The Seed Pod – Details, episodes & analysis

Today we take a step out of the garden and into the classroom with a little lesson in Ecology. We discuss some aspects that are important for gardening and just plain interesting!

The books we spoke about today were:

Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows
Song of the Dodo by David Quammen
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Silent Earth by Dave Goulson
Wilding by Isabella Tree

Richard and Becky chat to the fabulously inspiring Liz Zorab of Byther Farm. Liz tells us about her journey from bed bound to small holding and YouTube star!

Check out Liz's YouTube channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe0Ha5QljsCV5UqIkobBrcQ

And Her Book Grounded:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grounded-Gardeners-Journey-Abundance-Self-Sufficiency/dp/1856233022

Becky and Richard discuss some of the common pests and diseases we encounter in the summer months in our gardens and what we can do to organically manage them.

Made in association with Harvst Mini Greenhouses. Use the code SEEDPOD for 10% off!

In this episode Richard and Becky discuss the importance of getting kids involved with Gardening, and setting up positive associations with being outside and growing food. They also talk about simple things that we can do to keep children entertained on the allotment, whilst allowing us to get the gardening done. 

This week Becky and Richard are discussing the summer solstice, what it means for our gardens, our plants and for us.

We also talk about what we are doing in our gardens right now, what challenges we are facing and what we are sowing, planting and harvesting!

Richard and Becky discuss one of their least favourite things; weeds. What is a weed, and what exactly is the point in them? And what if understanding these things helps us to manage them? 

As organic gardeners we are conscious of the affect we are having on the environment. We want to make good decisions about the products we are using. Sadly, savvy marketeers know this. Richard and Becky talk about Greenwashing in the horticultural industry and how to avoid it. Huge thank you to Sara Venn for her help with the ideas in this episode. 

Richard and Becky discuss some common gardening myths and pieces of dubious advice, and compare them to the current scientific wisdom!

Becky and Richard discuss another turning point in the gardening calendar here in the UK; May. They talk about their favourite crops to sow in May and also the coming of that all important last frost date!

Warning: this episode contains material that some listeners may find offensive.

Richard and Becky talk to garden writer and organic farmer Sally Morgan about why Peat is such an important resource and about the campaign Peat Free April.