The Veg Grower Podcast

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. Supporters club. This podcast is supported by members of the supporters club. For just £5 a month you can help keep this podcast running. Being a member gives you access to extra behind the scenes podcast and a collection of seed sent to your door every month you are a member. Click the button below to find out more Getting Clever With Pruning At Home In 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 Week Chef 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. Conclussion As 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 Planning Richard 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 Rotation Crop 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 Sowing Successional 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 Layout Richard'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 Planting Richard 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 Management Richard'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,

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 Garden Assessing Your Seed Collection Richard 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 Seeds The Seed of the Month: Microgreens and Sprouting Seeds Richard 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 Microgreens Microgreens 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 Sprouts Sprouts 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:

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 Challenges Safety First Richard 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 Management Dealing with Caterpillars on Kale One 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 Successfully Tips for Thriving Garlic Plants Garlic 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 Trees Ensuring a Healthy Harvest A 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 Bindweed Effective Weed Management Bindweed 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 Health Building a Strong Foundation Healthy 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 Butter Recipe by Scott The 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.