• #596 How Can Small Daily Gardening Tasks Transform Your Allotment?
    Mar 10 2025
    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 Method One 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 Composting Richard 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 Gardening Gardening 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 Composting Richard 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.
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    31 mins
  • #595 Tangy Tomato Our Seed Of The Month
    Mar 3 2025
    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 – Tomatoes What can be done on the allotment in March Chef Scott’s recipe: Roast Pork Chops with Rhubarb A review of A Jam Maker’s Garden Let’s get stuck in. Seed of the Month: Tomatoes Few 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 Tomatoes When 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 Podcast If 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 Allotment March 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 Tasks Prepare 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 Rhubarb This 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 Garden For 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.
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    33 mins
  • #594 Its Springing Into Life On The Allotment.
    Feb 24 2025
    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 Allotment Down 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 Seedlings This 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 Week This 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 Event This 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 are The App Fryd A soil monitor oko A delicious tasting pear tree Jayes fluid Check out the podcast to find out more
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    35 mins
  • #593 Seed Starting success
    Feb 17 2025
    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 perlite Heated propagators help warm the soil, but a soil thermometer also helps you work out when the soil is warm enough When you seedlings germinate they need light and grow lights can really help with strong growth. Allotment update: Saving our own Seed Potatoes Down 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.
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    30 mins
  • #592 Organising, Saving & Growing – This Week on the Plot
    Feb 10 2025
    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 Update With 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!!1 Saving Money: Allotment Update Running 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 Week Chef 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 Tray Finally, 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 wood If you’re looking for a fun and easy upcycling project, this one is definitely worth trying!
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    31 mins
  • 591 Small Changes, Big Impact: Potato Prep, Leeks & A Mini Greenhouse Build
    Feb 3 2025
    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 update With 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: Leeks In 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 follows Musselburgh A popular and hardy variety of leek Bulgarian giant A long thin early variety with exceptional taste Jolant Fairly new leek but seems to be very popular Chef Scott’s Recipe: Spaghetti With Broccoli And Hot Smoked Salmon Chef 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 Build Finally, 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!
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    31 mins
  • #590 Grow Food Anywhere With Lucy Chamberlain
    Jan 27 2025
    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 Anywhere Lucy'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. Links Lucy's Instagram Buy the book on Amazon Chef Scott's Recipe of the week This 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.
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    40 mins
  • #589 Weeding Out Winter Woes: Why Your Garden Needs You Now!
    Jan 20 2025
    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 Garden Last 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 Allotment Down 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 Week Chef 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 Finally The last segment Richard responds to reviews and comments from the last couple of podcast with listeners quest such as Is there any difference in taste between different Rhubarb varaties? IS it worth sowing seeds in January When 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.
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    35 mins