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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.
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