The Veg Grower Podcast Richard

With the cost of living still being a concern, this week we look into seed saving as a way to save more money by growing our own food







Garden update







In this weeks garden update we have plenty of tasks to share with you.







What have you tackled in your garden this week?







Scotts recipe







As usual our resident chef Scott has a fantastic curry base to share with you. You can find the recipe here

Good day, fellow garden enthusiasts! In episode 518 of the Veg Grower Podcast, we embarked on an exciting journey that took us from tending our allotment to exploring the vibrant world of local flower and produce exhibits. Let's dive into the highlights of this episode:







Allotment Update: Clearing Weeds, Cutting Grass, and More







We started by giving you the latest scoop on our allotment. From battling stubborn weeds to maintaining a well-groomed lawn and addressing blighted tomatoes, we covered it all. Plus, the squash plants are flourishing – a promising sign for our upcoming harvest.







Supporters Club Advert







Before delving deeper into our adventures, we took a moment to express our gratitude to our dedicated supporters. Your continued support keeps our podcast thriving!











A Day at the Flower and Produce Show







The heart of this episode was our visit to the local Flower and Produce Show. We strolled through the exhibits, marvelling at the impressive displays of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Our hosts contemplated the possibility of participating in next year's event, drawing inspiration from the talented exhibitors.







Culinary Delights: Scott's Chinese Braised Aubergine Recipe







We couldn't resist sharing a mouth-watering recipe with you! Scott's Chinese Braised Aubergine recipe is a delightful treat for the taste buds. If you're looking for a creative way to enjoy aubergines from your garden, this recipe is a must-try.







Veg Plot Update: Surprises and Challenges







Our journey continued with an update on our veg plot. A mischievous squirrel had a hand (or paw) in damaging the roots of our beloved blackberry plant. But, on a brighter note, we witnessed the bare-rooted trees sprouting fresh leaves, and we proudly planted an abundance of Swiss chard.







Thank you for joining us on this podcasting adventure, and we hope you enjoyed the journey as much as we did. Don't forget to subscribe to the Veg Grower Podcast for more gardening tips, updates, and exciting adventures in the world of homegrown produce.







Until next time, happy gardening!

Welcome to this week's exciting episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! I'm thrilled to take you on a journey as I share the details of my very first live stage talk. This special event took place on the Let's Grow stage at the prestigious Gardener's World Autumn Fair, held at the stunning Audley End House.







During this captivating stage talk, we explored the fascinating topic of 'Turning Your Garden into a Lean, Mean Food-Producing Machine.' Join me as I delve into the key insights and tips from this enlightening presentation, packed with valuable information on maximizing your garden's potential for bountiful food production.







A Gardeners world Autumn Fair Stage Talk







In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, we're diving deep into the heart of my first-ever live stage talk at the Gardener's World Autumn Fair. It was an exhilarating experience to stand before fellow gardening enthusiasts on the Let's Grow stage and share insights on the transformative topic of 'Turning Your Garden into a Lean, Mean Food-Producing Machine.'







During this podcast episode, you'll have the opportunity to relive the excitement of that day as I walk you through the key points and revelations from my stage talk. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just beginning your gardening journey, there's something here for everyone. I'm thrilled to bring this valuable content to you through the podcast format, allowing you to listen at your convenience.







Throughout the episode, we'll explore practical strategies and innovative ideas that can help you unlock your garden's full potential for food production. From garden design tips to plant selection, pest management, and sustainable practices, you'll discover a treasure trove of information to elevate your gardening game.







So, join me in this virtual journey back to the Gardener's World Autumn Fair, where we'll tap into the energy and knowledge shared on that stage. Let's get ready to cultivate thriving gardens and harvest the rewards of our labour. Tune in, and let's get started on this exciting gardening adventure together







If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to help support us then please click the button below to join up to our supporters club

Good evening, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Veg Grower Podcast. I'm your host, Richard, and I'm here to guide you through all things related to growing your own delicious and nutritious produce. In this 516th episode, we're diving deep into the world of allotment gardening, sharing updates from the plot, discussing the not-so-rosy aspects of allotment life, and of course, bringing you some delectable recipes and garden insights. Let's get started!















Allotment Update: Cultivating Comfrey and Bountiful Harvests







In this week's allotment update, I'm thrilled to report that we've been hard at work. We've recently cut down the comfrey plants to help enrich our compost piles. Plus, we're celebrating our first substantial harvest of Berlotti beans – a true testament to our dedication and care. As autumn approaches, we've also had the pleasure of plucking ripe pears from the trees, savouring the literal fruits of our labour.















Supporters Club Shoutout: Growing Together and Sharing Tips







Our supporters club has been abuzz with activity. This week, we've been busy sowing the seeds of parsley and spinach, gearing up for a future of fresh greens. If you've been enjoying our podcast, we kindly invite you to show your support by leaving a review on your podcast provider. Your feedback fuels our passion and helps us reach more budding gardeners like yourself.











Listener Interaction: Tackling the Squash Question







Speaking of engagement, we received an interesting question from a listener: "How big do we allow squashes to get?" Tune in to find out our take on this common concern and gain some insights into managing squash growth for optimal results.















Main Segment: The Reality Check of Allotment Gardening







Now, let's dive into the heart of today's episode. While allotment gardening offers numerous rewards, it's not always a bed of roses. Join us as we explore the less glamorous side of allotment life:









Theft: Unfortunately, allotments aren't immune to theft. We'll discuss strategies to safeguard your hard-earned harvests.







Neighborly Challenges: Awkward or unkind neighbors can sour the experience. Learn how to navigate such situations while fostering a sense of community.







Weed Killer Woes: Dealing with the use of weed killers by others? We've got tips on maintaining an organic and healthy growing environment.







Rules and Regulations: Allotments come with rules that need to be followed for the greater good. We'll shed light on how to stay in harmony with allotment regulations.







Land Ownership Realities: Remember, as allotmenteers, we're stewards of the land, not owners. We'll explore the nuances of this relationship with the earth.

















Scott's Recipe Corner: A Culinary Delight







It's time to tantalize your taste buds with Scott's delectable recipe. Dive into our Scott's Recipe segment and discover a culinary masterpiece that's sure to make your mouth water. Don't forget to check out the link to the recipe and give it a try in your own kitchen!







Check it out here















Veg Garden Update: Harvests Galore and Compost Experiments







Our veg garden is in full swing! We're celebrating the harvest of patty pan squash, a versatile and delightful addition to our culinary repertoire. Additionally, our compost experiment has yielded a bounty of potatoes – a testament to the power of soil enrichme...

Gardening is a delightful journey filled with moments of joy and unexpected challenges. In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, we delve into the dynamic world of Richard's garden as he navigates the highs and lows of cultivating his own oasis of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Join us as we explore the heart-warming progress of plants, the bittersweet farewell to a beloved chicken, and the unwelcome appearance of blight that has sent shockwaves through the garden.















In the Home Garden







The episode starts with a heart-touching story – the tale of Hawkins, a beloved chicken whose fate took a tragic turn due to a sparrowhawk encounter. A once-timid chicken, Hawkins had been a regular egg-layer and a cherished garden companion. Her passing due to the sparrowhawk's visit serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between nature's wonders and its challenges.







Amidst the anecdotes, Richard shares his endeavors in nurturing young Swiss chard and kale plants, a task made more challenging by the influx of slugs and snails encouraged by the wet weather. Nevertheless, his determination shines through as he carefully tends to the plants, determined to help them flourish. The kohl rabi finds its home in the soil, while hedgehogs, long-awaited guests, add a touch of wild charm to the garden.







Richard also recounts his efforts in transforming an area in his garden previously occupied by logs into a space for winter water butts. A dilapidated chicken coop awaits a new home, free for the taking. But the true stars of the garden are the harvests – a delightful medley of beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, beetroot, carrots, salad leaves, and fragrant herbs. However, this abundance is marred by the arrival of blight, a formidable adversary that demands immediate attention.















The Blight Encounter







The episode takes a turn as blight makes its presence known. Richard's tomato plants have fallen victim to this devastating disease, threatening to wipe out an entire crop. Late Blight, caused by a fungi-like organism, is notorious for its rapid spread, and Richard details the unmistakable symptoms – dark patches on leaves that quickly lead to withering and death. He answers the question of what exactly blight is and elaborates on its impact, drawing parallels to its role in historical events like the Irish potato famine.







Richard provides insights into combating blight – from the swift removal and destruction of infected plants to methods of prevention. He shares valuable tips, like ensuring proper spacing for good air circulation, watering soil rather than foliage, and considering blight-resistant varieties. While Richard acknowledges that there is no definitive treatment, he emphasizes the importance of vigilance and action to curb the disease's effects.















Supporters Club Buzz







The podcast episode also highlights the vibrant community of gardening enthusiasts who make up the supporters club. Richard encourages listeners to leave reviews on podcast platforms or become club members to access exclusive content and seed collections. This week, the supporters club has been focused on sowing spring cabbage seeds and discussing ways to make gardens both beautiful and efficient.







Click the button below to find out more











Scott's recipe







Chef Scott is back this week with a tasty recipe. Aubergine, chickpea and spinach Curry. Absolutely delicious so go give it a try















Conclusion







In the end, the episode encapsulates the essence of gardening – a beautiful blend o...

Welcome back to another captivating episode of the Veg Grower podcast, where we cultivate the knowledge and skills needed to transform your gardening endeavours into a bountiful table spread. Today, we're embarking on a journey through the realms of harvest storage – an indispensable aspect of reaping the rewards of your hard work. Before we dive into the depths of storing your precious produce, let's kick things off with an enticing update from the allotment.















Allotment Update:







Bask in the glory of drier weather as we traverse the lush expanses of our allotment. The sun's warm embrace has graced us, allowing the earth to exhale after a refreshing rain. This weather shift brings exciting news – our tomato vines are heavy with vibrant red treasures, ready for the plucking. Onions, too, have responded to nature's rhythm, and their papery layers beckon us to gather them for future culinary delights. And, as we bid farewell to summer, a new chapter unfolds as we lovingly tuck in butternut squash plants, promising autumnal abundance in the days to come.















The art of storing our harvests.







When we spend much of the year growing our food in order to have fresh produce it seems a shame to not make some of this food last into the winter months where we can. This week we Dive into the art of storing our harvests, with the following points to think about







Temperature and Humidity: As the season's dance guides us through transitions, our harvests embark on a new journey – from garden to table. Join us as we unlock the secrets of temperature and humidity, crafting the perfect environments for each precious crop. From the cool embrace of root veggies to the warm haven of tomatoes and peppers, discover how to honour their individual preferences while preserving their essence.







Darkness and Light: As the sun casts its enchanting glow upon our garden, we delve into the interplay of darkness and light. We explore the subtle art of light exposure, safeguarding the potential of onions and potatoes to blossom while nurturing herbs and fruits that thrive under its gentle touch.







The "Don't Wash Everything" Rule: In the delicate balance between garden and plate, the wisdom of washing takes centre stage. Unearth the secrets of selective washing – a practice that elevates the flavours and longevity of your produce. Learn when to embrace the water's caress and when to hold off, preserving the pristine quality of your harvests.







Choosing the Right Containers: Amidst this journey of preservation, containers emerge as our steadfast companions. Discover the art of container selection, from rustic wooden crates that embrace airflow to the elegant embrace of glass jars. With each choice, we safeguard the future of our harvests and relish in the convenience of well-labelled vessels.







Inspect and Rotate: Vigilance becomes our ally as we traverse the landscape of storage. Regular inspection and timely removal of imperfections ensure that our harvest's integrity remains intact. Enter the dance of rotation, a mindful choreography that maximizes enjoyment while minimizing waste.







Freezing and Preserving: In times of abundance, the freezer becomes our ally, and preservation our art. Step into the world of blanching, where the essence of flavours and nutrients are preserved in icy embrace. Journey into the realm of pickling and canning, where our garden's offerings transcend their seasonal boundaries.















Garden Update and Conclusion:







As our episode draws to a close, let's journey back to our garden sanctuary for an update on its ever-changing tapestry.