a potato masher.
- While the potatoes are boiling, sauté the onion and garlic in a large pan until soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and cook until tender.
- Add the cooked cabbage and onion mixture to the mashed potatoes, along with the milk
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Are you a gardening enthusiast looking to add a nutty twist to your garden this year? In this week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast, we explore the world of nut trees and nut-like plants, from hazelnuts to groundnuts to tiger nuts. But first, let’s catch up on the latest news from the garden and allotment.
Allotment update We hear about the ongoing weeding and onion planting. Host [Host Name] also shares his experiences with a hazelnut tree that doesn’t produce many nuts but yields useful wood for garden projects through coppicing. Additionally, we hear about the successful settling in of Martha the regime’s chickens and Richard’s latest planting adventures, including spring onions, cabbages, and cauliflowers.
Growing, harvesting and enjoying your nuts. We discuss the benefits of coppicing for nut trees and explore various nut and nut-like plants that can be grown in a home garden. Along the way, we touch on some of the challenges of growing nuts, including pests and soil conditions.
But what about enjoying your homegrown nuts? We share a delicious recipe for a mixed green salad with roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans. Of course, the possibilities for nut-based dishes are endless.
Before signing off,Richard announces an exciting competition for listeners. Two adult tickets to the Gardener’s World Spring Fair at Beaulieu on Sunday, April 30th, 2023, are up for grabs. To enter, listeners must submit a photo of their own nut tree or nut-like plant, along with a brief description of their growing experience. The winning entry will be selected at random and announced in a future episode.
If you’re ready to add some nutty flavor to your garden this year, be sure to check out episode 494 of The Veg Grower Podcast for more tips, tricks, and ideas. And don’t forget to enter the competition for a chance to win tickets to a great gardening event. Happy gardening!
In our latest episode of the veg grower podcast, we start with an allotment update in which we planted out potatoes. But that’s not all we’ve been up to – we also discuss the benefits of keeping chickens!
Here are 5 reasons why every veg grower should consider keeping chickens:1. Fresh Eggs: There’s nothing quite like fresh eggs straight from the coop. Not only do they taste better than store-bought eggs, but they’re also healthier as they contain more vitamins and minerals. 2. Pest Control: Chickens love to eat bugs and insects, which can be a problem for veg growers. By keeping chickens in your garden, you can reduce the number of pests without using harmful chemicals. 3. Fertilizer: Chicken manure is high in nitrogen and other nutrients, making it an excellent fertilizer for your garden. By keeping chickens, you can produce your own natural fertilizer and reduce your reliance on chemical fertilizers. 4. Entertainment: Chickens are fun to watch and can provide hours of entertainment. Plus, they have unique personalities and can become part of your family. 5. Sustainability: By keeping chickens, you’re practicing sustainable living. You’re reducing your carbon footprint by producing your own eggs and fertilizer, and you’re also reducing your reliance on factory-farmed eggs.
In the garden update. We share that we’ve rehomed a chicken and sowed carrots, spinach, radish, and beetroot. We also sowed some green manures for the winter. It’s been a busy season for us, but keeping chickens has made our garden more productive and sustainable.
In conclusion, keeping chickens can be a great addition to any veg garden. Not only do they provide fresh eggs, but they can also help with pest control, provide natural fertilizer, and offer entertainment. So why not consider keeping chickens for your veg garden today?
Don’t forget to check out the cheesy bacon egg muffin recipe we’ve included in our outro, and leave us a review or become a supporting member of our podcast. You can get in touch with us too and share the latest from your garden. Happy gardening!
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Welcome to episode 493 of our veg grower podcast! In this week’s episode, we discussed the latest updates from our garden and allotment, as well as the effects of soil temperature on plant growth and germination.
Garden updateThis week we saw the return of some cold temperature and even snow in some parts of the country. Gardening has been a little restricted, however garden cloches have been put up and a new garden built. This lead to the sowing of pea and carrot seeds after checking the soil temperature
Soil temperature and the effect on germinationWe started off by exploring the science behind seed germination and the importance of soil temperature for successful plant growth. We then delved into our own experiences with seed germination and planting, including the effects of using or not using heated propagators.
With the soil temperature appearing to be 10c or above Richard felt it was time to sow a few seeds to see how they get on. Find out if they are successful in future podcast
Allotment updateNext, we gave an update on our allotment progress, sharing some tips for greenhouse maintenance and tidying up neglected areas.
And finally Finally, we wrapped up the episode with a delicious Swiss chard recipe and a shoutout to our Alternative Veg Grower Show.
If you’re a vegetable gardener looking for some useful tips and insights, be sure to give this episode a listen!
Useful linksSoil thermometer which features heavily in this weeks podcast
Find out more about the alternative veg grower show.
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Welcome to the latest episode of The Veg Grower Podcast! In this episode, we’re sharing some of our recent gardening adventures, including an update from the allotment, a chat with author Maggie Stuckey about her new book the container victory garden, and a delicious cauliflower recipe.
Allotment Update: Helping a Fellow Plot Holder and Clearing WeedsIn our latest visit to the allotment, we had the opportunity to help a fellow plot holder get her car running and clear some weeds from our plots. It’s always a pleasure to work together and support each other in our gardening endeavours. We believe that the community aspect of gardening is just as important as the actual growing of plants, and it’s great to see everyone come together to create a thriving community garden space.
Container Victory Garden.We were thrilled to have author Maggie Stuckey on the show to discuss her book “The container victory garden.” Container gardening is a great way to grow plants in small spaces, and it can be especially helpful for urban gardeners or those with limited outdoor space. Maggie shared some fantastic tips for beginners and discussed the benefits of container gardening.
If you’re interested in starting a container garden, we highly recommend checking out Maggie’s book for more detailed advice and inspiration.
Available at:
- Amazon uk
- Amazon us
Veg Garden Update: Building a Large Vegepod and Buying Compost and Perlite in BulkIn our own veg garden, we’ve been busy building a large Vegepod and buying compost and perlite in bulk. The Vegepod is a raised garden bed that comes with its own protective cover, making it easy to grow a variety of plants while protecting them from pests and harsh weather conditions. It’s been a lot of work, but we’re excited to see the results and share our experience with our listeners.
Delicious Roasted Cauliflower RecipeBefore we sign off, we wanted to share a cauliflower recipe that we’ve been loving lately. Simply chop up a head of cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favourite spices, and roast in the oven at 220 degrees Celsius (Gas Mark 7) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. It’s a healthy and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
ConclusionWe hope you enjoyed reading about our recent gardening adventures on the allotment and in our veg garden, as well as our chat with Maggie Stuckey about container gardening. We believe that gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature, promote sustainability, and create a sense of community. If you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach us on our website, social media, or via email. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Happy gardening!
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Welcome to the Veg Grower Podcast, where we discuss all things gardening and vegetable growing. In this episode, we’re going to talk about creating a seed bed from a plastic container, an easy and affordable way to get your seeds off to a great start. We’ll share tips and tricks from our own experiences, so let’s get started!
Main Segment: Seed bed Creating a Seed Bed from a Plastic Container A seed bed is a special area in your garden or allotment where you can start your seeds before transplanting them into the ground. Creating a seed bed from a plastic container is a great way to save money and get your seeds off to a great start. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a plastic container: Look for a container that’s at least 10 centimeters deep and has drainage holes in the bottom. You can use a variety of containers, such as a plastic tray, a recycled yogurt pot, or even an old washing up bowl.
- Fill the container with soil: Fill the container with a good quality soil or compost. If the soil is dry, moisten it before filling the container.
- Sow your seeds: Sow your seeds according to the instructions on the packet. Make sure to space them out evenly and not too close to the edges.
- Water your seeds: Water your seeds gently, being careful not to dislodge them. Cover the container with a plastic lid or cling film to create a mini greenhouse effect.
- Monitor the seedlings: Keep an eye on your seedlings and water them regularly. Once they have grown into small plants, you can transplant them into the ground or into larger containers.
Diary Segment: What’s Happening in the Veg Garden In our latest episode, we shared some updates from our own veg garden. We’ve been busy pricking out cauliflowers and Brussels sprouts into plug plants. Cutting down our wood pile into small chunks for the fire, and clearing more weeds from our veg beds. We also moved our medium and small Vegepods to a new area and discussed plans for the seed bed segment in the greenhouse.
Recipe of the weekThis weeks recipe uses 3 ingredients. Cabbage shredded into thin strip. Chopped onion and crushed garlic. Fry all 3 together in a pan. Delicious. More of our recipes can be found on this link.
Conclusion: Thanks for tuning in to the Veg Grower Podcast! We hope you found our tips on creating a seed bed from a plastic container helpful. Remember to subscribe to our podcast for more gardening tips and advice. Don’t forget to check out our blog for more updates on our own veg garden. Happy gardening!
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Hello and welcome back to another episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. I’m Richard, and in today’s episode, we’ll be covering some exciting updates from my allotment and garden, including the installation of more glass in the greenhouse, building a new compost bin, and digging out cherry trees that have self-seeded. We’ll also dive into my latest project of building an edible garden on my driveway, as well as an update on pricking out seedlings in the veg garden.
Allotment Updates. I’ve been busy with a few tasks lately. Firstly, I’ve installed more glass in the greenhouse to increase light and warmth for the plants. This involved taking measurements, ordering the glass, and carefully fitting it into place. Secondly, I’ve built a new compost bin using corrugated iron sheets. This will be used to create nutrient-rich compost for the plants. Lastly, I’ve been digging out cherry trees that have self-seeded and are growing in areas that I need for other crops. While it was a tough job, it’s important to keep the allotment tidy and make the most of the space available.
Edible Driveway Garden Next up, I’ll share with you my latest project of building an edible garden on my driveway. As mentioned in the podcast, this involved clearing out several privet bushes and researching what edible crops would thrive in the limited space. I decided to grow everything in pots, including fruit plants like thornless blackberry, currant bushes, jostaberry, blueberries, and raspberries. I used the largest pots I had to give the plants plenty of space to grow and deter theft. While the garden is still in its early stages, I’m excited to see how the plants will grow and produce in the coming years.
Latest Veg Garden Updates In the last section of the podcast, I’ll share some updates from my veg garden. This includes pricking out seedlings, spreading compost, and tidying up the patio garden. I’ve been particularly focused on pricking out seedlings, including onions, which can be a delicate process. It’s important to take care when handling the seedlings to avoid damaging the roots.
Recipe of the week That’s it for today’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. We hope you enjoyed hearing about our latest updates from the allotment and garden. Before we go, we’d like to share a delicious recipe that uses just butternut squash and chocolate to make an interesting pudding.
Simply roast 1 butternut squash until soft then allow it to cool enough to handle. Peel and chop the tasty flesh and place the flesh in a blender.
Melt 4 bars of chocolate and add to the blender. Blend the squash and chocolate together until all the squash is liquid. Then pour the chocolate into a pan too cool. Serve like a chocolate cake.
Thank you for listening, and if you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving us a review on your preferred podcast platform. If you’d like to support the podcast, you can also become a supporting member through our website. And as always, feel free to get in touch by email or follow us on social media for more updates and gardening inspiration.
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Hello and welcome to this week’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! Join Richard as he takes you on a journey through his allotment and garden, featuring a special interview with no-dig guru Charles Dowding.
Segment 1: Down the Allotment In this first segment, Richard updates us on his recent activities at the allotment. He has been working on extending one of his beds with corrugated iron and harvesting the last of the Brussels sprouts. He also shares his plans for continuing to add glass to his greenhouse.
Segment 2: Interview with Charles Dowding In this segment, Richard chats with Charles Dowding, the renowned no-dig guru, about his new children’s book and the benefits of using the no-dig method in gardening.
Segment 3: In the Veg Garden After the interview, Richard shares his latest diary update from the veg garden. This week, he spent some time sowing seeds and using the multi-sowing approach recommended by Charles. He also gives us a glimpse into his gardening activities at home, including planting fruit bushes, weeding, watering, and potting strawberries.
In the closing segment, Richard comments on how much he enjoyed Charles’ book and how his niece also loved it. He shares a recipe for Brussels Sprouts and invites listeners to join the Veg Grower Supporters Club. Don’t forget to follow the podcast on social media and send in your reviews and comments via email.
Resources and links* Charles Dowding’s own website * Buy Charles’s book from Amazon
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In Episode 487 of our podcast, join Richard and Lee as they explore the vibrant world of gardening at Seedy Sunday, a seed swap in Brighton. From the bustling market stalls to the lively conversations, this episode will take you on a journey through the heart of this exciting event.
Highlights:* In the first segment, Richard will share his experiences on his allotment, discussing his latest updates and showcasing his latest projects. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you’ll get a glimpse into the diverse and rewarding world of allotment gardening. * In the second segment, Richard joined by Lee Connolly (Skinny Jean Gardener) will visit Seedy Sunday, a seed swap in Brighton, and delve into the heart of the seed-trading community. Meet the gardeners and enthusiasts who gather to trade seeds and share their knowledge, and hear about the importance of preserving heirloom seeds and promoting biodiversity in the garden. * In the third segment, Richard returns to the vegetable garden to share the latest diary update. From his latest harvests to his current projects, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening in the garden and learn about the latest tips and techniques for growing healthy and productive crops
Conclusion: We hope that this episode has given you a glimpse into the rich and rewarding world of gardening. From the allotment to the seed swap, and from the veg garden to your own backyard, the opportunities for growth and discovery are endless. So join us for episode 487, and start your own gardening journey today!
Recipe of the weekThis week’s recipe comes from listener Jonathon and it’s a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for pickled eggs. Perfect for an on-the-go snack or a tasty addition to any meal, these pickled eggs are sure to please. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 eggs
- 500ml malt vinegar
- 500ml cider vinegar
- sliced garlic
- coriander seeds
- peppercorns
- dried chillies
Instructions:
- Hard boil the eggs and peel.
- In a large jar, combine the vinegar, garlic, coriander seeds, peppercorns and dried chillies
- Add the eggs to the jar, making sure they are completely submerged in the brine.
- Allow the eggs to pickle for at least 2 days in the refrigerator before serving.
Try this recipe out for yourself and let us know what you think! And if you have a favourite recipe you’d like to share, send it our way for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode. Drop an email here.
Support this podcastWe hope you’re enjoying this week’s episode of our podcast! If you’re a fan of our show and want to support us in bringing you more gardening tips, insights, and inspiration, consider joining our supporters club. As a member, you’ll receive exclusive access to bonus content, seeds sent to your door each month, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping us keep the show going. To join, simply visit our website and click on the “Join Our Supporters Club” button. Thank you for your support and happy gardening
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Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where Richard is growing and forcing rhubarb. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
This week on the vegetable plotsThis week Richard has tackled the following tasks on the plots
- Continuing to turn the front drive into a productive edible garden
- Clearing out a few pots
- Sorting the allotment sheds.
And much more on the podcast.
Growing and forcing rhubarbThis week Richard is sharing his knowledge on growing and forcing rhubarb. Stating from seeds and going right through the life of the rhubarb. Richard shares how he grows rhubarb successfully. Richard even sows some rhubarb seeds to start off.
Growing rhubarb is one thing but to add some flair why not try forcing rhubarb. This is a simple way to get some sweeter pinker earlier rhubarb stems.
Recipe of the weekThis week Richard felt the recipe should of course involve rhubarb. Usually we like to stick to crops we are harvesting but sometimes its just not that easy.
For the recipe Richard remembered one of his favourite rhubarb recipes. Rhubarb sorbet which can be found on this website. Its very easy to make and tastes delicious.
If you have any rhubarb recipes why not share them with us. You can easily leave a comment below or email Richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk
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Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard is starting to sow leeks to grow on the allotment and kitchen garden. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
This week on the plotsThis week Richard has tackled the following tasks:
- Started building a new non wooden edged bed in the kitchen garden
- Sowed a few seeds
- Managed a good couple of hours on the allotment in the good weather.
Listen to the podcast to find out more.
How I grow leeksThis week Richard has started his first batch of seeds and this got him thinking about how he grows his leeks.
Seeds can be sown between now and April, Richard always starts his off in January in polystyrene boxes, but other options are available.
Germination can be slow usually Richard thinks his seeds have failed before they show signs of growth, but once germinated they will happily grow in the box until planting time.
Planting time can be from April to July and many people will plant them in the bed where first early potatoes where growing after the potatoes have been harvested. Once growing keep weed free, well watered and fed with chicken manure pellets and they should grow well.
Leeks are hardy and will survive some very cold weather which makes them a fantastic and tasty winter crop.
Recipe of the weekWith leeks being featured so much in this weeks podcast it seemed fitting that the recipe also included leeks.
This leek and potato soup is delicious and well worth making to keep in the freezer.
What tips do you have when growing leeks? Let me know in the comments.
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This week on the veg grower podcast Richard is itching to sow some seeds. With the cost of living crisis he is ditching his heated propagators and grow lights, and using more traditional methods.
This week on the plotsThis week Richard has tackled the following tasks on the allotment and veg plot
- Set up a seed sowing station
- Sown a few seeds chilli’s, aubergines tomatoes cauliflower included.
- Harvested what he thought was tumeric but turned out to be Ginger
And much more on the podcast.
A place to sow seedsWith the cost of living crisis causing a problem Richard has decided to ditch the heated propagators and grow lights in order to save energy. Instead he ahs set up a area to sow seeds inside his greenhouse of which he intends to sow many seeds.
This area uses a metal bench as the basis with bins contain seed compost and perlite as well as storage for pots and trays and not forgetting labels. Its a great area to work in.
Recipe of the weekWith the ginger harvested Richard needed to find a way to use it so it doesn’t get wasted. After much searching Richard found this ginger beer recipe and made it himself.
Ginger beer is fiery but as its alcohol free it suits Richards household.
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Happy new year and to start 2023 off, Richard has created his own gardening journal. Something to keep a written copy of all he does in the garden and allotment throughout 2023
As 2022 draws to a close Richard is looking abck over 2023 to see what he would want to change for the next season
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard didn’t want to let the cold weather stop him from his gardening, so he felt it was tool maintenance time
This week on the plotsThis week Richard has tackled the following tasks
- Removing old tools
- Checking on plants after the cold spell
- Checking over sheds and seeing any repairs needed.
And much much more on the podcast.
Tool maintenance timeThis week As its still cold Richard thought it would be a good time to spend a little time maintaining his garden tools. This is at least a once yearly task that needs to be tackled in order to get the best from our tools.
This includes
- Cleaning away dirt and rust
- Sharpening any blades
- Painting or oiling any metal parts to prevent rust
- Oiling wooden handles so they don’t go brittle
Don’t forget to always wear Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard didn’t want to let the cold weather stop him from his gardening, so he felt it was tool maintenance time PPE when working on tools. Goggles and gloves are a must.
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Join Richard in this weeks podcast. This week the format is different as the cold has limited the amount of gardening that is possible.
The cold temperature over this last week has caused Richard a lot of concern for his plants. As Richard is located on the south coast of the UK its very rare to get such cold temperatures and this has been the first time that Richard has seen temperatures of -5c.
Because this temperature is rare for Richard he has had to take action. Insulting his plants and greenhouse and trying to keep a greenhouse from freezing has been the goal while trying to remember about the cost of living crisis that is going on.
In this podcast you will hear how Richard protected his plants from the cold
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where Richard is discussing a few xmas gift ideas that we could all make to combat the cost of living crisis. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
Latest from the plotsThis week Richard has tackled the following tasks
- Tiding the greenhouse
- Tiding the shed
- Digging out a hawthorn bush
And much more on the podcast
Grow your own Xmas giftsWith the cost of living crisis bearing down on may of us this year Richard thought it would be an idea to share a few grow your own Xmas gifts. THis are Xmas gifts that every grow your owner could make and give away that cost very little money and include
- Christmas wreaths
- Seed gift boxes
- Seed trays made from pallets
- Plants grown from seed and cuttings.
If you have any other ideas then please share them in the comments
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This week Richard is joined by Martyn to discuss Bokashi composting. Bokashi composting is a process of which material such as food scrapes or garden waste, is fermented into a usable material in a couple of weeks.
Martyn shares with us what is so good about bokashi composting, and why more of us gardeners should be using this system to improve our soil health and reduce our waste. Its also very good for the environment so what's not to like.
Richard makes his own bokashi bin and will be reporting back on how well it works in the future.
To find out more about Bokashi and Agriton the compony for who Martyn works for check out the following links
Agriton Group websiteAgriton page on BokashiAgriton direct where you can buy Bokashi equipmentYou can email for more information Info@agriton.co.uk
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Join Richard in this weeks podcast where he shares how he plants and grows raspberries. Richard also shares the latest from the allotment and veg garden
Join Richard as he explores what he can grow on his windowsill this weekend. Richard also shares the latest from the plots in this weeks veg grower podcast.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. A podcast dedicated to the growing of vegetable on an allotment and veg patch. This week Richard is thinking about his crop rotation plans as well as the latest from the plots.
This week on the plots
This week Richard has been tackling the following tasks
Repair work after storm ClaudioPaying attention to the windowsill growingSowing green manures.
You can hear all about it and more on the podcast.
Crop rotation plans for 2023
Crop rotation can be very important tool at preventing the build up of pests and diseases in the soil. Unfortunately in can be tricky for the home grower to implement on our own plots.
This week Richard has figured out his crop rotation system after many years of figuring out what to do an the evolution of his plots. In this podcast Richard shares why his potatoes follow his beans and why he plants brassicas after potatoes.
Do you have a crop rotation system? Get in touch to share your thought. Email Richard@theveggrowerpodcats.co.uk
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This week Richard has set himself a challenge to make as many dishes from just 1 pumpkin as possible. How many can he make? Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
This week on the plots
This week Richard has tackled the following tasks
sowing Sichuan pepper seedsclearing out old plantsHarvesting main crop potatoes.
Listen to the podcast to find out more.
How many dishes can I make from 1 pumpkin?
This week Richard decided to see how many dishes can be made from 1 pumpkin. These dishes had to be tasty and reasonable easy. With a bit of research Richard managed the following from 1 pumpkin
Roasted pumpkin seedsPumpkin soupPumpkin GnocchiSpinach Mustard and gruyere gratinPumpkin risottoPumpkin picklePumpkin puree
If you have a pumpkin recipe please feel free to share.
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Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard is thinking about what seeds he needs for 2023? Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
The diary.
Over this last week Richard has been tackling the following
Planted garlicPea sticks for over wintering peasStrimmed grass area but unable to mow as too wet
And much more on the podcast
What seeds do I need for 2023?
This week Richard has been thinking about what he wants to grow from seed in 2023. A task that with a little for thought can save money and be better organised.
Firstly Richard goes over his notes for the last year to see
What has performed wellWhat he has really liked in terms of flavourWhat has done poorly
With these notes he then creates a list of what to grow over the next year. Then he checks his seed collection to see what he needs to buy. Easy reallly.
Richard mentions a photograph box for keeping seeds on which is available from Amazon here.
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Join Richard Suggett in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week Richard is starting to put some of the fallen leaves to use on the allotment. Richard also shares the latest from the plots
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where he is discussing the pro's and con's of running an allotment. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
Latest from the plots
This week Richard has tackled the following tasks
Built a new bed on the allotmentPrepared for planting garlic and onionsHanging baskets of chillies moved into the greenhouse to try and over winter.
And much more in this podcast.
Pro's and con's of running an allotment.
With demand for allotment's being at a high Richard thought it was time to share a few of his pros and cons of running an alltoment.
An allotment is fun but its also a lot of work and dedication. While experienced alltomenteers make it look easy the newbie can get a little lost.
What are your Pro's and con's of running an allotment? Let us know in the comments or email us.
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With the sudden drop in temperature and the strong winds Richard has starting preparing to protect his plants over winter in this weeks veg grower podcast. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
This week on the plots
This week Richard has been busy tackling the following tasks
Building the greenhouse frame and securing in placeHarvesting some grapes and butternut squashesMoving some plants into the greenhouse for protection.
Hear all about it and more on the podcast.
Preparing to protect our plants over winter.
The sudden drop in temperature and strong winds recently has got Richard thinking about how he is going to protect some pf his plants over winter. After all we spend all year taking care of our plants. We spend a lot of money on having these plants that we don't really want to lose over winter (annuals o course being the exception).
Because of this Richard has evaluated what plants he has on his allotment and vegetable garden and deciding what can go in the greenhouse for protection or what other materials can be used to protect his plants.
All available on the podcast.
Recipe of the week
With the harvest of a butternut squash this week Richard decided to cook a butternut and chickpea tagine. this recipe will be on this websote in a couple of days as usual.
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Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week Richard is turning his attention to his greenhouses after having inherited a third greenhouse.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where Richard is talking about Autumn planting plants and how he stores his Winter squash. Of course Richard also shares the latest from the plots too.
This week on allotment and vegetable garden.
This week Richard has tackled the following tasks
Cleared out more weedsSown some overwintering peasLightly pruned some herbsPlanted herbs in a sink
And much more on the podcast.
Autumn planting
This week Richard has been turning his head to Autumn planting. A great time to plant some perennial plants which can establish themselves over winter.
Richard has discovered over the years, that autumn planted plants need less work and are more successful. This is very apparent when he planted some asparagus in the autumn. This asparagus established itself strongly and is still going strong to this day.
Another advantage to autumn planting perennial edible plants is that often they are cheaper to buy. Some come in bare rooted form which are incredibly cheap, but only available at certain times of the year.
Are you spending this Autumn planting any edible perennial plants?
Winter storage of squash plants.
As we head into autumn many of our squashes become ripe and ready for storage. Stored correctly its possible to store squashes for a very long time and certainly to get through the winter.
In this weeks podcast Richard shares how he harvests and prepares his squash plants for winter storage.
Recipe of the week
This weeks recipe of the week is a great way to use up lots of extra vegetables by making a dish called Ratatouille. A type of vegetable stew which can use up a lot of vegetable and can be frozen for use later on. As always recipe will be up later this week
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Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week Richard is sharing how to grow overwintering onions and shares a book review. There's also the latest from the plots
Latest from the plots
This week Richard has tackled the following tasks
Trimmed back an elder tree that was getting a bit big.Thinned out some carrots from the Christmas bed.Added compost to some beds.Planted out herbs in the herb garden and balcony garden.
Much more on the podcast.
How to grow overwintering onions
This week Richard has been preparing to grow overwinter onions. Added plenty of compost to the bed and a bit of feed to see the plants through.
This felt like it was a good time to share how to grow overwintering onions. Something Richard ahs to grow every year and to be honest gets better results when compared to spring sown onions.
In this episode Richard shares his tips on how to grow overwintering onions.
Book review
This week Richard happened to come across a book called "My Tiny Kitchen Garden". This book seemed right up Richard street so he bought and read it.
You can hear a review of this book in this podcast.
If you want to buy this book its available on Amazon on the button below. This link is an affiliate link.
Buy The Book My Tiny Kitchen Garden from Amazon here.
And finally
This weeks recipe of the week is French onion soup and the recipe will be online in a few days.
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Join Richard in this weeks podcast where this week he has noticed some pests on his plants. Richard shares how he is tackling these pests.
This week on the plots
This week Richard has been tackling the following
WeedingPotting up plantsProtecting cropsthinning out carrots
And much more on the podcast
We seem to have some pests on our plants
This week Richard has noticed that
Slugs and snails have attacked his seedlingsPigeons have attacked his cabbage plantsMaggots in RaspberriesA listener has also discovered Maggots in her plums
Because of this Richard has taken action for slug and snails Richard has used grazers g2 slag and snail repellent. From a company called Grazers. This is a calcium based repellent which doesn't kill anything. Which Richard feels comfortable using.
To tackle the Pigeon Richard has covered the cabbages with nets to prevent further damage.
the raspberry and plums however are a little tricky and cant take action just yet. Richard has found raspberry beetle trap and plum moth traps that he would use next year.
Please enjoy this week episode.
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In this weeks podcast Richard is turning his attention to planning those winter garden tasks particularly the infrastructure jobs. After all its easier when so many plants are dormant. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
This week on the plots
This week Richard has tackled the following tasks on is allotment and veg patch
Weeding and wateringHarvesting apples and sweetcornSowed turnips and kohlrabiPricked out spring cabbagePotted up winter pansies
And much more on the podcast.
Planning those winter tasks.
Richard is a big believer in gardening all year round including the winter. Infact he believes that winter is the ideal time to tackle many infrastructure jobs. After all a lot of plants are dormant and many beds are empty.
However Richard has found that planning ahead gets the best results and gives him the chance to source materials and equipment in order to tackle these winter garden tasks and that is what Richard is discussing in this weeks podcast.
What winter garden tasks are you planning and preparing for this year?
Recipe of the week
This weeks recipe is a very simple chopped tomato recipe and will be out on this blog site in a few days time. Chopped tomatoes are constantly used in many kitchens and with a glut of tomatoes it makes sense to make our own.
So please listen to the podcast and send us your feedback here.
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Join Richard on this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard is starting to grow some chillies to over winter and preparing to get started with overwintering broad beans. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
This week Richard has tackled a number of tasks on the plot including
Hung wire in the greenhouse to hang hanging baskets from overwinterTidied up the mint in a Belfast sinkBought home the onions from the grandads greenhouseHarvested a disappointing spring sown onion crop
Much more on the podcast
How to grow overwinter chillies and broad beans
Late Summer often is overlooked as an ideal chance to sow more seeds but with a little planning, there's much to sow.
One thing well worth sowing is some chillies. Richard loves chillies but does find they need a long growing period. Because of this he has started sowing some chillies no to over winter.
Richard also loves to grow over winter broad beans. These will grow in the ground over winter and make the plot look like something is happening in the deepest darkest depths of winter.
In this podcast Richard shares how he goes about growing both of these plants over the winter months.
Recipe of the week
This weeks recipe is onion loaf and that recipe will be out on Wednesday.
Let Richard know what you think of anything mentioned in this podcast
In this weeks podcast episode Richard has been on the hunt for some bargains that are available in shops all over the country. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
This week on the plots
This week Richard has been battling against the heat both on the plots and at work. Whilst being on call this weekend gardening time was a little limited but he made the most of it including
Weeding and wateringPotting up new plantsHarvesting potatoesSowing green manures
On the hunt for some bargains
This week Richard has been alerted that certain shops up and down the country have started their gardening sales. A way for these shops to start making way for the Halloween and Christmas stock. Great news for us gardeners.
Richard popped into a few of these shops to find what deals he could find that he could use and found
Growbags for 50p a bagCompost for £2 a bagFruit plants for £1Bonsai apple tree for £20
Richard also mentions some bare rooted fruit trees which 2 online shops are
BlackmoorAshbridge nurseries
More bargains where also available and might suit you too.
Have you found any bargains? let us know in the comments below or email us here
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week Richard is answering the question what can I plant in my empty beds?
This week on the plots
This week Richard has been very productive including tackling the following
Tidied grandads greenhouseStrimmed, mowed and mulchedPlanted out kalePlanted Christmas new potatoesharvested courgettesFed the chickens some greens to lower feed costs
Find out more on the podcast
What can I Plants in my empty beds?
This week Richard has received many questions on what can be planted out in empty beds. With many of harvests now out the ground there are lots of empty spaces that could be used to grow more food below is just a few ideas
green manuresSpring cabbageSwedekaleBroccoliLettucesalad leavesSpinachchardmustardSpring onionsradishlambs lettucePak choiWong bokRaddichioEndive
Recipe of the week
This week I have created chicken, potato and green bean curry but you will have to wait for the recipe to be published
What are you planting right now?
This week Richard has turned his attention to the imminent hosepipe ban about to hit the UK according to news reports. He shares what he will be doing to tackle this problem. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
This weeks on the plots
This week, due to a family crisis Richard has struggled to find the time to attend to his allotment. But what little time he had there he made the most of it and tackled the following
Weeding and wateringHarvested over wintered onionsPlanned changes over the winter on the home gardenMulched more pots using easy mulch a compressed straw pellet mulch Checked over his irrigation system
and much more on the podcast
Recipe of the week
This weeks recipe is a simple pasta sauce using tomatoes from the garden.
Simply take 1kg tomatoes and put them in a pan with a splash of water. Gently boil the tomatoes and add some herbs, basil goes really well. Simmer for 2 hours until a nice thick sauce is created then freeze in batches ready to add to pasta
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week Richard is answering a request about winter vegetables. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
Latest from the plots.
Having recovered from covid Richard has ventured back to the allotment and garden to tackle a number of jobs including
Weeding and wateringHarvesting shallots and elephant garlicSowing more peas and carrots
What have you been up to on your own plots?
Thinking about winter vegetables?
This week Richard has been asked to talk about winter vegetables. After giving it some thought Richard has realised its too late to sow many winter crops but luckily many garden centres will be selling the plants required.
However there is still time to think about over wintering crops and Richard has made a few suggestions
Recipe of the week.
Recipe of the week this week is one of Richards own and is a stuffed courgette.
Take 1 courgette and cut in half lengthways. Scoop out the centre and stuff with cheese. Put the 2 half's back together and wrap with bacon. Bake in an oven or BBQ for 20 minutes. Serve
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Join Richard in this weeks podcast which is a little different this week. Richard has caught covid and unable to leave the house to tend to his allotment which with the heatwave currently hitting the UK is possibly a good thing as minimal work necessary is the motto while dealing with this heat.
8 mistakes I made with my allotment.
With that in mind it has given Richard the chance to reflect on his 7 years on his current allotment and think about what mistakes he has made. Now mistakes for Richard is not a negative thing, its a chance to lean so reflecting on this it has given Richard the chance to think about improvements for the future. The 8 mistakes are as follows
Didn't inspect he plot before taking it onRushed to get lots of plants planted before really preparing the groundKeeping hold of unknown plants already on the plotMaking paths too smallAccumulating/ hoarding too much junkOnly spending time at the weekend on the plotNot putting up labelsNot sitting down to enjoy the allotment
What mistakes have you made with your allotment or garden? Let me know in the comments
Recipe of the week
Unfortunately Richard has not been allowed into the kitchen but instead Richard has these 3 articles from Thomson and Morgan that you might find interesting instead
https://blog.thompson-morgan.com/the-best-way-to-preserve-tomatoes/
https://blog.thompson-morgan.com/the-best-way-to-preserve-apples/
https://blog.thompson-morgan.com/eight-best-chutney-recipes/
Join Richard in this weeks podcast. This week Ricard has been giving some thought to his pot growing experience. Richard alsos hares the latest from the plots.
Latest from the plots
On call and hot weather has rather hampered progress this week for Richard. However Richard has managed to intergrate his new chickens with bear the original chicken.
Weeding and watering ahs also been the focus for this week.
Growing in pots
The choice of pots and plants that can grow in pots is phenomenal. This week Richard has gained some new plants which has lead him to thing about growing them in pots. Perfect for the front garden and patio garden.
Recipe of the week
Recipe of the week this week in blackcurrant jelly made using blackcurrants grown on the allotment
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard chats to Josie from hortiwool about woollen hanging basket liners. Richard also shares the results of the garlic experiment and the latest from the plots.
This week on the plots
This week Richard has talked a lot of weeding in the allotment and garden. In this podcast Richard runs through what he has found with weeding and watering in the various gardening set ups.
Richard has harvested the spring sown garlic which He had run an experiment on this year to see if garlic really needs a period of cold.
Find out the results in this weeks podcast.
Hortiwool
This week Richard interviews Josie from Hortiwool. Hortiwool is a company what turns wool into hanging baskets liners and gardening pads usefull to start seeds off and use for microgreens.
Find out more about this product in this weeks podcast.
Recipe of the week.
This weeks recipe is a blackberry crumble. Richard has hada a very early blackberry harvest and there is a lot of them. Putting them to good use in a blackberry crumble makes it all the better.
A very tasty and delicious way to use up a fruit that can be foraged.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard is sharing his top 10 gardening hacks as well as the latest from the plots.
This week on the plots.
This week Richard has had problems with some of his animals. First of all Roxy the dog had an allergic reaction to a tick bite. This happened while on the allotment and with the council leaving some grass areas to grow longer, its possibly going to be a ore regular occurrence.
We have also sadly lost poppadum my Amber chicken. She was a good bird and gave us lots of joy (and eggs) so her passing is rather sad. However as this left Bear on her own I had to rush out and get 2 new hens to add to our garden. We now have Gertie another Amber hen and Hawkins our blue haze hen.
My top ten gardening hacks.
This week I wanted to share with you my top 10 gardening hacks. A way of making gardening easier or faster and they are as follows
Use your tools as a measurePencil for labelsDaily visits doing little and oftenUsing a lawn mower to chop up weeds to make composting fasterDip tools into a bucket of sand and oil after using to help look after your toolsFill up all watering cans and buckets when rain is expectedUse a piece of pvc pipe to get water to the roots of densely packed bushes such as gooseberriesUse boiling hot water to kill weeds in pathsA piece of wood made to fit the width of a garden bed makes a great straight lineToilet roll inners make a great plant pot for seedlings
Recipe of the week
This weeks recipe of the week comes from needing to find ways of using up the rather large quantity of cherries we seem to be harvesting at the moment.
My wife made cherry scones using this recipe from the BBC. Absolutely delicious on there own but we also took some more cherries added lots of suger and splash of water and cooked them on the hob until jam like. We used that to top our scones. Delicious.
What are your top ten hacks? get in touch to let me know
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard has ventured out of his gardens and to a gardening show known as gardeners world live. Richard also shares the latest from the plots
Latest from the plots
This week Richard has spent a lot of time on the way home from work visiting his allotment to get it ready for a couple of days away. Of course the 2 days away lead to some of the hottest weather so far this year.
Upon returning every plant was very thirsty and needed a good drink. you can find out much more in this podcast.
Gardeners world live
This week Richard visited gardeners world live. A yearly gardening show with its roots from the well known tv show and magazine of the same name.
Listen as Richard chats to Nigel and Adrian about there day out and also seek help from Lucy and Saul with a couple of plants that he has bought.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard is discussing free plant food and winter veg to sow now. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
The Diary
This week Richard feels that allotment inspections are looming so has concentrated his efforts on making the allotment suitable to pass the inspection with a lot of tidying and weeding. unfortunately another allotment holder has Dumped some weeds on his plot.
Free plant food
This week Richard discusses some plant food we can make for free.
First item is worm wee which does require a wormery. This is the wormery Richard has.
its also possible to make a wormery a quick internet search will reveal answers.
Other options involve making a tea using 1 or more of the following materials
comfreynettlesseaweedmanurescompostbanana skins
Winter veg to sow now
its time to think about sowing winter veg and this week richard has sown winter veg as follows
CabbagePeasturnipsCarrotsBroccoliEarly purple sprouting broccoli
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard is finding solutions to a common statement. Gardening is too expensive to start. Richard also shares how he prioritises tasks in the garden when busy.
This week on the plots
This week we was treated to a long weekend here in the uk. Unfortunately Richard was on call so only had Thursday off from work. Because ogf this Richard prioritised building his chicken run extension. Richard is a big fan of the omlet range of chicken coops and run. Having had an eglu go for a couple of years Richard decided to buy the run extension
Richard has also cooked up a leftover pork and potato hash which recipe can be found here
Join Richard Suggett in this weeks Veg grower podcast. This week Richard assembles a new garden gadget and has set up some growbags. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
The week on the plots
This week Richard has managed to get a lot of time in the plots. Tasks included planting out sweetcorn and mowing some grass paths.
For this weeks recipe Richard has found this Asparagus omelette made entirely from food he has grown.
Growbags
Over the year Richard has fallen out of favour with the use of growbags. Those plastic bags full of a small amount of compost that are meant to grow lots of plants in.
Well this year Richard has decided that growbags in the patio garden might just be the answer he was looking for in order to grow where no soil exists.
If you grow in grow bags what do you grow in them?
New garden gadget
Richard is a big fan of Vegepod, habing had his medium sized vegepod for 4 years now he decided to get a small version to grow herbs in outside his back door.
In this podcast Richard sets up the vegepod and discusses what he plans to do with it and why he is such a fan of it.
What have you bee up to in the garden this week? Do you grow in growbags or vegepod? Get in touch Richard'theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk
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Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard chats to his preferred welly boot manufacturer and 3 ways Richard uses comfrey on the allotment.
On the plots.
This week Richard as mostly been planting out his tender plants feeling the time is right. He also had an amusing email from his council of which he discusses this week.
Welly boots
Last year Richard found his perfect welly boot. Ultra light and easy to get on and off which is a big thing for Richard being he is a size 12 boot. These boots can be found here for more information
3 ways to use comfrey
Comfrey is such a wonderful plant with so many uses in the allotment. This week Richard discusses how he uses his comfrey in 3 different ways, to make a plant food, as a mulch and as a compost accelerant.
Finally this weeks cheap recipe is poached rhubarb and can be found here
Join Richard in this weeks veg growing podcast where this week Richard is sharing how he grows pumpkins and a few ideas of some edible hanging baskets. Richard also launches a competition for the best 30p meal as well as the latest from the plots.
Latest from the plots
This week Richard has been busy as ever on the plots. Saturday saw Richard on the allotment strimming and mowing the grass areas and using that as a mulch. Richard also has planted out some pumpkins into compost beds basically beds that he is using to compost in situ.
Join Richard in this weeks Veg grower podcast. This week Richard is sharing his daily gardening routine ands how he grows sweetcorn and the latest from the plots.
This week on the plots
This week Richard has been busy on the plots, moving the vegepod into a new location and upcycling an old cold frame to make it useful. On the allotment Strimming has been a big job as well as a new compost experiment.
Daily gardening routine
This week Richard shares his daily routine to share how he finds the time to grow his own food with a garden, allotment, working full time and family all needing time commitments. Here's a clue it involves gardening at both ends of the day.
How to grow sweetcorn
Richard shares how he grows sweetcorn this week, Sweetcorn is a delicious and easy crop to grow, a must in any veg agrden.
If you have enjoyed this podcast then leave us a review or become a supporting member.
Join Richard Suggett and Lee Connolly in this weeks podcast where this week we record from Gardeners world spring fair. Richard also shares the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
Join richard in this weeks podcast where Richard discusses a few gardens he plans to visit and how he grows cucumbers
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week he is sharing how he makes successional sowing and free mulches in his garden plans. Also the latest from the plots.
This week on the plot
This week being a bank holiday weekend Richard and his wife have created a larger area for the chickens by removing the failed meadow area. This took a lot of work as there was quiet a bit of plant matter to remove , but by doing so we get more compost material and the chickens get a better place to live.
Sunday Richard visited the allotment and has continued tidying up ready for the allotment party next weekend.
Bank holiday Monday and Richard and his wife have removed a lot of the privet bushes from the front garden in order to add some fruit bushes to the front garden, maximising productivity and growing more food.
Successional sowing and free mulches
This week Richard shares how sowing seeds, every few weeks of some crops, we are able to have a continuous supply of crops all years round. This is particularly good for salad leaves, carrots, radish and beetroot.
Richard also shares a few free mulches that he is keen to use. Mulches are a great way to reduce weeds and save water and is highly recommended.
Also shared are 2 mulches that are bought in for those that have no access to the free material and they are Strultch and easymulch.
If you have any tips om successional sowing and free mulches then please get in touch.
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Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast, this week Richard shares 6 perennial edible plants that do well in pots. Richard also shares the latest from his plots.
6 Perennial plants that do well in pots.
This week Richard has been giving pot plants some thought. This week Richard shares 6 edible plants that Richard has in pots and do well in pots. They are
SorrelRhubarbMintBlueberryStrawberriesPeach
What edible perennial plants do you grow in pots and why? let me know in the comments
Unfortunately this weeks episode is delayed and not the usual type of podcast that we do here due to Richard suffering toothache. Due to this this weeks podcast is a little different
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where this week Richard has launched a new project. Lets gyo to tackle the cost of living crisis. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard is planting potatoes and has been pondering on whether gyo can help with the cost of living crisis.
Join Richard Suggett in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard has noticed some signs that spring is here with many fruits about to burst into flowers, but are the pollinators there. Richard also goes into his shed to go through his collection of feeds and fertilisers.
Join Richard Suggett in this weeks Veg grower podcast. This week Richard is starting to create a mini allotment and has had some vandalism on his allotment. Richard shares how he tackles both of these.
Join Richard Suggett in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard shares a list of seeds he plans to sow this month as well as tasks he will be concentrating on throughout March. Richard also shares the latest from his allotment and veg garden.
Seeds to sow in March
March is when seed sowing really kicks off but i still find a bit of patience an pay off.
Sow Direct
carrotsparsnipsonionslettuce
Under cover
SpinachChardCabbageCauliflower
Indoors
Sweet peppersChilli peppersTomatoesCucumbersHerbs such as parsley, coriander, oregano
Tasks for March
March is also a busy time in the veg garden and allotment but keep it simple and concentrate on the following
Keep on top of the weedsFeed wildlife in order to control pestsWarm up the soil using cloches or black materialForce early crops such as StrawberriesWater greenhouses if requiredFinish any winter digging and pruningPrepare potato beds ahead of planting potatoes this month.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week along with the usual garden update, Richard has meant up with Richard Vobes who has started growing mushrooms and explores some drinks we could make from our homegrown produce.
Mushroom growing kits from Merryhill mushrooms
Rhubarb cordial recipe
Elderflower Cordial recipe
Mint Lemonade recipe
Digwell greenfinger v8 and 3/4
Drink your own garden book
Home brewing book
Join Richard Suggett in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week if you're thinking about keeping chickens you might want to listen to this first. Richard also shares how he grows leek as well as the latest from the plots.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where Richard talks tool maintenance and shares his tips for successful seed sowing. This weeks Richard has made a trip to a seed swap as well as tackling a few jobs in the garden.
Richard references some seed tray that he uses this can be found here.
Join Richard in this weeks Veg Grower Podcast where Richard shares what to sow and tackle throughout February. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
Seeds to sow this month
Broad beanspeasAubergineChilliesSweet peppersCabbagekalecauliflowercalabresetomatoescucumbersbasil parsleycoriander
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard has bought his seed potatoes for the year and answers a question from a listener about crop rotation. As always the weekly garden diary where Richard shares the latest from his plots.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast, in which Richard has a couple of listeners voicemail and shares how he grows his aubergines, not forgetting of course the latest from his plots.
Join Richard Suggett in this weeks podcast where this week Richard is sharing how easy it is to be growing Rhubarb and how he prunes his fruit trees and bushes.
This week on the plot
This week Richard has tackled the following tasks
Cleaning the greenhouseForcing his RhubarbStrimming the grass on the allotmentWeedingPruning apple and pear treesPricking out chillies.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast with new theme tune and a slight tweak on the format. This week Richard is sharing what can we do in January in the veg garden. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
Seeds to sow in January
Certain varieties of the following can be sown outside this month
Broad beansPeasGarlicShallotsOnion sets
The following can be sown In an unheated greenhouse or under cover
LettuceSpinachSpring onionsOnionsTurnipsSunner cabbagesSummer CauliflowerCeleryCeleriacRhubarbParsleyCoriander
The following can be sown indoors or in a heated propagator
ChilliesAubergineBasilTomatoes but be warned this might get to big to early!!!!
What can we do in January in the veg garden
Tasks to tackle outside this month are
Prune apple and pear trees, gooseberry and current bushesClear old crops and weeds from beds, mulching with compost and manure as required.Plant bare rooted fruit trees and bushesCover rhubarb with an old bin to force rhubarbFeed brassicas with a high nitrogen feed making sure they are well netted
If its raining then head into the greenhouse or shed and tackle
Tidy up greenhouse and shed, cleaning windows to allow better light in.Check over any overwintering plants for pests and diseaseMove some potted strawberries inside for an early crop
And for those dark evenings
Finalise your plans for this yearCheck through seed collectionsOrder any seeds and seed potatoes required for this coming year.
I hope you enjoy this weeks podcast. If you have then perhaps you might consider becoming a supporting member which helps me keep the podcast moving forward. Detail below.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where he looks back over 2021 to see what changes to make in 2022.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where he is reviewing a 2021 project of growing all Christmas dinner veg in one bed.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where he answers a question about how he grows ginger. he also shares the latest from the plots.
Join Richard in this weeks veg gardening podcast where he is discussing his utilisation of windowsills in order to grow food in these darker months.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week he is sharing a few Christmas gift ideas as well as a few seeds to sow in December and a few tasks.
Christmas gift ideas
The following list is comprised from the audience in a live show
Gardeners world magazine subscriptionLong handled trowelGarden gift cardVitopodDecent labels and markerSeed advent calenderItip handlesChicken manure pelletsSeed boxRyobi toolsLong reach hedge trimmerShredderVegepodSubpodSeedball edible wildflower mixWelliesTrugVegebagHorticulturel fleeceSolar lightsHeadphonesFruit treesThermal gardening glovesWillow treeSolar power systemGood growing weatherBlueberry bushSharp knife Opinal or hori horiwildlife cameraPruning/cutting bookGardening journalGardening dvdsSmall flaskUnusual seedsCamping StoveCuddly toy
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week he is sharing what he is doing with all these fallen leaves. Richard also shares the latest from the allotment and vegetable garden
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where this week he is sharing how he protects his plants over winter
Join Richard in this weeks vegetable growing podcast. This week Richard finds his chickens in lockdown from avian flu and shares how he deals with his chickens and quail during this time. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
If you want more information on avian flu then please checkout this government website for more information
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where he has shared a few seeds to sow this month and a few tasks to tackle. No diary section this week due to weather.
Join Richard in this weeks veg gardening podcast where this week Richard has investigated where pumpkin carving originates from.
Join Richard in this weeks veg growing podcast and this week Richard has visited his friends Kevin allotment. Also Richard shares the latest from the last week.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where he is discussing how he is growing garlic onions and shallots this year. He also shares the latest from his plots
Join Richard in this weeks veg gardening podcast where he discusses what we can be doing throughout October in the veg garden. Richard also shares the latest from the plots.
Product of the month
September saw Richard testing a pair of light weight wellington boots from lbcboots.com.
Overall Richard is very happy with these boots although shaking old habits of using his trainers is a hard habit to crack.
Richard found these boots very comfortable and very lightweight. So light he didn't feel like he was wearing boots at all.
October see's Richard testing a ground stake for when he takes Roxy, his new puppy, to the allotment.
What can I do in the veg garden throughout October.
There's lots that can be done in the veg garden throughout October
Seeds to sow
Onion setsgarlic setsShallotsPeas such as meteor or Feltham firstBroad beans such as Aquadulce ClaudiaCauliflowerCabbageTurnipSalad leafLettuceSpring onionsCorn saladLand cressMicro greensbasildillParsleyCorianderGreen manures
Tasks to do
Collect leaf fall to make leaf mouldClear plants such as runner beans and courgettesHarvest pumpkinsStake Brussel sprout plantsSow green manures or mulchClean greenhousesRipen tomatoes and peppersCut back yellowing asparagusMove citrus plants indoorsClear away straw mulches from strawberriesDivide RhubarbHarvest applesCheck over any heater and fleeces.
Join Richard in this weeks veg growing podcasts as he revisits the green manures he uses on his allotment and veg patch. Richard also shares the latest from the allotment and veg patch
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where joined by Lee Connelly, they have attending GLEE 2021 and looking for what might be hot in the gardening world through 2021. Richard also shares the latest from his allotment and garden.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast. This week Richard is answering some listener questions received recently. Also a conclusion to this tears soil additive experiment as well as the latest from Richard's plots.
The diary
This week Richard has sown some swiss chard. A firm favourite for its colourful leaves and stalks as well as great use in the kitchen.
Richard also has continued mulching beds on the allotment using grass clippings. Something he is in the habit of doing lately.
Finally Richard has now completely chopped down the willow tree in his back garden. A task he has wanted to do for a while.
Find out more by listening to this weeks podcast.
Listener questions
Questions are always greatly received on this podcast and this week Richard has answered a few questions he has received.
What can I use as mulch?Can I use wood chips in a vegetable clamp to store potatoes?Why are my chillies very mild?
Finally the conclusion to the soil amendment experiment.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where he is sharing a Septembers veg gardening tasks and seeds that can be sown. Richard aslo shares the latest from his allotment and vegetable garden.
Item of the month
August's item of the month was the Clarke soil sieve available from Amazon
Septembers Item of the month is a pair of lightweight wellie boots from Leon boots. So far Richard is impressed with these boots, very lightweight and comfortable but more importantly easy to get on and off.
How will they fair in a months time? Keep listening to find out.
Seeds to sow in September
her seeds to sow in September:
Spring cabbagesMizunaWinter lettuceRadishTurnipOnionsShallotsGarlicBeetrootSalad onionsGreen manuresBroccoliChilli’s for overwinteringCauliflowerCorn saladWok BrocPak ChoiParsleyCorianderBasilThyme
Tasks for September
Cut back old blackberry canes after fruiting and tie in new canesWatch out for blossom end rot on tomatoes by watering consistentlyWhen asparagus ferns turn brown cut them downKeep up wintering of winter squash and pumpkinsEarth up celeryTowards the end of the month we can start planting out garlic cloves, onion and shallot sets. Pop to a garden centre to choose the varieties you want to grow.Plan what varieties of fruit canes or bushes you might want to plant over the winter. These are old as bare rooted canes throughout the winter months which can be much cheaper to buy.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where shares his visit to gardeners world live 2021. Richard also shares the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary
This weeks Richard gardening has been a little on the low side due to the fact he has been on call. However he has managed to shred up the brunches of the willow tree that has been cut down and sort out his collection of plastic pots.
Sunday Richard popped into the allotment to cover areas with cardboard or weed suppressing membrane as he is starting to prepare for the winter months.
Find out more in the podcast
Gardeners world live 2021
This year saw the return of gardeners world live 2021. A annual gardening show which unfortunately didn't happen last year due to covid. This year event although much smaller then past years certainly still packed a punch. You can hear Richards account of the day on this episode.
A few links that might be useful for you includes:
Gardeners world live WebsiteLisa from natures resilience instagramEasymulch websiteLucy's instagramSauls twitter
nice flowersschool wheel barrowsA few photos of my day
Thyme in a path
Overall a fantastic day out had by all.
If you are planning to go next year, or went this year then leave a comment below.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where he is thinking about what he has learned over the last year and how that might affect the next year coming. Richard also share the latest from the plots.
Join Richard in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where he is talking about growing spring cabbages. Richard also shares the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary
This week Richard has sown several seeds in his potting shed including cabbage, parsley, Coriander and basil to name just a few. Particullery focusing on herbs to grow on the kitchen windowsill through the colder months.
Richard has also started cutting down brunches from a willow tree that is in his garden. This tree although a rather beautiful tree is just in the wrong place and blocks out much of the light from one bed.
Down on the allotment Richard spent an entire day on the allotment, catching up on lots of jobs that the weather recently has prevented him from tackling.
You can hear all about it in the diary section of this weeks podcast.
Growing spring cabbages
At this time of year we often don't think about starting many seeds off, however there are plenty of seeds we can start at this time of year and spring cabbages is just one of those.
Sowing cabbages now may well lead us to be able to harvest some tasty cabbages in spring next year. In fact its possible to harvest cabbages all year round with plenty of planning and perperation.
In this podcast here how Richard prepares the ground where his cabbages will grow, sows the seed and shares how he grows cabbages, and you can follow him in future episodes as he shares updates on the cabbages sown this week.
Will you be growing spring cabbages along with Richard? If so why not drop him a line to share your experience.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I take you on a tour of the world food garden at RHS Wisley.
This week on the veg grower podcast Richard is sharing what seeds can be sown in August and what tasks can be tackled. Richard also has the product of the month and the latest from the allotment and vegetable garden.
Product of the month.
This month Richard has bought the Clarke rotary soil sieve which can be bought by clicking on the image below (This is an affiliate link).
You can hear Richards initial thoughts on this product in this weeks podcast.
Last month Richards product was the Ryobi battery powered hedge cutter (click on the image before to find out more. This is an affiliate link). You can hear Richards thoughts after using this tool; for a month on the podcast.
August seeds sowing
ChicorySpring cabbagesChardJapanese onionsKohl rabiParsleyCorianderChervilDwarf beansWinter hardy spring onionsRadishSalad leavesLambs lettuceFast growing carrotsEndiveTurnipsRaddichioAmaranthChinese cabbageKaleLand cressOriental greensMooli radishRocketClaytonia
Augusts tasks for the allotment and vegetable patch
Water veg and fruit plants regularly especially if dry.Keep on top of the weeds.Feed sweetcorn with a good tomato feed to get the best cobs and not forgetting to use on tomatoes, peppers and many other fruiting crops.Sweetcorn cobs are ready to be harvested when the tassels turn brown and when you pop a corn the juice is milky.Remove lower leaves of tomatoes to improve ventilation.Cut back herbs to encourage a new flush of tasty leaves. Dry or freeze the trimmings to reduce waste.Pinch out your runner beans top to encourage side shooting.Aubergines should be harvested when young and shiny, pinch out the top of plants when 5 fruits have developed per plant.Limit squash plants to 3 fruits per plant, that way you will get bigger and better squashes.Keep harvesting second early potatoes and towards the end of the month, the main crop potatoes can start to be harvested, as the foliage turns yellow.Keep harvesting beans often in order for the plants to produce more. Don’t forget to harvest courgettes before they get to big too.Keep birds and squirrels off your fruit with nets, or place bird scarer tape to scare off any pests.If you have gluts of berries freeze them on a tray for a couple of hours before bagging them up.Tidy strawberry plants, remove any straw and dead or dying leaves.Invite friends around for bbq to show off your garden and what you can do when you grow your own food.
Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast where Richard shares how he deals with pests. Richard also concludes the garlic experiment and share's the latest from his plots
Join Richard in this weeks veg gardening podcast, where he talks through 4 fungal diseases that usually affect his plants and how he deals with them. he also shares the latest from his allotment and vegetable garden.
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where I am sharing a few methods that I use for storing our homegrown food. I also have the latest from the plots.
The diary
This week Richard has been unable to visit the allotment during the week which lead to the inevitable, weeds have grown back.
Join Richard in this weeks veg gardening podcast where he shares a list of seeds we can sow throughout July and some tasks for this month. Richard also shares the latest from his plots.
The Diary
This weeks Richard has bought himself a new hedge trimmer, sticking with the battery system that he has been using recently. This meant he could go on to trim the hedge at the front of his house. Of course these pruning got shredded and into the compost bin.
On the allotment Richard is trying a method of growing tomatoes he has heard about. This method involves placing tomato plants close together but only allowing each plant to only grow 1 truss of tomatoes. However these tomatoes are rumoured to grow very big. Will it work we will find out in the future.
Richard has also sown some basil, cabbage and cauliflowers.
Seeds to sow in July
July is a month where it might be hot and half way through the year but there's a lot we can sow as listed below
Dwarf French beans such as This variety called Boston from Thompson and MorganRunner beans such as FirestormCarrot such as FlyawaySwiss chard such as Bright lightsBeetroot such as boltardySpring onions such as White LisbonThis pea called terrain is meant to be the best late varietyCabbage such as this variety April Pak choi Green f1Chinese cabbage RichiSalad leaf Red and green salad bowlRadish French breakfastRadicchio Orchidea RossaParsley Plain leaved 2Coriander
There's also lots of tasks we can do throughout July
Harvest crops (first and second early potatoes, Strawberries, artichokes to name a few)Watch out for blight that can affect potatoes and tomato plantsPinch out side shoots of tomatoesWater, July can be very dry.Pot up pepper plants if they are getting a bit to big for their pots.Keep training cucumbers up supportsNip of the tips of aubergines and courgettes to encourage a bushier pantsFeed cropsHarvest garlic and onions once the foliage turns yellow and bend overPick dry or freeze herbsCheck for cabbage white on your brassica crops. Any eggs laid on the leaves can be squishedClear away any spent or diseased foliage from on or around your vegetable plantsKeep on top of the weeds
Check out the podcast to find out more or if you want to read a transcript of the podcast click the file below.
Episode-404_otter.ai_Download
Join Richard in this weeks podcast where he has taken a visit to a community garden project in Crawley. He also shares the latest from his allotment and vegetable garden.
The diary
This week Richard has harvested his onions and shallots from his allotment. It hasn't been a great year for onions and shallots but the results are ok.
In the home plot Richard has bought some rather sorry looking plants for a bargain price and is hoping to reinvigorate them with a bit of love.
A visit to a community garden project
Sunday Richard visited a community garden in Crawley. Run by Crawley community garden in co operation with Crawley Community Youth Service.
Richard has always had an interest in community gardening, seeing it as another tool to help more people feed themselves and share knowledge and experience. This visit did not disappoint Richard and was rather impressed with the potatoes and brassicas growing away on the plot.
Find out more by listening to the podcast or reading the transcript in the file below.
Episode 403_otter.ai (1)Download
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Join Richard in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where this week he is discussing about how to tell when its time to harvest garlic, onions and first early potatoes. Richard also shares the latest from his allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary
This week Richard has had the first real opportunity to test his rainwater harvesting system attached to his shed. He noticed that an airlock had developed between 2 water butts and had to take action in order to capture as much rain as possible.
Richard has also been covering areas of his allotment with weed suppressing membrane due to the high levels of couch grass. This area will not be wasted of course as he will be placing tubs of plants on top in order to maximise growing space.
What have you been tackling in your garden or allotment? Let us know by dropping an email.
When do I harvest my onions and garlic?
Its the summer equinox, the middle of the year when the days is the longest. For me this is a date where I often feel we can start reaping the rewards of our harvests. From this day on our garlic and onion will be ready for harvsing as will some of our Early or first potatoes.
So how do you know when these are ready to harvest and what do you do with them after harvesting?
Early potatoes
Well the easiest one first of all is first early potatoes. Usually we would harvest these 10 to 12 weeks after planting depending on the variety. However I usually use this rule as a guide as as we all know we can have years where the weather might have slowed things down and this year is certainly one of those years. Discussions I have been having is that this year we are about 3 weeks behind. I bring this up because if we go back to when I planted my potatoes which was mid march and we add 12 weeks that would have taken us to 3 weeks ago but the main trick I use to tell when my first potatoes are ready is whether flowers have started to develop. 3 weeks ago we had no sign of flowers but this week they are now starting to show.
For me this means I will start harvesting some early potatoes simply by digging them out the ground. The trouble with first potatoes is they do not store very well at all. 5 days is probably the longest we can store new potatoes. So what I try and do is harvest new potatoes when I need them and leave the rest in ground to continue to grow. They will of course get bigger potatoes and may not taste as good but at least they will get used.That being said if we are harvesting our potatoes when young you might only get a few potatoes from a plant at first might only be ebough for one meal. If I do have to harvest lots of these potatoes and want to preserve them, I will turn them into meals to freeze. Bombay potatoes or saag aloo is possibly some of the best examples for this.
Garlic
Moving onto Garlic and if sown in autumn this is usually ready to harvest by the end of June. So I will be harvesting my Garlic next weekend. However I also sown some garlic very late as an experiment and these will be left in the ground for a little bit longer.
So what are we looking for to tell when garlic is ready? One of the signs I look for is yellowing leaves. This is usually a good sign that the bulb has got all the energy its going to get from its leaves, If the garlic is a softneck variety then the stalk will also topple over which is a second sign to look for but only if its a softneck variety and this is what I will be looking for with my spring sown garlic before harvesting.
To harvest I try and gently ease the bulbs out the ground as my soil has become quite lose I have found this pretty easy to do but if your soil is a bit tougher then a small fork to slide under the bulb to ease it help might help lift it without damaging the bulb itself. Once harvested I like to let my garlic dry in the greenhouse just simply by laying it on the shelf with plenty of airlow around each bulb. If you don’t have a greenhouse anywhere dry warm and w...
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I share my experience of the Vegepod after 2 years of everyday use. I also have the latest from he plots and a listener question.
This weeks on the plot.
After last weeks disappointment with weeds taking over, I ma pleased to say I have got back on top of the weeds and the allotment is looking great again. This enabled me to get my tomatoes and sweetcorn planted out at long last.
I have also bought myself a battery powered lawnmower which at first I wasn't impressed with until I got a 5amh battery to go with it.
You can hear all about it in the podcast of course.
The Vegepod 2 years on.
If you have listened for the last 2 years you will know I have a Vegepod in my garden of which I use to grow a lot of my salad crops in. When I foirst got the Vegepod I did produce a few podcasts on the subject but I thought today it would be good for you to hear how it has performed after 2 years of every day use and we use it every day.
If you want to find out more about Vegepod then you can head on over to there website here.
Resources for todays show.
Ryobi lawnmower I have bought this week
What have you been up to in your own allotment or garden? Why not let me know by leaving a voicemail, leave a comment below or drop us an email here.
If you would like to support us then why not become a supporting member. Supporting members get extra podcasts each week and each month a monthly newsletter and gift pack arrives through your letterbox.
Its our 400th episodes and to celebrate I am running a little competition. I also have the latest from my plots and seeds to sow throughout June.
Seeds to sow and tasks for June
Straight away A lot of what I will sowing this month will be many salad crops such as lettuce, cut and come again salad leaves, spring onions, Pak choi and radishes
Its also a good chance to sow root crops such as carrots, beetroot and turnips
Peas and french beans can also be sown this month and this is a great way to keep getting more crops as this will provide us with peas and beans later in the season.
Brassicas are definitely going to be sown this month especially to provide us with winter vegetables including for Christmas. This includes Cabbage's Cauliflowers kohl rabi kale, swedes turnips and late broccoli
Then there's catch up crops so if you still need pumpkins, marrow courgettes then get sowing those right away.
Finally Florence fennel which is traditionally sown after June the 21st in order to stop the plants from bolting other herbs such as coriander, parsley, basil, chervil and dill are also worth sowing before it gets to hot for them to germinate.
Added to that I also have a few tasks to complete this month weeding and watering is certainly top of my list for this month as you would have heard in the diary section. It doesn't take long for nature to take over but added to that of we can mulch then mulch mulch and mulch away
Birds will be looking to eat many of our fruits and brassicas so make sure nets are covering many of these crops in order to protect them.
Earth up potatoes with compost, grass clippings or straw and feed tomatoes if flowers have started developing.
Beans and peas will need supports to grow up so we need to build those and get them into place.
Strawberry may well start potting out runners now. If they do pot them up so you can plant the baby plants elsewhere in the garden with plants that have cost us nothing
Some of our fruit trees may well start shedding some of the immature fruits. Don’t panic if this happens its normal its called the June drop and a tree doing this means it will put more energy into the fruit it does have and produce bigger crops. However we can help by removing a few or the fruits ourselves too.
Finally asparagus season will soon be over and so feed with a good all round fertiliser and leave a few ferns to grow big. Come winter we will cop these down.
Join me for this weeks podcast where I have taken a trip to gardeners world live Spring fair. I also share the latest from my allotment and vegetable patch.
Resources
Gardeners world Willow wandsPhoenix BiocharLockstock Nurseries part of the waitrose farmAdam Frosts WebsiteBeaulieu gardens
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I am having a listener feedback show. The chance for listener to ask questions or share some tips. I also have the latest from the plots.
Resources for this weeks show.
The juice containers I use for feedsAn article about using tyres in the garden from Brighton Permaculture
Join me in this weeks podcast where we take a tour of Lisa's garden. Lisa is an gardening instagrammer, with a desire to get people gardening. I also have the latest from my plots.
The diary
This week we have sown some okra and runner beans but now seed sowing is slowing down we can concentrate on getting plants potted up and hardened off.
I took Friday off from work and spent the day on the allotment, clearing weeds, strimming and tidying. A whole day on the allotment felt great.
At home I have been constructing some fencing to protect my veg plants from my chickens, I have also been working on the Christmas dinner bed with more seeds being sown.
What have you been doing in your allotment or veg patch?
Tour of Lisa's garden.
Lisa very kindly invited me up to tour her garden this week, something I do enjoy doing is having a good nose around other peoples gardens. I was blown away with just how Lisa's garden looked and the size, I was very jealous.
Lisa is a gardening instagrammer who got into gardening due to lockdown but has made some serious changes to her garden. Her background in interior design has a lot to do with her design.
To find out more about Lisa then please check out the following Links
Lisa's instagramThe tomato club
If you would like me to tour around your garden or allotment then please do get in touch via this link.
Why not join the supporters club? As a supporting member you get exclusive access to behind the scenes content as well as a monthly gift pack containing seeds.
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I share how I grow sweetcorn and pumpkin. I also share the latest from the plots.
The diary
This week we have had plenty of rain (finally) which has not only filled up my water butts nicely, it has led me to pump water into my spare water butts too. To do this I use a very simple water pump which I have used for many years now and has been a great asset for this task.
I have of course been sowing more seeds, sweetcorn, pumpkin, runner beans, lettuce and spring onions and we have been pricking out many seedlings. In some ways I am looking forward to not having to sow so many seeds, this year I seem to have spent a lot of time sowing and pricking out which now we are getting into the main growing season will be less of a choir.
On the allotment we have been weeding a lot. weeds at this time of year grow like mad (especially couch grass). Keeping on top of it is a must. I have also managed to plant out my leeks and some onions. Hopefully these will grow and establish well.
You can hear more on the podcast.
How I grow sweetcorn and pumpkins.
May is when I like to sow both of these crops. I find its the right time as these can grow very fast and I want to get them panted in the shortest amount of time possible.
Both of these plants like to grow in warm sheltered sunny positions with plenty of moisture and food.
In this episode I share how I grow these plants and what I have found to be successful for me.
If you have any tipe on growing these plants then please do get in touch and share.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I am sharing a few tasks and seeds to sow in May. I also share the latest from the allotment and vegetable garden.
The diary
This week has been an eventful week. one of my chickens got attacked by a fox. its nature I know but its still upsetting. Thankfully the chicken has survived but we are all being very cautious. One thing I am rather grateful for is my omlet chicken run, which has been designed to be fox proof.
Saturday was international compost day so a day to focus on composting. Which gave me a chance to mention Subpod. My Subpod has been a huge success to the point I want another. For me the real advantage Subpod has is that its a discreet way to compost especially if you have a small garden.
Of course I have been busy sowing lots of seeds and pricking out seedlings all of which can be heard on the podcast.
Tasks and seeds to sow in May
Its the beginning of May a new month which means we can start looking at what seeds we can sown this month and what tasks we can tackle this month.
In terms of what seeds we can sow there are lots and lots of different seeds I think there's is very few seeds we cant sow really and towards the end of the month we can sow many of these seeds outside if you so wish.
Carrots beetroot and parsnips are the very few seeds I sow directly in the ground where they are to grow. I can do this early in the month so if you are further north you might want to wait a week or two or protect these seeds with some enviromesh or a cloche. Now I have found that sowing parsnips in May the soil is generally warm enough to be successful where as in my experience earlier sowing’s have proven to be sporadic with germination.
Sweetcorn is another seed that I will hold of until May to sow. These tend to grow pretty quick and so I don’t want them hanging around for too long. I sow these in my root trainers 1 seed per pot and place this in my greenhouse until germination which then get planted out in a couple of weeks time.
I also sow pumpkins, melons and other squashes this month. I have sown some at the end of April but again these plants grow very quick so I don’t want them hanging around in pots for too long. The sooner I can get them into the ground the better.
Peas, Runner beans, french beans, green beans or climbing beans however you might want to call them can all be sown this month too. Again I find these grow quick so tend to hold off until end of April beginning of May with a view to get them into the ground once the risk of frost has passed.
Many brassicas such as cabbage and cauliflowers can also be sown this month and in many ways these will be our winter crops so its well worth getting them sown and growing ready for food during the cold winter months. Thinking ahead is often the name of the game with this way of life.
Tomato seeds can still be sown if you haven't already sown any. I would however say its a little too late for chilli’s, peppers and aubergines. However pop down to a garden centre and they will sell plenty of these in pots ready for you.
Salad leaves and lettuce of course can be sown, pretty much every month I sow these but lets not forget radish, spring onions, spinach, chard, rocket pak choi and watercress can all be sown too which if you like to eat lots of salad greens then these will certainly keep you well stocked up. Watercress is always one I have struggled to grow from seed but I will be trying again this month just got to make sure it doesn't dry out. Although we can also grow from a piece of watercress bought from a shop by simply popping a piece in some water, change the water daily until roots grow then pop into some soil. Just make sure watercress stays wet at all times.
And finally pretty much all herbs can be sown this month too, basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon balm just to name a few.
Tasks for May
That’s a lot of seeds that can be sown but don’t worry if you didn’t write tha...
Join me in this weeks podcast where we are celebrating national gardening week by sharing what I have been up to in the diary section and I am joined by Hannah the Cactus Surgeon, to share a her story.
The Diary
This week we have been busy sowing more seeds including:
KohlrabiFrench beansWelsh onionand much more
We have also been busy pricking out tomato plants and planting tomato in the greenhouse. We have also continued to construct our wildflower/ orchard/ herb garden area and we have been harvesting asparagus and rhubarb. Those tasty treats are what its all about.
Hannah The Cactus Surgeon.
I first met Hannah a couple of years ago where she was good enough to talk to us about running a garden centre as part of an investigation we was doing at the time.
She reached out to me recently to appear on my podcast to share her experience of a particularly traumatic time in her life and how getting out in nature helped her.
I also wanted to find out more about the garden centre industry after a few news reports that I have been reading.
If you want to find out more about Hannah then please check out the following links
Hannah's own website The Cactus SurgeonPerrywood garden centre, Hannah's family garden centre.Hannah's twitter profile.Hannah's Facebook group.Hannah's instagram.
Other resources for this podcast.
Ellen Mary's plant people wellbeing studio, a great chance to read some stories from like minded peopleRhs page for national Gardening week.The irrigator solar watering system I have in my greenhouse.The tomato halos I am using in the greenhouse.
Share with me your love of gardening by leaving a comment below, Leave a voicemail using our voicemail service or send me an email Richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk
Join me in this weeks podcast where I have re stared a project to turn an area of my garden into a wildflower/ orchard / herb garden area. I also share the latest from the plots.
The diary
This week on the plot I have visited the allotment every night to do a few minutes weeding. This has really helped me feel like the workload is being reduced.
At home I have been sowing lots of seeds including
Asparagus peaDillNasturtiumMarigoldsLuffa
I have also been pricking out
Purple sprouting broccoliCeleryCeleriac
Busy time on the plots.
Creating a wildflower/ orchard/ herb garden area
There has got to be a simpler name for this area but I think it says what it is. This is an area of my garden quiet close to my house where we did have many bushes and shrubs growing when we moved into this house.
Last year I came up with an idea for this area which took inspiration from many Victorian gardens I have visited over the years but particularly West Dean gardens in West Sussex.
For me the idea of making my garden mostly edible has always been difficult to get fully under way but in this podcast Italk through how I am acheiving this.
I mention some wildflower seeds that I am using in this area and if you would like more information on this then check out the links below
Thompson and Morgan Perfect for pollinators seedsEmpathy mini meadow seeds
If you have created anything like this in your garden then why not get in touch
Join me in this weeks podcast where I share my tips for when gardening becomes overwhelming. I also have a question from a listener about companion planting and I have the latest from the plots.
The diary
This week the weather has been surprising. Snow appeared here and we hardly ever get snow here. That didn't stop me from sowing seeds and pricking out lots of plants. Every day we are doing something in the garden.
Saturday was spent on the allotment cutting the grass and mulching. A weekly job at the moment.
Sunday was spent at home potting on in the sun.
Companion planting.
I haven't dabbled into the world of companion planting for a while now. Mainly due to lack of organising but this week I have had a question from a listener who is asking about this method and it spurred me on to try again this year.
Companion planting is an organic way of gardening that can help control pests or improve crops.
I will be growing basil and tomatoes together for better tasting tomatoes. Grow nasturtiams for controlling cabbage white butterflies. Growing calendula to improve pollination.
Vegplotter is a great resource for help with this.
If you have any successful companion planting stories please get in touch.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I share how I grow Cucumbers. I also share the latest from the allotment and vegetable garden.
The diary
With a 4 day weekend I planned to get a lot of work done. This begun with setting up 2 new coldframes in order to gain more space for my young plants.
We made 2 visits to the allotment, clearing weeds and cutting down a elder tree that just become to big to manage. Mulching has also been a big thing this week.
We have also been busy allowing the chickens out in the garden yet again. The end o f the chickens lockdown is very welcome as its great to see them out in the garden yet again.
What have you been up to in your allotment or garden?
How we grow cucumbers
Something I will be sowing this week is cucumbers. Those crunchy slices of cool tasting fruit which can be used in so many recipes in the kitchen its not a surprise that they are very popular to grow. This week I thought I would share how we grow Cucumbers.
There are a huge amount of different variety's to choose from and when deciding I think its advisable to first work out where you will be growing thee plants as there are variety suitable for greenhouse and for outdoor varieties. Outdoor variety’s or ridge variety's as they are also known as tend to be able to withstand cooler climates a bit better but also have a few spikes on the cucumber themselves. This is easily dealt with because when cucumbers are ripe these spikes easily rub off.
The greenhouse cucumber need a bit more more warmth but tend to have smoother skins.
Added to this choice of variety's we can also have our standard size cucumbers or the smaller gherkins. Personally I like to try and grow both of these particularity as we do like to make our own pickled gherkins.
Good variety’s to choose from are marketmore which can grow in a greenhouse and outside. Mini munch is a good greenhouse variety which grow small cucuumbers ideal for lunch boxes. A variety I am trying this year is called spacesacer which can be grown in pots and use up little space but there are many other varieties to choose from.
Sowing seed is pretty easy, I tend to sow my seeds during aprilI fill my usual seed pots up with compost then slide a seed into the soil on its side about a cm deep and cover over with more compost. This then gets placed in my heated propagator as these seeds need the temperatur to stay above 16c for successful germination and growth. Germination usually takes about a week. Now what I know many other gardeners do is use standard 5cm pots and place 2 seeds per pot. Later on the weekest seedling will get removed. My nethod however does require me needing to prick out and pot on the young plants and these plans can grow pretty quick. Another option is to sow seed where they are to grow but if we are growing these outdoors then we would wait till about late may early June before doing this.
When the plants are young and I cant stress this enough water the plants from the bottom of the pot. What I mean is place the pots in a saucer and pour water into that saucer. Cucumbers are very susceptable to stem rot and if water lands on the stem it could cause the stem to rot.
As always I tend to prick out my seedlings once the true leaves are growing. They then go into individual root trainers but as they grow quick I keep a close eye on the roots. Once I see roots at the bottom of the root trainers or pots its time to pot them up into bigger pots.
When it comes to planting the cucumbers its best to prepare the soil beforehand. Cucumbers like rich soil so add plenty of compost or well rotted manure ahead of planting. WE could also plant cucumbers in pots or growbags full of compost if space is an issue. Give the plants about 60cm of space to get the best from them.
Plant out our plants when we get 2 or 3 leaves, if going in a greenhouse this is pretty easy but if going outside then wait till the risk of frost has passed for me mid may is ...
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I answer a listeners question about hardening off plants and Aprils seeds and tasks for the month. I also have the latest from the plots.
The Diary
This week I have concentrated on my home plot yet again. Slight indulgence as I wanted to get my hot tub set up for the good weather expected this week. The hot tub is great to soak in after a hard days work on the plot and means I spend more time i the garden!!!
This doesn't mean I neglected the vegetable growing no no no. I have sown Cucumbers, purple sprouting broccoli, jalapino chillis and salad leaf. I have also pricked out aubergines and peppers as well as potted up cauliflower plants.
Many more tasks completed on the podcast.
Looking for an easy way to harden off plants?
I have had a question come in from a listener looking to find an less time consuming way to harden off plants. Well for me the easiest way is to get a cold frame with a lid that can be opened and closed instead of moving the plants.
I have looked on Amazon to find some options that I have listed below (full disclosure I may earn commission should you buy any through these links)
This is a pretty simple coldframe and the cheapest I could find on Amazon.
With 2 lids this could be a better choice.
This is similar to what I use. Not cheap but a great tool.
Aprils seeds and tasks.
April one of my favourite months. One that will certainly keep us gardeners very very busy. Below is a list of seeds to sow this month
AubergineTomatoChilliPepperPotatoesOnion setsGarlicJerusalem ArtichokeCucumbersMelonPumpkinsSummer squashCourgetteBeetrootCarrotsTurnipsKohl RabiLeeksSpncahSwiss ChardRadishPeasLettuce
And next a list of tasks for April
Keep hoeing the beds, mulch or cover too.Get any infrastructure work completedSupport early peasHarvest asparagus and rhubarb if readyProtect fruit blossomFeed and mulch fruit tree and bushesTake a trip to a garden centre
Plenty to keep us busy but what will you be doing in your garden or allotment?
Join me in this weeks podcast where I answer a question about ponds, A question about growing chilli's and share how I grow potatoes. I also share the latest from my plots.
The diary
This week we have had some very strong winds. Luckily we didnt suffer any damage but the weather did put a stop to gardening.
We did however manage to build new garden bed at home. This bed is going to be the Christmas dinner bed in which 2021 Christmas veg will be grown in.
Ponds
This week I received a question about what plants to plant around a pond for the benefit of wildlife.
Its been a while since I had a pond but I remember that when we had a pond on our old allotment it was great for wildlife. With lots of different insects coming in and visiting regularly.
The plants I recommend are
Flowering rushMarsh marigoldArrowheadPondweedSpike water milfoillilyBrocklime water speelweelCommon cotton grassGreater pond sedgeMeadowsweet
Some other resources
https://www.arguk.org/get-involved/news/wildlife-pond-construction-and-habitat-creation-on-an-allotment-in-norfolkhttps://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/home-garden/gardening/wildlife/how-to-make-a-wildlife-pond
Chilli's
Another question I received was how to grow chilli's without grow lights. Something I am guilty of is forgetting that not everyone has grow lights. When it comes to chilli's they certainly benefit from a long growing season which is where grow lights come in.
However its still possible to grow chiili's without grow lights. I would first suggest we go to a garden centre and buy plug plants or if we want to start from seed we need to start them off over the next few weeks somewhere warm and light.
Potatoes
Its the start of the potato planting season now and I have started getting my potatoes in the ground.
In this podcast you will hear how I plant my seed potatoes, how I look after the plants and why we earth up potatoes.
If you have any tips or suggestions on any of these subjects then why not get in touch.
Special thanks for the following.
Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash
Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash
In this weeks podcast I am joined by lee Connolly aka The Skinny Jean Gardener. Lee has launched his school gardening success plan. A system designed for helping primary school teachers teach children about gardening. We also have the latest from the plots.
The Diary
It has been a positive week this week in both the garden and the allotment. In the garden at home we have sown some more lettuce, spring onions and carrots. We have also sown some asparagus peas.
On the allotment we have built a new bed as well as started spreading compost or mulching our beds with grass clippings. I think its safe to say that the gardening season is upon us.
The school gardening success plan.
Many of you may well have heard Lee on the podcast many times before but if you haven't, Lee is the skinny jean gardener on a mission to encourage children and families into gardening.
Last year Lee spent a week (pre covid) travelling around 20 schools in order to encourage 10000 children into gardening. While the week was a success Lee realised that it wasn't so easy for every school to teach gardening. In many cases this is due to not having someone to teach the lesson but also in some cases some schools have no outdoor space to grow in.
Armed with this research Lee has put together a school gardening success plan. I like to think of this success plan as a text book for teachers. A guiide for teachers to pick up and follow without any gardening experience.
In this podcast I chat to Lee to find out more about this school success plan.
If you want to find out more then head on over to Lee's website.
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I am sharing a list of tasks and seeds to tackle throughout March.
Join me in this weeks veg gardening podcast where I share my tips for successful seeds sowing. I also share the latest from the plots.
The diary
This week I have been focused on my home plot with digging out the ivy roots and clearing an area to build a new build to house my new subpod.
A subpod is an underground composting system. Turning waste into black gold for the garden. I was attracted to the subpod based on the fact it seems a very discrete way to compost in the garden. Its sub terrain structure is not in your face like many composts bins out there. Find out more about subpod by clicking here.
My seed sowing tips.
Every year I get a lot of comments about confusion when it comes to seed sowing with some people worried it might be too early to sow seeds.
I am guilty of starting seeds off early but that is because I know my garden and my climate well enough to know when its safe to sow seeds.
As we are about to hit prime seed sowing time I thought I would compile A list of tips that I have developed for being successful with seed germination and you can hear the in todays podcast.
If you have any tips to share then please leave a comment below or use our voicemail feature to leave a message.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I am chatting to Ellen Mary about gardening for wellbeing. I also share the latest from the plots as we continue to grow our own food.
The diary
This week we have had some very very cold weather. Meaning that the ground was to frozen and unable to work. All was not lost however as we have plenty of tasks to do inside our sheds and greenhouses.
We have sown sweet peppers, cabbage, basil and celeriac. Planted potatoes in pots in our greenhouse and pricked out some onions and cauliflowers.
Check out the podcast to hear more.
Gardening for wellbeing
This week I am joined by Ellen Mary who is well known with in the gardening industry for her role in bringing awareness to how gardening can be beneficial to our health.
As someone who has suffered with PTSD and gardening was a great salvation for me I felt it was a great time to chat to Ellen about just how great gardening is and to hear about the launch of her new wellbeing studio.
In this podcast we find out a bit about Ellen's early start in gardening and how she got involved in the industry. We also find out a few ideas on what we can grow for some medicinal crops to help us help ourselves.
HAs gardening helped your wellbeing? Let me know in the comments.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I have received questions from listeners via our new voicemail feature. Amanda is asking about out of date seeds and Toby is asking about heating a greenhouse. I also share the latest from my plots.
This week on the plots.
Whilst the evenings are slowly getting lighter, I am still finding myself gardening at the weekends. I'm looking forward to lighter evenings and being able to spend more time in the garden in the evening.
Saturday morning I managed to pop to the allotment after 2 weeks of having no access due to roadworks. Only to find the planned roadworks ahs been postponed. Which I did find slightly annoying. However once on the plot I managed to set in place a new bed from some old decking.
Sunday was a day in the garden, watching the snow fall while we cut down our large Ivy. I am quite fond of ivy but it isn't edible and is a lot of work keeping it in check. Added to that I sowed more aubergines, and celery. I don't usually grow celery. But I discovered a pack of seeds and thought I would give it a try this year.
What have you been up to this week?
Are out of date seeds any good?
I received a question from a listener asking me if out of date seeds are still good via our voicemail system (if you have a question why not use the voicemail to the side of this page). I thought it was a great question so thought I would answer it in this weeks podcast.
Out of date seeds can still be good but you may not get a good germination rate. Seed companies often print sow by dates on the back of the packets but like most things this is not a date that the seeds are suddenly no longer useful or dangerous. What these are often for are a date when there's a good chance that the germination rate might be poor and therefore we wont get as many seeds become plants. However as there are so many factors such as how the seeds are stored its a bit of a ambiguous date.
Personally I have sown seeds years out of date and have had a few seed germinate and grow into plants which shows that these dates are not a date that all seeds will suddenly stop germinating.
Can I recommend a greenhouse heater.
This is another great question and its one that if I'm honest I don't worry too much about due to my conditions. But I looked into this and discivered some very useful advice out there which made me think about what to do.
Firstly if I was to buy a bigger heater I would buy this paraffin heater from Amazon. A larger heater will do a better job at heating up a greenhouse.
Alternatively I would buy 2 smaller paraffin heaters such as these I found at B and Q. For the price it much more economical to buy 2. plus if one hater fails the other heater will keep the greenhouse ticking over.
If its possible to add electrics then I would go for a heater like this one from Amazon. Personally I feel this electric heater would be safer and more efficient. While also providing a warmer temperature to any greenhouse with electricity.
If you really want to push the boat out then this propane powered gas heater will also help keep your plants safe.
In researching this subject I found this article really helpful
If you have any thought on this questions then why not send me an email, leave a comment or voicemail to share.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I have compiled a list of tasks we can do and seeds we cans ow in February
Join me in this weeks podcast where I am joined by Robert from safe soil uk as we chat about testing our soils. We also have the latest from my plots.
The Diary
This week on the plots I have managed to get an extra couple of days due to furlough. However I also received some bad news which changed my focus a little. The bulk of my time has been spent cutting down old shed and fence panels into smaller pieces to be burnt on our fireplace.
I have also manged to pot up some marjoram seedlings in order to give them a bit more space to grow and become larger plants. I also managed to sow some leeks seeds. I usually sow leek seeds around this time of year so I feel like I am off to a great start to this year.
You can hear my diary logs on the podcast.
Chat with Robert from safe soil uk.
Robert contacted me about coming on the podcast to chat about testing soils. Something I believe that as gardeners we tend not to worry about to much. But after the chat in this podcast I have discovered myself wondering more and more what is in my soil.
Safe soil uk is Roberts business which as you can gather tests soil for contaminants and fertility. More importantly the results are published in a way that we can all understand.
Check it out on the podcast.
If you have tested your soil or are thinking about testing your soil let me know your thoughts. Leave a comment below or email me Richard@theveggrowerpodcats.co.uk
If you enjoy this podcast and would like to support us, then become a supporting member below.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I chat to Richard creator of vegplotter.com. A online garden/allotment organiser and planner. We also have the latest from the plots.
This week on the plot
Over this last week I have now got my new shed set up with heated propagator, grow lights and lighting for me to see. All of which means I can spend a little more time in the shed in the evenings, sowing seeds or potting on plants. Fun times ahead.
Richard creator of vegplotter
in a recent podcast I mentioned how I had returned to using an online website to draw out and plan my plots,. Well Richard the creator reached out and we had a chat for the podcast of which you can hear.
Towards the end of the podcast you will hear me talk about how we created a plan while on my live show on Sundays. That video is below.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/4DGznRdv0b8
Join me in this weeks podcast where in recognition of houseplant week uk I am talking about my collection of edible house plants. I also have the latest from the plots.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I discuss the seeds we could be sowing in January and what tasks we could be tackling on our allotment and vegetable patches. I also share the latest from the plots.
Seeds to sow in January
Below I have included a list of seeds we can sow this month
Onions can be sown this month to bulk up in time for planting out in March.Leeks can be sown. I use polystyrene boxes for extra insulation.Broad beans can be sown outside in milder areas or in a greenhouse or cold frameMicrogreen are great to grow on a kitchen windowsill for some great salads or garnishEarly crops of lettuces, summer brassicas (cauliflower or cabbages for example) can be sown undercoverAlso undercover its worth sowing some carrots. A variety I have success with sowing at this time of year is Amsterdam forcingTowards the end of the month sow aubergines and chillies with some bottom heat. This plants benefit from a long growing season.Sow some tomatoes this month for the purpose of growing these in a greenhouse in March.Finally a wide collection of herbs can be sown, parsley, coriander, basil and tarragon to name a few.
Tasks for January
We also have a lot of tasks to tackle this month
Continue harvesting crops such as parsnips and leeksCheck our food storesRemove any yellowing leaves on brassicasCover empty ground with membrane (or cardboard)Prune apple and pear trees as well as current and gooseberry bushes. You can hear the previous podcast on pruning here.Force rhubarbRemove snow from building roof topsMake growing plans for the year ahead. Make lists and order any seeds or potatoes that you might need.
Resources
Any resources for this episode are listed here.
Feed spot top 15 vegetable gardening podcastGrow your own great British gardening awardsvegplotter
Join me in this weeks podcast as I start planning for 2021.
I am using veg plotter to plan my garden and allotment this year. You can see my plans on the links below
128b the lower/ older half of my allotment
Join me in this week's podcast where I share what I have grown for my Christmas dinner this year? I also share the latest from my allotment and veg patch.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I discuss my experience building a shed from scratch. I also have the latest from the plots.
Product of the week
This weeks product of the weeks is the book Gardening for the zombie apocolypse.
I was lucky enough to be given this book by the authors who have also appeared on a previous podcast where we discussed this book.
Its zombie apocalypse is a very clever angle becasue I feel it created a way to get those that have never gardened before engaged and inspired.
Check out the book here.
Join me in this podcast where I am answering a question sent to me about whether growing your own will save money? I also have the latest from the plots and the product of the week.
Product of the week
This weeks product of the week comes from Vegepod and its there vegebag.
This year I received a vegebag and I have found it to be a handy tool in the garden. The vegebag protects plants from being eaten by my chickens and other wildlife. Whilst other methods are of course available I have found the vegebag to be so simple to use that I have found myself repeatedly using it,.
the following links take you to the relevent websites in order to purchase the vegebag.
Vegepod.co.ukTo buy from Amazon
Join me in this weeks podcast where I share a few tasks we can do in December on the allotment or in the garden. I also share a few seeds we can sow and the latest from the plots.
Tasks and seeds to sow in December.
While we often shy away from the gardening in the winter months I am keen to continue gardening and make the most of this time.
This month I will be sowing
Broad beansPeasOnionsLettuceLambs LettuceMicrogreensHerbs
And tasks I plan are
Taking cuttings of fruit bushesDividing my rhubarbRepairing and building beds or infrastructurePlanning for 2021
Product of the week
This weeks product of the week is a book from my good friend Lee Connelly on how to get kids into gardening.
I have really enjoyed this book and although its aimed for kids its a great book for ideas for upcycling in the garden too. Available on Amazon or from Lee directly.
Join me in this podcast where I have taken some hardwood cutting of my herb plants and I discuss how I have learnt to be more successful with my cuttings. I also share the latest from my plots.
This week on the plots.
This week has been a struggle to get out and garden. Dark nights and wet weather hasn't helped but Saturday I managed a few hours on the allotment. More time weeding of course as is often the case on my plot but I also managed to complete an experiment of comparing peat based compost with non peat based compost. Results can be heard on the podcast as well as finding out what I did with the spent compost.
Sunday was a day at home and I managed to plant out my winter lettuce under some cloches that I inherited from my grandfather. I am looking forward to being able to harvest these lettuces. mainly because we often associate lettuces with being a summer crop but we can have salads all year round.
To find out more then please listen to the podcast.
Taking hardwood cuttings.
Something I am always keen to do is expand my plant collection, particularly my herbs. Taking cuttings has many advantages to expanding our collection. Its quick easy and very cheap.
In this week's podcast I discuss what I am taking cuttings of and how I am hoping to get these cuttings to propagate.
Product of the week.
On the run up to Christmas I thought it would be an idea to support some business by mentioning a product of the week. These are products that I have and use in my own garden.
This weeks product of the week is the itip rotating handles for wheelbarrows. This product fits easily onto any wheelbarrow very easily and make the use of a wheelbarrow a lot more comfortable. Its a gadget you don't realise you needed until you get one.
These handles cost £25 from their website, made in the UK and can handle 250kg so a worth while investment.
The video below is one I made showing these in action.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/99pZw0k4oJA
If you have any thoughts or question then please get in touch via our contact page.
Join me in todays podcast where after receiving a lot of questions about chillies I thought i would go into these in a lot of detail. I also share the latest from the plots.
What varieties of chillies do I like to grow?
There are hundreds and hundreds of different chilli varieties that are available on the market with many different heat and flavours but some of my favourite are
Sweet banana. A pretty mild varietyNumex twilight. Produce small but colourful chilliesApache. Can be sown nowMedusa Also can be sown nowBirds eye a small but very hot chilliJalapenos just because I love stuffing these with cheeseCaroline reaper a very hot chilliScotch bonnets a fairly hot but full of flavourChocolate habanero a Smokey flavour ripening to a chocolate brown colour
Growing chilli's transcript
Today I thought I will talk about growing chillies as I have been getting quiet a few questions that I thought it would be great to go over chillies today but firstly I want to apologise to you all.
When this second lockdown started I said I was going to record 3 podcast a week. Unfortunately I have been so busy with work which has surprised me that I haven't been able to record these extra podcast’s. So I really want to apologise for that and rest assured if work wasn’t in the way I would be talking a lot more about grow your own.
Lets move on now growing chillies. If I am ever asked to pick one favourite vegetable to grow which is never an easy to question for me to answer but if I’m pushed I would have to say its chillies. Not only that chillies are probably one of the easiest to grow and don’t really suffer from any pests or diseases here in the UK.
So where do we start with chillis if you are a first time grower I would wait till about March next year when garden centres will start selling plug plants these are basically baby plants. The reason I recommend this is that starting from seed is a whole skill set and for a new grower I believe its much better to start with a plug plant and spend that first year learning how to grow the plant.
If you are a bit more experienced or just want to grow from seed then this actually opens up the choice of what variety you can grow because there are hundreds of varieties out there which different heat levels and different flavours.
This is probably a good point to mention a few of my favourite varieties. So yesterday I sowed a variety called Apache which along with another variety called Medusa can be sown now.
I love jalapinos so I always try to grow these mainly because I love to stuff these with Cheese in bake in the oven. Absolutely delicious.
Another variety I am fond of is Numex twilight which I shared a photo on my instagram Yesterday of these plants we get plenty of small chillis of these I don’t find them particularly spicy.
If you don’t like heat then I recommend a variety called Sweet banana. These are very mild in fact I don’t find they have any heat at all. These are also great for pickling or stuffing.
Then if you want really hot chillis something like the Caroline reaper or birds eye chilli are worth a try.
Rather then me listing all the other chillis I like I will add a list to the blog post for this episode over on thevegggrowerpodcast.co.uk
So you’ve got your seed when will we be sowing well as I mentioned earlier we can actually sow some now. I tried this for the first time last year and it worked rather surprisingly but the best varieties for these are Apache and Medusa. I would sow these in my heated propagator in order to provide some heat to start them off. If you don’t have heated propagator then start them off on a radiator. These seedlings would need potting up and growing on a well lit windowsill unless you have a heated greenhouse. Now the advantage with starting these now is that we can get an early crop.
But if your not wanting to start yet then we can wait till next year of course.
Join me in the podding shed as I share what we can and cant compost. I also share the latest from the plots
As we enter another lockdown I will be creating bonus podcasts. Today I share how I grow over winter broad beans, one crop that I personally prefer to grow over winter.
As we enter a new month I have created a list of seeds that we can sow and task's we can do in our vegetable gardens or allotment this month. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in this Halloween edition of the podcast where I tell a few ghostly gardening stories received from listener's. I also share the latest from my plots.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I am talking about how I grow garlic. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I share my thoughts on what I have learned about my modern victory garden so far. I also share the latest from the plots
Join me this weeks podcast where I discuss what seeds I shall be growing in October. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in this podcast where I am discussing what manures can we use in our gardens. I also have the latest from my plots.
Join me in todays podcast where I am discussing how we could be putting all the leaf litter to good use and create leaf mould. I also have the latest from the plots.
This week on the plots we have been
Sowing broad beans and peasClearing more weedsPricking out lettuce seedlings.
Check out the podcast to find out more.
Lets put that leaf litter to some use.
Driving around over the last week I am seeing lots of leaves that have turned brown fallen off trees and collecting alongside the roads. Now to many people this is just leaf litter to be swept up and taken down the tip but for the gardener this leaf litter can be very useful stuff as we can turn it into leaf mould.
If you ever go into a woodland you will find that under trees there is some really dark brown crumbly loose material which covers the soil and really suppress weeds that is leafmould.
It is so easy to make Leaf mould too simply collect those leaves that have fallen down, store them in some sort of container and leave for a year or 2 and you will have leafmould its as easy as that in a nutshell but lets get into a bit more detail
The first step is to collect the leaves now I did have a sycamore tree in my garden which produced a lot of leaves which made me decide to buy a garden vaccum to collect all these leaves. It also shredded up the leaves which made the composting process quicker. So I would always recommend chopping up the leaves now a garden vaccum did make this job quicker but if you don’t have onw then run over the loeaves with a lawnmower on a high setting will work.
As for the leaves any leaves are good for making this leaf mould but some leafs do take a little longer to rot down depending on what type of tree they came from but the advice is to avoid any from any evergreen varities such as Holly laurel or conifers. I would also avoid any pine needles as these can be acidic. Which is why pine needles are great for mulching blueberries.
A few years ago I did have to remove that sycamore tree which has meant I don’t have such an easy supply so what I will do instead this year is go to my mums house who happens to live alongside a recreation park and they get piles of leaves pile up in the garden so I will be grabbing those to meake leaf mould from. I do believe we can go to our local park or cemetery to collect the leaf fall from there to use. Councils oftan have to dispose of these leaves anyway which can be at a cost to them and therefore to the tax payer so they are ofton happy for you to take them away. Some councils have been none to take the leaves to allotments to save some money.
The only place to not collect leaves from would be woodland because they are an integral part of that eco system and might have animals living under he leaves. Also I tjink its important to leave some leaves under hedges for hedgehogs we often see our resident hedgehog carrying leaves in its mouth to use in tis home.
Anyway so we got a collection of leaves and weve chopped them up one way or the other now we need somewhere to store it so it can rot down one quick way is to store it in bin bags with a few holes pierced in it and keep these behind a shed. It does work but its a bit of a waste of plastic green bags. I have had some hessian sacks which work for this too and they worked very well especially as the hessian will eventually rot down too which is always better for the environment. We could use an empty compost bin or we could make a leaf mould bin with 4 posts hammered in the ground to make a cube and then use chicken wire outside to make a leaf mould bin which sort of what I have except I made a cube out of wood not hammered into the ground and coered this in chicken wire which has made it a bit more portble for me. To be fair we don’t really need to keep leaves in a container we could just pile these up in ahuge pile although if the wind catches them we could end up having to rake them all up again.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I share how I grow onions and shallots. I also share the latest from the plots.
In this weeks podcast I am thinking its time to start sowing some green manure. What are green manures and what do i use? Find out in the podcast. Also hear the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
This week on the plots I have been
Sowing lettuce, onions and parsleyI had a visitor on the allotment to film a video. This can be found here.Harvested some potatoes and sown some green manures.
What have you been up to in your own allotment or garden? Drop me an email Richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk to let me know.
Time to sow green manures.
In recent years I have discovered just how much difference growing green manures can make in a vegetable garden. The nutrients and fertility they add to the soil is not to be sniffed at. They can also help improve soil structure and suppress weeds and of course encourage nature into our plots.
This year I plan to use
Phacelia to suppress weedsForage rye grass to break up clay soil, suppress weeds and entertain the chickensField beans to add nitrogen to the soilVetch underplanted under my fruit trees and bushes to suppress weeds
With any luck all these green manures will help improve my growing space and give me better crops next year. I get most of my green manure seeds from sowseeds.co.uk I find these have been a very good supplier and highly recommend them.
I also scoured the internet for more resources which ill link below
Garden organics very informative page on green manuresRHS page on green manuresGreen manure website specialising in green manures
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In this weeks podcast I am looking at what seeds we can sow in September. I also share the latest from the plots.
in this weeks diary we have tackled
Tidying the potting shedBuying new grape vinesEnjoying the bank holiday weekend
and much more on the pod
Seeds to sow in September
September is a pretty busy month in the Veg garden and I often see it as the beginning of the veg gardening year. There's plenty of seeds that we can sow now to provide us with plenty food throughout winter and into spring. They include
CabbageOnion both seed and setsGarlicPak choiPeasBroad beansRadishGreen manuresLettuce and salad leavesSpring onionsShallots
What seeds will you be sowing this month?
Why not support the podcast by becoming a supporting member on the link below. As a supporting member you will get exclusive podcast and videos as well as a gift each month of a collection of seeds we can all sow together.
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In this weeks podcast I am answering a question from a listener about crop rotation. Hear my system of crop rotation and how the books tell us it should be done.
How do you rotate your crops? Let me know by emailing Richard@thevegrowerpodcast.co.uk or leave a comment below
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At the back end of last year I started a series of podcasts following new allotmenteer's Karen and Jonny. Well a revisit was well overdue and in this episode we revisit the allotment to find out what has been happening. I also share the latest from my plots.
In this weeks podcast I am joined by Lee Connelly aka the skinny jean gardener. As we go visit West Dean Gardens. I also share the latest from the plots.
In this podcast I am looking through my seed box to see what veg seeds we can sow throughout August. I also have the latest from the plots.
This week I have carried out the following tasks
Sown the supporters members seedsPotted on a collection of plantsWeeding on the plots
Veg seeds to sow throughout August
While August is far from prime sowing time there is still plenty of seeds we can sow. In this podcast I go through my seed box to see just what we have to sow including
Salad leavesRaddichioCarrotsSpring onionsCabbageCorn saladBeetrootTurnipsEndiveSpeedy french beansParsleyCorianderChervil
What will you be sowing through out August?
If you want to support the veg grower podcast then become a supporting member. As a supporting member you get exclusive content, as well as a gift of seeds each month. For £5 a month. Click below to get that offer
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In today's podcast I have taken another trip to Stephens allotment, We visit Stephens allotment from time to time but this is the first time we have managed a visit in summer.
Previous podcast that we mention through can be found at the following posts
Episode 334. A visit to Stephens gardenEpisode 243. Revisiting Stephen’s allotment.Episode 193 featuring Stephen Ticehurst.
In today's podcast, I am planting some new potatoes for Xmas. Something I don't usually do but thought I would give it a try this year. I also have the latest from the plots and a couple of announcements.
in this weeks diary section I have been busy protecting my crops from the chickens and hatching new quail.
I have also set up my irrigata flo pro eco 12 in my greenhouse on the hope that it'll take care of watering my plants when I am busy. if you click on the link above itll take you to Amazon but if you want to find more then check out the irrigata website
Planting Xmas new potatoes
This year I have decided to give growing Xmas new potatoes a go. Usually, I am a fan of roasties on my Christmas dinner plate but as this year is all about growing as much as I can I thought it would make sense to grow some new potatoes.
There's nothing different about growing these potatoes other then we are planting them at this time of year rather than early spring. Just plant them in a bucket keep well watered and feed. Then perhaps in October, we will move them into the greenhouse. Sounds easy but will the results be worth it?
Become a supporting member.
One of my announcements in this podcast is the launch of the new supporting member scheme I am launching. Supporting members will receive exclusive podcast videos and content as well as a collection of veg seeds each month delivered to there door for the price of £5 a month.
This support will help me keep the website running, keep the podcasts coming and improving as well as help to my ultimate goal of encouraging more to grow there own food.
To sign up click on the paypal link
Join me in this weeks veg gardening pub quiz podcast. 10 questions that need answers.
Full transcript below.
Episode 353 transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 353 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food as I possibly can in my allotment and garden. Today is Saturday the 25th July and its the Saturday night pub quiz. A day late I’m afraid but were here.
How it works. I am going to ask 10 questions. These 10 questions need answers of which you email me. If you get all 10 correct your name gets placed in a hat and one winner will be chosen at random who will win 10 packets of seeds.
Added to that throughout July all correct answers will earn 1 point and whoever has the most points at the end of July will win a spade.
With that out the way lets get on with the quiz
Question 1. wood ash can be used in the garden but what is it particularly good for?
Question 2. In which UK city is Preston rock gardens located?
Question 3. Why do we recommend growing mint in a pot?
Question 4. True or false plants that are determinate are bushy and plants that are indeterminate are vine like plants?
Question 5. What colour do tomatoes usually turn when ripe?
Question 6. Eating what would make popeye strong?
Question 7. Name 2 vegetables used at halloween to make jack o lanterns?
Question 8. What family do grapes belong too?
Question 9. What part of broccoli do we eat?
Question 10. Who preceded Alan Titchmarsh as presenter of gardeners world?
Thats your 10 questions so now for the answers to last weeks qoestions
Last week I asked
Question 1 Motto a is an anagram of what? The answer is tomato
Question 2 We might add pine needles to the soil of our blueberries plants. Why do we do this? We add pine needles to increase the acidity. It can aslo act as a mulch to suppres weeds
Question 3. How far apart should we plant Courgettes? Usually we would want about 90 cm or 3 foot apart although I do find we can go a little closer then that
Question 4. What pest is french marigoilds said to deter? Well that is greenfly and blackfly
Question 5. Which part of salisfy plants can be eaten? That is the root
Question 6. Can you eat broad bean pods? Yes you can they can be used dipped in batter and then fried
Question 7. What are the key ingrrdients of aloo saag? Potato and spinach
Question 8. According to pepperhead what is the hottest chilli pepper? That is the carolina reeper
Question 9. What family of plants does mustard fall into? That is a brassica
Question 10. Who is the current presenters of beechgrove garden?
Jim Mcco;;
Carole Baxter Chris Beardshaw George Anderson Brian Cummingham and Kirsty Wilson.
Well thats it for this pub quiz the final pub quiz will be next Friday so good luck to everyone taking part. If you want to email me your answers its Richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk Visit the website theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk and find me on social media. We will be back on Monday so until then please take care.
For many years I have driven passed this gardens in Brighton with the intention that one day I would visit. Today that day came and while on my lunch break I took a wander around and explored.
Much of what I do is about edible gardening. Its where my passion lies. However, I do like to visit some gardens from time to time. Many gardens have a veg patch or some edibles which really take my fancy. Other gardens I seek inspiration for what I could do in my own garden
Brighton's Preston rock garden, however, did not have a veg patch. It did, however, have a variety of edible architectural plants and many of which we might not think of as edible. This is where I really find myself learning how to incorporate edible gardening and a good looking garden into one.
Join me in this podcast where I am thinning my apple trees. I also have the latest from the plots and share some news about poisonous courgettes.
I mention in this podcast a couple of articles about the courgettes. The BBC article can be found here.
Mr Fothergills press release is also available and can be found here.
Join me in tonight Friday night veg gardening pub quiz. 10 questions that need answers.
In today's podcast, I am joined by my wife on her second appearance on the podcast. Tonight I recorded us chatting as we wandered around the allotment. Amanda (my wife) is not a gardener but every now and then I like to see if I can encourage her a bit more into the hobby (and to lend a hand). Let's find out how it works out.
In today's podcast I have started thinking about what Ill be growing over winter particularly for feeding ourselves over the winter. I also share the latest from the plots.
Its Friday which means its time for the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz. 10 questions that need answers.
Episode 347 Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 347 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much of my own food in my allotment and modern victory garden.
Today is Friday the 10th July 2020 and as its Friday its time for the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz. How it works I am going to ask 10 questions. These 10 questions need your answers of which you send to me by Thursday the 17th July 2020 8pm uk time. If you get all 10 answers correct your name goes into a hat. Out of that hat one winner will be chosen. Added to that throughout July if you send me your answers all correct answers earn points. At the end of July whoever has the most points will win a spade.
So with that out the way lets get on with the quiz
Quiz jingle
Question 1. When was the first episode of the veg grower podcast released.
Question 2. Where on the peanut plant can we find harvest peanuts from.
Question 3. Which of the following is not a winter crop cabbage parsnip leek pepper
Question 4. Who is the patron saint of gardeners
Question 5. What is pomology the study of?
Question 6. Ofton used in salads what has the botonacal name nasturtium officinale
Question 7. The spice vanilla is derived from what flower
Questions 8. Which family does clubroot affect the most
Question 9. What can be placed over rhubarb to make it longer and more delicate
Question 10. What county did Capability brown the famous landscape gardener originate from?
Good luck everyone with all those questions. Now lets find out the answers to last weeks questions.
Question 1. Why do we prune stone fruit trees in the summer. The answer is to avoid a devestating fungal desease known as silver leaf.
Question 2. An average how many weeks from planting do first potatoes take before being ready to be harvested. The answer is 10 to 12 weeks although some varities can be quicker.
Question 3. In shed building what does osb stand for? Oriented strand board
Question 4. Name 3 vegetables in the legume family? Broad bean, pea, peanut, french bean, green bean, runner bean list goes on.
Question 5. In order to get some seeds started early we might start them on some moist paper towel and place them somewhere warm. What do we call this method. Answer is chitting
Question 6. How old is the cubbington pear tree thought to be the oldest pear tree in the uk. Around 250 years old
Question 7. The egg an d chips plant is a dual cropping plant but what 2 crops will it produce aubergine and potato
Question 8. Which fictional superhero would gain thier superpower from eating a fruit from which this super hero got there super name from answer is bananaman
Question 9. What is latin for carrot ios carota
Question 10. how many lead presenters have presented gardeners world over the years. The answer is 9.
Join me in today's podcast where I am joined by Richard Vobes aka The Bald explorer and we discuss his current thoughts about starting his own smallholding.
After reading several books Richard has begun a search for a healthier, more nutrient-rich lifestyle. In this podcast, we discuss how Richard has become concerned about where his food comes from and how we can start him on this path to self-sufficiency.
If you want to find out more about Richard and check out his collection of videos exploring the countryside then his website can be found at baldexplorer.com
In today's podcast, I've received an alert about blight, so I thought I would give my tomatoes and potatoes a check-over. I also have the latest from the plots.
A website called Blightwatch sends me emails when the weather conditions are favourable for blight to attack my plants. I received one of these emails and this lead me to check over my plants.
What is blight well I discuss that in today's podcast.
Episode 345 Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 345 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food as I can in my allotment and modern victory garden. Coming today I shall be checking my tomatoes for blight after receiving an alert. But firstly lets find out what I have been up to over the last week.
Diary
Well a brief few days returning to work has taken a toll on the gardens in both a negative and a positive way and for me its a case of returning back to a routine in order to maintain the gardens. We will get there of course. Now Sunday morning I received an email from blightwatch warning me that the weather conditions have created the ideal conditions for the possibility of blight on my tomatoes of potatoes. So I thought I would inspect my tomatoes and just make sure that we don’t have any blight just yet.
I’m out in the modern victory and just checking over my tomatoes and potatoes making sure we have no signs of a particularly nasty fungal disease called late blight. Generally here in the UK we only get late blight early blight being more troublesome in other parts of the world. The trouble with blight is it spreads rapidly right throughout the whole plant and can wipe out that whole plant including the tomatoes or potatoes. It of course is responsible for the infamous Irish potato famine from 1845 to 1849.
What I am looking for on these plants is any brown lesions on the leaves which fortunately it doesn't look like I have any on these plants here. I have a few more more on the patio that we shall make out way too to check those now. I often see people of Facebook groups sharing photos of lesions on the tomato and potato leaves asking if its blight. Quiet often its not the case of it being blight but it just shows how well known this problem is.
Now if I had see any signs of brown marks on my plants I would simply remove the infected leaves and hope it hasn’t spread to other parts of the plants. If it infects the stem then we will lose the plant. At that point its time to remove the plant. Rescue any tomatoes that are not infected or in the case of potatoes leave the potatoes in the ground for a couple of weeks before harvesting again making sure to only save the uninfected crops.
Well the rest of my plants seem to be OK to today but I will keep a close eye on them. Its pretty common to get these infections unfortunately there's no treatment available for blight anymore we used to be able to use a copper bordeux mixture which was a treatment that unfortunately is now banned in the UK. Instead we have to find ways of living with the risk of blight which is why I like to grow blight resistant tomatoes such as crimson crush or mountain magic and blight resistant potatoes such as the sarpos variety. I will admit the flavour on these isn't as good but as the years go buy and more varieties come out the flavour does get better.
I also remove lower leaves on these plants which minimises the risk of the plant being in contact with the ground and improves airflow.
The other thing I do is that I have signed up to a website called blightwatch.co.uk This website is supplied by the met office and sends out alerts when the Hutton criteria is recorded. Now the Hutton criteria has replaced what used to be the smith periods due to advances in our understanding of blights. The Hutton criteria is when we have 2 consecutive days with the minimum temperature being 10c and at least 6 hours of relative humidity being at 90 percent so with the rain and warm we...
In honour of pubs reopening here in the UK today I have moved the pub quiz to Saturday for this week. 120 questions that need answers and prizes available.
Join me in today's podcast where I am going through my seed collection to find seeds we can sow in July. I also chat with Lee Connolly to find out more about building a shed.
In today's podcast, I am talking about pruning fruit trees. In the diary section, I have also removed a tree from the front of our house.
A full transcript of the podcast is available below.
This weeks diary section cobvers what I ahve been up to over the weekend including
Removing a treeSecuring plantsremoving lettuce
And much more in the podcast
Pruning stone fruit trees.
Its that time of year when its best to prune stone fruit trees and in this podcast I talk you along how I go about pruning my cherry tree as I carry out the task.
Why do we do it at this time of year?
Why do we prune our stone fruit trees?
How do we do it?
All answered in this podcast
Episode 342 Transcript
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Intro music Plays and fades
00.05
Hello and welcome to episode 342 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food as I can in my allotment and modern victory garden today is Monday the 29th June 2020 and Coming up a little later on I shall be discussing summer pruning our fruit trees but first we have the diary section with what I have been up to over the weekend.
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00.35
Its Saturday the 27th June 2020 and today I have been busy in the front garden despite having some heavy showers and very windy weather. You may remember a few weeks ago when I had my wife on the podcast she mentioned this tree in our front garden that she wanted gone.
I’ve no idea what the tree is and actually we quite liked the tree it self unfortunately it was right outside our front door and in the wrong place. If we walked outside our door we would hit our heads on the branches. It also was not an edible tree which for me meant it had to go as hard as it is.
Well today we decided to cut it down so armed with my battery chainsaw, which I love, we chopped it down and into small pieces to season before burning on our fireplaces. I don’t use chemicals and its not feasible to dig out the roots because of where it is so we have left the stump which I know can annoy some people but It’ll rot eventually.
In its place I have placed my olive tree which is edible and attractive.
I have had this olive tree for a number of years. I don’t get much in the way of olives from it but I do reckon with a bit of care and perhaps in its new position it might do a lot better in terms of providing us with Olives.
We will keep an eye on that and report back in the future.
So that’s what I have been doing today
Birds tweet
Its Sunday the 28th June 2020 this morning I popped down to the allotment quickly to water the greenhouse but also to prune my cherry trees. Now I will be talking about that a bit later on so I wont go into to much detail with that just yet.
I'm now back at home and something I have noticed is that my turmeric plant has started growing again. I grow turmeric as an indoor plant and I have to admit I’m not so good at looking after indoor plants as I am as outdoor plants but turmeric is something I do grow. hadn't seen any signs of life at was beginning to think it had died but just this weekend a stem has sprouted and its now 6 inches tall which I am pleased with. I believe it might be triggered by the daylight length I’m not sure I shall have to look into it to find out but I am pleased it is now growing.
After that I headed outside and tended to my lettuce both growing in the ground and in my vegepod. As these are all beginning to bolt its time to remove them which I have now done. The ones in the ground I am going to plant some of my other plants in a few days time once I have worked out whats going in but my vegepod I will be sowing more salad leaves on Wednesday which is my way of continually growing salad leaves and it works well for me. If you don’t know I split my vegepod in half and alternate side I sow fresh seed into each month which provides us with plenty of salad leaves.
After that I then went around tying in and securing many ...
Its time for this weeks Friday night veg gardening pub quiz. 10 questions that need answers.
Episode 341 transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 341 of the veg grower podcast its Friday the 26th June 2020 and as its Friday its time for the Friday night pub quiz. Usually I start these podcast’s with what the diary section where I fill you in with what I have been up to today. Well today all I have done is weeding which I don’t really have much to say on that so instead we are going to go straight into the Friday night pub quiz. How it work is I am going to ask 10 questions. These 10 questions needs your answers which you email me richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk by Thursday 2nd July 2020 8pm UK time. If you get all 10 correct your name goes into a hat and out of that hat 1 winner will be chosen. Its as easy as that so lets get on with the quiz
Quiz jingle
Question 1. What job does a tromel serve
Question 2. What dark edible fruit can often be foraged in britains countryside or road verges.
Question 3. When was kew gardens founded
Question 4. What was the main benefit of the Victorian walled garden?
Question 5. The woolton pie is named after lord woolton. Who was this gentlemen?
Question 6. Who joins radio 2 to talk about his allotment and shares garden tips
Question 7. Which rhs shows have sadly been cancelled for 2021 at this time.
Question 8. how long will a apple tree live for
Question 9. How often should we replace our strawberry plants?
Question 10. gyo is short for what?
Here you this weeks questions so what about last weeks
Question 1. Some types of peas are called mangetout. What is the translation of mangetout?
Answer. French for eat all
Question 2. Pentland javellin and deire are types of what?
Answer. Potatoes
Question 3. Elephant garlic is a variant of what?
Answer. Leek
Question 4. A cloche can help protect plants from what?
Answer. Frost
Question 5. What can be Kos or Iceburg
Answer. Lettuce
Question 6. What vegetable is also known as ladies fingers
Answer. Okra
Question 7. What is considered Britains most romantic country garden?
Answer. Sissinghurst castle
Question 8. Which gardener was born in Walkden Lancashire and originally trained as an art teacher?
Answer. Carol Klein
Question 9. What vegetable is usually white and bumpy and is often made into a meal with a cheese sauce?
Answer. Cauliflower
Question 10. Where does the herb plant rosemary originate from?
Answer. The Meditteranian.
In tonight's podcast I am answering 3 questions that I regularly receive from listener about my gardening experience. Also today I have been repairing my shed.
Join me in today's podcast where I shall be brainstorming a few recipes of what we can do with kohlrabi. An unusual vegetable. I have also split my day working on the plots.
Episode 339 Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 339 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food as I can in my allotment and modern victory garden.
Coming up a little later on I shall be talking about how we can use kohlrabi in the kitchen but first what have I been up to today.
Birds tweet
Birds tweet
Well after the migraine I had yesterday it feels great to be able to work in the garden today although today has been the hottest day of the year so far here in the UK. What I have to admit worked rather well was getting to the allotment early and doing a bit of work until it got to hot of which I then returned home. Then in the evening I worked in the garden once it had cooled back down again. Really worked well for me.
While I was on the allotment this morning I did notice that my kohlrabi is growing well and the bottom is starting to swell up nicely which is the first time I have successfully grown this vegetable. But I often hear a question about kohlrabi and how we can use it in the kitchen which is a good question because its not exactly a common vegetable we hear about and so I thought today I would discuss a few ideas of how to use kohlrabi in the kitchen.
Now virtually everything on a kohlrabi plant is edible although the outer skin can be rather fibrous so it might be worth peeling the outer skin. The bulbous bottom is what ill mostly concentrate on today but the leaves and stems are also edible and actually used in a stir fry they taste pretty good.
Something I have found pretty tasty to use kohlrabi in is salads. Simply grate 1 kohlrabi and 1 apple into a bowl. Scatter over some mint leaves and mix well. Drizzle over about 2 teaspoons of lime juice and a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of chilli flakes its a pretty damn good salad.
NExt on my list is kohlrabi soup a pretty easy meal in it self. What we do is gently fry 2 spring onions in a bit of olive oil with 1 chopped garlic clove and about half a chilli also chopped. After about 2 minutes we add a diced kohlrabi and cook until soft.
Then add a splash of soy sauce, a splash of sesame oil, a tablespoon of chopped ginger and 200ml of stock. Chicken or vegetable stock works well. Bring to the boil and simmer for 8 minutes. Then I like to liquidize everything to make a soup that is really tasty.
Kohlrabi is often used in Indian recipes so I thought it was only right that I find a kohlrabi curry to talk about. I have yet to try this recipe but as soon as my plants are ready I will be trying this.
First we going to peel and dice 3 medium kohlrabi and then boil in water until soft. Drain and set to one side.
Then this recipe says to heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and and half a teaspoon of mustard seeds and half a teaspoon of cumin seeds until they pop. Then add 1 diced medium onion and 1 minced clove of garlic. Saute until translucent. Then add 2 chopped medium tomatoes and 2 chopped green chillies and cook until tender.
Now we going to add our boiled kohlrabi, a teaspoon of red chilli powder, a pinch of salt and half a cup of water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes till nice and thick. Then we serve with rice. It sounds absolutely delicious.
For my final recipe idea today is simply roasted kohlrabi. Very simply trim and peel the kohlrabi. Cut the kohlrabi into evenly sized pieces. Place these chunks on a roasting pan drizzle over olive oil and sprinkle over salt. Cook in a hot oven until tender and the edges brown then serve.
Well there you go 4 recipes for kohlrabi if you happen to be growing it but if you have any recipes you would like to share for this vegetable then please get in touch.
Email me richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk. Visit the website and leave a comment at www.
Join me in today's podcast where I take you on a tour of my modern victory garden. Unfortunately, I've had one of my migraines today so have been out of action all day and unable to do any gardening.
Join me in today's podcast, where I am discussing how to grow elephant garlic. I also share the latest from the plots.
Episode 337 transcript
Hello and welcoem to episode 337 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food as I possibly can in my allotment and modern victory garden.
Today is the 22nd June 2020 and today I will be talking about where we are heading here at the veg grower podacst hq a bit of a update if you like. But first we have the diary pieces from over the weekend.
Music fades
Its Saturday the 20th June 2020 today. And today I have a been sowing some more peas. Peas are bit illusive for me I can grow them but I always have problems with them. This year the peas I have grown at home Where growing great but I grew them under protection of some wire mesh. Well when the peas couldn’t grow past this wire mesh I adjusted the protection and then the chickens where able to get to the pea plants. Of course that meant that the chickens would eat at the plants and therefore I get no peas.
So I am sowing more peas to try and make sure I get some this time around and beat the chickens by putting up some proper protection. These peas I am sowing in a length of guttering like I have done before and the variety of peas is called petit de provence which can be sown in July too.
Other then that the wife and I had had another tidy up and sweep around the garden pruning many of our bushes and the ivy as we went along and I have also potted up some of my cabbage and swede seedlings that where sown a couple of weeks ago. So I rather busy productive day.
Birds tweet.
Its Sunday the 21st June 2020 overnight I have some bad news to share. You may remember that last week we hatched some more but one seemed to be struggling to hatch until I stepped in. Well unfortunately that quail didn’t make it and it passed on over night. I tried my best with it unfortunately I don’t thing it was strong enough to make it. So sorry to share that sad news.
Today I have been pricking out a lot more of my seedlings. My beet leaf, my rocket and my basil again like yesterday these where sown a couple of weeks ago and have been growing well but its time to get them into root trainers so that I can plant them out in the garden in a couple of weeks time. Now I find that pricking out a very time consuming and a little tedious job however on a nice day like today while listening to some podcasts the time does pass by and more importantly it gets the job done.
To prick out my seedling I use a dibber and gently remove each plant and pot them into individual root trainers to grow on. Pretty soon these will go into the ground. I am ofton asked why do I sow seeds in pots instead of in the ground and its a good question but the main reason I sow my seeds in pots is so that I can help the young seedling grow on without battling against weeds which can inhibit the growth of my plants or disturb them. THtas my logic anyway of course I am not saying I do it right but its what I do and it works for me although it probab;y does make more work.
Well that what I ahve been up to today.
Birds tweet
Well today is Monday the 22nd June 2020 Ive been on the allotment today and Ive noticed the allotment is very quite compared to how it has been in the past few weeks. I am guessing more and more are returning to work or they are avoiding the heat and going early morning and late afternoon.
Anyway today I built myself a second compost bin. At the beginning of lockdown you may remember I built a compost bin out of some old pallet wood. Theres a video on youtube if you are interested which I’ll link too in the blog post.
Well today I build a second one in the same way but just a bit bigger. My first one is full up and Ive even planted squash plants in it so I needed another bin which I had planned to do anyway.
This is usung up my collection of pallet wood which was originally usued in my be...
Its Friday which means its time for the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz podcast. Extra points if you like the jingle.
Episode 336. Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 336 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food as I can in my allotment and garden.
Today is Friday the 19th June 2020 and as its Friday it means its time for the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz. But before that lets find out what I have been up to today.
Music fades
Its Friday the 19th June 2020 now today I have not done a huge amount of gardening as I concentrated on a few jobs indoors however we have had 2 more quail chicks hatch today which brings us up to 3 quail chicks on this batch which is pretty good so far.
One of these quails I did have to help hatch as I think the membrane around the chick had got a bit to hard and the bird didn’t have enough strength to break through. I just had to break the membrane a bit so it gave the chick a fighting chance and sure enough out it popped. Within a few minutes the second chick hatched without any assistance.
This evening once my wife finished work we did pop to the allotment and we went for a huge soft fruit harvest. It seems like we are definitely soft fruit season. We collected a kilo of cherries a kilo of gooseberries 200g strawberries 200g raspberries 100g red-currents and 100g blackcurrants. So quite a collection of soft fruits. Which ill be using over the weekend in various forms. The cherries are a variety called morello so they are very tart but that's because they are a cooking variety and I’ll use them in a pie or something.
Well that's what I have been up to today but let me know what you have been up to please.
Birds tweet
A quiet day today but its so lovely to get soft fruits coming in. Well lets get on with the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz.
How it works is I will ask 10 questions of which need answers. If you want to take part you email me your answers by Thursday the 25th june 2020. If you get all 10 answers correct your name gos into a hot and 1 winner is selected and that winner will win 10 packets of seeds. Its as easy as that so lets get on and play.
Question 1. Some types of peas are called mangetout. What is the translation of mangetout?
Answer.
Question 2. Pentland javellin and deire are types of what?
Answer.
Question 3. Elephant garlic is a variant of what?
Answer.
Question 4. A cloche can help protect plants from what?
Answer.
Question 5. What can be Kos or Iceburg
Answer.
Question 6. What vegetable is also known as ladies fingers
Answer.
Question 7. What is considered Britains most romantic country garden?
Answer.
Question 8. Which gardener was born in Walkden Lancashire and originally trained as an art teacher?
Answer.
Question 9. What vegetable is usually white and bumpy and is often made into a meal with a cheese sauce?
Answer.
Question 10. Where does the herb plant rosemary originate from?
Answer.
You have your questions so good luck.
Now for last weeks questions and answers. Last week I asked
Question 1 how do you tell how old a tree is
Answer count the number of rings
Question 2. WHat is another more common name for an alligator pear
Answer advacado
Question 3. In which season is asparagus most often cropped and eaten in the uk?
Answer Spring
Question 4. what is the best type of soil in which to grow parsnips?
Answer sandy
Question 5. What is it that makes the stalks of old varities of celery go white?
Answe. Exclussion of light
Question 6. What veegtable has a flower that looks like sinflowers but also is nicknamed fatrichokes?
Answer jerusalum artichokes
Question 7. What is the best way to avoid clubroot?
Answer adding lime to the soil
Question 8. Who is probably the most well known person for no dig gardening?
Answer charles dowding
Question 9.
In today's podcast, I am asking how can we preserve our garlic and I have had a productive day on the allotment.
A transcript of the podcast is available below.
How can we preserve our garlic?
Today I harvested my garlic. I've had a pretty good harvest surprisingly. However, as someone that hates waste, I am wondering what could I do to make sure every single garlic clove gets used in the kitchen.
Usually, I hang my garlic in my garage and most last a year but a few do not make it and start to go off. This leads me to believe that preserving garlic might be the answer and so I have researched several ways to preserve garlic including
FreezingPreserving in vinegarPreserving in oildrying.
All of which I am going to try this year. If you have any methods to preserve garlic then let me know.
Episode 335 Transcript
Intro tune
Hello and welcome to episode 335 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food as I can in my allotment and garden. Today is Thursday the 18th June 2020
Coming up a little later on I shall be talking about how we can store our garlic harvests on the hope that we can then make our homegrown garlic last till next year. But first what have I been up to today.
Music fade
Its Thursday the 18th June 2020 today. I’m down on the allotment, I’ve just jumped into the shed because the winds just started to pick up.
I’ve spent a few hours down on the allotment today getting quite a bit done but I’ll start at home today. When I got up this morning it was quite evident we had rain overnight which is very very welcome and also means I don’t have to worry about watering either the allotment or the garden today.
Now another thing that happened at home today before I left is that one of my quails hatched. This is my second batch of eggs this year and one has hatched and there’s a second one on its way so who knows when I get home I might have 2 baby quails. Maybe more who knows. Quite glad about that because my new incubator has turned up just the other day. So that’ll mean next month I can put that through its tests.
Anyway, I came down the allotment this morning. I waited till about 10 o clock when the rain had stopped and I’ve been rather productive.
The first task was to harvest my garlic. Now my garlic got attacked by leak rust and I thought it wasn’t going to grow into any really big bulbs and I wasn’t going to get a good result out of it. Well, actually the bulbs haven't done too bad. A few small ones, a few average size ones and a few large bulbs. I’ve harvested them all they are in the greenhouse where they will dry out and I’m really pleased with it. And I'll look at preserving them when I get home.
Now after that I pulled my lawnmower out the shed and this was having a bit of difficulty getting going for some reason but got it going after a while. (chuckle to me) this how thing about petrol lawnmowers again this debate and conflict I have within myself.
I I I erm cut up all my weeds did a bit more weeding and cut those up and then I went around the grass areas collecting grass clippings to mulch my sweet potatoes. Now I’ve only covered about two-thirds of my sweet potato with the grass clippings now.
The grass hasn’t really grown all that much recently due to such warm weather we’ve had. So not a huge amount of grass clippings available but what I have got I’ve collected and I’ve used that as a mulch which should hopefully make all the difference. Now we are expecting rain again over the next few days. So who knows that rain might just spur the grass on and mean that next week I might have to run around with the lawnmower yet again and get even more grass clippings.
Now after that I did a bit of tidying up and I’ve planted some gherkin plants into larger pots. Just in pots on the ground. Just using up space where I can.
And really that is what I’ve been up today, so quite productive,
Join me in today's podcast where I have visited a listener garden. I have also been a bit creative with a seed storage box.
In today's diary section I have got a bit creative and artistic with a seed storage box. Find out more in the podcast
Stephens garden.
In the past, we have visited Stephens small allotment where he has shared with us the secrets he has found to maintaining a small plot. Due to COVID 19, Stephens has started growing more at home and in today's podcast he shares his thoughts and findings on this.
Episode 334 transcript.
Intro music
Hello and welcome to episode 334 of the veg grower podcast my names Richard and I am on a mission to grow food in my allotment and garden. Today is the 17th June 2020 and today We are taking a visit to Stephen’s garden of where he has started a little project. That’s coming up in just a moment but before that what have I been doing today.
Music fades
Its the 17th June 2020 today and today I have ended up being a little creative. Yesterday I said I was going down to the allotment to harvest my garlic today well unfortunately that didn’t happen. I had a really bad nights sleep last night and ended up waking very late. Rain was predicted for today so I thought I decided not to go down the allotment.
About midday I decided to walk into my town just to get out the house and clear my head. In one shop I happened to spot a wooden box. These wooden boxes I looked at figured it would be perfect for a seed storage box so I bought it and I bought some green spray paint.
I headed home and sprayed this box green. While the paint was drying I cut some thin ply wood to fit inside this box as a way to divide different rows of seed packets.
These bits of plywood where inserted and has giving me space for 4 rows of seeds. Which hopefully will be enough for all my seeds.
Once the paint was dry and dividers inserted I decorated the outside a bit with the veg grower podcast logo and labels so I know what seeds are inside just to make my life easier. I sprayed this is in lacquer which is now drying.
I have really gone over the top with this box to be honest today but I was just feeling a bit creative and artistic which in reality is probably completely unnecessarily but you know what I feel better for it.
In the end it didn’t rain today so I probably could of gone down the allotment but hey ho I shall go sown tomorrow.
Well that what I have been up to today please let me know what you’ve been up too yourself and now we’re going to head on over to Stephens garden
Birds tweeting
Join me in today's podcast, where I'll be sharing my first impressions and tests of my new garden tool the Hori Hori knife. I also share the latest from the allotment and modern victory garden.
A full transcript of the podcast is available below.
In today's diary section you will hear
How I have finally got my sweet potato into the groundGarlic will be harvested soonHow everything is springing into life
And much more in the podcast.
My new garden tool the Hori Hori knife.
Recently I bought myself a new gardening tool. Something I have had my eye on for a while and its the Hori Hori knife from Niwaki. This is a tool that has its roots in Japan.
The Hori Hori knife is also known as a digging or weeding knife and gets its name from the Japanese word Hori meaning to dig. Throughout Japan, it is commonly used as a traditional gardening tool but they are becoming popular over here.
Of course a tool is only good if it can do the job its designed to do and in this podcast you can hear how I tested my Hori Hori knife and how it performed. Of course the test of time will be its ultimate test.
If you have a Hori Hori knife, how have you got on with it? I would love to find out.
Episode 333
Intro music
Hello and welcome to episode 333 of the veg grower podcast my names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much of my own food as I can in my allotment and garden.
Coming up in just a moment I shall be discussing my new garden tool a hori hori knife. What is it well you’ll find out after the diary section.
Music fades
Its Tuesday the 16th June 2020 today I’m down on the allotment today and its just coming up to midday. Its getting a bit hot which is why I'm packing up and heading home. I did get down to the allotment quite early today or early for me anyway I got here about 8 o clock this morning. First task I tackled was planting out my sweet potatoes, a job I’ve been meaning to do for a while now. But yeah finally got them in the ground.
Nothing difficult about that just dug a hole and popped them out there pot and dropped them in. Really as easy as that. But to plant them I used my hori hori knife which I know I’m going to be talking about later on in this podcast. So I wont go into to much detail about what's going on there.
Now just to the top of the sweet potatoes
is where I had some of my brassicas. Now I got 2 areas where I’m goring brassica in. 1 in an entire bed down on the bottom half of my plot and this is at the very top of the main bed. I planted out a few brassicas here a while ago and these were kinda like my spare cabbages and plants. Some of them didn’t survive and some did.
So I had a few more cabbages in pots, which they've also gone into the ground. Again just trying to use up space, as and when it becomes available. I really don’t want to have space where noting grows at the moment.
So I followed that up with a good watering in and I will give them another good watering just before I leave today. The soil as I keep saying is dry on top but gets moist further down. And I will again be covering all these with some grass clippings, probably tomorrow if I get the chance. And that should help conserve more moisture as well.
After that I then weeded out my garlic bed
I’m going to be harvesting my garlic tomorrow because all the stems have gone yellow, they've started to flop over and I think its really time. They're not gonna grow anymore.
Unfortunately the leek rust has been the culprit at this time so that's caused a few problems. After that I continued doing a bit more weeding and then I went round all the edges on the lower half of my plot with my strimmer. Just to tidy things up around there.
I always think its amazing just how something as simple as going around with a strimmer, just tidies up many plots and just sort off bring it back into a better looking allotment plot.
Well that's what I've been up to today
Join me in today's podcast where I am answering some questions I received about when is it time to harvest beetroot and potatoes. I also have the latest from the allotment and modern victory garden.
A transcript of this podcast is available below if you want to read instead of listen.
In this weeks diary section I have tackled the following tasks
Built a wood store water-butt standWorking out how much compost I needHarvested my onions
and much more.
When is it the right time to harvest beetroot and onions?
This is the question I received in last nights live stream and I thought it'll be one to explore today. In this podcast, you will hear how I work out when my beetroot or potatoes are ready.
Podcast transcript.
Episode 332. Transcript.
Hello and welcome to episode 332 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food as I can in my allotment and garden.
Coming up a little later on I shall be answering a couple of question’s that came in through the Sunday night live show. Where I was asked when is the right time to harvest potatoes or beetroot but first what have I been up to over the weekend.
Diary
It's Saturday the 13 June 2020. Today I have tried to do some work in the garden at home, unfortunately, I have found it a struggle to find motivation. I think I need to get out for a bit and visit a garden or something. I believe gardens are slowly opening.
Anyway, with the lack of motivation, I built the wood store slash water-butt stand I started building the other day. It's now in position and I started filling the wood store up with the wood from the trees we have cut down over the last few weeks. Which in turn has tidied up my lawn area because I had all this wood piled up on the lawn.
All I’ve got to do now is place some water butts on top of this stand and fill with water. Which I’m going to wait for the rain to come along and fill the other butts up. Well, that’s what I’ve been up to today.
Birds tweeting
Its Sunday the 14th June 2020 and today I have been at home again. Firstly I popped out to get more compost in order to fill more pots up and plant more of my plants out mainly my squash plants. Something I am trying to work out is just how much compost I have bought this year and needed. Obviously my preferred way would be to make compost which I do anyway and like to use on my beds. I used to use this in pots a lot too unfortunately I don’t seem to be able to make enough compost for this too. The reason I'm analysing this is so that next year I can work out how much compost to bulk buy in advance to make my life easier and potentially cheaper. I reckon I need to buy about 1000 litres which giving that most compost bags are 50 litres would be about 20 bags which if I can buy in advance and store on my garage would potentially l work out well.
After this I ran over the lawn with the lawnmower now there were a few smaller brunches that got run over too which is something I do in order to make compost. Now I have said this is not the safest method and today I proved to myself why because a large brunch I must have missed did fly up and hit me on the nose. Fortunately, it's only a small cut but if it had my eye it could have been a lot worse. I think I may have to look at some sort of shredder in the future for this.
I have also harvested my first potatoes this is my homeguard potatoes that where planted at the end of February in the greenhouse. The plant themselves had died back so I knew it was time to harvest. So I emptied out the bucket and removed what potatoes were contained inside. Have to admit there were a few potatoes but all a little small. They are still edible of course and I expect will taste delicious.
Anyway that's what I have been up to today
Birds tweeting
Its Monday the 15th June 2020 first time I’ve been on the allotment today in nearly a week and boy can I tell the difference that rain we had last...
Its time for the friday night pub quiz. 10 questions need answer. also the the latest from the plots.
Podcast transcript
00.00
Intro music
00.05
Hello and welcome to episode 321 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food in my allotment and garden as I possibly can.
Today is Friday the 12 June 2020 and as its Friday its time for the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz but before that what have I been up to today?
Music transitional
00.34 Diary
Well today has been a bit of a quiet day in the garden. Rain again which is very welcome of course. However first job this morning was to set up my quail cage that is in the potting shed. What I had to do basically was to place some fresh sand in the bottom of this cage and turn on the heater to check it was all working. Once I was happy I moved the quails into this cage with some food and water. I keep checking on them throughout the day and they seem happy. I wont however be leaving them I overnight for that they will return to the brooder cage in the podding shed.
After that I tidied up my workshop and started building my wood store slash water butt stand. I spoke of this the other day as a way to well tidy up my garden and make use of the space that I have available for multiple uses and this is to store rainwater and to store wood for our fireplace.
Well that’s what I have been up to today but let me know what you have been up to
Birds tweet
Pub noise begins in the background
A quiet day in the garden today what surprising is that in the evening it seemed to brighten up. Its odd I was praying for rain a few days ago and now its here I don’t want it during the day. No pleasing some people is there
Anyway its time for the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz.
Pub quiz begins
How this works is I am going to ask 10 questions. These 10 questions need answers of which you email me your answers by Thursday the 18th June 2020 8pm UK time. If you get all 10 correct your name goes into a hat and out of that hat 1 winner will be chosen and that winner will be receiving 10 packets of seeds from my collection. As simple as that.
So lets go through this weeks questions and then I shall go through last weeks questions.
Question 1. How do you tell how old a tree is?
Question 2. What is another more common name for an alligator pear?
Question 3. In which season is asparagus most often cropped and eaten in the UK?
Question 4. what is the best type of soil in which to grow parsnips?
Question 5. What is it that makes the stalks of old varieties of celery go white?
Question 6. What vegetable has a flower that looks like sunflowers but also is nicknamed fartichokes?
Question 7. What is the best way to avoid club root?
Question 8. Who is probably the most well known person for no dig gardening in the UK?
Question 9. What vegetables are ingredients in Branston pickle?
Question 10. Where in the UK was saffron famously grown?
Well that is the 10 questions that need answers so get answering and good luck. Just to add if you need to read these questions then head to the blog post for this podcast and you will now find a transcript for the podcast.
Now last week I asked 10 questions that was sent to me by Stuart Jackson. Which by the way if anyone else wants to be quiz master for a week you are more then welcome to. But lets go through last weeks questions and answers
Last weeks question and answers
1, Geoff Hamilton was a twin, what was his siblings name?
A: Tony
2, What is the expected germination time of French beans?
A:7-14 days
3,What is a leather jacket?
A:It`s a dark gray grub about 1" long {Pest}
4, With Tomatoes what is the cause of the skin to spilt?
A: Heavy watering or heavy rain on very dry soil around the roots
5,True or False, Are Rhubarb leaves poisonous if eaten?
A: True
6,How is Sweetcorn pollinated?
A: By the wind
Join me in today's podcast where I am running a thought experiment and asking what features would make an allotment great? I also have the latest from the plots.
Today rain has made it difficult to get into the garden however the following tasks have been accomplished.
Sorting out my scarecrow buildSowing seeds (mizuna, cabbage, swede, spinach, salad leaves)Sorting out my seeds again!!!!!
and much more in this podcast.
What features would make an ideal allotment?
This is a question I have often asked myself. Every allotment is unique and has its own features. Some good points and some bad points but what would make an ideal allotment is what I am exploring in today's podcast.
Episode 330 transcription is available in pdf format if you prefer to read rather then listen. Click on download.Download
In today's podcast, I am talking about how I go about hatching quail. Such a fantastic bird for the home grower. I also have the latest from the allotment and garden.
In today's podcast I am sharing how I grow basil. I also have the latest from the allotment and garden.
Join me in today's podcast where I am asking a question about why haven't my tomatoes grown much recently? I also share the latest from the allotment and modern victory garden
Its Friday which means its time for the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz. !0 questions that need answers. This weeks question come from Stuart Jackson a very loyal listener (thanks Stuart).
Join me in today's podcast where \i share my thoughts on 5 seeds I would want on a dessert island. I also have the latest from the plots.
Today I am answering a question from a listener about what we can do in the event of a drought. I also share the latest plot update.
In today's Podcast I am chatting to Jason and Micheal from Heilux. Manufacturer's of grow lights. I also share the latest from the plots.
Find out more about these lights by checking out their website here.
Join me in today's podcast where I shall be discussing what veg to sow in June. I also have the latest from the plots.
Tasks that I have carried out over the last few days include
Earthing up potatoesPlanting an apple treeMulching to reduce weeding
and much more.
Join me in today's podcast where I shall be discussing a few plants I should never have grown and why. I also have the latest from the plots.
On the modern victory garden today.
Today i have been working in the modern victory garden and tasks i have carried out today has been
Setting up grow bags to grow more foodPutting up a tumbling tomato growerSetting up my vegebag
And much more in the podcast
Plants I should never have grown.
This might be a bit of a controversial subject. But at the same point I am sure many of us have grown plants that we ended up regretting. Well why not discuss it then?
For me I have seleceted 4 plants that i wish I never grew and these 4 plants are
An elder tree on the allotmentBlackberry plantsCucamelonGoji plant
you can find out why in this podcast but if you have any plants you should never grew then let me know.
Join me in today's podcast where whilst working on the allotment I thought I might have a look and the three sisters growing method again.
Join me in today's podcast where I'll be sharing how I grow sweetcorn.. I also share the latest from the allotment and modern victory garden
In today's podcast I share my thoughts on the first episode of a new TV show called grow your own at home.
Join me in this weeks Friday night veg gardening pub quiz. 10 questions in need of 10 answers.
In today's podcast I thought I shall share with you just whats happening on my plots. A chance to evaluate and move forward.
In today's podcast lee and I are debriefing after the 24 hour live podcast that we completed at the weekend.
Join me in today's podcast where I share how I make elder flower cordial. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in today's podcast where I'll be discussing a debate I have wanted to do for a while. Electric vs petrol garden tools. I also share the latest from my plots.
In the diary section I have been tackling the following tasks.
Weeding and watering24 hour livePurchase of a new chainsawMulching of soils
and much more on the podcast.
Petrol vs electric garden tools.
For a while I have wanted to debate what was best between petrol or electric garden tool's. I have always preferred petrol tools for the fact that i could simply pull the tool out the shed and use where as electric required running a cable.
I also always preferred petrol to have down the allotment too. On the allotment we have no electricity so a electric lawnmower would be useless.
The draw back with petrol tools lately I have found myself spending longer longer trying to start my petrol tools in order to use them. In fact Sunday I got so annoyed at trying to get my petrol chainsaw to run that I gave up and bought a Ryobi one chainsaw and strimmer
You can hear my reason why in this podcast.
Join me in this weeks Friday night veg gardening pub quiz.
10 questions need answers and you could win 10 packets of seeds.
Just email your answer to the questions ask din this podcast to Richard@theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk to be in with a chance.
In today's podcast I am reviewing a book i brought recently called indoor edible gardening. I also share the latest from the plots.
To buy the book click on the image below
Join me in today's podcast where I shall be discussing my thoughts on whats best between a greenhouse or poly tunnel. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in today's podcast where I shall be sharing my method for hardening off plants. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in today's podcast where I share why we earth up potatoes. I also share the latest from the allotment and garden.
Diary
Over the last few days I have carried out the following tasks
Using the front garden more for a social aspect to gardeningCutting back more ivyWind damage
and much more discussed on the podcast.
Why do we earth up potatoes?
This is the question I am asking today. It seems a strange thing to do doesn't it I mean we have a plant that has been growing out the ground and then we cover it back over with some material.
Why do we do this?
Well this is some debate over whether this makes any difference but I think the main reason we do this is to improve yield. It also has many more advantages all of which get discussed in today's podcast.
In today's podcast I am joined in the podding shed by Youtuber Erica's little welsh garden.
Erica's little welsh garden
Erica had proven to be a popular Youtuber with her growing you tube channel. having followed her progress for a number of years I wanted the chance to chat to her about her gardening life and her allotment.
To find more about Erica head to
her blog siteher YouTube channel
Join me in today's podcast where in view of the ve day memorial I look back to the dig for victory campaign from ww2. I also share the latest from the plots.
Diary
Today I have tackled the following tasks
weedingwateringdelivery of sweet potato slips
and much more on today's podcast.
The dig for victory campaign.
With the 75th ve day being celebrated tomorrow (if celebrated is the right word) I find myself reflecting on the huge effort people took to feed themselves during ww2. The dig for victory campaign is something I have always found fascinating. For me it just shows how we rely on food in our lifes yet we take it for grantide.
part of the campaign was to educate and this was done through various media including some little films shown in cinema. In today's podcast I have some audio from one of these films. We think that the advice is still relevant today.
Its only right to acknowledge the imperial war museum of which has this video in their archive and can be found here. I have used this audio under non commercial licence and would like to thank iwm for the use and for keeping this footage available for all.
Join me in today's podcast where I discuss some of my gardening hacks. I also share the latest from the allotment and garden.
Diary
Today has been spent on the allotment carrying out several tasks including
WeedingStrimmingbuilding a soil sieve
And much more please check out the podcast to find out more.
Gardening hacks
I am a big believer in finding ways we can save time and resources. Every now and then I come across a gardening hack which helps with save these. In today's podcast I am sharing some of my gardening hacks that i use including
Make it easier to remove plants in the ground for winter protectionSave time by using tools a measuring devices when planting outSave and protect your tools with a bucket of oily sand
If you have any hacks you would like to share then please get in touch.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I shall be discussing mulches. I also have the latest from the plots.
Join me today as I share with you how we grow strawberries. I also share the latest from the allotment and garden.
What have we been doing on the plots
In today's plot update I have been tackling the following tasks
Repairing a chainsawWeeding and mulchingPotting up some crown prince pumpkins
And much more just check out today's podcast to find out more.
How we grow strawberries
Strawberries must be one of the easiest fruits to grow. They are also one of the tastiest and most popular fruits that exist.
But being easy to grow doesn't mean they can be left to fend for themselves. They need love of course and in today's podcast I share how we can all grow strawberries productively.
What can we do with these delicious fruits in the kitchen? Well check out this recipe for an idea.
If you would like to find out more about strawberries then check out this page from gardeners world.
Want to find more about the history of the strawberry then check out this Wikipedia page.
Do you grow strawberries and have any tips to share?
Join me in today's podcast where I shall be discussing what seeds we can sow in May? I also share the latest from the plots
What have I been up to today?
Today I have been working hard in the victory garden. Potting up several plants and removing some rather large bushes and trees in order to expand my growing space.
You can find out more in today's podcast.
What seeds can we sow in May?
While April was certainly a busy month for seed sowing here at the veg grower podcast HQ I have discovered that I am well on top of getting most seeds sown. However a few seeds I still need to sow are
beetrootchickpeaspumpkinbutternut squashsalad leavescarrots
However if your not as far ahead as me theres still time to sow most seeds such as tomatoes and sweetcorn but i would say its too late for chilli or sweet pepper.
What seeds will you be sowing through May?
Join me for our regular Friday veg gardening pub quiz. 10 questions that need answers from you. with a chance to win 10 packs of veg seeds from my collection.
Join me in today's podcast where I share a few Rhubarb recipe ideas I have for using up gluts of rhubarb. I also share the latest from the plots.
Rhubarb recipe ideas
Every year I get way to much rhubarb. I dont mind because i enjoy the stuff. However there is only so many crumbles we can eat so sometimes its great to do something a little different with this veg.
In today's podcast I share some of my favourite recipe ideas and the recipes can be found on the following links.
Rhubarb crumbleRhubarb pieRhubarb sorbetRhubarb ice creamRhubarb cordialRhubarb chutneyRhubarb strudel
If you have any rhubarb recipes to share then please get in touch
Join me in todays podcast where I discuss how I deal with slugs and snails. I also share the latest from my allotment.
How I deal with slugs and snails
Slugs and snails are probably one of the most complained about pests in the garden. Over the years I have used many different methods to deal with these but the most reliable method that I have found is to encourage wildlife to do the work for me.
Whether its potting up bird house or feeding hedgehogs it'll make a difference but find out more in this podcast.
I mention a hedgehog feed that I use and that can be found here
Join me in today's podcast where I share how I save enough rainwater to water my garden all year round. I also have the latest from the plots
Join me in todays podcast in which I receive a phone call from IB asking if its possible to use grey water in the garden? I share my thoughts on this. I also share the latest from the allotment.
Join me in episode 294 where I discuss growing in pots. As a way of being able to produce more food in my garden I am going to be growing more veg plants in pots in different areas of my garden. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in this weeks Friday night gardening pub quiz podcast. !0 questions that need answers. Email me your answers and you could win 10 packets of seeds.
Join me in todays podcast where I'm celebrating my birthday. Usually for my birthday treat I would go visit a garden or attend a garden show. This year of course that's not possible but Lee and I chat about some of our favourite shows or gardens.
Join me in today's podcast where I explain what I mean by a modern victory garden. A phrase I created to label what i am doing in my garden. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in todays podcast where a listener has asked the question how long does it take to grow brassicas? I also share the latest from the plots.
Joining me in tonight's podcast is the wonderful Bethan from Bethan's kitchen and garden YouTube channel. I also share the latest from my plots.
Bethans youtube channel can be found here.
Join me in todays podcast where I share how I grow beans. French and runner beans are so easy but so worthwhile. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in today's episode where I chat about how I grow courgettes. I also share the latest from the plots.
In tonight's podcast (and if proves popular might be an regular Friday slot) I have created the veg gardening pub quiz. Join me in our virtual pub for some virtual refreshments and a veg gardening pub quiz. 10 questions in this podcast which if answered correctly you could win a small prize. Also what have I been up to today.
Join me in today's podcast where I talk about allotment security. A couple of incidents on my allotment today have made me think about how insecure allotments really are. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in today's podcast where I discuss some plant feeds we can make at home. I also share the latest from the plots.
In today's podcast I share the 5 herbs that I must grow in the kitchen garden. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in todays podcast where I am sharing my thoughts on what I've really learnt over the last few weeks while in this crisis.
In todays podcast Stuart Jackson HAs came to me with a few questions coming from a newbie veg gardener. We thought that'll make another different podcast. I also have the latest from the plots.
In today's podcast I am doing something very different and talking about my thoughts on living the good life. an analysis of what i would do had I of been in tom goods shoes in the comedy TV show the good life. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in today's podcast where I chat about peas. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in todays podcast where I chat to Ade and Sophie from agents of field and find out more about there background into gardening. I also have the latest from my plots.
Agents of field
To find out more about agents of field check out their website.
Join me in todays podcast where I express a few ideas for vertical gardening. A way to grow more crops if you have little space. I also have the latest from my plots.
Resources
The website I mention in this podcast.
Join me in todays podcast where a question from a listener has got me talking about composting. I also have the latest from the plots.
In todays podcast I am chatting about carrots as its international carrot day. I also share the latest from my plots.
In todays podcast I am joined by Joel Karsten an expert in straw bail gardening. I also share the latest from my plots.
Joel's website
Join me in todays podcast where ill be sharing what seeds Ill be sowing in April. I also share what I've been up to today on the plots.
Today on the plot
Today I have mainly been weeding on the allotment. Weeding is one of those tasks that is incredibly boring and time consuming.
To make my life easier with weeding my plan is that Ill always start weeding on one end and make my way to the other. hopefully as we go on ill be spending less time at one end of the plot and more on the other end.
All my weeds then got passed through the lawnmower and thrown onto the compost heap.
I then levelled the ground where my new compost bin is to sit.
What have you been up to today?
Seeds I'll be sowing in April
April is a busy seed sowing month especially for vegetable seeds. I looked through my seed tins to see what seeds I plan to sow in April.
They are
Salad leafMicrogreensPurple sprouting broccoliSweetcornSquash (courgettes, marrows, pumpkins, butternut squash, mash potato, boiled potato, crown prince and yellow scollop)CalabreseChinese kalewok brocChinese cabbageradicchiomelondillbasilparsleycorrrianderleekspeas.
What will you be sowing?
Join me in todays podcast where I am answering a question from a listener who has a plot which only receives 3 hours of sunlight a day but would like to grow veg in this space. I also share what I've been up to today.
Today I have been
Moving plants around to make spacePricking out some seedlingsSowing seeds (melon, mizuna, chilli, chard, basil and spinach)
Veg for shady spots.
£ hours sunlight is not very much sunlight at all but that doesn't mean its impossible to grow veg at all. In fact the listener who emailed in informs me that they could successfully grow Spinach, chard and rocket in this space.
After much thought this is what I came up with
Salad leaves or loose leaf lettuceRadishesCarrotsBroad beansbrassicas such as cabbages, kohl rabi, broccoli and spring greens
If you have grown crops successfully in shade then please let me know
Join me in today's podcast where I rummage in the recycling bin to make some items useful in the garden. Also what I've been up to today on the plots.
I also mention that I've appeared in the People nature food podcast episode 9 which can be found here.
Join me in todays podcast where I chat to Nigel from the Muddybootz YouTube channel about gardening and allotmenteering.
Nigel runs a successful YouTube channel where he imparts his wisdom by sharing what he does. Its well worth a watch.
Nigel mentioned a particular video of which can be found here.
Join me in todays podcast where I am joined by Amanda my wife to get her perspective on my garden plans.
Join me in todays podcast where I chat to Lucy and Saul from the talking heads podcast as we have a bit of a chat about running estate gardens, edibles and exotic plants.
In this podcast I am joined by Lee Connelly to chat about gardening particularly keeping kids entertained.
Today in the garden I have been
Sowing sunflower seedsTidying potsTidying the corner of my garden.
Join me in todays podcast where I share a few of my thoughts of how you might be able to grow food from what your existing food supplies.
Join me in this episode where I share a few thoughts on how to start a veg patch in the current situation.
In todays podcast I explore a few crops suitable for small spaces. I also share what I've been up to on my allotment today.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I share a my garden project ideas I plan to do in my garden over these next few weeks. I also share the latest from the plots.
In this weeks diary section I have carried out the following tasks
Added more quail to the collectionObtained a new chicken housePlanted out my potatoes.
And much more. check out the podcast to find out more.
My garden project ideas
With the country now being confined to our homes its time to distract ourselves with projects. In this episode I share a few that I am doing in order that you might be inspired to do the same. My projects are
A modern victory gardenTidy my shedsRepair and strengthen shed roofsBuild some coldframesBuild some compost binsMake some plant signsBuild some fun scarecrows.
If you have any projects that you would like to share then please get in touch.
Potatoes planted.
In the diary I mention I have planted out my potatoes. The varities planted are
HomeguardAaron pilotInternational kidneyPink fir appleLindaHighland burgandyMaris piperSarpo miraKing Edward
What potatoes are you growing this year?
Join me in this extra podcast where I share my ideas for some quick crops to grow now. This podcast is produced in light of the current circumstances we find ourselves in.
Quick crops to grow now.
As this time of year is whats known as the hungry gap which is a period of time where very little food is available. But with some thinking outside the box and being creative we can come up with some quick and easy ideas for what we can grow and eat in a short amount of time. These include
Micro-greens ready in 7 to 10 daysCut and come again salad leaves ready in 21 to 28 daysRadish ready in 25 to 40 daysRocket ready in 30 daysSpinach ready in 30 days.Speedy carrots for the thinning ready in 60 days
As you can see all these crops are ready in a very short time and I recommend that we make regular sowing of these. Micro-greens i'm sowing daily, salad leaves i'm sowing weekly and so on.
Micro-greens
I have featured micro-greens quiet heavily because I genuinely believe that everybody can grow these in any space. The small space required means they can grow on windowsills if needed.
While seeds specifically for micro-greens are available i prefer to use out of date seeds or opened packets of seed. There's a wide variety of micro-green crops that could be used and they include
CressBasilCorianderFenugreek (methi)CabbagesLettuceBrussel sproutsSweetcornKaleMustardEndiveBeetrootTatsoiRadishWatercressMizunaPea shootBean shoots
A tray a day will go a long way to feed us with fresh healthy food.
What are you growing to tackle Corona virus? Let me know in the comments or share your photos in the forum. We also have a Facebook group where you can share your story too.
Join us in this week's podcast where I chat to Kirsty Ward from my little allotment. I also share the latest from my allotment and vegetable patch.
In this weeks diary section I have tackled the following tasks
Sowing seeds (cabbage, kale, endive, tiger nuts, aubergine, salsify and kohl rabi)WeedingStarting microgreens in-case drastic action has to be taken for coronavirus
And much more just listen to the podcast to find out more.
Kirsty Ward from my little allotment.
I have been a big fan of Kirsty's blog and Instagram for quiet a while now. She has exploded onto the allotment scene since starting her allotment 3 years ago.
Kirsty started allotmenteering as a form of therapy for herself tackling ptsd. But as you will hear in this interview she believes her allotment is one of the reasons that she is still here now.
In this podcast you can find out what Kirsty's favourite plants to grow is and what her plans are for 2020.
You can find more about Kirsty from her blog site which can be found here.
Follow her on twitter, Facebook and Instagram too.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I find out what a quad grow is all about and also what I can expect to see at this years gardeners world live event.
The Diary.
In this weeks diary section I have carried out the following tasks
Sowing seeds (broccoli, cabbage and okra)Potting on tomato plantsWeeding
Much more can be heard on the podcast.
Quad grow.
A few years ago I came across quad grow. An innovative idea for growing plants without the need for watering daily ideal for the busy household.
I caught up with the company to find out a little more and to find out if I should buy one for my self.
Gardeners world live 2020
Gardeners world live is rapidly becoming one of my favourite events on the gardening calendar. Having been in previous years I am finding it to be a thoroughly enjoyable day out.
In this weeks podcast I chat to one of the organisers to find out what we can expect at this years event.
Resources
Quad grow
Gardeners world live
Homegrown allotment YouTube channel
A previous podcast where I discuss gardeners tools.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I answer a listeners question about npk. I also share the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I discuss why I think quails are great in small gardens especially if your unable to keep chickens.
Resources
Quail vs chicken egg researchBeginners guideto keeping quail
In this weeks podcast I am joined in the podding shed with lee Connelly to discuss his new book how to get kids gardening. We also have the latest from the allotment and veg patch.
In this weeks diary section tasks include
Sowing more seedsStorm Dennis causing problemsPotting on seedlings
And much more on the podcast.
How to get kids gardening with Lee Connelly
This week Lee has joined me to discuss his new book how to get kids gardening. Lee is driven by passion to get more kids and families into gardening.
Regular listeners will know that lee and his daughter Olive can often be found in the garden together creating projects and growing plants. Lee started his gardening journey at the age of 26. He quickly discovered a passion for gardening. This led him to becoming a blue peter gardener as well as being on stage at many events.
lee decided to write a book full of fun projects that involve the family spending time together in the garden. I invited Lee down to the podding shed to discuss his book. I wanted to find out what he hoped to achieve with his book.
Find out what lee's favourite project has been and what can be found inside his book.
Lees book is available from his own website shop or on amazon.
In this weeks podcast I am joined by Raphaelle from plotty.co.uk to discuss her seed swopping enterprise. I chatted to Raphaelle while at seedy Sunday and you can hear that chat in this episode.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I'm joined by my friend Lee and we take a trip to Brighton's Seedy Sunday event. We talk to one of the organisers about what Seedy Sunday is and we take a walk around to see what we can find.
Seedy Sunday 2020
Long term listeners will know that in recent years I have attended Brighton's Seedy Sunday event. I have always been fascinated with the event as well as the aspect of seed saving.
Joining me this year my good friend lee Connelly aka The skinny jean gardener joined me. This is Lee's first visit to this event.
We are also very lucky to have had the chance to chat to Kate. Kate happens to be the chair of the organisers committee. She shares with us plenty of information on what goes on behind the scenes of this event.
Added to this when we wander around the event we get some help with potatoes from pennard plants and we buy our wives some seed cards from looploop.
Check out the podcast to find out more.
Join me in this weeks podcast where, after receiving a few questions about my seed sowing system I thought I would discuss how I've set up my grow lights and propagators for seed sowing.
My seed sowing system.
After receiving many questions about how i've set up my grow lights I thought I would discuss how and why i've set up my seed sowing system.
I am always trying to be practical, logical and more importantly efficient with any tasks that I tackle regularly which is why I have come up with my own system for starting of my seeds.
Products I use.
Below I have added a list of products that I mention I use throughout this podcast. If you click on the link it will take you to the very products that I use and have bought. If you decide to buy these products I might get commission at no extra cost to you.
Seed trays for starting off the seedsSeed compostPerliteHeated propagator Ikea grow light stripsIkea grow light bulbsDibberPlant labels
Join me in this week's podcast where I share how I go about pruning my fruit trees and bushes. I also share the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
In this weeks diary I have tackled the following tasks
Setting up my new seed areaPruning my raspberriesTidying up my shed
And much more on this podcast.
Pruning
Pruning in my mind is very daunting but it is very benifical.
In this podcast I share how I keep my pruning regime simple and uncomplicated.
Tools and equipment that I use are as follows
A good pair of glovesA good pair of secateursSome garden disinfectantPrune and seal a wound seal for plants.
Links above will take you to Amazon. If you purchase any of these items I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Some sound effects where used from "Bird Whistling, Single, Robin, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org
Join me in this weeks podcast where I have devised a tool list for veg gardeners after asking around what tools do most gardeners use. I also share the latest from the veg patch and allotment.
Join me in this weeks podcast where Lee Connelly joins me in the podding shed to chat about our gardening plans for 2020. I also share the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
In this weeks diary section I have tackled the following tasks
Obtained my keys to the allotmentDropping off the wooden planksTidying the greenhouse
And much more. Check out the podcast to find out more.
Gardening plans with Lee Connelly
This week Lee Connelly aka the skinny jean gardener is joining me in the podding shed to discuss our gardening plans for 2020.
Lee is a regular on the show and I'm sure you will have heard him many times in previous podcasts.
What are our plans for 2020? well check out the podcast to find out more.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I share my highlights of 2019 in my gardening life. I also share the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary
Resources
The rhs plant grow harvest 2020 calender can be found for sale here.
Merry Christmas all. Join me in this week's podcast where I share how I grew my veggies for my Christmas dinner. I also share the latest from the plots.
In this week's podcast, I share a few of my favourite kale recipes with you. I also share the latest from my allotment and vegetable patch.
In this weeks diary section, I have tackled the following tasks
Planning next years seed sowing planFitting a new throttle cable to a lawnmowerResearching straw mulching/ comfrey mulching
And much more check out this week's podcast to find out more.
Kale recipes
This week I thought I would share with you some of my favourite kale recipes. I believe that kale is undervalued as it has so many advantages
Kale is incredibly hardy and will grow right through the winter months providing plenty of tasty green leaves full of nutrients. I've added links to the recipes that I have used in this podcast to make use of this wonderful vegetable
Chinese seaweedKale, pea and ricotta frittersSauteed greens with cannellini and pancetta
If you have any great recipes that I should try out then please let me know.
This week I am joined in the podding shed with Andy and Sue from Hot bn compost bins who are here to talk to me about hot bin composting. I also have the latest from the plots.
In this weeks diary section, I have carried out the following tasks.
Using a potato to propagate a rose from a cutting.Seed sortingOverwintered chilli plants update
And much more. Please listen to the podcast to find out more.
Hot bin composting.
Recently I have found myself really hating the look of my collection of Dalek style compost bins I have at home. I see them all lined up against my fence and I feel they stick out like a sore thumb.
After doing a bit of research and talking to a few people who use a hot bin composter I wondered if this composter might be better for me in my garden so I contacted Hot bin composters for a chat about there product to find out a bit more.
Do you use hot bin composters? If so let me know what your experience has been by leaving a comment below.
If you are considering buying one of these composters then check out their website here. I also have hot bin compost bins various social media links facebook twitter and Instagram They even have their own Youtube channel
If you click on the image below you can buy a hot bin composter from amazon.
In this week's podcast, I am joined in the podding shed with Elen and Lee to discuss our experience using our vegpod systems
The diary.
In this weeks diary section I have tackled the following jobs.
Planting out broad beans and peasOnion sets starting to growpumping water from Waterbury to waterbutt
The vegepod.
I’ve been using the vegepod with a lot of success this year. It’s been so successful that I cannot song it’s praises anymore.
In this episode I chat to Ellen and Lee about their experiences with their vegepod too. Did their experience mirror my experience? Find out in this podcast.
Links.
Find out more about the vegepod from the uk site. Find out about all the products and order direct.
Check out Ellen’s website to find out more about the gardening work that she does here. Her site is full of plenty of useful information.
Lees website can be found here. If your interested in getting your family involved in gardening then here’s where to look.
Join me in the podding shed this week as I chat to Isabel and Phil authors of gardening for the zombie apocalypse. We chat about growing our own food and trying to be self-sufficient. We also have the latest from the plots.
Each week I share what I have been up to in the garden over the last week. This week includes
Building another bedCleaning potsUsing my own compost
And much more. Check out the podcast to find out more.
Isabel and Phil The zombie gardeners.
Recently I received a gardening book that was not only educational but also entertaining. I have mentioned it before but that book is gardening for the zombie apocalypse.
After reading the book I knew I had to get the authors on the podcast to chat about their gardening experience and delve deeper into the reasons for the book.
I knew this would be a fun chat but also we learn about Isabel and Phil's reasoning for going self-sufficient. They also share some lessons that they have learned as well as where they started from.
To find out more please click on the following links
zombie gardening websiteBuy the book from amazonThe zombie gardeners twitter
Join me in this week's podcast where we take our first visit to Karin and Jonny's allotment. Karin and Jonny have just started on their allotment and we are going to revisit their allotment from time to time to see how they are getting on with their allotment.
In this weeks diary section, I've carried out the following tasks.
Collecting more woodBuilding new bedsStarting to grow a pineapple
And much more. Check out this week's podcast to find out more.
Karin and Jonny's allotment
As you will hear in this podcast I learned that Karin and Jonny had taken on an allotment. I figured this would be an opportunity to document the use of an allotment with some newbies.
Karin and Jonny have only just taken on this allotment a couple of weeks ago and already they are learning that the idyllic life that allotments are portrayed involves a lot of hard work. However, they do not seem afraid of hard work and have got stuck in.
In this podcast, you will hear how Karin and Jonny have found their first allotment so far and what has been an eye-opening experience for them.
I mention that Jonny is in a band, Iron Tyger. One of my favourite pub bands and highly recommended
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I discuss 3 books that I have been lucky enough to be sent and enjoyed reading. I also have the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
In this weeks diary section, the following tasks have been carried out
Obtaining new glass and woodRefitting glass panels to grandad's greenhouseReplacing an old bed
and much more. Please listen to the podcast to find out more.
3 books I've enjoyed reading.
I've been lucky enough to be sent some books from listeners and authors based around growing our own. After reading these books with excitement I felt they are worthy to be shared and talked about.
The books are below and can be bought from Amazon through the links provided.
The allotment cookbook.Gardening for the zombie apocalypse.100 vegetables and where they came from.Wild about weeds.
If you have any interesting books then please let me know and I shall be happy to check them out.
Join me in this week's podcast where I am revisiting Stephen's allotment. I also share the latest from my plots.
In this weeks diary section, I have tackled the following tasks.
Sowing some Adelaide carrotsCleaning out my propagatorStorm damage to grandad's greenhouse
Find out more in this week's podcast.
Revisiting Stephens allotment
Its been almost a year to the day since we last visited Stephens allotment (you can hear that episode here). Which means a revisit was well overdue.
Stephen has an allotment site near worthing nestled on the south downs with views of the sea and a local airport giving Stephen an allotment to come and relax in.
More importantly, Stephen grows a lot of food in his allotment which is absolutely packed with food still growing even though its November. In this podcast, Stephen takes me on a wander of his site and he shares with us what he has learned from the last year and how he has overcome certain problems related to his growing.
Revisiting Stephen's allotment has been a very interesting exercise opening up some interesting observations and passing on lessons that have been learnt over this growing season.
Want to find out how much has changed? Then check out this episode.
Links
Any products or links mentioned can be found on the following links
Stephens youtube channelAdalaide carrot seedsCarrot growing tubsWicking material
Join me in this wees Halloween edition of the podcast where ill be discussing my thoughts on how an allotment could help us survive a zombie apocalypse.
Join me in this week's podcast where a listener has asked me to share my experience keeping chickens. I also share the latest on the plots.
Resources
A few links that i mention throughout this episode.
The article in the telegraph onlineJack Wallington website
Join me in this week's podcast where I share my plans for my beds over winter. I also share the latest from the plots.
The diary
Over the last week, I have tackled the following tasks
Tidying the potting shedMoving my tender plants into the greenhouseDodging the rain
and much more please check out the podcast to find out more.
Plans for my beds over winter.
I always feel its a shame to waste any space of land that could be growing food over the winter. There is a lot of food that can still be grown over winter providing us with food all year round or getting us off to an early start.
The colder wetter weather that we can expect over the next few months can make us head inside instead of being outside. Which is a shame as I feel there is so much more we could be doing during this time of year.
I will admit I don't like getting wet in the rain but my time on the plots is precious. Last year I created this podcast about a few ideas we can be doing on the plots when it's raining.
In this episode, I explore my plans to use most of my beds overwinter in order to grow food and be more productive but to also make my life easier for next year. What beds will be growing food? What beds will be put to bed and how? find out in this episode.
Resources
As always any products mentioned that I use I add links to below.
Carrots variety AdelaideBroad beans variety aquadulce Claudiacauliflower all year roundVegepod
Join me in this week's podcast where I share how I store my homegrown produce for the winter months. I also have the latest from the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary
In this weeks diary section, I have tackled the following tasks
Harvesting all my potatoesPlanting out garlicMulching the beds
And much more in the podcast.
How I store my homegrown produce.
Growing our own food is a way of life but what's the point of growing all this food if it doesn't get eaten? That's why the correct storing of food is so important.
Stored correctly our homegrown food can keep us supplied all year round and certainly well into the depths of winter when fresh pickings are perhaps a little scarce.
In this podcast, I share how I tend to go about storing my produce simply but effectively. I share where I store my food and how I prepare to put our food into storage.
Items mentioned in this podcast.
If I use products I like to add a link should you be interested they can be found here.
VegepodHozelock water pumpsuperaquadulce broad bean seedsmeteor peashacknicks roottrainers.
Join me in this week's podcast where I am joined with fellow podcaster Lee Connelly aka skinny jean gardener. In this podcast, Lee has taken me to explore Beth Chatto's gardens.
In this weeks diary, we have tackled the following tasks
Tidying my greenhouse and levelling the water buttWeeding the allotment while having some very changeable weatherDeciding if I've grown too many tomatoes
Listen to the podcast to find out more.
Beth Chatto's Gardens.
Lee invited me up to have a look around Beth Chatto's garden. Which is a garden open to the public near Colchester, Essex.
I love visiting gardens in my spare time. I find having a good look around some gardens inspirational and gets the creative juices flowing. Beth Chatto's garden certainly gave us lots to think about and we discuss our thoughts in this episode.
During this episode, you will hear us mention about creeping herbs as ground cover. The herb used in this garden is creeping thyme but other herbs that could be used are creeping rosemary and oregano.
At the very bottom of this blog post I have added a few photos taken on my visit.
To find out more about Beth Chatto Gardens or to plan a visit check out their website here.
To find out more about Lee and his work check out the skinny Jean Gardener website.
more pupley flowerslove itgreat ground coverA lovely purpley flowerLoved how the light looked around this tree at beth chatto's gardenA tree trunk i really liked at beth chatto's garden
I'm back after some accidental time off due to website problems. Big thank you to Stephen for all his hard work and help with getting theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk up and running and improved. Check out his youtube channel here.
The diary.
This podcast is all about the diary from the last few weeks and includes
Preparing for some time away from home.visiting logan botanical gardens.Quails not laying anymore.
Check out the podcast to find out more.
Join me in this week's podcast where I'll be discussing 2 green manures that I use. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in this week's podcast where I answer a few listeners questions that I've received. We also have the latest from the plots.
The diary
In this week's diary section we have tackled the following tasks
Potting in and taking cutting of herb plants Weeding Pruning
-
And much more.
-
Listeners questions.
It's always a pleasure to hear back from listeners. The question always give me some great content. This week's I have 4 questions from listeners they include
What's my grow light set up?
Where do you get tiger nuts from?
Why do I grow marrows on my butternut squash plants?
What has my sweetcorn outgrown its coat?
- I mention links to producers through the show and these can be found below.
Ikea grow light large bulbs
Ikea grow light small
Ikea pendant light fitting
Another option for light fitting.
Tiger nut seeds
Join me I. This week's podcast where I'll be discussing a few of my crops that I plan to overwinter. We also have the layaway from the plots.
The diary
This week's tasks include
Weeding Moving the baby quails to a new home Potting on chilli plants
-
And much more. Check out this week's episode to find out more.
-
Crops I plan to overwinter.
Every year I like growing crops over winter. I find it a lot easier to grow overwinter then at other tones of the year as Mother Nature os doing a lot of the work for you. In this podcast I discuss a few of the crops that I'll be growing over this winter and why.In this episode the crops I plan to grow are
Lettuce particularly a variety called winter destiny
Salad leaf
Spring onions
Pak Choi
Choy sum
Carrots a variety called adalaide I will be trailing
Chilli
Onions
Garlic
Peas kelvendon wonder
Broad beans aquadulce Claudia
Chard or perpetual spinach
Spring cabbages.
I mention cloches from amazon please click here for that.
Join me in this week's podcast where I take a trip around the walled gardens at West Dean. I also share the latest from the plots.
The diary
This week's task include
The walled gardens of West Dean
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs near chichester is West Dean Gardens one of the greatest restores gardens in the south uk.
Every year I attend the annual chilli fiesta here and every year I have to have a look at my favourite walled gardens here.
Why are they my favourite? Well because the gardens are used to grow food of course. Every year I'm impressed with the amount of food that is growing in these gardens be it the orchards full of apple and pears or the kitchen garden where plenty of large cabbages can be found.
In this podcast I take a tour of the gardens and share with you what I am seeing as I make my way around.
To find out more about these gardens check out the website.
Join me in this very special episode where I record this podcast live from the maze garden with my co-host Lee Connelly aka the skinny jean gardener. I also share the latest from my plots.
The diary
In this weeks diary section, we have
Potting on many plantschanges on the allotmentClearing more weeds
and much more.
Recorded live from the Maze garden
This year Lee and I were given permission to create a few podcasts from Richard Bushbys maze garden. We figured this was an opportunity to see where we could take the podcasts to in the future.
Richard Bushby opens his garden up once a year. The centrepiece of his garden is the maze. I mean who doesn't have a maze in their garden. During this live recording, we get Richard to tell us more about his garden and why he opens it up once a year. To find out more about the maze garden please click the link
The charity that this open day raises money for is perennial. A rather brilliant charity that dedicates itself to helping those that work in horticulture. During this live recording, we chat to one of the charities fundraisers to discuss what it's all about.
Join me in this week's podcast where I discuss my thoughts on some of the more unusual crops that I have grown. I also have the latest from the plots.
mazegarden.co.uk
Join me in this week's podcast where I discuss the results of my onion experiment. I also share the latest from the plots.
Join me in this week's podcast where I am joined by my friend and fellow podcast Sarah Wilson from roots and all podcast. Join me as I try to find out more about vegan gardening and why it isn't as easy as it might sound. We also have the latest from my plots.
This week in the diary section I have the following tasks to talk about
The first time I've had pink blueberries on my bush.Building a new fenceHarvesting potatoes
And much more. Check out the podcast to find out.
Vegan gardening.
While I will hold my hands up and admit I am not a vegan. I do respect peoples views of this subject. I have been listening to Sarah who runs the Roots and all podcast.
Sarah's podcast has opened my eyes into how difficult it might be to garden in a vegan way. Throughout this podcast I get Sarah to discuss why it can be difficult and what is it like to garden with the vegan ethic.
Sarah always enjoyed gardening but after a career change in her early thirties, she became a garden designer. Gaining experience of working in many well-known gardens as well as creating gardens for shows as she has progressed through her career. Sarah shares with us some stories of how her ethics have been looked upon with her career.
Do you garden in a vegan manner? Do you think that the ideas shared in this episode make sense? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
In this weeks podcast I have a look at the weekly harvest reports so far, and share my thoughts. I also have the latest on the plots.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I complete my visit to gardeners world live 2019. In this podcast we have my thoughts on the show a chat to annabele about life at no 27 and empathy. We also have graham from outside gang. We also have the latest on the plots.
The diary
Join me in another episode where I continue my trip around gardeners world live 2019. I also share the latest on the plots
In this weeks diary section I have tackled the following tasks.
More weeding. the recent weather has caused weeds to grow like mad.Harvests coming in thick and fastWork getting in the way of gardening
Check out the podcast to find out more.
Gardeners world live part 2.
This weeks podcast continues from last weeks podcast where I visited gardeners world live 2019. This week we head into the main hall and see what's happening inside.
As I went around I found a couple of stalls and speakers who have peaked my interest. this week they are
Hannah from garden organic.Sue from hydroveg.Phil the president of the national allotment society.
Please check out the podcast and websites provided to find out more.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I start a tour of the gardeners world live 2019 show. Along the way we talk to the designer of an award winning garden and we ask Lucy Chamberlain and Saul walker for there help with the blueberry problem from a listener. We also have the latest from the plots.
The diary
In this weeks diary we cover the following tasks
Planting out more leeksPlanting up my beds at homePlanting out beans
And much more. Check out the podcast to find out more
Gardeners world live part 1.
This weekend I attend gardeners world live. an annual show held every year based around gardening. I highly recommend attending next year and details can be found at the gardeners world live website as they get updated.
In this podcast I take you all on a tour of the show and chat to a few people as we go around. As there is so much to see and do in this show I have split this podcast into several episodes so check out next weeks podcast to find out more.
In part 1 we start outside and visit a garden designed around the jewellery makers district of Birmingham. We also chat to the designer Alexandra Froggatt about how she came up with the design of her garden.
We also ask plant experts Lucy Chamberlain and Saul walker about there thoughts on the problem our listener has with blueberry plants.
Lucy has been a gardener that I have followed for a number of years. She has written many interesting articles on veg gardening and if you would like to find out more about her then please check out this link.
Saul Walker is also a a very interesting chap with a very lively attitude and plenty of knowledge to share. If you would like to learn more about Saul then please check out this link.
To find out more listen to this weeks podcast. I'll also add a few photos below.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I have a couple of questions from listeners. The first question is about stem canker on blueberry bushes and the other is about watering a veggie garden while away for a week? We also have the latest from my plots.
Irriigata watering unit
Vegepod
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I have met up with Dave from grow your plot. I also share the latest from the plots.
This week in the diary the following has been tackled
Tackling the unkept area of the allotmentChickens and vegetablesThe vegepod
And much more. Check out the podcast to find out.
Dave from grow your plot.
Back in March I met up with Dave. Dave runs a YouTube channel and Instagram where he shares his exploits into growing your own.
I have followed Dave for a while now and love how he comes at this from a every fresh perspective while at the same time throwing in a few laughs along the way.
Check out his content below
Dave's YouTube channelDave's Instagram account
Dave also mentions a book from Pippa greenwood. I have not been able to find that book but you can find Pippa's book on amazon here.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I answer a question from a listener who wants to know what's so bad about peat based compost. We also have the latest from the plots.
This weeks tasks include
Planting out lots of plantsStringing tomato plantsQuail developments
And much more check out the podcast to find out more.
What's so bad about peat based compost?
This week I received a question from a listener asking what is so bad about peat based compost?
Is it bad for our plants or environment?
If it's so bad why is it still for sale?
All of which are very interesting questions and something that I have researched and known about for many years.
In this episode I share with you what I know about what is so bad about this style of compost and why we shouldn't be using it. I also share my thoughts on an experiment to see what the difference is between peat based compost and other alternatives is.
Resources
Below are a few links that I have mentioned in this episode
Thompson and Morgan blog post on what's new in the gardenThompson and Morgan blog post from plot to plate celebrating nation vegetarian week.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I chat to Nigel from the muddybootz youtube channel. i also have the latest from my plots
Join me in this weeks podcast where I take a trip to an RHS show in Malvern and share my thoughts as I wander around the show. We also have the latest on the plots.
This week in the garden I have carried out the following tasks
weedingwateringrain at last
And much more. check out the podcast to find out more
My visit to RHS Malvern
For the first time I have taken a trip to an RHS show in Malvern. Held at the three counties showground. This show often has a big buzz about it and so I decided to attend and see for myself.
I went as a guest not as press to this event and I had a really good day. There was lots to see and do as well as a whole host of information available.
If you would like to go next year then keep checking the rhs show page.
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I discuss how I grow squashes. I also share the latest on the plots.
In this weeks diary section I have carried out the following tasks
More and more weedingPotting onsowing seed with my nieces
And much more. Listen to find out more.
How I grow squashes
One of my favourite foods to grow has to be squashes. They are so easy to grow and provide plenty of food right throughout the year.
From small patty pan squashes to huge pumpkins this plants should be in every vegetable growing space. Especially as winter squashes if stored right will last right through the winter.
In this podcast I discuss how I grow these plants right from seed to harvest. I also share what varieties I am growing this year of which I have listed below for you.
CourgetteMarrowSunshine squash (I mistakenly said these where summer squash. They are infact winter squash.)Trombone squashButternut squashCrown prince squashRouge vif d'etempas pumpkin
The there's a few other varieties that I might grow too. These include
Atlantic giant pumpkinBig max pumpkinsPatty pan squashes
Are you growing any squashes? How do you grow them? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this week's podcast where I shall be celebrating national gardening week' edible britain and sharing why I love vegetable gardening so much. I also have the latest on the plots.
Join me in episode 217 where Ill be chatting to Lee Connelly aka the skinny jean gardener about keeping kids entertained while gardening. I also share the latest on my allotment and vegetable patch.
This weeks tasks include
Moving my grandfathers greenhouseA new quail has hatchedWatering
Please listen to this weeks episode to find out more.
Kids gardening with Lee Connelly.
Something I am often asked is how to keep kids entertained and interested in gardening. This is one that question that I usually answer with the phrase keep it fun.
For this episode I have teamed up with my friend and fellow podcaster Lee Connelly aka the skinny jean garden. Lee being a former blue peter gardener is on a mission to get families gardening together. This meant that he was in a much better position to answer this question then me. Lee can also speak from experience.
There is even a special guest appearance from olive Lees daughter throughout this interview.
To find out more about lee then check out his website and podcast.
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where Ill be discussing what feeds and fertilisers I use and why. I also share the latest on the plots.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I share a few tips that I have learnt over the years for successful seed sowing. I also share the latest on the allotment and veg patch.
The diary
This weeks diary section includes the following tasks
Pricking out seedlingsPlanting out some lettuceAttempting to repair my lawn mower
and much more. Find out more in this episode
My seed sowing tips.
Over the years I have spent a lot of time making mistakes and learning from them. This has meant that my seed germination has improved as I have learned and experimented more.
As we are well into the seed sowing season I thought it would be an idea to share with you all my tips on seed sowing based on what I have learnt over the years.
My tips are
Read the seed packetUse seed compost and perliteWarm up the compost before sowinglabel your seeds.
To find out more about these tips please listen to this weeks podcast.
Products used this week.
Each week I am adding links to products that I use or mention in this weeks podcast.
Seed trays that I use to start my seeds off in.PerliteSeed compostPlant labels
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I shall be discussing my plans for April. I also have the latest on my allotment and vegetable patch.
In this weeks diary I have tackled the following tasks
Sowing more seedsSpreading more wood chip around the allotmentTidying my patio area
And much more. Listen to this weeks podcast to find out more.
Plans for April
As this weeks episode comes out on the first of April, and April is a very busy month I thought it would be good to talk about the tasks that I am prioritising for this month.
There are some tasks that need priority this month where as other jobs can wait. The main 5 areas that are my priority this month are
Seed sowing and seedling carePreparing the area for my granddads greenhouseWeedingWateringTidying
I don't know how well I will keep on top of thee tasks but if they are top of my to do list then those tasks should get completed.
Products
A new feature I am adding to the blog post is what products I mention in this podcast. I have had a few people ask me about such products that I talk about and so I thought that it would help improve your experience. All the products I list I own and use in my own garden or allotment.
VegepodCirculer hoeDirty water pump
This week on the podcast I catch up with Sean James Cameron, to find a little about Sean's allotment, YouTube and upcoming podcast. Theres also the latest on my plots.
In this weeks diary section I have carried out the following tasks
An update on the quailsLittle robins in my gardenSowing a few more seeds
And much more. Check out this episode to find out more.
Sean James Cameron
I've been following Sean's allotment channel for a number of years now. After meeting Sean in person I figured it would be good to get him on the podcast and find out a little about what got Sean into gardening. I also wanted to find out a little about what Sean intends for the future.
Maybe you haven't heard of Sean, if that's the case then you are in for a treat. Sean's YouTube channel has over 30000 subscribers and has been running for over 8 years. There is a large collection of videos available to watch his progress over the years as well as see what Sean has been up to this week on his allotment in south east London.
As always links are available below to find out more.
Sean's websiteDiary of UK gardener YouTube channelThe allotment podcast website. Sean's up coming podcast
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I shall discuss my thoughts on my vegepod. I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
In this weeks diary I have carried out the following tasks
Watering and moving along seedlingsA nice surprise on the allotmentPlanting out potatoes
Check out this podcast to find out more.
My first thoughts on my vegepod.
For a few months I have been looking at buying a vegepod after talking to Neil from vegepod uk. Back then Neil talked us through the vegepod system and that can be heard in this podcast.
Well I now own a vegepod of my very own. There was a number of selling points that made this very attractive to me. Transportability, ease of assembly and its easy gardening approach being some of the key points.
Now I have set it up and got it going I have a few thoughts on my vegepod and I also have a project in the pipeline involving this. I also created this video of the build which is well worth a watch.
Want to find out more then check out this episode.
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I have gathered a collection of spring tips from various gardening podcasters. We also have the latest from my plots.
This week I have carried out the following tasks
WeedingMoving seedlings aroundTidying up a paved area
Spring tips from gardening podcasters
For this weeks episode I thought I would gather a collection of tips from several gardening podcasters. Listen as they share their thoughts and tips on getting through the busy spring time.
This weeks tips come from
Ivonne from discutafelTim from Tim's town gardenEllen from the plant based podcastLee from the skinny jean gardener.
Do you have any tips you would like to share? Let me know in the comments or email me here.
In this weeks podcast I have taken a tour fellow allotmenteer and youtuber Bethan from Ginger welsh allotment. We also have the latest from my plots.
In this weeks diary we have carried out the following tasks
Loss of 2 of my young quail.Seedlings moving along.Sowing more seeds.
And much more find out in this podcast.
Ginger Welsh Allotment
For a while I have enjoyed watching Bethan's YouTube channel Ginger Welsh Allotment. She regularly puts on some excellent vlogs from her journey on her allotment.
I've been lucky enough to meet Bethan once before but I really wanted to have a good nose around her allotment and see for myself what is happening.
Join us as we have a good nose around Bethan's allotment and find out what words of wisdom she has to share with us all.
Would you like me to record a podcast from your allotment? Let me know in the comments or email me here.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I am joined by Rob who wants to talk about plastic pots. There's also the latest on the plots.
this week I have carried out the following tasks
Germination on the chickpeassowing a few more seedsTidying up the allotment
And much more. Check out the podcast to find out more.
Plastic pots with Rob
In this podcast I visit Rob of Solent garden services who wanted to talk about plastic pots. Rob recently learned that black plastic pots can not be picked up in waste when going through waste recycling process. This means that a lot of plastic pots are ending up in landfill. Which isn't good for the environment. However taupe pots are on the way and although a little bit more pricy they could be in the garden centres soon.
Join us as we chat about this and learn a little about Rob and his gardening background.
Resources
A few extra links for you if you would like to find out more
HTA information on plastic pots.Garden superstore announcement on taupe pot.Rob mentions the apl website in this podcast too.Skinny jean gardener live podcast event.
What do you think about plastic pots? Let me know in the comments or email me here.
Join me in this week's award winning vegetable podcast where I ask when Is it the right time to sow seeds? I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
This weeks tasks include
Sowing seedsPotting on seedlingsBeing unable to get to the allotment
Check out this podcast to find out more.
When is it the right time to sow seeds?
That is the question and one that isn't easy to answer. In this weeks podcast I go through why seed sowing timing is important and what we can do to work out when it is the right time to sow seeds?
When do you sow your seeds? Let me know in the comments or email me here.
In this week's podcast I have Beth from team pollinate and the latest on her study. I also have a chat with a lady from PAN UK.
This week tasks in the allotment and vegetable patch include
Preparing for potatoespotting on salad leavesemptying a compost bin
Listen to the podcast to find out more.
Team pollinate and PAN UK
Last week I caught up with Beth from Team pollinate. About a year ago I went to an evening with this group of researchers which I spoke about in episode 145.
I thought it would be great to have a quick catch up see what has been learnt since our last chat. I've recorded this update and share it in this weeks podcast.
I also chatted to a young lady from PAN UK. Which is an organisation promoting safe and suitable alternatives to hazardous pesticides. I thought this tied in quiet nicely to our chat earlier.
Check it all out in this weeks episode.
Join me in this episode of the veg grower podcast where I have taken a trip to Seedy Sunday an annual seed swopping event in Brighton. I also share the latest on the plots.
This weeks tasks include the following
Adding more manure at the allotmentSowing a few more seedsTidying my shed
and much more.
Seedy Sunday.
Seedy Sunday in Brighton and Hove is the UK’s biggest and longest-running community seed swap event. The event takes place on the first Sunday in February in Brighton and Hove. At the heart of Seedy Sunday is the huge seed swap table where seeds are donated and swapped.
I have attended for a number of years but this year I decided to record some podcast from the event.
In this weeks podcast you can hear me chat to various stall holders and volunteers as I learn more about different aspects of gardening.
Resources
To learn more about the event check out the seedy Sunday website.If you would like to find out more about Alice Bettany a medicinal plant grower then check out her website.To find out more about Rhonda and vital seeds an independent seed company from Devon then check out there website.I also mention a plot planning website that I am currently using called veg plotter. That can be found at the following link
If you attended seedy Sunday or any other seed swopping events near you then leave a comment or email me here.
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where i'll be discussing my plans to grow a few edible flowers this year and why. I also share the latest on the plots.
The diary
In this weeks diary section I have carried out the following tasks
Building a trellisHarvesting some winter vegetablesTaking apart a pallet
and much more in this podcast.
Edible flowers.
In recent years I have pondered about getting some colour on my plots. Sure I can grow food and that is my passion but what about a bit of colour.
Well after much thought I have decided to venture into growing edible flowers. The hope is that these plants will add a bit of colour as well as provide something edible.
I have chosen three types that I shall be growing this year. o find out what they are check out this weeks podcast.
Do you grow edible flowers? I would love to know what you grow and how. Let me know in the comments or email me here.
Join me in episode 204 where I shall be discussing how I get on with my wormery as well as the latest on the plots.
This week we have carried out the following tasks
Sowing more seeds tidied up the allotment Added to a new bed at home
and much more
Me and my wormery
I have had a wormery for a number of years now and I think they are great. After originally being gifted one on my old allotment I decided I needed one at home when I moved into my house. The day we moved in I took delivery of my own wormery and since then I have been using it to make compost and a liquid plant food.
You can listen to me talk about my experience with this type of composting in this podcast. If you are looking to buy a wormery and equipment then the following images are links that you might find useful.
This is the type of wormery that I have and it comes with worms.
I also came across this wormery which I quite like the look of too.
Should you want to buy some worms for use in the wormery then click on the next image.
Its also possible to make your own wormery from a dustbin. If you are the type that would like to make your own then this link might be for you.
On a final note
I have also launched a competition that will run to the end of February. For this I need to come up with a name for each of the characters in the below photo. Details can be found in this podcast.
Do you have a wormery? Or perhaps you are thinking of getting one? If so let me now in the comments or email me here.
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I discuss my allotment growing plans. I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
In this weeks diary section I have carried out the following tasks
Seeds germinatedCompleted building a bed on the allotmentSown more seeds
and much more. Check out the podcast to find out more.
My allotment growing plans
I received a question from a listener about how I plan where I grow my plants. The listener was particularly interested in what I do about rotation. The truth is I don't really rotate my crops!!!
That goes against what we are all told is good practise doesn't it. However I do not plant the same plants in the same place the following year.
In this podcast I walk around my allotment and work out what I am going to plant and where. The idea behind this is that I have a plan of what will go where. This will now give me a good idea of how much I need to grow to fill the ground and maximise my growing space.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I discuss my seed sowing plans for January. I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
This weeks tasks include
PruningCompostingSowing a few seeds
and much more. Check it out in the podcast
Sowing seeds in January
In this weeks podcast I discuss a few seeds that I like to start in January.
Many gardener's feel that January can be too early to sow many seeds but for me I like the head start. With that in mind I thought I would share what seeds I sow in January and why I sow them.
What do you sow in January and why? let me know in the comments or email me here.
Join me in this weeks veg growing podcast where I welcome in the new year by looking over my notes for the last year.
To everyone listening a very happy new year to you all.
Join me in this 200th special episode where I am joined by good friend Lee Connelly as we wander around my garden.
The diary
This week's tasks in the garden have included
Tidying the gardenBuilding a new bedHoeing the allotment
200th episode.
This episode is my 200th episode of this podcast. It has been a journey for me and one that I thoroughly enjoy and will continue to produce.
To celebrate this milestone my friend Lee Connelly (aka the skinny jean gardener) joined me for a chat and walk around my garden. This was a voyage of discovery for both of us as we talk about both our gardening and podcasting experience.
Check out the chat in this episode.
Resources
I mention a few links in this podcast. This links can be found here.
Lee's website.Life at no 27 newsletterA blog post for the benefits of creating a garden gym
I also talk about the 5 packs of seeds that 50p from each pack will be donated to life at no 27. They can be found on the following links
Beetroot bostonCarrot SugarsnaxPea aldermanSalad Rocket astraTomato black cherry
Join me in this week's podcast where I discuss my annual tool care. I also share the latest from the plots and a question from a listener.
The diary
In this weeks diary section I cover the following
Coping with a bad cold/flutidying and clearing my gardenTidying pots
And much more
Tool maintenance
Every year around this time I like to spend a bit of time with my tools. My tools look after me so it only seems right that I look after them.
In this episode I go through 3 of my tools and share with you how I give them their annual maintenance and check up. I like to start with a clean up. Fortunately I tend to keep my tools pretty clean by simply keeping a bucket of oily sand in my shed and plunge my tools into the sand after I use them. For the annual maintenance I use a wire brush mounted in a drill, and brush away all the dirt and/rust from the metal parts.
After the clean up its time to grind away any nicks or cuts and sharpen up all bladed tools (yes a spade has a blade). Then its time to oil the entire tool before placing back into storage.
Resources
I mention in this episode that I grow all year round cauliflower. These can be purchased here.
What have you done in the garden or allotment this week? Let me know I the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this weeks vegetable growing podcast where I discuss my thoughts while sorting out my seed tin. We also have the latest on the plots.
The diary
In this weeks diary I discuss the following.
I've had a horrible cold
A few hours on the allotment
Tidying my shed
and much more
Sorting out my seed tin.
I have recently been tackling my seed collection. I seem to have accumulated a lot of seeds and I don't necessarily know what they all are.
In this episode I go through my seeds and get rid of what isn't needed and try and figure out what I will need in 2019. Join me as I share my thoughts and start making plans for 2019.
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I have the pleasure of chatting to Annabelle from life at no 27. I also share the latest from the plots.
The diary
Each week I talk about what I have been up to on the plots in the diary section. This week's tasks include the following
Low light levels in the evening and what I can do about this How the rain is making life very muddy How well my way of heating the greenhouse seems to be working out.
and much much more.
Annabelle from life at no 27.
This week I have had the absolute pleasure of chatting to Annabelle who runs the life at number 27 blog. I have been following Annabelle for a while now and have found her to be truly inspiring.
Annabelle is the Founder of Life at No.27, as well as a successful freelance writer, blogger, vlogger, speaker and radio personality – using her fresh approach to promote the magic of gardening and Grow Your Own. Inspiring more people, particularly the younger generation, to put down their phones and pick up a spade. Annabelle has become a regular face at events throughout the gardening calendar and hosts a monthly radio show where she shares her allotment journey, the latest in the gardening industry and top tasks each month. Through her passion and energetic enthusiasm, she aims to change the way allotments and growing your own are viewed and bring a stroke of ‘highlight and contour’ to the gardening world. Showing that gardening can change your life in so many ways, both mentally and physically – whilst keeping it simple, easy and more than anything fun. Most importantly, she is now developing and building her UK wide vision for Life at No.27 – creating an allotment based support network to help change lives across the country, accessible through self referral, GP’s, psychiatrists and local councils. Annabelle is proud to be an Ambassador for Thrive, the UK National Charity which changes lives through gardening.
Resources
Annabelle's blog where you can keep up to date with her story Thrive a charity of which Annabelle is an ambassador for. The GoFundMe page for Annabelle's project.
Please support Annabelle and the work that she carries out.
Any questions then feel free to leave a comment or Email me here
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I explore the vegepod growing system.
The diary
In this weeks diary section, I cover the following tasks
Pulling out raspberries sorting out the greenhouse tidying the herb pots
The vegepod system and others.
On Sunday I attended the ideal home show. There was a couple of items that I wanted to look at. The first item was an ice bucket/ outdoor sink/ chopping board called the home bird (or Freebird for a shorter version).
I really loved this product and bought 1 to go in my bbq area. I am hoping to chat with the creator in the future but will be testing this product out over the next few weeks. For more information check them out here.
The next item that interested me is the vegepod growing system. I managed to chat to the stall holder and you can listen to the conversation in this podcast.
I really think both of these products are seriously awesome and well worth looking at.
What do you think of these items? let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this weeks vegetable growing podcast where I shall be discussing how I grow mint over the winter months. I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
Each podcast I share my personal log of what I have been doing in my allotment and vegetable patch. This weeks tasks include
Weeding weeding and more weeding Bad news on the BBQ Setting up my grandfathers cloches.
Please listen to this week's podcast to find out more.
Growing mint in winter.
For any years I have grown mint over winter. Having a fresh supply of this tasty and aromatic herb is great. Mint is also incredibly easy to grow providing its contained. I suspect everyone who listens to this podcast will have a pot of mint somewhere in their garden.
Growing mint over the winter in order to provide a fresh supply is easily achievable too. A very quick job with minimal tools or materials and you can have mint over the next few weeks.
In this week's podcast I discuss how I achieve this and how you might want to give it a try.
Resources
How to grow mint from the RHS Life at no 27's website who I shall be interviewing in a few weeks
If you grow mint over winter, Let me know how you get on. Leave a comment or Email me here
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I Shall be discussing how I make compost as well as the latest updates from the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
This weeks tasks have included
More weeding A lesson about wearing gloves Onions being pulled out the ground
and much more, listen to my ramblings in the podcast.
Awesome compost
Making good compost isn't hard. All that garden waste that is just holding onto all the nutrients for you to put back into your soil is black gold for the gardener.Yet for many it seems to be a challenge to get a good compost going.
I have been making this wonderful organic matter for a while now. Over the years I have experimented and found ways to make compost easily and fast. I also never add any compost activator instead letting nature do the work for me.
In this weeks gardening podcast I discuss what I have learned over the years on how I make some really awesome podcast. How to make it fast and how to make it weed seed free.
Resources
Should you want more reading I have the following for you
Composting basics from the BBC Buy some compost bins from amazon Detailed information on composting from garden organic.
Have you any tips on making compost to share? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this weeks vegetable gardening podcast where I chat to fellow allotmenteer Stephen Ticehurst. I also share the latest progress on my plots.
The diary
This weeks tasks have included
How the evenings drawing in are making it difficult to get to my allotment Harvesting sweet potatoes An email from the council
and much much more
My guest Stephen Ticehurst.
I was lucky enough to be invited on to a listeners allotment for a cuppa and chat. Stephen has been listening to my podcast while cycling to work. I would often get some comments from his experience as well as being a member and commenter in the Facebook group.
Stephen's allotment is on the south downs an area of natural beauty. With the south coast in view on 1 side and the downs to the other it was a very peaceful place to garden.
We chatted about allotments, square foot gardening and no dig gardening from Stephen's experience. You can hear our musings in this podcast.
Resources
Stephens blog The roots and all podcast website.
If your interested in having a chat with me on an allotment then get in touch. Leave a comment or Email me here.
Join me in this week's vegetable gardening podcast where I'll be discussing how to deal with a weed notice and a little eBook from Thompson and Morgan I also have the latest on the allotments and vegetable patch.
The diary.
This week in the diary section I discuss the following subjects
Receiving a weed notice weekly harvest report Clearing the allotment
Just a little note. I am trying to alter the diary section a little and this week I have implemented a different style. I'm not overly happy with the audio quality but I like the premise. What do you think?
Free eBook
In this episode I also discuss a free eBook from the wonderful people over at Thompson and Morgan. The book is sharing a lot of tips from a wide collection of gardening blog writers including myself.
This book covers tips for beginners and experts and everything in between including how to look after your tools or soil. I highly recommend giving it a read and keeping a copy to hand. Witrh the dark nights drawing in it might just be a worth while book to read one evening.
To get your copy or find out more click here.
Dealing with a weed notice.
The inevitable has happened. I have received a weed notice on my allotment site. I'm not surprised neither am I worried however I do have to take action.
A weed notice is issued when the people who run the allotment site (could be the council or committee) feel there are to many weeds on an allotment plot. They issue it as a warning to get things sorted or the allotment could be taken away. This may sound scary but I see it more as a kick up the bum.
In this podcast I talk about what I have done to remedy this position that I find myself in and explain why I am not worried.
Have you ever received a weed notice? If so what did you do to tackle this situation? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this podcast where I discuss how I over winter broad beans. I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
In this weeks diary section I have tackled the following tasks
Sowed broad beans and peas. With a new experiment on peas Tidying scruffy corner My grandfathers greenhouse
And much more.
How I over winter broad beans.
In this weeks subject I discuss how I over winter broad beans. Broad beans are probably one of the easiest vegetables to grow. I also find that by growing over winter I not only get an earlier crop I also avoid blackfly.
Quiet simply I sow seeds 2 inches deep in root trainers of multipurpose compost. once the plants are 2 inches high I start hardening them off before planting out in the bed. Once established its simple care until harvesting time around May.
If you would like more reading check out the following links
Broad bean mint and feta salad. An article on how to over winter broad beans from love to learn allotmenteering. An rhs article on broad beans.
Should you want to buy some broad bean seeds I Recommend the following
Aquadulce claudia broad bean seeds from thompson and morgan De monica broad beans from sutton seeds Superaquadulce seeds. These are what i am growing this year.
How do you grow broad beans? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I discuss my seed saving experience. I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable pots.
The diary
In this weeks podcast I discuss the following
Muddybootz youtube channel where I talk about a charity he helps with. Zoes garden prints where I bought a food grower journal from. Planting garlic. (check out this podcast to hear how I grow garlic.)
And much more. check out the podcast to find out more.
My seeds saving.
I received an email from a listener asking a couple of questions.
What seeds do I save and how What food gives high yields.
In this podcast I try to answer these questions. As for seeds that I save they generally are garlic, beans, peas and squashes. That being said I do want to save more seeds as I believe its a skill that is being lost. Saving seed is also going to save money as well a creating plants that have tailored themselves to grow in my garden.
As always please feel free to leave a comment or Email me here.
Join me in this weeks podcast (warning probably the longest podcast I have ever done) where I chat to fellow podcast Ivonne from Discutafel. I also share the latest on my plots.
The diary
This week on the plots I have tackled the following tasks
Recycling a shed Gardening lifting my mood what I have harvested this week
And much much more. check out the podcast to hear more.
Ivonne from Discutafel
I have been chatting to Ivonne from a while. She has been a massive supporter of the veg grower podcast. She also runs her own podcast Discutafel.
We chat about Ivonne's background and her passion for eco-friendly gardening. Permaculture is a method that Ivonne practices and we learn about that in this podcast. I also asked Ivonne to teach me a few Dutch words.
Resources
If you would like more information check out the following links for more reading.
Ivonne's website for english speaking guests. Wikipedia page on permaculture UK's permaculture organisation
As always any thoughts or suggestions then leave a comment or Email me here
Join me in this weeks podcast which is dedicated to the memory of Paul peacock. We also revisit Julia's kitchen garden.
Paul peacock was a fellow gardening podcast. His podcast an hour in the garden was a podcast I looked forward to each week and we would email each other with our musings over the podcasts. Check out his website here.
The diary.
In this week's diary I have covered the following tasks
weeding repairing a water butt watering
Julia's kitchen garden
This week we take our second visit to Julia's kitchen garden. Julia has recently got the grow your own bug and has started looking at her garden as aplace to grow food for her family. In this podcast I pop over and see how shes getting on and we plant up some plants for her to grow over winter.
Check it out in the podcast.
Please leave any comments below or Email me here.
Join me in this weeks veg growing podcast where I will be discussing how I grow over-wintered onions. I also share the latest on the plots.
The diary.
This weeks tasks have included the following
Integrating quail harvesting pumpkin Hedgehogs in the garden
And much more.
Over-wintering onions.
Every year I over-winter onions. I have found Its by far the most easiest and successful way to grow onions. Of course onions have hundreds of uses in the kitchen but one of my favourite recipes to make is this simple soup recipe.
In this podcast I discuss how simple I find it to grow these vegetables. How little care these need growing over winter and what problems they can suffer from.
Resources for this show.
An RHS page about growing onions. An article from Thompson and Morgan on growing onions. This weeks harvest report.
As always please leave any comments below. Alternaitvely Email me here.
In this week's podcast a listener asks what can be done about a badger eating our veg. I also share the latest on the plots.
The diary
In this week's diary I talk about the following tasks
harvesting my niece's small pumpkin my collection of flower pots planting out some seedlings
and much more.
Badgers
Personally I find badgers to be pretty awesome. These animals have a reputation for being aggressive of which they can be when provoked. But they are really a problem in the vegetable garden where they can eat our homegrown food.
I have had the problem of dealing with badgers in the past and I found the best method was to restrict their access to your plants. A fence or barrier of some kind is best. However there are other methods but non of these I have tried as the barrier method has been successful for me. You can hear me discuss this in this podcast.
Resources
Wikipedia page about the European badger An interesting site with everything you need to know about badgers. Some lion manure pellets designed to keep cats away which may or may not work with badgers.
Check out the podcast above.
As always any comments or suggestions then please leave a comment or Email me here.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I chat to Jeff Nicholls The Mole Catcher. I also share the latest on he allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
This week's task's have included the following
Potting up ginger, turmeric and cardamom Strimming grass areas Discovering a butternut squash
And much much more.
The mole catcher.
I was recently contacted by a gentleman called Jeff the mole catcher. Who wondered if I had ever discussed the troubles some gardeners face with Moles. As I have never had any problems or even giving moles a second thought I invited Jeff onto the podcast to discuss what he does.
Jeff is a mole catcher who catches moles for removal from gardens allotments golf clubs etc. He also travels around the country putting on talks about moles. Educating us all about these fascinating creatures that I believe we don't really appreciate.
the job title the mole catcher sounds pretty unkind but after chatting to Jeff I could tell that he is very humane with the animals he catches. I could also tell he would like moles to be appreciated a lot more than we currently do. I also believe Jeff would like to see mole catcher be responsible and care for what they do.
You can hear our chat in this podcast but I doo urge you to check out his show. His website can be found here.
Garden 7 and competitions
Also in this week's podcast I have a few words from talking about his new company promoting bloggers' podcaster's and youtuber's. He very kindly recorded a few words to me to promote this work.
I also announce winners of the Facebook group competition and a new competition.
Don't forget to join me Wednesday 12th September 2018 8pm (BST) at the vobes show where we will be coming live from a regency town house. Where a historic food recreator will be cooking my pumpkin into something special.
Join me in this podcast where I discuss my gardening task's for September. I share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
This weeks tasks have included
Weeding integrating chickens Strimmer problem's
And much much more
My task's for September
September is a very busy month. Winter is on its way and therefore we need to be prepared. Otherwise when the weather worsens I may end up losing my hardwork.
Waterbutts will need to be checked and repaired, fleeces will also need to be checked and replaced. If I act on this now it will mean I will have a more successful winter.
There will be more food harvested, but also more plants to be planted in order to provide more food over winter.
All these task's and more are to be tackled in September.
Join me as I discuss how climate change might affect my gardening. I also discuss the latest on the plots.
The diary
In this podcast, I talk about the latest tasks on the plot including
The loss of a chicken New seedling bought Integrating new chickens into the garden
and much more.
How climate change might affect my gardening
This week's subject was requested by my friends over at discutafel. A Dutch podcast about gardening with a permaculture slant.
Weather change's has happened throughout the history of the world but man-made climate change is making some very uncertain changes. As we release more and more carbon into the atmosphere we are making the situation worse for more future generations.
In this episode, I discuss how weather patterns are expected to change and using lessons learned from this year to analyse how I might cope with the predicted changes.
Resources for this show.
An interesting article on a climate change report RHS article on dealing with predicted changes News report on how this year's heat wave has driven up the cost of food
What do you think we could do to cope with climate change? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this week's podcast where I chat to lee the skinny jean gardener and Bethan from ginger welsh allotments.
The diary
This weeks diary is a little low due to circumstances out of my control. But what I have covered is the following
potting on seedlings Attending the Biddenden tractorfest and rural show The skinny jean gardener podcast live. check out his website here.
In this podcast, you will here lee and I chatting about his event. I could chat to lee for hours. I am sure Lee will be back again.
Ginger welsh allotments
While I was attending Lee's event I had arranged to meet up with youtuber, Bethan from ginger welsh allotments. I have been watching Bethan's videos for a while so it was a pleasure to meet her in person and she kindly joined me for a bit of a chat.
Check out her channel here.
As always any comments or suggestions let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this week's podcast where I take you on my visit to chilli fiesta at west dean gardens. I also share the latest updates on my allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary
This weeks tasks have included the following
Potting on seedlings Discovering a lone carrot Harvesting sweetcorn
I also update on the latest updates with the skinny jean gardener fest which is now happening on the 19th August 2018. Click on this link to find out more from Lee.
2018 chilli fiesta
Every year for the last few years I have attended the chilli fiesta held at west dean gardens. Every year I have a very enjoyable day and this year was no different.
West dean gardens located just north of Chichester in west Sussex is my favourite garden to visit. The walled gardens are a delight to walk around with the vegetable gardens being such an integral part of this. There are of course some more formal gardens including the spring gardens and a woodland walk. Please check out the West dean gardens website to find out more.
I was incredibly lucky to chat to Sarah Wain the gardening supervisor at west dean. She has worked at the gardens since 1991 and has seen many changes in her time. You can hear the chat in this podcast but I highly recommend a visit in order to get a better idea of the gardens.
Chilli fiesta is the UK biggest chilli festival. Held across 3 lawns with talks and demonstrations happening in various places there is something for everyone.
In this podcast I have recorded several pieces of audio throughout the day sharing my experiences as well as being able to chat to several stall holders about their stalls and products. On a personal level I noted that several stalls selling sauces and marinades spoke about how they try to incorporate their own homegrown produce into their products. For me this is the type of product I want to know about.
I have added links to the various stalls featured in this podcast
Chimoulis whose enthusiasm I just had to capture. Edible ornamental who talk a lot about making edible plants aesthetically pleasing. Plants 4 presents who I bought a ginger plant for this year. Garlic farm who i bought some garlic bulbs from.
Please listen and enjoy. As always any comments or suggestions greatly received.
In this podcast I share how I grow garlic. I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary
This weeks tasks include
Bear no longer brooding layering gooseberries A visit to a maze garden
and much much more.
How I grow garlic.
Garlic is an amazing and easy plant to grow. It isn't that long to go till I start to plant the seeds so I need to get the beds ready.
In this podcast I share with you all how I grow my own garlic. How I prepare the beds and what I feed them with. I also share a few points that I have learned while fact checking for this podcast.
Resources for this show include
Wiki page on garlic The garlic farm. My number 1 supplier for garlic related items.
Other links mentioned in this podcast.
skinny jean gardeners website Book tickets for the skinny jean gardener fest here Details about chilli fiesta
Please listen. Any comments or suggestions please leave a comment or Email me here
Join me in this weeks podcast where I discuss some project updates I have been running. I also have been chatting to the skinny jean gardener and share the latest on the plots.
The diary.
This week I have been carrying out the following tasks in the my gardening world.
15 minutes of weeding every day The rain stopping play. New pineberry plants.
I received a lovely email from Karen this week. You may remember that I was tasked with finding Karen a suitable apple tree for her garden in this podcast episode. Well she very kindly has let me know hot her James grieve cordon apple tree is doing with this lovely photo.
I was also lucky enough to catch up with the skinny jean gardener. Lee has been organising a fantastic gardening festival that I shall be attending. For details on this please check out this link.
Project updates.
I like to run experiments and projects. I believe in constantly testing new things out. This year I have tried a few different things and I thought I would update you all with how these are doing today.
In this podcast the project updates include
Blight resistant tomatoes. square foot gardening. Quail.
Listen to the podcast to find out more. Any comments or suggestion then please get in touch either in comments or Email me here.
In this week's podcast I talk about seed's that can be sown now. I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
In this last week the tasks that I have carried out include
Weeding and watering Sowing seeds How I have started preparing beds for winter vegetables.
I mention that I have sown plenty of seeds this week, below you will find the list of seeds that I have sown.
Swede best of all and gowrie Cauliflower Romanesco ratitino and allyear round Basil sweet and red leaved Pak choi Whit petiole Cabbage april Kale red Russian and nero di toscano Swiss chard bright lights Spinach Samish f1 Lettuce lollo rossa Chinese cabbage kasomi f1 Turnip petrowski
That sounds like a lot of seeds to get through.
I also mention an interview video I have appeared in. This video can be found below.
Seeds that can be sown now
Recently I have been feeling like all I seem to be doing is watering and weeding. I have also found myself thinking about the winter and how I want a good supply of vegetables throughout the winter. Winter may seem like a long way away but in order to get the plants growing to produce for the winter they need to be sown now.
With all that in mind I headed into my potting shed and looked to see if I had any seed's that can be sown now. Well after a bit of searching I came up with a plenty of seeds to sow but most importantly these could be providing us with food over the winter.
I checked out a few online resources to share with you should you be looking for what you could sow now.
A little chart from Thompson and Morgan. On the Sarah Raven website there is this fantastic guide to what can be sown in what month. Looking for a guide to planting new potatoes for Christmas dinner. Check out this article from gardeners world.
What will you be sowing now? Why not let me know in the comments or you cam Email me here.
Join me in this week's podcast where I discuss edible plants for shady gardens. I also discuss the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
Each week I like to share wat tasks I have carried out in the last week. This weeks tasks include
Weeding and watering Moving the quail to unheated cage Harvesting as shared in last nights weekly harvest report.
Plant's for shady garden's.
This last few days I have found myself thinking about edible plant's for shady gardens. What started me on this thought process was my friend the bald explorer has been asking about his garden which is very shady. I shared with him a few thought's of what would do well. This subject got my brain thinking more and more about what would do well.
I made a list of a few that I feel will do well. They are as follows
Mint parsley coriander blackberries currents gooseberries leafy greens lettuce spinach sorrel rhubarb peas beans carrots parsnips beetroot kale broccoli
Resources for this show are
An article from Thompson and Morgan Forest gardening from the telegraph.
What do you grow in shady gardens? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this weeks podcast where I share the start of Julia's kitchen garden. I also share the latest on my allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary
Each week I like to share what tasks I have done over the last week including.
Weeding. Moving the quail to the potting shed. A broody chicken.
Julia's kitchen garden.
I am very excited' pleased and proud to announce that Julia from the bald explorer has started her own kitchen garden. In this weeks episode I have popped along to her plot to take a look at add some points and how to go. You can listen to that chat in this podcast.
Julia is part of the bald explorer team along with my good friend Richard. Check out the his website here. He also created a little video interview which can be found below.
If you would like to share any advice to Julia then leave a comment below or Email me here.
Join me in this week's podcast where I discuss a few of my homegrown drink's recipes. I also share the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
Each week I share the latest on the plots. This week's task include
15 minutes weeding a day Problems with my onions Welcoming a new vegetable gardener to the hobby
and much much more.
Homegrown drinks.
I love my homegrown produce and finding different ways to use them up. This week I thought i would share a few recipes that can be used to easily turn some homegrown produce into our own drinks.
I mention a couple of books that i use for inspiration. They can be found on the following images.
I also share a few recipes that i use myself. They can be found on the following links.
Rhubarb cordial Mint lemonade Gooseberry wine. Although this recipe is not the one i use it was the easiest to share with you all.
Please listen and enjoy.
Do you make any drinks from your produce? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this week's podcast where I am chatting to Lee aka the skinny jean gardener. I also talk about the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
This week's diary includes the following
Weeding' watering and tying in. Appearing on the Vobes show live. The video of that can be found here. Thompson and Morgan's blog used my tip which can be found here.
The skinny jean gardener.
The veg grower podcast was extremely privileged to have met Lee the skinny jean gardener at gardeners world live. We had a little chat and I share this little chat in this week's podcast.
Lee talks about how he started his gardening journey and how it has transformed his life. He has become well known for his enthusiasm and energy within the gardening industry.
Please check him out and I highly recommend his podcast. His website can be found here.
As a little bonus, I also filmed the interview and that video can be found below. Check it out.
As always please share any thoughts.
What have you been up to in the garden this week? Let me know in the comments below or Email me here.
Join me in this podcast where I discuss my trip to the gardeners world live show 2018. I also share the latest developments on the plots.
The diary.
This week I have carried out the following tasks.
Hatching new quail Planting out sweet potatoes Planting out butternut squash.
I also mention my good friend Richard Vobes and the future plans we have. Please join us on the Vobes show live on Thursday the 21 June 2018 8pm bst for our live show from my allotment. We will be cooking up my own grown produce and having a laugh as always.
My visit to gardeners world live 2018.
This year I was lucky enough to win tickets to gardeners world live show. For many years I have seen lots of fellow gardeners talk about this show as the pinnacle of all gardening shows. Well I am very glad that I went.
I thought I would share with everyone my day and how I found the show overall as well as share a few points that I felt would make future visits a little easier for you.
I mention a few speakers that I saw in this show an they can be found on the following links
Lee the skinny jean gardener A big thank you for the tickets and to spend some time out your day with me. Life at no 27 who shared her journey in gardening and discussed a future project that we can all really get behind. Mr plant geek who shared his passion for unusual and interesting plants.
did you go to the show? If so how did you find it? Let me know in the comments below or Email me here.
In this week's podcast, I discuss how I try to be efficient with watering my plants. I also discuss the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary
Each week I discuss the latest on the plots including
Being on call and gardening at the same time Vermin in the garden? Weeds, weeds and weeds.
And much more.
Efficient watering.
Water is such a valuable resource. I often moan about how we undervalue this resource. In this episode, I discuss the methods I have developed to make the most of water.
The key points that I have found for these are
collect as much rainwater as possible water at the roots of plants water what is needed and when needed mulch, mulch and mulch.
I mention a watering system I am looking into. Until I have saved up for this I am not recommending this piece of kit but should it be of interest to you the link is here.
As always please leave any comments below or Email me here.
Special thanx to lee from The skinny jean gardener for the tickets that I won for gardeners world live. Check out his podcast.
Join me for this week's podcast from the veg grower podcast. In this episode, I interview Richard Vobes and Julia (TLJ) from The bald explorer.
The diary.
This week's tasks include
Planting vegetables with my nieces. Setting up a watering system in the vegetable patch. Growing pumpkins in compost bins
And much more. Please listen to find out more.
Interview with Richard and Julia.
I have been after getting Richard on the podcast for a while but couldn't think of a way to fit it in with what I do here. However, as Richard and Julia were visiting my allotment to do a live show. I thought it would be an opportunity to get there impressions on allotment and vegetable growing. The live show can be found here.
What I love about this interview is how They both come at it from a non-gardener perspective. Which meant they had some wonderful curious questions. I also thoroughly enjoyed that Julia was looking to grow food in her garden and hopefully we have inspired her to grow her own.
Check out this interview for our laughs and giggles throughout.
As always any comments or suggestions are very welcome. Should you want you can Email me here.
Join me for this week's podcast from the veg grower podcast. This week I am discussing this last week on the plots.
The diary.
This week's podcast is focused on the diary. Its been a busy week both in the garden and at work. This combined with the bank holiday I decided to keep this week's podcast simple. Tasks completed this week include
Planting out more plants Weeding galore A sad goodbye to Joan one of my quail.
Notes.
I mention that on Wednesday the 30th may 2018 I will be joining the Vobes show (the bald explorer) in a live show from my allotment. We will be cooking on the barbeque and be utilising some of my own grown food. Please come along and watch. The audience is very welcoming and the show is entertaining. To find the Vobes show facebook page please click here.
What have you done in the garden or allotment this week? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Check out my facebook page here.
Follow me on twitter @theveggrowerpod
Find me on Instagram The_veg_grower_podcast
Join me for this week's podcast where I discuss how I seem to have avoided peach leaf curl so far this year. I also discuss the latest on the plots.
The diary.
This week I have carried out the following tasks
Water water water Planting out a few tomatoes Update on how grills the chicken is
PLease listen to find out more.
Peach leaf curl.
Every year I have suffered from this horrible fungal disease on my peach tree. All treatment is now banned which leads us, gardeners, to consider preventing the disease. In fact, last year I had to remove so many leaves from my tree that it did not perform at all well.
This year I moved my peach tree into the greenhouse. After researching history books and seeing old-fashioned ways of avoiding this disease I felt the greenhouse was the best option.
How did this work out? Well, check out this podcast to find out.
Do you have a method of avoiding this disease? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in this week's podcast where I discuss how I encourage slug and snail predators into my allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
Each week I share what I have been doing in the garden this last week. This week's task's include
Potting on and hardening off Planting out plants A new fence supplied by colour fence
And much more.
Encouraging slug and snail predators into the garden.
In last week's podcast, I spoke of how I deal with slugs and snails. My conclusion was that the best method that I found worked for me was encouraging wildlife into the garden. In this podcast, I talk about how I do this easily and simply.
Hedgehogs and birds are great for controlling slug and snail population along with many other forms of wildlife.
In this episode, I mention a couple of websites as follows
RSPB website for creating wildlife-friendly gardens. Hedgehog Street. An organisation promoting hedgehogs.
I also mention about some hedgehog food that I use to leave out for hedgehogs to eat. The type I use can be bought from Amazon by clicking the image below.
How do you encourage wildlife into your garden? let me know in the comments .
Join me in episode 167 from the veg grower podcast where I will be discussing my methods of slug and snail control as well as the diary where I discuss what been happening on the allotment and vegetable patch this last week.
The diary.
This week's task has included
An early finish from work allowed me to thoroughly weed the allotment. Pruning to create compost lawnmower problems
Slug and snail control.
Over the years I have tried many different methods of slug and snail control. From the non-organic pellets to more natural methods I have tried them all. Find out in this podcast what I have found to be the most effective.
I mention about a slug bell that I was really impressed with in this episode. The link provided takes you to the creator's website should you want any more information. These bells are really well made solid units that should last a long time.
In next weeks podcast, I plan to discuss how I encourage wildlife into my garden to follow on from this episode.#
What methods of slug and snail control have worked for you? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Don't forget you can follow me on facebook. To keep up to date with the latest blog posts.
Join me in this week's podcast where I discuss chutneys. I also discuss the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch.
The diary.
This week's tasks I have tackled include
Sowing more seed's Planting tomatoes in the greenhouse Square foot gardening experiment
Chutneys.
I love these delicious condiments. Every year I make lots as a method of preservation as well as making some nice condiments. They go rather well with many different meals but most of them seem to make a cheese sandwich onto another level.
In this episode, I discuss 2 recipes which can be found at the following links
Rhubarb Chutney Apple Chutney
I also mention that I use a maslin pan for making some chutneys. The image below in the link to Amazon to buy this pan from.
I also recommend a few books on my bookshelf. You can find these books on the following links.
Please listen and enjoy. Any comments or suggestions please get in touch.
This week's podcast is a self-indulgent episode as it's my birthday today. This week I talk about my favourite gardens that I have visited.
The diary.
This week task that I have tackled include.
Dealing with a toothache Repairing water butts using builders flash tape. Washing the greenhouse.
I mention last nights weekly harvest report which can be found at that link.
Please listen to this podcast to find out more.
My top 3 favourite gardens to visit.
Feeling indulgent I thought I would share my three favourite gardens that I have visited. Whenever I visit gardens or house's I am naturally drawn to vegetable gardens. Below I have my 3 favourite gardens that I highly recommend a visit to.
Audley end house and gardens. Kew Gardens. West Dean Gardens.
Have you visited these gardens? Perhaps you have a favourite garden that I should visit? If so let me know what you thought of them.
Happy birthday to me.
As it's my birthday today (did I mention that) I managed to use a recording of my favourite band Iron tyger. These guys are awesome and I highly highly recommend them.
As always if you have any comments or suggestions let me know below.
Join me in this week's vegetable growing podcast where I will be talking about how I grow cucumbers. We also cover whats been happening this week on the plots.
The diary.
This week tasks have included
Plans with our fence Moving plants around Mulching and preparing the allotment
listen to find out about this and much more.
How I grow cucumbers.
Cucumbers are one of my favourite fruits to grow. they grow plenty of tasty fruits with plenty of uses in the kitchen.
wikipedia page on cucumbers Thompson and Morgon page about growing these fruits.
How do you grow cucumbers? Do you have any recipes that involve these fruits? Let me know in the comments or Email me here.
Join me in episode 163 of the veg grower podcast where I discuss how I grow rhubarb. I also discuss the latest on the plots.
The diary.
In the diary this week we have the following
The bald explorer live show. The video can be found here. Weeding sowing more seeds.
How I grow rhubarb.
Rhubarb is one of the unsung heroes of the vegetable garden. 1 plant will produce plenty of stems throughout a season and will last years. REsources for this show are as follows.
A bit of history on rhubarb. How to grow rhubarb from Thompson and Morgan.
If you would like to buy the rhubarb I grow click on the following images.
Rhubarb plant victoria
Rhubarb crown victoria
If you grow rhubarb and have some interesting recipes please let me know and I will share them.
Join me in episode 162 titled avoid buying tools that seem a good idea but end up at the back of the shed.
The diary.
Each week I share what has been happening on the plots in the last week. This week's tasks include.
Sowing potatoes Sowing seeds Burning some waste
Please listen to find out more.
Tools that end up the back of the shed.
Admit it we have all done it. Bought some tools that sounded like a great idea, get used once and then end up at the back of the shed. A badly made product that falls apart first use is never any good for anyone. Items that end up being fiddly and don't get used again. Yes, we have all had them they exist.
In this podcast, I explore how I now try and avoid buying these items and my thought process that helps me eliminate the buying of useless products. I mention a website that can be used to check if reviews are genuine. this website can be found here.
It would be awesome if you can all share your stories of items that you have bought that have fallen into this category. I think it would be interesting to share these stories. Either leave in the comments below or Email me here.
The bald explorer.
On Wednesday I will be joining the bald explorers live broadcast at 8 pm. Please join us it will be a great laugh and we will be talking about allotments and growing vegetables and everything we do here. You can find the live video at the bald explorer's facebook page.
Join me for this week's podcast which is a few days late and a little short due to this horrible cold that I am full of at the moment.
The diary.
In this week's podcast, I discuss what I have achieved this last week on the plots including
Visiting the ideal home show. Clearing the patio for my new garden toy. Entertaining my nieces with the garden.
As I am full of this cold I have not discussed any subject this week but normal service will be resumed.
I mention the bald explorer who I met on Sunday and will be working on some future projects that will involve the bald explorer community as well as the veg grower podcast community. I will notify you in the future when and where we will be doing a live video where we will talk about growing food.
With that please listen and don't forget to add any comments below.
In this week's podcast, I share the latest in the allotment and vegetable patch as well as discuss how I grow parsley.
The diary.
This week I have carried out the following tasks
A development with the quails Completed the outdoor aviary potting on and sowing more seeds.
I mention this article during this podcast. Each week I share how much I harvest and the value of the produce.
Parsley.
Parsley is one of those fantastic herbs that are super easy to grow yet have a lot of use in the kitchen. In this podcast, I discuss how I go about growing this herb.
Parsley originates from the Mediterranean but is now found all over Europe. It is related to carrots and parsnips.
I find it to be super easy to grow. Sow a few seeds every few weeks to get a constant supply. Treated right we can have parsley growing all year round. I find that winter sown parsley results in better plants as parsley doesn't seem to like warm weather. I like to grow these herbs on in windowsill troughs. These provide plenty of space to grow plenty of parsley as well as easy to care for.
Resources for this show can be found below
An awesome page from garden focused on growing this herb. The RHS page about this plant. Wikipedia page on this plant.
So please listen to this week's podcast to find out more.
The veg grower podcast is a weekly podcast documenting my journey growing my own food in my garden and allotment. Based in Littlehampton West Sussex in the united kingdom.
Join me in this week's podcast where I discuss how easy I find it to grow microgreens. I also share the latest on the plots.
The diary.
Join me in this episode where I discuss the latest from the plots including
My potato disaster New plug plants Sowing carrot seed tapes which are available here.
Microgreens.
One of the easiest and fastest crops to grow has to be microgreens. I grew these when I had very little space and recently have decided to grow them again.
These tiny leafy greens are great in the kitchen lending themselves to so many different uses and tastes.
These also need very little space, when I lived in my flat I had them growing on a windowsill using some plastic fruit containers. These are still a viable use however recently I have been using a microgreen set from johnsons. These kits are fairly cheap to buy and come with 3 packets of seeds as well as the growing kit. If these kits interest you then click on the image below to buy these from Amazon.
Do you grow microgreens? If so get in touch and share your experience.
Don't forget to add any comments or suggestions below. Alternatively feel free to contact me here.
I am still on the lookout for more interviews from you the listeners to share their stories growing food. If you would like to be on the podcast then check out this post.
Join me in episode 158 titled clearing up. This week I share my experience of the beast from the east as well as clear up recent comments.
The diary.
Each week I share my experience growing my own food on the plots. This week includes
The weather experienced here last week. Old kitchen cabinets being recycled project quail update.
Please listen to this podcast to find out more.
Clearing up.
Recently I have had a few comments that I wanted to go through.
Firstly I have the 5 question and answer's challenge that has been doing the rounds on youtube. I was nominated by Steve. My video answering these questions can be found here. I thought it would be good to ask my listeners the same questions either as a thought experiment or leave your answers in the comments below.
The questions are
Why an allotment. Why do you youtube? (If you don't youtube then ask why don't I youtube.) How long have you been gardening for? What do you grow? What is your favourite thing to grow?
Steve also has asked me about how much it costs to produce eggs. In the series of blog posts where I have been sharing my weekly harvest and how much I spend each month, he thought it would be interesting to break down the monthly costs of chicken feed for comparison. This is all made clear in this vegetable growing podcast.
International listeners.
I received a tweet from a dutch listener which was very gratefully received. As I am based in the UK I tell share my experiences from here. Anybody from the world is welcome to participate in the veg grower podcast as explained in this episode. I love to share food growing experiences and tales.
As always any comments or suggestions then please get in touch.
Join me in episode 157 of the veg grower podcast where I discuss my edible indoor plants and the latest on the plots.
The diary.
In the diary, I cover the latest on the plots including
Caring for my hoe Finding a common lizard on the allotment. Building the bed on the allotment.
Listen to this episode to hear this and more.
Edible indoor plants.
Recently I have noticed a lot of coverage of indoor plants. Well, my attitude is if I am growing anything indoors it might as well be edible.
In this episode, I discuss what edible plants I have grown over the years, including a few more unusual plants. What are the benefits of growing edible indoor plants and why might we do this, is something I discuss in this episode.
Caring for indoor plants is no different to caring for outdoor plants but I give a general run through of how I care for my edible indoor plant collection.
To find out more please listen to this episode. Don't forget to leave any comments or suggestions below or Email me here.
Join me in episode 156 where I share the latest on the plots and what I have learned about potatoes.
I should add that this is episode 156 not 155 like I said in this podcast (again).
The diary.
Each episode I share hat I have been doing on the allotment and vegetable patch. This week's jobs include
Mulching beds Building a new quail cage Planting some potatoes.
We have had some lovely weather for a few days and working outside is such a pleasure with weather like this. I love working with the sun on my back keeping me warm. check out this episode to find out more.
What I have learned about growing potatoes.
Recently I attended a talk Chris Pennard. Chris runs a nursery in somerset of which includes selling seed potatoes.
The huge wealth of information that came from Chris during this talk was really quite astounding, I never knew how much there was to know about these tubers. I made plenty of notes from his talk and compared them to my experiences growing potatoes. Each year I always try to do better, this year I am hoping that using Chris's information and my own experience, I will grow some excellent potatoes.
I share all I have learned in this episode.
Links
Pennard nursery the nursery Chris runs. To find out about the discount click on this link.
So please listen and enjoy. Any comments or suggestions please get in touch.
Don't forget if you grow your own food, get in touch and share your stories.
Join me in episode 155. In this week's podcast, I talk about the latest on the plots and discuss pruning. Please ignore the fact in this podcast I call it episode 154 it is, in fact, episode 155.
The diary.
In the diary (or plog as a phrase I am trying out) we cover the following
Quail all in 1 aviary Mulching rhubarb bed Sowing more seeds
To find out more please listen to this week's podcast.
Pruning.
Pruning is one of those jobs that I am always a little afraid of doing. I am sure I am not the only person that finds cutting a plant to make it grow better a little nerve-wracking. Nonetheless, it is a recommended task that is worth an annual inspection.
A few resources for some further reading can be found below
This page from ukgardening lists a few plants and their ideal time for pruning. A step y step guide to pruning from gardeners world.
I mention my choice in secateurs. Firstly we have my everyday pair which can be bought from Amazon by clicking on the following image.
Then I mention a pair of ratchet secateurs that I own. These can also be bought from Amazon by clicking on the following image
If you have enjoyed this podcast or have anything to add then leave a comment below. Alternatively, you can send me an Email with this link.
Join me in episode 154 where I discuss my trip to Seedy Sunday 2018. As always we cover the latest developments on the plots.
The diary.
I like to share what I have been doing on the plot this last week. This last week includes
New quail. Completing the raspberry bed. Collecting seed potatoes.
Please listen to find out more.
Seedy Sunday.
Seedy Sunday is an annual seed swapping event held in Brighton and Hove. It is the biggest and longest-running seed swap in the UK. I first went to the event last year and thoroughly enjoyed it and decided to return this year. This year it had the added bonus of holding the gardener's question time. A radio show that I listen to each week.
Click here to find out more about Seedy Sunday. Click here to visit Joshua the gardener,s website. To find out more about gardener's question time please click here.
Did you attend Seedy Sunday this year? what did you think? let me know in the comments below.
Don't forget you can always contact me directly via the contact page.
Did you know that you can find the veg grower podcast on most social media? Keep updated with the latest blog posts or join in discussions are all available on the various social media outlets.
Join me in episode 153 where I shall discuss choosing the right apple tree. I also have the usual diary, what the jobs the calendar recommends as well as a special mention.
The diary.
There has been plenty happening down on the plots including
Quail updates potato harvests new wellies.
I mention a new boot clamp that I have brought. If this interests you please click on the images from 1 of my 2 affiliate links below.
Boot clamp from the keen gardener.
Boot clamp from Amazon.
I also talk about Thompson and Morgon mentioning me on their blog. That article can be found here. Big thank you to the guys there for mentioning me and the other bloggers.
Choosing the right apple tree.
Recently I received a question from a listener. The listener asked me what apple tree would I recommend for an exposed site in North Yorkshire. As I live in the south UK I could pretty much grow any type of apple tree that was available. However in North Yorkshire there turned out to be a little less choice. With all this in mind, I researched and share my research with you and listener to help her choose.
I mention that should anyone else listening have any suggestions then please leave a comment below or Email me.
Resources for this show are as follows
Wikipedia page on apples. A great article from growveg on choosing the right apple tree. Garden focused online tool for finding the right pollinators. Northern fruit group list of apple trees bread in Yorkshire.
3varietiess that I found to be recommended on online forums where sunset, falstaff and egremont russet. What do you think are they good choices.
Competition details.
As mentioned in this podcast I have launched a competition where the prize will be a few packets of seeds. To be in with a chance simply add your suggestions for a good apple tree for north yorkshire either in the comments or e mail me directly.
Rules are
You must live in the UK My decision is final All entries must be in by 14th February 2018 To enter simply add your suggestion
Good luck to all who enter.
Join me in episode 152 where I discuss what I recommend for first time growers to grow. As well as the diary updates from the veg patch and allotment.
The diary.
Its been an eventful week here at the veg grower podcast plots. The weather has stopped me from visiting my beloved allotment this week but nonetheless, we still had the following to deal with.
Avian flu update from Defra. details can be found here. Progress with the quail project. Sowing a few more seeds.
To find out more please listen to the podcast.
What do I recommend for first time growers to grow?
Imagine it was possible to go back and tell yourself what to grow in your first year of growing, what would you advise. Well, I received a question from a listener who asked what he should grow as a first time grower.
With this question in mind I came up with a few rules that I would tell myself
Keep it simple. There is little point trying to be too complicated. This year is a learning curve. Grow what you eat. No point growing anything that isn't eaten. Each stage is a skill set. It is so easy to buy plug plants or potted plants from a garden centre so don't grow from seed. That extra skill of growing from seed can wait till next year. Although seed sowing is easy let's concentrate on growing plants for this year. However, I do detail some seeds that are incredibly easy to sow.
If you have any recommendations please leave a comment below.
If you have a question for me, you can email me here.
Join me in episode 151 where I shall be discussing the latest on the vegetable patch and allotment. I will also be discussing a few tasty winter soups made from our own produce.
The diary.
In each podcast, I share what I have been doing on the allotment and vegetable patch this week includes
Digging out raspberries and couch grass. Building a new shelf and electrical system in the potting shed. Logging how much food I have harvested of which I share in this blog post.
I mention a shelving system that I am now using. This system I find being adjustable allows for plenty of adjusting in the future. The following links take you to Amazon page should you wish to look into these further. they are cheap and easy to use.
Tasty winter soups.
At this time of year, I really enjoy hot soups. With fresh homegrown vegetables, I believe makes the best soups.
Below I have links to recipes I mention in this podcast
Slow cooker stocks. Parsnip and onion soup Cream of Jerusalem artichoke soup.
If you give them a try let me know what you think. If you have any recipes you would like to share then please get in touch.
Join me in episode 150 of the veg grower podcast where I discuss my propagators as well as the latest on the plots.
The diary.
The last couple of podcasts haven't included my diary due to the festive season but its back and we have lots to catch up on including.
Clearing a bed Sowing onion seeds Pruning rosemary and blueberries.
My propagators.
Propagators come in many forms sizes and styles. I now have 3 heated propagators and several unheated. I believe they are great for making a head start on seed sowing early in the year.
The heated type I have and have used for several years can be found in the following image
A larger version is available and based on my experience with the above version I feel this would work very well
I also use unheated propagators which are part of the following root trainers
Do you use any propagators, if so what do you use and what is your experience using them? If you don't use any, what do you use instead let me know in the comments below.
As always any comments or suggestions please get in touch either through the comments below or through our contact page.
Check me out on most social media platforms to keep updated. Search for the veg grower podcast and you should find me.
Join me in episode 149 where I wish everyone happy new year and share my plans for 2018.
As this is a prerecorded show there is no diary section. Instead, it's straight into my plans for 2017.
Please listen to find out more.
Join me in episode 148 of the veg grower podcast. In this episode, I wish you all Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for your support over this last year. The veg grower podcast has grown thanx to everyone's support and input. In this episode, I have taken time to thank you all. I also go on to talk about what I am cooking for Christmas and how much has come from the plots.
So p[lease listen and enjoy.
Join me in episode 147 where I'm looking back over 2017. The highs and the lows of vegetable gardening.
The diary.
It is amazing how much work has been carried out over the last week despite it being mid-winter. A few jobs that have been tackled include
Hard frost killing off plants. Planting bare-rooted fruit plants. Starting micro greens.
To find out more please listen to this episode.
Looking back over 2017.
Another year is drawing to close but I always believe its good to look back and evaluate the year. When we started the year we had less land and less poultry.
As we progressed through the year we gained an extra allotment and I talk about how I approached this extra land and how I benefited from it. I also look back at produce that has been really successful for me this year.
Of course, not everything has been rosy. I have had failures and losses but I always believe that's where we learn the most.
To find out more please listen to this podcast.
As always please leave any comments below. How was 2017 for you? If you would like to share your stories don't forget you can be on the show. click here to apply.
Join me in episode 146 of the veg grower podcast. This week I shall be discussing how I grow brussels sprouts.
The diary.
Each week I discuss what I have done on the plots. This week includes
Seed organizing Testing out a grow light bulb. I mention a previous podcast. This can be found here. The spreadsheet mentioned can be found here.
Please listen to this episode to find out more.
How I grow Brussels sprouts.
At this time of year, sprouts become very popular in the shops. However, I believe we can't beat homegrown and in this episode, I discuss how I grow them.
If you would like more information in the history of the Brussels sprouts the Wikipedia page can be found here. I also mention a news article from the BBC of which can be found here.
Love them or hate them Brussels sprouts are here. They are very hardy and grow well in the UK. I also believe they produce plenty of food from only a few plants. Give them a go and let me know what you think.
Personally, I like to steam my sprouts for 5 to 6 minutes. While the sprouts are steaming I will have a pan of sliced chorizo cooking. Once the sprouts are steamed add them to the pan and cook for 1 minute then serve. Delicious.
If you have any recipes using Brussels sprouts please get in touch with the comments below or via Email.
As always let us know any comments below.
Should anyone want to appear on a podcast then check out this blog post. I am always after interviews and happy to promote anyone who participates.
This podcast runs for just under 22 minutes and is 22mb of data.
Join me in this week's podcast where I discuss the latest on the plots and an evening I spent with team pollinate.
The diary.
In this weeks episode, I discuss the latest on the plots including
A blog post put out last week where I share how much I spent in November. Extending the chicken run Harvesting Jerusalem artichokes.
To find out more please listen to this episode.
An evening with team pollinate.
Last week I spent an evening in Brighton at an event arranged by team pollinate. This event was to discuss the results of the first leg of there research.
Team pollinate is researching the following questions
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Which pollinating insects visit which flowering crops have grown in allotments?
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Are the yields of food crops grown in allotments limited by a lack of insect pollinators?
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Which pesticides are used in allotments, and on which crops?
With long-term research into these questions that may help to improve the crops that we grow for ourselves. To find out more about team pollinate please check out their website. I also urge everyone to take part where they can. I can honestly say I will be doing what I can to take part where I can.
As always any comments or suggestions please leave a comment.
Join me in episode 144, where I share the latest happenings on the plots and a Christmas gifts for gardeners.
The diary.
Each week I share with you all what I have been doing on the vegetable patch and allotment in this last week, including,
A new quail cage the video can be found Planting out some seedlings Sowing some shallots.
To find out more please listen to this weeks episode.
Christmas gifts for gardeners.
As Christmas is less than a month away I felt it was time to go to Amazon and find a few gift ideas that might be of interest to you all. Please click on the images to take you to the Amazon item page.
First on my list is a tradesman knife from Rolson. This knife is one I have with me all the time and is great for when you need a knife to quickly make some cuts. This item is fairly inexpensive and would make a great stocking filler.
My next item is a chocolate growing kit. This is not something I have tried but nonetheless, I like to grow my own food, I like chocolate.This kit comprises of everything needed to grow chocolate scented flowers.
The next item is another that I have used. This gardeners utility belt is a great piece of kit to store small items to have at hand when working in the garden. With decent storage pockets and well thought out design, I have been really pleased with my belt.
Finally, I have the Burgon and ball sharpening steel. Keeping tools sharp makes work easier faster and safer and with this tool its easy to keep tools sharp as you work. Burgon and ball have a good reputation for making quality tools and I am sure this will last for many many years.
If you have anything to add please get in touch either with the comments below or contact me directly through our contact page.
Join me in episode 143 of the veg grower podcast where I shall catch you all up on the last 2 weeks on the plots.
The diary
This week's podcast is all about the diary really. As last week I was lucky enough to get Steve on I didn't share any diary section. This week I have shared whats been happening on the plots including
How the sweet potato had performed Updates to the quail project Moving strawberry plants.
So please listen to find out more.
Could I please just take this chance to apologise for this episode being late, I have a horrible cold and felt that I would not have been able to get out a decent show last night. As such I have recorded today when I felt a bit better.
If you have any comments or suggestions or would like some strawberry plants please get in touch either with the comments below or through our contact page. I love to hear from anyone and will always respond as soon as I possibly can.
Join us in episode 142 where we are joined with Steve from Steve's seaside life.
Steve from Steve's seaside life.
Steve is an allotmenteer who shares his experiences on his blog and Youtube channel. Listeners may remember when we previously had Steve on the veg grower podcast. If you would like to listen again that episode can be found here.
Steve took early retirement and decided to take on an allotment after listening to the veg grower podcast. He started with 1 allotment and very quickly turned it around to produce food to feed 11 people. Steve has since taken on 2 more plots. He has expressed how he enjoys producing food, bartering with other allotmenteers and the social side of allotmenteering.
I have been impressed with what Steve manages to produce and how quickly he has turned around his plots. I was also very interested in 1 particular area that Steve covered, which is the financial side of things.
In this episode, we discuss this particular subject. Listeners may find that this is a great demonstration of how we can slash our food expenses.
Listen as Steve discusses how this year has performed for him.
Listeners may also find it interesting as we discuss our experiences, failures and successes.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Steve for his time on this podcast.
If anyone else is interested in being interviewed to appear on an episode, please get in touch via our contact page.
In episode 141 I am very excited to announce a new project. Keeping quail in my back garden.
The diary.
In this episode, I talk about the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch including
Preparing the strawberry bed How a small amount of time focused my efforts How I happened to get hold and keep quail.
so please listen to find out more.
Quail project.
For a while, I have been researching into keeping quail. while the chicken has proven to be fantastic in the garden there are downsides and for many of my listener's chickens are not an option.
This is where the quail may be a viable option, however, I have never kept these birds before so, in this episode, I have shared what I know about these creatures and how I have started to keep these fantastic birds. The veg grower podcast is all about growing food in a garden and quail are just another option that can be taken. So join me on this journey as we learn how to look after these birds and use them to produce food.
Resources for this show
RSPB page about quail Beginners guide to keeping quail from the poultry keeper A website dedicated to keeping quail.
Click on the images below to purchase the items to keep quail from Amazon
For a book on keeping these gamebirds please click the below image
The drinkers similar to what I use can be found below
This rabbit hutch will be perfect for housing these animals
For my young birds, I have been using this chick crumb
In a few weeks, I shall be using this specific feed
As always any comments please get in touch either below in the comments or email me directly through our contact form.
Join me in episode 140 of the veg grower podcast where I shall be talking about my bonfires on the plots.
The diary.
In the diary section, I discuss whats been happening on the plots including
Team pollinate and the survey. please check them out and help them here. Sweet potato developments disinfecting canes.
So to find out more please listen.
Bonfires on plots.
It's that time of the year where bonfires are pretty common, in fact, I would say this is the ideal time to burn as there is less chance to upset neighbours etc. However, in this episode, I share how I make a fire, how I make it safe and what I burn.
Recommended item.
I mention in the diary that I use a spray disinfectant. What I use can be found and brought on Amazon by clicking the image below. For me, I have found this to be a very good disinfectant to have in the potting shed for when needed. In a spray bottle, it's easy application and readily available with no messing about. I believe when something is easy to use we are more likely to use it. Check it out below.
As always if you have anything to add please get in touch.
This podcast runs for 18 minutes 51 seconds. It is recorded in Littlehampton, West Sussex in the united kingdom and based on my experiences on my vegetable plot and allotment. I like to share my experiences but I am also happy to share other gardeners experiences. If you would like to appear in a podcast, get in touch and we shall sort out an interview time that is convenient for all. Interviews are held over Skype so no travelling involved. I like to hear from experienced gardeners and newbies as we all have our stories to share.
Join me in episode 139 from the veg grower podcast where I discuss the latest on the plots and my winter greenhouse plans.
The diary.
In the diary, I talk about whats been happening on the plots this last week including
surviving storm brian cleaning the greenhouse a book I've been reading which you can find on the image below
Winter greenhouse plans.
The main topic for this week I have been looking at what I can grow in the greenhouse.
last year my 6 foot by 6-foot greenhouse was mostly used as a store for some tender plants and to get seedlings off to an early start. While all those jobs have been worthwhile and needed, it seems a shame to have an area that can grow food over the winter and not use it for that. So I have looked at what seedlings I have and what I can grow over the winter.
Hopefully, my plans will pay off and I will get a good amount of food supplied from here.
So please listen to find out more.
As always please leave any comments below or alternatively email me through our contact page.
The veg grower podcast is a weekly podcast created by Richard about growing my own food in my vegetable patch and allotment. Each week I share my tales and thoughts as we grow our own food.
Join me in episode 138 of the veg grower podcast. This week I talk about the latest on the plots and browsing the 2018 Sutton seeds catalogue.
The diary.
In the diary section, I talk about whats been happening on the plots in this last week including
pea seedlings developing planting overwintered onion sets started to build a new bed I mention that I made an apple chutney. The recipe that I use can be found here.
To find out more please listen to the podcast.
Browsing the 2018 Sutton seeds catalogue.
At this time of year, a lot of seed catalogues start appearing through the door. In this episode, I talk about a few thing that has peaked my interest in the 2018 Sutton seeds catalogue.
I have chosen the Sutton seeds catalogue to talk about as there catalogue is available online and can be found here. I have also had very good service from Sutton seeds so I highly recommend them.
However, there are many more seed companies out there and what have you found interesting in their catalogues. Let me know in the comment section.
Join me in this weeks podcast episode 137 where I discuss the latest on the allotment and vegetable patch and a few ideas on how to use pumpkins.
The diary.
Each week I share whats been happening on the allotment and vegetable patch.
This week this section includes the following
Saffron developments Making comfrey feed Harvesting tomatoes and pumpkin.
Please listen to this week's podcast to find out more.
How to use pumpkins.
Every year I grow pumpkins to use in many meals. However when I see so many of these squashes for sale in supermarkets and greengrocer and I know the vast majority are going to be carved into jack o lanterns. I always feel this is such a waste of a great food source. So this week I discuss a few easy recipes that are so simple that I think everyone could make them.
Links to the recipes are as follows.
Roasted pumpkin seeds from allrecipes. a great way to use seeds from the pumpkins that are used to make jack o lanterns. A recipe for pumpkin pie. a great dessert that I feel us Brits are often unsure about. Give it a try, its worth it A recipe for pumpkin soup a great comfort food.
I also mention this article from the Guardian where they list there top 10 pumpkin recipes. Reading through this list got me salivating and craving to try these dishes. Check it out and see what you think.
Let me know what you do with pumpkins. I love to try different recipes and will gladly share them. You can share in the comments below or through our contact page.