Episode 605 – The Veg Grower Podcast

After a whirlwind week travelling the country with Lee Connolly (aka the Skinny Jean Gardener) and his brother Dale, I’m finally back in the potting shed—albeit with a few snapped cabbages and a whole lot more inspiration. This week’s podcast is a mix of travel tales, allotment updates, and a fantastic interview with Andy from Hotbin. We’re also talking chickens, cucumbers, and how kids are the future of gardening.

Touring with 10,000 Budding Gardeners

Last week I joined Lee and Dale on a mission to get 10,000 children gardening. We visited schools all over the UK, delivering high-energy seed sowing sessions filled with laughter, dancing, and even a few water pistols. The highlight? Seeing children leave with big smiles and wildflower seeds in their pockets.

But it wasn’t all sunshine and spuds. A visit to the Royal School for the Deaf opened my eyes to just how inaccessible our audio-based content can be. It’s made me think seriously about making the podcast more inclusive. Suggestions welcome.

And then there was the visit to the iconic Blue Peter Garden… I won’t spoil the video (coming soon on Lee’s YouTube channel), but let’s just say the vege patch didn’t quite live up to childhood memories.

Back on the Plot: Mulch, Mayhem & A Greenhouse Surprise

Returning to the allotment after a week away is always a mixed bag. Thanks to good pre-trip watering and some faithful mulching, most of the crops survived—broad beans, potatoes, onions, and garlic all doing well.

The big jobs this week? Planting out the squashes, courgettes, pumpkins, tomatoes, and peppers. I’d delayed them due to frost warnings and dryness—and it looks like that was the right call. Chef Scott lost half his squashes to a rogue frost!

My greenhouse, however, was the biggest surprise. The cucumbers and tomatoes in the autopots had tripled in size while I was away! It just goes to show how reliable that watering system is, even in warm weather.

Chickens, Slugs & Sustainability

We had a great message from listener Laura in West Yorkshire this week, who asked about chickens and whether I’d ever keep bees or other animals. So this episode includes a little segment on what it’s like keeping chickens in the garden. Spoiler alert: I wouldn’t be without them.

From eggs to pest control to rich compostable manure, chickens offer so many benefits. But they do require care, especially when you go away, and can be destructive if left to free-range during planting season!

Bees and ducks are on my “maybe someday” list—but for now, chickens remain my top pick for productive pets.

This Week’s Recipe: Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crumble

Chef Scott returns with a seasonal treat—rhubarb crumble with a twist. This version is gluten-free but packed with flavour. Head to the blog to find the full recipe and give it a try with your latest rhubarb haul.

Question of the Week:Do you garden with your children—or grandchildren? What are your tips for getting kids interested in growing food? I’d love to hear your stories. Leave a comment below or drop me a message.

Until next time,Richard