Welcome to Episode 510 of the Veg Grower Podcast! In this exciting instalment, we dive into the latest happenings in the world of vegetable gardening, allotments, and fruitful harvests. Join us as we explore allotment updates, summer fruit tree care, and the joys of a bountiful garden harvest. Let's get started!

Allotment Updates: Weeding, Harvesting, and Surprising Discoveries

On the allotment, we've been diligently tackling the ongoing task of weeding to ensure our crops thrive. The battle against weeds is never-ending, but it's a crucial step to maintain a healthy growing environment. Alongside weeding, we've been rewarded with an abundant harvest. Tomatoes, runner beans, potatoes, blackberries, currents, and gooseberries have graced our baskets. One highlight has been the introduction of Maris Bard early potatoes, which have surpassed our expectations with their impressive yield and size. While they may suffer from scab, the reward of flavour and quantity more than makes up for it. Additionally, we've explored creative ways to utilize empty beds, such as planting purple French beans after clearing the broad bean plants. Our gardening journey has also included the excitement of Charles, our crown prince pumpkin plant, producing a squash with intriguing features. We eagerly await its further development.

Summer Fruit Tree Care: Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Growth

In the segment on summer fruit tree care, we discussed how recent strong winds posed a risk to our precious trees. We explored techniques to address potential damage, such as gently using tights to hold broken branches together. Additionally, we delved into the concept of the June drop, nature's way of thinning excess fruit to ensure optimal development. Pruning stone fruit trees was highlighted as a vital task during the summer months, along with providing proper nutrition, mulching, and consistent watering. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment that promotes fruit tree health and productivity, ensuring a future abundance of delicious homegrown fruits.

Recipe time

A few weeks ago I thought it would be good to get some new voices on the podcast in particular a chef. Well listener Scott has stepped up and share a recipe and even recorded audio for it. Its a Stilton, Smoked Bacon and vegetable gratin. It sounds absolutely delicious and love to know what you think of it.

Garden Update: Strawberries, Peas, Spinach, and Abundant Harvests

Transitioning to the home garden, we expressed gratitude for minimal damage caused by the strong winds. In the greenhouse, we've witnessed our strawberries in hanging baskets sending out runners. We've taken advantage of this natural process, carefully pinning the runners into small pots filled with multi-purpose compost, with the goal of obtaining new plants for next year. Outside, we've cleared the first batch of peas, making space for a potential new sowing to tackle the challenges we've faced this year. Spinach has also found its place in a raised bed, ready to provide us with an additional harvest. The season has brought us peas, radishes, beetroot, courgettes, raspberries, Tayberries, and currents, filling our kitchen with an array of homegrown delights.

Conclusion: A Call to Action and Growing Together

As this episode comes to a close, we extend an invitation to our listeners to leave a review for the Veg Grower Podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more gardening enthusiasts and share the joy of growing our own food. We also encourage you to consider becoming a supporting member, unlocking exclusive behind-the-scenes content and receiving monthly seed collections. Connect with us via email or our website's voicemail feature, and don't forget to follow us on social media for further updates, tips, and inspiration.

Until next time, take care, keep gardening, and relish in the abundant harvests nature provides. Happy growing!