The GYO team chat to Simon Toomer from the National Trust about ‘first attempts in learning’, why horsetail appealed to him as a youngster, and his proudest moment at the National Trust. As well as this, Simon answers your burning gardening questions, the team chat plot sabotage, surprise harvests, and why you should never throw a brick on a string into a tree... yes, really! 


Simon says: Be persistent, be determined, and keep at it

The fruit and veg gardening podcast from Grow Your Own magazine that celebrates the failures on your allotment as much as the successes!

Nutrition

Health & Fitness

Home & Garden

Leisure

In this bonus episode of The Dirt, the GYO team talk favourite veg for the Christmas table, ideal gardening gifts and reflections on the 2022 season. With a ridiculous party game and cracker jokes, it's packed full of cheer that will certainly get you into the festive spirit. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
 


The Dirt Christmas Special!

This week, we're joined by Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls. Mark explains how he landed his fulfilling career, as well as some handy time and money saving hacks that you could put to use on your own plot. Plus, the GYO team talk gardening trends for 2023, motivators for getting outside in the cold and rising orchid prices. 


The whole point of gardening is to experiment and learn from your mistakes, says Mark Dwelly

This week, the team is joined by senior horticulturist and tutor for The Therapy Garden, Hannah Bates. Hannah discusses the mindful nature of certain tasks in the garden, as well as how everyone makes their mark on growing spaces.
 
Plus, the team discusses beautiful vegetables, tomato whispering and the surge in wonky veg, as well as the top jobs on the plot for the week! 
   


There’s something about that feeling of being cocooned in the polytunnel, says Hannah Bates

On this episode of The Dirt, we're chatting to Kevin Hancock, founder of the Gardener's Beehive. Kevin tells us all about his Eco-Beehive invention and why gardeners all over the country love it. He also shares fascinating information about honeybees and how we can help boost colonies.
Plus, the team reflect on autumn highlights and their best harvests of the year.
 


Instead of a beekeeper, I’m a bee host, says Kevin Hancock, founder of the Gardener’s Beehive

This week, we're joined by multi-award-winning garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson. Polly explains her fascinating career change to garden design, as well as some hilarious growing mishaps that have given her the confidence and insight to create stunning outdoor spaces. 
 
Plus, the GYO team talk gardening prescriptions and growing mushrooms at home. It’s packed full of horticultural inspiration! 
   


Simon says: Be persistent, be determined, and keep at it

Download our free app to listen on your phone