In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard and guest Chef Scott delve into the intricacies of gardening, focusing on compost trials, seasonal planting, and a delectable recipe. This blog post will break down the key themes and tips discussed in the episode, providing you with actionable advice and expert insights to enhance your gardening experience.

Richard's Gardening Insights

Compost Trial Results

Richard conducted a detailed compost trial to compare the performance of different compost types in growing tomatoes. Here’s a breakdown of his findings:

Types of Compost Tested

Budget Compost:

Source: Local range

Cost: Approximately £2.50 per bag when bought in bulk

Performance: Initially produced larger and stronger tomato plants but suffered from blossom end rot, reducing the number of edible tomatoes.

Heart of Eden Compost:

Source: Received for free

Cost: Available on Amazon for £17 per bag

Performance: Yielded around 20 tomatoes with no signs of blossom end rot.

Rocket Gro Compost:

Source: Local garden center

Cost: About £9 per bag

Performance: Similar to Heart of Eden, yielded around 20 tomatoes with no signs of blossom end rot.

Key Takeaways

Quality Over Quantity: While budget compost may seem cost-effective, the quality of the produce can suffer. Investing in higher-quality compost can lead to better yields and healthier plants.

Accessibility and Affordability: The availability and cost of compost are crucial factors. Richard struggled to find Heart of Eden compost locally, highlighting the importance of accessible and affordable gardening supplies.

Importance of Quality Compost

Richard emphasizes the significance of using quality compost, especially as gardeners transition to peat-free options. He notes that some gardeners have reported finding debris like bits of brick and plastic in their compost, raising concerns about quality. Here are some tips to ensure you’re using the best compost:

Check for Debris: Inspect your compost for any unwanted materials.

Read Reviews: Look for feedback from other gardeners about different compost brands.

Experiment: Conduct your own trials to see which compost works best for your plants.

Current Gardening Activities

Richard shares his current gardening activities, focusing on sowing broad beans and peas for overwintering and planting spring bulbs.

Sowing Broad Beans and Peas

Varieties:

Broad Beans: 'Aqua Dolce Claudia'

Peas: 'Meteor'

Method: Sowing seeds in root trainers for easy transplanting.

Benefits:

Early Harvest: Plants sown in the fall can be harvested earlier in the spring.

Pollinator Attraction: Early flowers from spring bulbs attract pollinators, benefiting the overall garden ecosystem.

Reduced Pest Issues: Overwintering broad beans can help avoid problems with blackfly, which typically affects spring-sown plants.

Planting Spring Bulbs

Richard discusses planting spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips. Although he primarily grows edibles, he enjoys incorporating ornamental plants to attract pollinators and add visual interest to his garden. Here’s his approach:

Lasagna Pot Technique: Planting bulbs at different heights within the same pot for a staggered blooming period.

Annual Practice: Planting new bulbs in pots each year and relocating older bulbs to the lawn after they have finished flowering.

Listener Engagement and Feedback

Richard values listener engagement and encourages them to share their winter gardening experiences. He also addresses gardening questions and feedback from listeners, fostering a sense of community.

Gardening Questions

Richard answers a question from a listener named Lynn about using well-rotted horse manure on heavy clay soil. Here’s his advice:

Mulching Over Winter: Some gardeners prefer to use manure as a mulch over winter, allowing worms to incorporate it into the soil.