This week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast captures the ups and downs of gardening during a heatwave. With the sun blazing down, it’s been a challenge to stay on top of watering and weeds – but also a rewarding time for harvesting and experimenting with irrigation. Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:

Allotment Update

I began the week with a big tidy-up on the allotment. Weeds had started to get out of hand, so I put time into clearing paths, tidying beds, and giving everything a proper water. The combination of heat and rainfall has helped the soft fruits come along nicely – with blackcurrants, cherries and even some overwintered onions ready to harvest.

After lifting the onions, I sowed a full bed of maincrop carrots. I talk about the importance of not leaving beds empty and making good use of the space we have.

I also talk about the difference mulch has made this week – particularly straw mulch, which I’ve used on some beds to keep moisture in. While compost is my preferred mulch, the straw’s done a good job, and I reflect on how useful it’s been with such high temperatures.

Kitchen Garden Update

Back at home, I’ve been experimenting with some new irrigation ideas. I trialled an AquaBox Straight system to deliver water directly to the roots, and picked up a Ryobi Stick Pump at Gardeners’ World Live which helps move water from the waterbutt into the greenhouse more efficiently.

Garlic was harvested this week too – including a few bulbs I grew from supermarket garlic. They’ve done surprisingly well and I’ll be looking at how spacing and placement can improve yields for next year.

On the downside, I’ve had a battle with raspberry runners and mares tail popping up in awkward places – including the driveway. I share how I’m managing them without turning to chemicals.

Listener Letters

This week I read out two emails:

Courtney, a new gardener, got in touch for help with knotweed. I share some ideas on managing it and when to call in the council.

Tanya is growing veg in containers and trying to save her own seed – we talk about how to get started with seed saving and how she can keep improving her soil.

Recipe of the Week

Chef Scott’s back with a summer favourite: Broad Beans on Toast with Burrata, Parma Ham, Mint & Chilli. A lovely fresh lunch that makes the most of the season’s harvest.

Final Thoughts

It’s been a hot, busy, productive week in the garden. From mulching and sowing to harvesting and experimenting, there’s always something new to learn. Tune in for all the updates, listener questions, and a few thoughts on how we manage our plots in heat like this.