#595 Tangy Tomato Our Seed Of The Month

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.