#594 Its Springing Into Life On The Allotment.

Spring is creeping in, and with it, the start of another exciting growing season. March is a month of new beginnings—seed trays filling up, beds being prepared, and the first real sense that warmer days are on the way. In this week’s podcast, Richard covers: The Seed of the Month – Tomatoes What can be done on the allotment in March Chef Scott’s recipe: Roast Pork Chops with Rhubarb A review of A Jam Maker’s Garden Let’s get stuck in. Seed of the Month: Tomatoes Few crops are as rewarding as homegrown tomatoes. This month, Richard is sowing a mix of different varieties to suit a range of growing conditions. One of the first tomatoes sown this year was ‘Minibel’ , a dwarf variety ideal for pots and small spaces. One plant has even been growing in Richard’s hydroponic system and is thriving. For those looking for reliability outdoors, ‘Crimson Crush’ is a top choice. This variety is blight-resistant, making it a great option for UK growers who often battle unpredictable summers. Other Great Tomato Varieties to Consider ‘Sungold’ – A cherry tomato with an incredibly sweet flavour. ‘Gardener’s Delight’ – A classic and reliable variety, perfect for greenhouse or outdoor growing. ‘Marmande’ – A large beefsteak variety with a rich flavour, great for slicing. ‘San Marzano’ – The famous Italian plum tomato, perfect for sauces. ‘Alicante’ – A traditional British tomato, known for its excellent taste. ‘Tigerella’ – A striking striped variety with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. How to Sow and Grow Tomatoes When to Sow: January to April (indoors), April-May (outdoors, under protection). Where to Grow: Greenhouse, windowsill, or outdoor containers once the risk of frost has passed. Top Tip: Water consistently—irregular watering can lead to split fruit or blossom end rot. For a full breakdown of tomato growing, including support methods, common problems, and harvesting tips, listen to this week’s episode. Support the Podcast If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, please take a moment to rate and review it on your favourite podcast platform. It really helps. And if you’d like to become a member of the supporters’ club, you’ll get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and even some seed giveaways. March on the Allotment March is one of the busiest months on the allotment—the soil is waking up, and so should we. This week, Richard recorded from the plot, getting his hands dirty while discussing the key jobs for the month. March Allotment Tasks Prepare the soil – A light forking over, a good compost top-up, and a check for overwintering weeds. Sow early crops – Broad beans, peas, spinach, beetroot, radish, and early carrots. Plant out onions, shallots, and garlic – A great low-maintenance crop for beginners. Potatoes – Time to get first earlies in the ground. Spring is also a key time for pruning fruit trees and bushes. If you’ve got raspberries, make sure last year’s canes are cut back (if they’re autumn-fruiting) or tied in (for summer-fruiting varieties). It’s a big month, but there’s nothing better than getting stuck in after winter’s quiet months. Recipe of the Week: Roast Pork Chops with Rhubarb This week, Chef Scott brings a seasonal favourite—roast pork chops with rhubarb. If you’ve never paired rhubarb with savoury dishes, this is a great way to try it. Its sharpness cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a beautifully balanced dish. For those growing rhubarb, now is the time for the first harvest. Any flower stalks should be removed to keep the plant productive. Book Review: A Jam Maker’s Garden For those who love preserving the harvest, Holly Farrell’s A Jam Maker’s Garden is an essential read. It’s not just a book of recipes—it guides growers through cultivating and harvesting the best fruit for jam-making, ensuring top flavours and yields.

Join Richard and Scott in this weeks podcast where this week Richard has noticed that there are signs that the allotment is springing into life. Back at home Richard is building on his grow light system in order to be able to grow more seedlings and he also shares a few insights from the garden press event. Scott is also back with his recipe of the week. Springing Into Life On The Allotment Down on the allotment Richard has seen some signs that spring is just around the corner. Nettles and comfrey are just starting to show, Rhubarb has begun breaking through and even the over wintered garlic and onions are showing signs of life. This is all good signs that spring is just round the corner but bringing with it is of course weed growth too. Time to start weeding more. Grow Lights The Secret To Good Seedlings This week at home Richard has been potting on lots of young seedlings and what he has noticed is that the seedlings under grow lights show better growth both in foliage and in roots. The downside is that he only has so many grow lights and only so much space. Grow lights can be cheap and so Richard has fitted grow lights to the inside of an old bottle fridge in his garage on the hope that will provide more space and better growth on his plants. Will it work only time will tell. Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week This week Chef Scott is back with another delicious broccoli recipe. This recipe is a very quick and easy dish to make in next to no time. The Garden Press Event This week Richard attended the garden press event which is an annual event for brands to get there latest products in front of the media. Some of Richard most notable items are The App Fryd A soil monitor oko A delicious tasting pear tree Jayes fluid Check out the podcast to find out more

Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast and this week Richard is sharing his tips for seed starting success, from the allotment we have a question from a listener about saving potato seed and finally we have a new project of making our own compost in order to be more self sufficent. Kitchen garden update: Seed Starting Success. With March and Spring being just around the corner, it brings with the real seed sowing time. Seed sowing is a skill in its own right but this week Richard suggests ways in which to make seed sowing more successful for you. This tips include: Use the freshest seed possible and buy from a reputable source such as Premier seeds direct or Simply Seed. Use a good quality seed compost and add a bit of perlite Heated propagators help warm the soil, but a soil thermometer also helps you work out when the soil is warm enough When you seedlings germinate they need light and grow lights can really help with strong growth. Allotment update: Saving our own Seed Potatoes Down on the allotment this week Richard is answering a question from a listener by the name of Steve. Steve is asking if its possible to save our own seed potatoes. Saving our own seed potatoes can help save money and also could mean we could have our own supply of varieties that may not be available in the garden centres. Richard reflects on a time when he did save his own seed potatoes and how that worked out and shares how he managed to save his own seed potatoes. Something he feels we should all do more of as we try and be more self sufficient. Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week. Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe and a interesting twist on the good old broccoli stem. Tempura broccoli is one to delight many when it arrives on the kitchen table adding a oriental zing to a delicious vegetable. And Finally making our own compost mixes. Towards the end of this weeks podcast Richard shares a new project he is attempting. Making his own ingredients to mix his own compost mixes. Over the years Richard has noted that compost is one of the most expensive costs in growing his own food. After doing lots of research Richard has identified ways of making it possible to make his own compost. But this starts with making his own ingredients.

Join Richard on his allotment and kitchen garden as he continues his mission to grow as much of his own food as possible. This week, he’s been busy organising his shed, finding ways to save money on the allotment, and building a pallet wood seed tray—a fantastic upcycling project. Plus, Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe, perfect for using this month’s seed of the month: leeks! Organising the Shed: Kitchen Garden Update With a little extra time on his hands, Richard has been giving his shed a much-needed makeover, turning it into a more efficient and organised workspace. Here’s how he’s improved his shed setup: Storage Solutions – Using IKEA recycling bins to store bulk materials like compost, keeping everything neat and accessible. Repurposing Containers – Old juice bottles are now handy storage for liquid plant feeds, while a craft box keeps seeds neatly organised. Clear Labelling – Using a Nimbot label maker to ensure everything is easy to find when needed. A well-organised shed saves time, effort, and frustration, making growing food even more enjoyable! For an extra tip these craft boxes are great for organising and storing seeds!!1 Saving Money: Allotment Update Running an allotment can get expensive if you're not careful! This week, Richard has been focusing on budget-friendly gardening, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a productive plot. Here are some of his top money-saving strategies: Making as much compost as possible – A great way to create free, nutrient-rich soil while reducing waste. Using cardboard to suppress weeds – An eco-friendly, cost-free alternative to expensive weed barriers. Reusing and recycling materials – From repurposing old containers to making DIY garden projects, every little helps! By thinking creatively and making the most of what’s available, Richard is cutting costs while keeping his allotment thriving. Chef Scott’s Recipe of the Week Chef Scott is back in the kitchen with another hearty, winter-warming dish: Chicken & Leek Savoury Crumble. This delicious recipe makes the most of this month’s featured seed: leeks—a true winter staple. With tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy sauce, and a cheesy crumble topping, this dish is pure comfort food at its best! Missed last week’s podcast? Be sure to check it out for more tips on growing leeks and how to make the most of your harvest. You can find the full recipe here or over on Scott’s Instagram: Seed to Table Plot 13. DIY Project: Making a Pallet Wood Seed Tray Finally, Richard has been putting his DIY skills to good use by making a sturdy, upcycled seed tray from old pallet wood. This simple yet practical project is perfect for:✅ Starting seedlings indoors or in a greenhouse✅ Reducing plastic waste by replacing flimsy store-bought trays✅ Giving new life to scrap wood If you’re looking for a fun and easy upcycling project, this one is definitely worth trying!

As we edge closer to spring, there’s nothing like a bit of time on the allotment to lift the spirits. This week on The Veg Grower Podcast, I share how preparing the potato beds for planting has helped me shake off the winter blues and get excited for the growing season ahead. We also have our seed of the month. This month its the winter hardy favourite leeks. Getting Ready for Potatoes: Allotment update With just a few weeks until planting time, I’ve been busy prepping my potato beds. There’s something therapeutic about working the soil, clearing any weeds, and ensuring the ground is in the best condition for a good crop. It’s amazing how focusing on simple tasks like this can boost your mood and set you up for a productive season ahead. Seed of the Month: Leeks In our seed of the month segment, we’re talking about leeks—an incredibly versatile and hardy crop that no veg grower should be without. I’ll be sharing why I love growing leeks, how to get them started, and some tips to ensure a strong harvest later in the year. This segment is in collaboration with Premier Seed Direct and some of my recommended varieties areas follows Musselburgh A popular and hardy variety of leek Bulgarian giant A long thin early variety with exceptional taste Jolant Fairly new leek but seems to be very popular Chef Scott’s Recipe: Spaghetti With Broccoli And Hot Smoked Salmon Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe to inspire you to cook with homegrown produce. This week, he’s sharing his salmon spaghetti—a simple yet flavourful dish that pairs beautifully with fresh ingredients. Mini Greenhouse Build Finally, I’ve invested in a mini greenhouse! Space for seed sowing is always at a premium this time of year, so I decided to buy and build a compact greenhouse to help free up some room. I’ll take you through the process and share how I plan to use it to maximise my growing space. So, grab a cuppa, tune in, and let’s talk all things veg growing!

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