Growing Up Podcast

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Why do we bring flowers to funerals, plant trees in memory of loved ones, and find ancient yews in churchyards? Andy and Kate explore the connections between gardening, funeral traditions and remembrance—with warmth, curiosity and a healthy dose of irreverence.

From rosemary and Victorian flower symbolism to natural burials and living memorials, discover how plants help us remember people—and how to create a meaningful space of your own, even with just a single pot.

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356

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November might seem like the month to put your feet up and forget about the garden, but there's still plenty to be getting on with!

This week on The Growing Up Podcast, Kate and Andy explore some of the lesser-known gardening jobs worth tackling in November. From turning fallen leaves into valuable leaf mould and taking hardwood cuttings for free plants, to improving drainage, growing winter crops and getting your tools ready for next year.

Plus, they share why November is the perfect time to reflect on this year's gardening successes (and disasters!) and start planning a better garden for next season.

Practical tips, a few laughs and plenty of reasons to get outside this November — even if it's just for half an hour!

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356

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Did you know that some plants were once believed to protect against evil spirits, attract fairies, bring good fortune or even scream when pulled from the ground?

In this episode of The Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate explore the weird and wonderful world of plant folklore, uncovering the fascinating stories, superstitions and ancient beliefs surrounding some of our most familiar garden plants.

From the terrifying legends of mandrake and the mysterious Elder Mother to rosemary's association with remembrance and thyme's connections to fairies, we discover how plants have inspired magic, mystery and superstition for centuries.

Plus, we finish with practical tips for creating your very own enchanted garden, filled with atmospheric planting, hidden corners and plants with extraordinary stories.

A fascinating journey into the magical history hiding in our gardens!

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356

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It's pumpkin season! 🎃 This week on the Growing Up Podcast, Kate and Andy celebrate one of autumn's most iconic crops. From their ancient origins in the Americas to their fascinating connection with Halloween, we explore the history, folklore and cultural significance of pumpkins.

After the break, we're getting practical with a complete guide to growing your own pumpkins, covering everything from choosing varieties and sowing seeds to feeding, pollination, harvesting and storage.

Whether you're dreaming of a giant Halloween pumpkin or delicious home-grown squash for the kitchen, this episode is packed with gardening advice, fascinating stories and a few laughs along the way.

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail

As the garden starts to wind down for winter, it’s tempting to cut everything back, rake up every leaf and give the whole place a thorough tidy — but wildlife might prefer you didn’t!

In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate explore simple ways to make your garden more wildlife-friendly this autumn. From leaving seed heads and fallen leaves to creating log piles, helping hedgehogs, planting spring bulbs and providing food, water and shelter for birds and insects, we look at how a slightly less tidy garden can become a haven for wildlife.

Plus, we discover why ivy deserves better PR, why your neglected corner can officially be called a “biodiversity zone”, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your garden is… absolutely nothing.

A practical, light-hearted guide to autumn wildlife gardening and preparing your garden for winter.

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail

October might feel like the garden is winding down, but there’s still plenty to be getting on with! In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast, Kate and Andy run through the essential gardening jobs for October, from planting spring bulbs and garlic to harvesting the last crops, protecting tender plants and preparing your soil for winter.

We also look at autumn lawn care, composting, making leaf mould, looking after wildlife and why you might want to resist the temptation to make the garden too tidy.

Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs or simply looking after your garden, this episode will help you make the most of October and get everything ready for the colder months — and for an even better garden next year.

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail

Think you need green fingers to be a good gardener? That watering leaves in sunshine will scorch them? Or that gravel in the bottom of pots improves drainage?

In this episode of The Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate tackle some of the biggest gardening myths that simply refuse to die. From companion planting and coffee grounds to slugs, fertiliser, watering, no-dig gardening and growing vegetables in shade, we separate useful gardening advice from traditions and old wives’ tales that might not be quite as reliable as we've been led to believe.

We also explore why losing plants doesn't make you a bad gardener, why a slightly messy garden can actually be a good thing, and why there really isn't one “correct” way to garden.

Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been gardening for decades, this episode might make you question a few things you've always taken for granted — and hopefully make gardening feel simpler in the process.

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail

Want to grow more food next year? The secret is to start now. In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate explore why autumn is one of the most important times in the gardening calendar — from planting garlic, onions and perennial crops to improving your soil, building raised beds, making compost and planning next year’s harvest.

Discover the simple jobs you can do this autumn to get ahead, make spring easier and create a more productive garden next year.

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail

We're exhausted.  And this week in a very tired state, we talk about the realities of working in horticulture.  Six months work without a day off, long hours, heatwaves and why we still love the job that we do.

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail

What should you be doing in the garden this September? In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate explore the essential gardening jobs for September, from autumn planting, harvesting and sowing vegetables to lawn care, composting, planting spring bulbs, saving seeds and preparing your garden for winter.

We also look at why September gardening is really the beginning of next year’s growing season, with tips on planting hardy herbs, protecting tender plants, improving soil, helping wildlife and getting your garden ready for a successful spring.

If you’re looking for practical autumn gardening tips, ideas for what to plant in September, or a simple September garden checklist, this episode is packed with useful advice for gardeners of all experience levels.

The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels.  We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply.  Check out the link below to order your own tunnel.  If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Check them out here➡️   https://rb.gy/55t356