Home Grown with Martha and Jamie

In this episode, Jamie and Martha discuss unusual crops they’ve grown or discovered, including unusual roots, rare herbs, lesser-known vegetables and some of their favourite unusual varieties of common crops. They discuss why some plants never become commercially popular, the origins of some of our garden favourites and why home growers have the freedom to experiment with far greater diversity. Get your note books ready, your seed wish list is about to grow!

If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:

Mangelwurzel Mammoth Red:

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/mangelwurzel-red/

Celery Blush (Pink):

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/celery-blush/

We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:

[email protected]

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martha and Jamie step into the hopeful energy of March in the garden, that turning point where winter loosens its grip and the growing season begins to stir. They share everything you can sow, grow, and get underway right now, from hardy early crops to seeds started under cover, along with the essential jobs that set the garden up for the months ahead. They also chat through their favourite tomato varieties and what they’re choosing to grow this year, from reliable classics to flavour-packed newcomers. Beyond the practical, they explore the folklore and seasonal rhythms woven through March, from the spring equinox and the story of Persephone’s return to the appearance of boxing hares in open fields and the sudden blaze of daffodils across the landscape. Expect a blend of timely gardening advice, personal growing plans, and reflections on the signs of spring that remind us the garden is waking up again.

If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:

Black Cherry:

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/tomato-black-cherry/

Wild Tomato Red Currant:

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/tomato-red-currant/

We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:

[email protected]

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jamie and Martha break down the biggest garden pests, why they become a problem, and how to prevent them; including slugs, aphids, spider mites, wireworm, rabbits and deer. They explain why pesticides fail long term, why prevention matters more than cure, and how building biodiversity and balance can reduce pest pressure over time. With practical takeaways, fascinating facts and the their personal anecdotes from pest filled seasons past.

If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:

Spring Onion Purplette

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/spring-onion-purplette/

The perfect companion for carrots such as Carrot Ox Heart

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/carrot-oxheart/

We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:

[email protected]

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martha and Jamie dive into the joyful, hardworking world of flowers in the vegetable garden. 🌸

From multifunctional companion plants that deter pests and boost soil health, to edible blooms that elevate both flavour and beauty on the plate, they explore why flowers deserve a central place in productive spaces. They discuss flowering vegetables and what bolting really means, share fascinating pollination facts, and unpack how attracting insects isn’t just good for biodiversity, it also increases our yields. Expect practical growing tips, fascinating facts, and plenty of encouragement to let your add more blooms to your patch.

If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:

Dahlia Bishop’s Children

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/dahlia-bishops-children/?srsltid=AfmBOoorvxUtdcaiseqRdQA1sUhc9chWhxLwOaqr1EYb1WeaJzBnsBM4

Nasturtium Purple Emperor

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/nasturtium-purple-emperor/

We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:

[email protected]

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jamie and Martha are joined by foraging educator Fern Freud of Foraged by Fern, and Nimbus the dog. From wild garlic and nettles to mushrooms and truffles, they discuss how to start safely, common mistakes, sustainable harvesting, foraging's relationship to gardening, and why it is as much about mindset and as it is about food.

We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:

[email protected]

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should we be doing in the garden in February? In this episode, Martha and Jamie walk through February in the garden. They explain what this month is really for, what seeds are worth starting now, what should wait, and how to work with light, cold, and soil to get your plants off to the best possible start. They discuss practical growing advice, seasonal mindset shifts, plant science, and simple rituals that set up the growing season.

If you’d like to try our “Seed of the week” or some of the other varieties mentioned, links below:

Link to Dwarf Aubergine "Lilac Wand"

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/dwarf-aubergine-lilac-wand/

Link to Swiss Chard "Peppermint"

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/swiss-chard-peppermint/

We love hearing your questions and comments - so do get in touch:

[email protected]

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jamie and Martha explore everything you need to know about growing chillies and so much more. From when to sow seeds, top tips for success, and how to care for plants indoors or out, to why chillies evolved to be spicy, why you can feed them to a parrot, and how heat is measured, this episode blends practical growing advice with plant science, history, fun trivia, and flavour.

If you’d like to try our “Seed of the week” or some of the other varieties mentioned, links below:

Link to Chilli “Zimbabwe black”

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/chilli-pepper-zimbabwe-black/

Link to Chilli “BUENA MULATA”

https://shegrowsveg.com/product/chilli-pepper-buena-mulata/

We love hearing your questions and comments - so do get in touch:

[email protected]

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does being in nature make us feel better? In this episode of Home Grown, Jamie and Martha explore the science behind gardening, mental health, and the power of plants. From dementia prevention and grounding to the plant that helped create the contraceptive pill, this is a deep dive into how plants shape our bodies, brains, and society.

We love hearing your questions and comments - so do get in touch:

[email protected]

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode sees Martha Swales and Jamie Walton joined by botanist, author and broadcaster James Wong for a wide-ranging conversation about plants, curiosity, and seeing the natural world a little differently.

From growing up in Singapore to training at Kew, James shares how early experiences shaped his fascination with plants and why experimentation has always been at the heart of his work. The chat explores ethnobotany and why culture matters just as much as science when it comes to understanding how we grow, eat, and use plants.

They talk TV, from memorable moments on screen to making complex plant science genuinely accessible, as well as James’s famously packed indoor growing experiments and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. They discuss unusual edibles, surprising crops, and plants worth growing now for the future.

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Kate McIntosh and Charlie Hewitt

Exec Producer: Charlotte Dawes

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To kickstart Homegrown in 2026, Martha and Jamie discuss the best tips and tricks to starting your garden this January. From choosing the best compost and seeds, to adapting your garden through the changing of the seasons, they'll be sure to set you up with the know-how to help your plots thrive this year. 🪴

They'll be chatting about their personal favourite fruit and veg to grow at home, the cycle of life in a garden, plus sharing anecdotes from their own gardening experiences and folklore traditions such as Wassailing!

This is an episode about new beginnings, preparing for the year ahead and understanding how to keep your garden happy through the early cold months into Spring and Summer.

We love hearing your questions - do get in touch:

[email protected]

Presented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton

Video Editor and Socials: Kate McIntosh

Exec Producer: Charlotte Dawes

Artwork: Rare Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.