Join Richard in the 600th episode of the veg grower podcast. This week Richard has an update from the allotment followed by a new trail, Hotbin vs Dalek.

At the end of this podcast you can also be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets to gardeners world spring fair on Sunday the 4th May 2025

Join richard in this weeks podcast in which Richard shares the seed of the month Pumpkins. Richard also shares the latest from the kitchen garden and his thoughts on this months book of the month.

Kitchen garden update Whitefly and more space.

Over the last week, while Richard inspected his young plants he noticed some white aphids on his chillies. While only a small infestation it was time to take quick action. Richard used an organic pesticide which worked within a day but wasn't Richards preferred choice.

Richard also needed his kitchen table back with family over for mothering Sunday. This table was full of plants so Richard went out and bought a vegtrug nursery to house his plants outside, but still undercover. So far so good.

Seed of the month Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a delicious and easy to grow edible, but often over looked as used for Halloween carvings. Well Richard prefers to grow food and this month Richard delves into growing pumpkins.

Links to suggested varieties

Crown Prince

Vif d'etempas

Atlantic giant

Big Max

JAck Be little

White baby boo

Chef Scott recipe of the week

This week Chef Scott has a delicious pea guacamole using pea instead of avocado

And finally

Richard finishes off with a review of the book of the month for March Allotted time by Robin Shelton. A great example of how gardening can help us deal with tough times.

Richard also answers a question about his root trainers

Join Richard in this weeks podcast in which Richard is springing into action. With Spring officially here its time to really get to work and this week Richard has been busy on the allotment cutting the grass and tending to his garlic. In the kitchen garden Richard has also been busy potting on lots of plants and planting up his greenhouse in order to grow food. Chef Scott is also back with another tasty recipe.

Allotment update: Springing into action

Down on Richards allotment, Richard has been cutting the grass over the last couple of weeks. Not the most exciting of tasks but this week Richard has made this task a little easier by investing in some new strimmer line for his ryobi grass strimmer and adding a bigger battery to his collection of ryobi batteries. This has made the grass cutting task much easier.

Added to that Richard has also tended to his over wintered garlic and onions. They are starting to show signs that they are springing into action. But they needed a good feed and with the dry spell we have had lately a good watering.

Kitchen Garden Update: Greenhouse is go.

Back at home Richard has been busy sowing more seeds, pricking out more seedlings and potting up young plants. All of which is taking up precious space!!

However there is light at the end of the tunnel as the weather has improved and temperatures inside the grow house and tunnel now means that young plants can live in this 2 places. With that Richard has moved plants into these areas freeing up space indoors.

Not only that with the greenhouse now war, enough Richard has planted some young veg plants into the autopot system in the greenhouse. Richard trailed the autopot system last year and was so impressed with the result he decided to expand upon it this year. If you are interested in the autopot don't forget Richards discount code AUTO10RVG when buying from Autopot

Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week

This week Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe. A delicious spring vegetable and mozzarella filo parcels cooked in an air fryer!!

A great snack or to take on a lovely picnic and cooked in an air fryer. What's not to love.

And Finally.

Towards the end of this podcast Richard turns his attention to propagation, in particular a method called layering. This method of propagation happens in nature and is a very reliable way to propagate new plants from existing plants.

Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs

Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off

Join Richard in this weeks Veg Grower Podcast where this week, with Spring in the air Richard has set up his coldframes including building one out of scrap. Down on the allotment Richard has also been planting out his potatoes and back in the podding shed Richard has had a bit of correspondence from listeners.

Kitchen Garden Update: Coldframes

With spring just around the corner Richard has got his coldframes out and ready to use. Coldframes are a great way to protect young plants and free up some space from all the plants in Richards kitchen.

Richard has a collection of coldframes but Richard also made a temporary coldframe out of some scrap materials this week in order to provide more protection.

Allotment update: Potato Planting

This week also sees the ST Patrick's day holiday which for Richard is the best time to plant his potatoes ready for a crop later this year.

Potatoes are a staple in many households and growing our own potatoes usually means we get better potatoes. For Richard this is also a good sign Spring is nearly here and the allotment is about to get very busy.

Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week: Spring Vegetable Risotto

Chef Scott is back this week with a delicious spring vegetable Risotto. A great way to make a delicious heart warming meal using spring vegetable

From The Podding Shed

Richard finishes off in the podding shed with some correspondence from listeners. One question in particular is about Richard use of AI to come up with a seed sowing plan for the year and this plan can be found here.

In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the primary speaker, shares a wealth of updates and insights from his gardening activities, both at his allotment and at home. This episode is particularly poignant as it is set against the backdrop of Richard's recent job change, which has significantly impacted his schedule for visiting the allotment. Despite these changes, Richard emphasizes the value of dedicating a little time each day to gardening tasks, such as weeding and watering. He highlights how even small, consistent efforts can lead to significant progress in maintaining a healthy garden.

The "Little and Often" Gardening Method

One of the key themes Richard discusses is the effectiveness of the "little and often" gardening method. This approach involves spending short bursts of time on gardening tasks each day, which can be incredibly effective in maintaining control over an allotment without becoming overwhelmed.

Benefits of the "Little and Often" Method:

Consistency: Regular attention prevents tasks from piling up.

Manageability: Short, daily sessions are less daunting than long, infrequent ones.

Efficiency: Focused, daily efforts can lead to a more organized and productive garden.

Actionable Tips:

Set a Timer: Dedicate 10-20 minutes each day to specific tasks like weeding or watering.

Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-priority tasks that need immediate attention.

Stay Flexible: Adjust your tasks based on weather conditions and plant needs.

Maintaining Grass Paths for Composting

Richard also discusses the importance of keeping grass paths clear, particularly for composting purposes. Well-maintained paths not only enhance the overall appearance of the garden but also facilitate easier access to different areas, making it simpler to manage various gardening tasks.

Benefits of Grass Paths:

Aesthetic Appeal: Neat paths make the garden look organized.

Compost Material: Grass clippings can be added to compost bins or used as mulch.

Accessibility: Clear paths make it easier to navigate the garden.

Actionable Tips:

Regular Mowing: Gradually lower the mower's height each week to keep the grass manageable.

Use Clippings Wisely: Add clippings to compost bins or use them as mulch to retain soil moisture.

Battery-Powered Mowers: Consider using a battery-powered mower for efficiency and environmental benefits.

The Social Aspect of Gardening

Gardening is not just about growing plants; it's also about fostering a sense of community. Richard shares anecdotes about his interactions with neighbors at the allotment, illustrating how gardening can bring people together.

Benefits of Social Gardening:

Knowledge Sharing: Exchange tips, advice, and experiences with fellow gardeners.

Community Building: Develop relationships and a sense of belonging.

Resource Sharing: Share produce, seeds, and tools with neighbors.

Actionable Tips:

Engage with Neighbors: Take time to chat and share experiences with fellow gardeners.

Join Gardening Groups: Participate in local gardening clubs or online communities.

Host Garden Tours: Invite neighbors to tour your garden and share your successes and challenges.

Managing Trees and Creating Woodchip for Composting

Richard addresses the challenges he faces with managing trees on his property. He talks about the process of processing branches from these trees to create woodchip for composting, which not only helps in recycling materials but also contributes to the sustainability of his gardening practices.

Benefits of Woodchip:

Soil Improvement: Woodchip adds organic matter to the soil.

Moisture Retention: Helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Weed Suppression: Acts as a natural mulch to suppress weeds.

Actionable Tips:

Use a Garden Shredder: Invest in a garden shredder to process branches into woodchip.

Spring is creeping in, and with it, the start of another exciting growing season. March is a month of new beginnings—seed trays filling up, beds being prepared, and the first real sense that warmer days are on the way.

In this week’s podcast, Richard covers:

The Seed of the Month – Tomatoes

What can be done on the allotment in March

Chef Scott’s recipe: Roast Pork Chops with Rhubarb

A review of A Jam Maker’s Garden

Let’s get stuck in.

Seed of the Month: Tomatoes

Few crops are as rewarding as homegrown tomatoes. This month, Richard is sowing a mix of different varieties to suit a range of growing conditions.

One of the first tomatoes sown this year was ‘Minibel’ , a dwarf variety ideal for pots and small spaces. One plant has even been growing in Richard’s hydroponic system and is thriving.

For those looking for reliability outdoors, ‘Crimson Crush’ is a top choice. This variety is blight-resistant, making it a great option for UK growers who often battle unpredictable summers.

Other Great Tomato Varieties to Consider

‘Sungold’ – A cherry tomato with an incredibly sweet flavour.

‘Gardener’s Delight’ – A classic and reliable variety, perfect for greenhouse or outdoor growing.

‘Marmande’ – A large beefsteak variety with a rich flavour, great for slicing.

‘San Marzano’ – The famous Italian plum tomato, perfect for sauces.

‘Alicante’ – A traditional British tomato, known for its excellent taste.

‘Tigerella’ – A striking striped variety with a good balance of sweetness and acidity.

How to Sow and Grow Tomatoes

When to Sow: January to April (indoors), April-May (outdoors, under protection).

Where to Grow: Greenhouse, windowsill, or outdoor containers once the risk of frost has passed.

Top Tip: Water consistently—irregular watering can lead to split fruit or blossom end rot.

For a full breakdown of tomato growing, including support methods, common problems, and harvesting tips, listen to this week’s episode.

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March on the Allotment

March is one of the busiest months on the allotment—the soil is waking up, and so should we. This week, Richard recorded from the plot, getting his hands dirty while discussing the key jobs for the month.

March Allotment Tasks

Prepare the soil – A light forking over, a good compost top-up, and a check for overwintering weeds.

Sow early crops – Broad beans, peas, spinach, beetroot, radish, and early carrots.

Plant out onions, shallots, and garlic – A great low-maintenance crop for beginners.

Potatoes – Time to get first earlies in the ground.

Spring is also a key time for pruning fruit trees and bushes. If you’ve got raspberries, make sure last year’s canes are cut back (if they’re autumn-fruiting) or tied in (for summer-fruiting varieties).

It’s a big month, but there’s nothing better than getting stuck in after winter’s quiet months.

Recipe of the Week: Roast Pork Chops with Rhubarb

This week, Chef Scott brings a seasonal favourite—roast pork chops with rhubarb. If you’ve never paired rhubarb with savoury dishes, this is a great way to try it. Its sharpness cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a beautifully balanced dish.

For those growing rhubarb, now is the time for the first harvest. Any flower stalks should be removed to keep the plant productive.

Book Review: A Jam Maker’s Garden

For those who love preserving the harvest, Holly Farrell’s A Jam Maker’s Garden is an essential read. It’s not just a book of recipes—it guides growers through cultivating and harvesting the best fruit for jam-making, ensuring top flavours and yields.

Join Richard and Scott in this weeks podcast where this week Richard has noticed that there are signs that the allotment is springing into life. Back at home Richard is building on his grow light system in order to be able to grow more seedlings and he also shares a few insights from the garden press event. Scott is also back with his recipe of the week.

Springing Into Life On The Allotment

Down on the allotment Richard has seen some signs that spring is just around the corner. Nettles and comfrey are just starting to show, Rhubarb has begun breaking through and even the over wintered garlic and onions are showing signs of life.

This is all good signs that spring is just round the corner but bringing with it is of course weed growth too. Time to start weeding more.

Grow Lights The Secret To Good Seedlings

This week at home Richard has been potting on lots of young seedlings and what he has noticed is that the seedlings under grow lights show better growth both in foliage and in roots. The downside is that he only has so many grow lights and only so much space.

Grow lights can be cheap and so Richard has fitted grow lights to the inside of an old bottle fridge in his garage on the hope that will provide more space and better growth on his plants.

Will it work only time will tell.

Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week

This week Chef Scott is back with another delicious broccoli recipe. This recipe is a very quick and easy dish to make in next to no time.

The Garden Press Event

This week Richard attended the garden press event which is an annual event for brands to get there latest products in front of the media.

Some of Richard most notable items are

The App Fryd

A soil monitor oko

A delicious tasting pear tree

Jayes fluid

Check out the podcast to find out more

Join Richard in this weeks veg grower podcast and this week Richard is sharing his tips for seed starting success, from the allotment we have a question from a listener about saving potato seed and finally we have a new project of making our own compost in order to be more self sufficent.

Kitchen garden update: Seed Starting Success.

With March and Spring being just around the corner, it brings with the real seed sowing time. Seed sowing is a skill in its own right but this week Richard suggests ways in which to make seed sowing more successful for you.

This tips include:

Use the freshest seed possible and buy from a reputable source such as Premier seeds direct or Simply Seed.

Use a good quality seed compost and add a bit of perlite

Heated propagators help warm the soil, but a soil thermometer also helps you work out when the soil is warm enough

When you seedlings germinate they need light and grow lights can really help with strong growth.

Allotment update: Saving our own Seed Potatoes

Down on the allotment this week Richard is answering a question from a listener by the name of Steve. Steve is asking if its possible to save our own seed potatoes.

Saving our own seed potatoes can help save money and also could mean we could have our own supply of varieties that may not be available in the garden centres.

Richard reflects on a time when he did save his own seed potatoes and how that worked out and shares how he managed to save his own seed potatoes. Something he feels we should all do more of as we try and be more self sufficient.

Chef Scott's Recipe Of The Week.

Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe and a interesting twist on the good old broccoli stem. Tempura broccoli is one to delight many when it arrives on the kitchen table adding a oriental zing to a delicious vegetable.

And Finally making our own compost mixes.

Towards the end of this weeks podcast Richard shares a new project he is attempting. Making his own ingredients to mix his own compost mixes.

Over the years Richard has noted that compost is one of the most expensive costs in growing his own food. After doing lots of research Richard has identified ways of making it possible to make his own compost. But this starts with making his own ingredients.

Join Richard on his allotment and kitchen garden as he continues his mission to grow as much of his own food as possible. This week, he’s been busy organising his shed, finding ways to save money on the allotment, and building a pallet wood seed tray—a fantastic upcycling project. Plus, Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe, perfect for using this month’s seed of the month: leeks!

Organising the Shed: Kitchen Garden Update

With a little extra time on his hands, Richard has been giving his shed a much-needed makeover, turning it into a more efficient and organised workspace.

Here’s how he’s improved his shed setup:

Storage Solutions – Using IKEA recycling bins to store bulk materials like compost, keeping everything neat and accessible.

Repurposing Containers – Old juice bottles are now handy storage for liquid plant feeds, while a craft box keeps seeds neatly organised.

Clear Labelling – Using a Nimbot label maker to ensure everything is easy to find when needed.

A well-organised shed saves time, effort, and frustration, making growing food even more enjoyable! For an extra tip these craft boxes are great for organising and storing seeds!!1

Saving Money: Allotment Update

Running an allotment can get expensive if you're not careful! This week, Richard has been focusing on budget-friendly gardening, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a productive plot.

Here are some of his top money-saving strategies:

Making as much compost as possible – A great way to create free, nutrient-rich soil while reducing waste.

Using cardboard to suppress weeds – An eco-friendly, cost-free alternative to expensive weed barriers.

Reusing and recycling materials – From repurposing old containers to making DIY garden projects, every little helps!

By thinking creatively and making the most of what’s available, Richard is cutting costs while keeping his allotment thriving.

Chef Scott’s Recipe of the Week

Chef Scott is back in the kitchen with another hearty, winter-warming dish: Chicken & Leek Savoury Crumble.

This delicious recipe makes the most of this month’s featured seed: leeks—a true winter staple. With tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy sauce, and a cheesy crumble topping, this dish is pure comfort food at its best!

Missed last week’s podcast? Be sure to check it out for more tips on growing leeks and how to make the most of your harvest.

You can find the full recipe here or over on Scott’s Instagram: Seed to Table Plot 13.

DIY Project: Making a Pallet Wood Seed Tray

Finally, Richard has been putting his DIY skills to good use by making a sturdy, upcycled seed tray from old pallet wood.

This simple yet practical project is perfect for:✅ Starting seedlings indoors or in a greenhouse✅ Reducing plastic waste by replacing flimsy store-bought trays✅ Giving new life to scrap wood

If you’re looking for a fun and easy upcycling project, this one is definitely worth trying!

As we edge closer to spring, there’s nothing like a bit of time on the allotment to lift the spirits. This week on The Veg Grower Podcast, I share how preparing the potato beds for planting has helped me shake off the winter blues and get excited for the growing season ahead. We also have our seed of the month. This month its the winter hardy favourite leeks.

Getting Ready for Potatoes: Allotment update

With just a few weeks until planting time, I’ve been busy prepping my potato beds. There’s something therapeutic about working the soil, clearing any weeds, and ensuring the ground is in the best condition for a good crop. It’s amazing how focusing on simple tasks like this can boost your mood and set you up for a productive season ahead.

Seed of the Month: Leeks

In our seed of the month segment, we’re talking about leeks—an incredibly versatile and hardy crop that no veg grower should be without. I’ll be sharing why I love growing leeks, how to get them started, and some tips to ensure a strong harvest later in the year.

This segment is in collaboration with Premier Seed Direct and some of my recommended varieties areas follows

Musselburgh A popular and hardy variety of leek

Bulgarian giant A long thin early variety with exceptional taste

Jolant Fairly new leek but seems to be very popular

Chef Scott’s Recipe: Spaghetti With Broccoli And Hot Smoked Salmon

Chef Scott is back with another delicious recipe to inspire you to cook with homegrown produce. This week, he’s sharing his salmon spaghetti—a simple yet flavourful dish that pairs beautifully with fresh ingredients.

Mini Greenhouse Build

Finally, I’ve invested in a mini greenhouse! Space for seed sowing is always at a premium this time of year, so I decided to buy and build a compact greenhouse to help free up some room. I’ll take you through the process and share how I plan to use it to maximise my growing space.

So, grab a cuppa, tune in, and let’s talk all things veg growing!