Soil science for beginners

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 MeadowsSong of the Dodo by David QuammenSilent Spring by Rachel CarsonSilent Earth by Dave GoulsonWilding 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/UCe0Ha5QljsCV5UqIkobBrcQAnd Her Book Grounded:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grounded-Gardeners-Journey-Abundance-Self-Sufficiency/dp/1856233022

This week, we're going lighthearted with a simple chat about tomatoes. We discuss our favourite varieties, when we sowed, when they flower, problems we can get with them and a few unusual solutions to these problems!

This week, Richard and Becky are joined by Professor Dave Goulson, author of the best-selling book Silent Earth, along with Bee Quest, The Garden Jungle, A Buzz in the Meadow, A Sting in the Tale, Gardening for Bumblebees and more. We discuss what the changing climate could mean for us as gardeners and our insect fauna. We also discuss what we can do from our own patches to help fight against climate change. 

Richard and Becky catch up with author and no dig gardener, Stephanie Hafferty to talk about  no dig gardening and gardening holistically for a healthier, greener garden. You can find more information about Stephanie and links to her books at www.nodighome.com

In this Episode Becky and Richard discus the next steps to getting your growing space up and running, including the pros and cons of raised beds, filling spaces with perennials and more. 

In this episode, Becky and Richard explore some ways to make starting a new garden or allotment slightly less of a daunting task. 

Becky and Richard discuss why growing over winter is important, and how exciting it can be too!They also discuss some crops that you can grow over winter to turn your plot into a productive paradise all year round.

Becky and Richard discuss composting this week. It's featured regularly throughout the podcast, so it's about time there was an episode on it. We discuss why it is an important thing to do, and how to do it, plus a few tips to make it easier, simpler and overcome a few problems people might have with their compost. 

Becky and Richard talk about the incredible life in our soil and how it is the key to successful organic gardening.Made in association with Harvst Mini Greenhouses. Use the code SEEDPOD for 10% off!