Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

Sarah Wilson
  • 4.7 (202)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Do you want to know how to grow plants and get the best out of your outdoor space? Do you find traditional gardening media baffling and/or boring? Then you're in the right place, because the Roots and All podcast is here to dig deep into how to create a successful garden. If you want honest information and insider knowledge about how to get results, join irreverent horticulturist Sarah Wilson as she chats to the best people from the world of plants and gardens. Sarah is on a mission to help you create your own beautiful green environment, with a focus on saving resources and working with nature. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure you don't miss an episode.

  1. Episode 384: Sustainable Eating for Planet Health

    3 HR AGO

    Episode 384: Sustainable Eating for Planet Health

    This episode might just change the way you grow, shop, cook, and eat. Today I'm joined by returning guest Dave Goulson to talk about his new book, Eat the Planet Well, a practical guide to eating in a way that's healthy, affordable, and better for the planet. Even if you think you know the basics — and are wondering about Dave's shift from his usual nature writing — there's plenty here that will surprise you. Benny's Insect of the Week: Dark-edged Bee-fly With thanks to our sponsor  - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.  Links Dave Goulson on instagram  Eat the Planet Well by Dave Goulson Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Dave, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Episode 334: Food Farming Revolutionary Joshua Sparkes shares a regenerative, soil-first approach to growing food that challenges conventional farming — a natural companion to today's discussion on rethinking how we produce and consume what we eat. Episode 328: Soil, Health & Nutrition Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital link between soil health and the nutritional value of our food, reinforcing the idea that what's good for the planet is also good for us.

    31 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

    3 HR AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

    Introducing Joel Kinnaman – Reflecting on Mortality in ‘For All Mankind’ and L.A. Hiking Dates from Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Follow the show: Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson ‘For All Mankind’ star Joel Kinnaman joins the show. Over fresh fish and farmer's market vegetables, Joel tells me about aging across four decades on the Apple TV+ series ‘For All Mankind’ and this season, portraying the same age as his father. Plus, we hear about his fascinating upbringing – from being raised by his American father in Sweden, who deserted the Vietnam War – to being an exchange student in suburban Texas. Plus, playing in his native Swedish in Netflix’s ‘Detective Hole’ and his unexpected wedding at Burning Man. This episode was recorded at Crudo e Nudo in Santa Monica, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Episode 383: Roots in Orkney

    4 MAY

    Episode 383: Roots in Orkney

    What happens when you follow a decades-long love affair with a place all the way to its shores? Victoria Bennett did exactly that, uprooting her life in Cumbria to start afresh on the windswept islands of Orkney — new garden, new climate, and an inspiring vision for a community apothecary space rooted in creativity, care, and the land itself. Benny's Insect of the Week: Orange-tip Butterly With thanks to our sponsor  - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.  Links Author Website Victoria Bennett — Official Author Site  Books The Apothecary by the Sea — Waterstones  All My Wild Mothers — Amazon author page Instagram — @beewyld Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Victoria, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Episode 370: Remembering Our Nature Brigit Anna McNeill explores healing through plants, herbalism, folklore and ancestral connection — a beautiful companion to today's conversation about finding yourself through the natural world and the restorative power of putting down new roots.  Episode 368: Rooted In Purpose Robin Singh's journey from corporate life to growing his own food and living more intentionally echoes Victoria's themes of caregiving, community and choosing a life shaped by purpose rather than habit.

    34 min
  4. Episode 382: When Gardening Doesn't Make You Happy

    27 APR

    Episode 382: When Gardening Doesn't Make You Happy

    What if gardening doesn't make you happy? Gardening isn't always the simple "cure-all" it's often made out to be. We get into the realities behind the wellbeing narrative — from overwhelm and pressure to the deeper emotional connections we form with our outdoor spaces. It's a thoughtful, honest conversation about what gardens really give us… and what they sometimes don't. Benny's Insect of the Week: Gooden's Nomad Bee With thanks to our sponsor  - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.  Links The Psychology of Gardening (The Psychology of Everything) - Harriet Gross Garden Lovers Reading Retreat Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Harriet, you might also like these conversations from the archives: Episode 314: Nurturing Growth, Inside and Out In this episode, Sarah looks at the emotional side of gardening and how our outdoor spaces can shape identity, wellbeing, and resilience — a thoughtful companion to today's discussion about the psychological weight and reward of tending a garden. Episode 286: Natural Happiness This episode explores the relationship between nature and wellbeing, questioning what we really mean when we say gardens make us "happy," and how that experience varies from person to person — closely linked to today's reflections on the limits of gardening as a cure-all.

    30 min
  5. Episode 381: Ecology, Art and Memory

    20 APR

    Episode 381: Ecology, Art and Memory

    Rebecca Wynn Kelly works at the intersection of sculpture, ecology, and myth as a "species architect" exploring how we might reimagine our relationship with the land. Rooted in West Wales, her work blends habitat creation with storytelling and folklore to ask who—and what—we build the landscape for. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Batman Overfly Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.  Links Rebecca Wynn Kelly – Artist Instagram – Rebecca Wynn Kelly Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you liked this week's episode with Rebecca Wynn Kelly, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Episode 53: Garden Design for Every Species In this episode, John Little explores how gardens can be designed with wildlife at the centre, creating layered habitats that support a wide range of species. It's a natural companion to today's conversation about building for more than just human needs and thinking like a "species architect." Episode 301: The Wheel of the Year In this episode, Rebecca Beattie discusses seasonal cycles, folklore and ritual, and how reconnecting with the rhythms of the year can deepen our relationship with the land. It offers a thoughtful extension of today's themes around story, place and ecological connection.

    32 min
  6. Episode 380: Following a Drop of Water

    13 APR

    Episode 380: Following a Drop of Water

    This week, we dive into the hidden world of water with author Stephen Rutt, exploring the landscapes we so often overlook. From chalk streams to peat bogs, we trace water's strange and vital journey through our environment—and why it deserves far more of our attention. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Yellow-Legged Mining Bee Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.  Links The Waterlands - Stephen Rutt Stephen Rutt on Instagram https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you liked this week's episode with Stephen, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Episode 352: Peat, Politics and Horticulture In this episode, Sarah explores the importance of peatlands, from their role in carbon storage to their impact on water systems, making it a natural companion to today's conversation about wetlands and the movement of water through the landscape. Episode 322: Garden Wildlife Ponds This episode looks at how introducing water into the garden can support biodiversity, offering practical insights into creating and maintaining ponds — an ideal follow-on from today's discussion on the value of water in both wild and cultivated spaces.

    37 min
  7. Episode 379: Pam Lewis: Ahead of the Curve

    6 APR

    Episode 379: Pam Lewis: Ahead of the Curve

    Horticultural legend Pam Lewis began her garden at Sticky Wicket in Dorset decades ago, and revisiting her early writing shows just how ahead of the curve—and fearless—she was in championing wildlife-friendly, sustainable gardening. We sat down to reflect on her years in the garden and how the horticultural world has changed along the way. Benny's Insect of the Week: Asiraca clavicornis Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.  Books Sticky Wicket: Gardening in Tune With Nature - Pam Lewis, 2007 Making a Wildflower Meadow - Pam Lewis, 2015 Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you liked this week's episode with Pam, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Episode 194: Gardening for Wildlife In this episode, Sarah explores how gardeners can better support biodiversity, sharing practical ways to create spaces that welcome and sustain wildlife — making it a natural companion to today's conversation about gardening in harmony with nature. Episode 285: No Mow May This episode looks at the impact of letting lawns grow wild through May, highlighting how small changes in garden management can have big benefits for pollinators and biodiversity — an ideal follow-on from today's discussion on working with, rather than against, the natural world.

    37 min
  8. Episode 378: Growing a Sustainable Nursery

    30 MAR

    Episode 378: Growing a Sustainable Nursery

    What does it really take to run a small, sustainable nursery? This week on Roots and All, I'm joined by nurseryman and designer Ben Preston of Cliff Bank Nursery for an honest conversation about the realities of the job—from growing in sand and selling bare root plants to why local nurseries matter more than ever, and why it's truly a labour of love. Benny's Insect of the Week: The Orange Ladybird Please support our sponsors - roastinghouse.co.uk. get 25% extra free if you mention Roots and All or the insect of the week in the comments box at checkout.  Links Cliff Bank Nursery Instagram: @cliff_bank_nursery Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you liked this week's episode with Ben, you might also enjoy this episode from the archives: Episode 284: The Organic Nursery In this episode, Sarah speaks with Sam Frings about building and running an organic nursery, exploring the challenges of growing plants sustainably, maintaining ethical practices, and creating a resilient small business — making it a perfect companion to today's discussion on the realities of nursery life. Episode 175: Seeking Rare Plants Nick Macer of Pan Global Plants joins Sarah to share his passion for unusual and hard-to-find plants, discussing plant sourcing, selection, and what it takes to run a specialist nursery — an ideal follow-on from today's conversation about plant choice, diversity, and the role of small growers.

    35 min
See All (391)

4.7
out of 5
202 Ratings

About

Do you want to know how to grow plants and get the best out of your outdoor space? Do you find traditional gardening media baffling and/or boring? Then you're in the right place, because the Roots and All podcast is here to dig deep into how to create a successful garden. If you want honest information and insider knowledge about how to get results, join irreverent horticulturist Sarah Wilson as she chats to the best people from the world of plants and gardens. Sarah is on a mission to help you create your own beautiful green environment, with a focus on saving resources and working with nature. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure you don't miss an episode.

Information

You Might Also Like