#590 Grow Food Anywhere With Lucy Chamberlain

In this weeks podcast Richard is joined by Lucy chamberlain, author of the book Grow Food Anywhere. Which has been our book of the month for January. Grow Food Anywhere Lucy's latest book Grow Food Anywhere is out now and is unlike any vegetable gardening book out there. This book is aimed at working the conditions you already have in your garden and finding the right plant for your conditions. Filled with ideas on tips on how to improve your garden and make the most of the space you have. Links Lucy's Instagram Buy the book on Amazon Chef Scott's Recipe of the week This week Chef Scott is back with his Guoguang Roast Carrots. A delicious Korean recipe using the good old staple, carrots. Adding a delicious spicy twist to those sweet tender orange sticks. And finally. If you have enjoyed this podcast and hearing about Lucy and her book then please rate and review on your podcast provider.

In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard shares updates from his kitchen garden and allotment, emphasizing winter gardening. He discusses essential tasks like weeding, checking plants, and managing pests, including setting up a scarecrow for pigeons. Richard highlights the importance of maintaining bird feeders and composting kitchen scraps and garden waste. He also shares his efforts to encourage wildlife, such as hedgehogs and ladybirds, and offers pruning tips for raspberry beds. Richard encourages listeners to support the podcast through the supporters club, which offers exclusive content and community benefits. Winter Woes From The Kitchen Garden Last week Richard complained that he felt his kitchen garden was very scruffy. With that in mind Richard decided this week to really turn his attention to tiding the kitchen garden. This meant time was spent clearing away weeds from some of the beds, Protecting brassicas from the hungry pigeons while also trying to provide food and habitat to other birds and nature. Composting is a big part of Richards garden and a lot of the pruning's made over the last couple of weeks have been run through a garden shredder. Providing Richard with plenty of wood chipping. Perfect for use in the compost bins or as a mulch. Continued Weeding On The Allotment Down on the allotment the winter tidy up continues. Each week Richard is focusing his time and energy to one particular area of the allotment that he has struggled to manage. This week that area happened to be his autumn raspberry bed. This area has struggled with couch grass and many weeds over the years that have been very stubborn. But Richard determined to beat the winter woes got stuck in and gave a good sort out of this area. Every Allotment plot has a scruffy area of course but Richard believes we can always do better. Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week Chef Scott is back once again with another delicious recipe. This week the recipe is this lovely peach and cherry cobbler for a real taste of the summer. Using ingredients Scott has grown and stored in his freezer to bring the taste of summer back in the middle of winter. And Finally The last segment Richard responds to reviews and comments from the last couple of podcast with listeners quest such as Is there any difference in taste between different Rhubarb varaties? IS it worth sowing seeds in January When do i plant out my onion seedlings. These are all from listeners who have rated and review or got in touch. If you have enjoyed this podcast then please rate and review on your podcast provider.

Join Richard on This Week's Episode of The Veg Grower Podcast! In this week's episode of The Veg Grower Podcast, Richard dives into his January goals for the allotment and kitchen garden, sharing insights, tips, and progress updates. Here's a sneak peek of what to expect: Down on the Allotment January is all about tackling problem areas on the allotment. For Richard, this means focusing on the trickiest spots: the very top of the allotment and the area behind the greenhouses. These spaces have always been challenging to manage, but by addressing them early in the year, he’s setting the stage for a smoother growing season ahead. By clearing weeds, organising tools, and preparing the soil, Richard is transforming these once-problematic areas into productive parts of the allotment. His proactive approach ensures these areas will require less effort to maintain as the year progresses. In the Kitchen Garden This year, Richard is determined to give his kitchen garden the attention it deserves. While it’s been a productive space, it’s not always as tidy as he’d like. January’s focus is all about tidying up and making improvements to boost efficiency and yield. Inside the greenhouse, Richard has been hard at work decluttering, reorganising, and setting up systems to maximise productivity. Outside, he’s been pruning trees and cutting back overgrown bushes to allow more sunlight into the garden and the chicken run. These changes are already making a noticeable difference, and the chickens are certainly appreciating the extra light! Chef Scott’s Recipe of the Week We’re thrilled to have Chef Scott back with another delicious recipe! This week, he’s sharing his recipe for mackerel pâté with a rhubarb relish. With rhubarb as our seed of the month, this versatile ingredient adds a delightful tang to the dish. It’s the perfect way to make use of this perennial favourite in your kitchen. Seedling Update Richard’s propagators are already working overtime! In this week’s seedling update, he shares what’s germinating and how he’s keeping everything thriving during these colder months. From early sowings to preparing for the upcoming growing season, it’s all systems go in Richard’s kitchen garden. Support the Podcast If you’ve enjoyed this episode, we’d love for you to leave a rating and review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners. Want to support the podcast even further? Consider joining our Supporters Club to gain exclusive benefits and help us continue producing great content for the gardening community. Tune in now and get inspired for your January gardening goals!

In this weeks podcast the first podcast of 2025, Richard shares a seed he has to sow every year as the seed of the month. The seed is Rhubarb. Although it is too early to sow most seeds Richard shares other seeds that can be sown this month. We of course another delicious recipe from Chef Scott. So lets get into it. Rhubarb Our Seed Of The Month Each month Richard shares a seed of the month in collaboration with Premier Seed Direct Richards number 1 seed supplier. This months seed is Rhubarb which is slightly unusual to grow from seed but Richard finds it incredibly easy to grow from seed. Added to that growing from seed gives more choice and saves money when compared to buying a plan. Some of the most popular varieties of Rhubarb include champagne and victoria Other Seeds To Sow In January January can be a very tricky month to sow seeds says Richard. The days are short and cold but many gardeners find themselves itching to sow seeds. Because of this Richard has suggested a few seeds to sow this month Broad beans Onions Leeks Chard Winter Spinach Lettuce Parsley Radish Carrots Celery Chicory Kale Rocket Basil Rhubarb Chilli peppers Corriander Globe Artichokes Sweet peppers Please note that some of these seeds can be directly sown outside the majority will need protection or supplemental heat and lighting to grow strong. Chef Scott Recipe Of The Week This week Chef Scott is back with another delicious mouth-watering recipe. This weeks recipe is an Cajun style mac and cheese, using some ingredients you may have in the freezer. Give this recipe a go and share how you enjoyed this dish. Technology And Seed Sowing In the final segment of this podcast Richard shares how technology can help us sow seeds to produce food earlier and more reliably. Heated propagators provide heat to warm up seeds and speed up germination. Grow lights help supply plenty of light to grow strong plants from young seedlings. Hydroponics are becoming a more common site amongst vegetables gardener's too and Richards 5 pod from West Kent Hydroponics is being used to grow more summer crops such as tomatoes and chillies this January. Ai is also a new technology and Richard shares a seed sowing plan made for the entire year using ai to create the plan. Richard intends to follow this plan in 2025 to see if it works.

In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the main speaker, takes us on a reflective journey through his gardening experiences in 2024 and shares his plans for 2025. Alongside him, Chef Scott introduces a delightful recipe for baba ghanoush, emphasizing the importance of cooking with seasonal ingredients. This episode is a blend of gardening insights, personal reflections, and culinary inspiration, highlighting the joys and challenges of growing food at home. Richard's Gardening Journey: Lessons from 2024 Weather Woes and Pest Problems Richard begins by discussing the unpredictable weather patterns of 2024, which posed significant challenges for his allotment and kitchen garden. The mild winter and spring, followed by a lacklustre summer, hindered the growth of many plants. Additionally, he faced severe pest issues, particularly with slugs and snails, which devastated young plants. Security Concerns: Theft and Vandalism Richard recounts distressing incidents involving theft and vandalism at his allotment. He discovered that several of his wooden raised beds were stolen and later recovered. Additionally, he found hidden kitchen knives on his plot, prompting him to install security cameras. Celebrating Successes Despite the challenges, Richard celebrates the successes of his allotment. He reports a bountiful harvest of potatoes, garlic, and onions, and is particularly pleased with the performance of brassicas like cabbages and cauliflowers. He also highlights the success of growing cucumbers, specifically the "dragons" variety. Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025 Allotment Improvements Richard has plans to tidy up certain areas of the allotment, particularly behind the greenhouses, and hopes to glaze a second greenhouse for cucumber cultivation. He emphasizes the importance of regular visits to the allotment, which have helped him stay on top of weeds and maintain productivity. Home Garden Reflections Richard reflects on the challenges faced in his home garden, previously referred to as the "modern victory garden." Despite the weather, he has managed to grow most of the food needed for his household. He acknowledges the ongoing battle with slugs and snails and shares his commitment to using natural methods to control these pests. Chef Scott's Culinary Inspiration: Baba Ghanoush Recipe In the latter part of the episode, Chef Scott shares a recipe segment, introducing a dish that brings a touch of summer to the winter months: baba ghanoush, a smoky aubergine dip. He discusses his approach to cooking with seasonal ingredients, particularly during the long, dark days of January. Recipe can be found here. Conclusion: Embracing the Gardening Journey This episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is a testament to the resilience required in gardening and the culinary possibilities that come with growing your own food. Richard's reflections serve as a reminder that each setback offers valuable lessons, while Chef Scott's recipe provides a practical and tasty way to enjoy the fruits of that labour. Together, they inspire listeners to embrace their gardening journeys and explore the culinary delights that come with it. By learning from past experiences and planning for the future, gardeners can continue to grow and thrive, making the most of their home gardens and allotments. Whether you're dealing with pests, weather challenges, or security concerns, there are always ways to improve and adapt. And when it comes to enjoying the harvest, there's nothing quite like a homemade dish that celebrates the fruits of your labour. If you have enjoyed this podcast then please leave a rate and review on your podcast provider. You can also help support this podcast by using some of our affiliate links or become a supporting member using the button below

Join Richard in this weeks pod cast in which we are having a pub quiz. Time to test your veg gardening knowledge with 15 questions all related to vegetable gardening. Grab a pen and pencil and lets have some fun. Mentioned in this is Lucy's Grow veg anywhere book available here. Chef Scott is also back with another recipe of the week. This week its an alcohol free Irish cream Liquer This recipe makes 8 drinks, and you will need you will need300ml double cream110 ml evaporated milk4 tbsp maple syrup50ml freshly brewed espressopinch of ground cinnamon10ml vanilla extract1tsp coco powderIceMethod whisk all the ingredients together and then pour over ice to serve.

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.