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.
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#568: Uncovering Soil Health Secrets and Pest Solutions in Your Garden
Monday, August 26, 2024 • Duration 34:23
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 Test
Understanding Soil Health
Richard'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 Cons
Exploring Different Mulch Types
Richard experimented with various mulching techniques throughout the growing season, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
1. Straw Mulch
Pros: Excellent for retaining moisture and suppressing weeds.
Cons: Increased slug and snail activity, especially in wet weather.
2. Grass Clippings
Pros: Free resource from mowing the lawn, helps retain moisture.
Cons: Not as effective as straw for weed suppression, may require additional watering.
3. Homemade Compost
Pros: Reduces watering needs, provides nutrients to plants.
Cons: Contains weed seeds, leading to some weed growth.
4. Heart of Eden Mulch
Pros: Significantly reduces watering needs.
Cons: Less effective in weed suppression, with bindweed and brambles still growing through.
5. 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 Solution
Battling Compost Flies
Richard 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.
#567 Greenhouses, Storage And A New Rhubarb Bed
Monday, August 19, 2024 • Duration 26:51
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 Maintenance
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 Techniques
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 Recipe
Chef Scott shares a simple yet flavorful recipe that pairs perfectly with homegrown sweetcorn.
Ingredients:Good quality salted butter1 finely diced jalapenoZest and juice of 2 limesChopped 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.
#558 My Trip to Gardeners’ World Live 2024: A Blooming Marvelous Experience
Monday, June 17, 2024 • Duration 36:17
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 Buds
One 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 Paradise
After 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 Saul
One 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
How To Refresh The Fruit Garden, WWII Gardening Tips, And Beetroot Soup Recipe | #557
Monday, June 10, 2024 • Duration
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
Discount codes
Premier 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!
Growing Beetroot Boltardy, Allotment Security Tips, and Early Garlic Harvest
Monday, June 3, 2024 • Duration
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.
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 codes
Premier seeds direct: use discount code vegpod10 for 10% off your order
Autopot.co.uk: Use discount code AUTO10RVG for 10% off your order
The Compost Challenge: Can We Make Enough? Exploring a Beautiful Vegetable Garden
Monday, May 27, 2024 • Duration
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 Challenge
This 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 Gardens
Richard 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 Competition
The 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 Subscribe
If 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!
#554 Where are all these slugs and snails coming from?
Monday, May 20, 2024 • Duration 34:34
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.
#553 No Mow May, Easy Irrigation And Winter Veg
Monday, May 13, 2024 • Duration 26:36
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 Irrigation
Irrigation 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.
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#552 A trip to spring fair and the seed of the month
Monday, May 6, 2024 • Duration 41:14
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.
Support this podcast.
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