• The Veg Grower Podcast

  • By: Richard
  • Podcast

The Veg Grower Podcast

By: Richard
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  • Summary

  • If you are interested in growing your own food , then this is the podcast for you. Each week Join Richard Suggett as he shares his experience of growing food in his allotment and back garden.
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Episodes
  • #575 What We Use To Suppress Weeds Sustainable And For Free!!

    #575 What We Use To Suppress Weeds Sustainable And For Free!!
    Oct 14 2024
    In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard and chef Scott delve into the world of sustainable gardening and culinary creativity. Richard shares his experiences and tips for effective ways to suppress weeds, while Scott introduces a mouth-watering recipe that encourages listeners to use homegrown produce. Suppressing weeds on the allotment The Use of Old Carpets and Cardboard for Weed Suppression Richard begins by discussing the common practice of using old carpets in gardening, particularly for weed suppression. However, he highlights the potential issues associated with this method: Chemical Concerns: Carpets may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil, affecting plant health. Damage to Equipment: Carpets left in the ground can cause damage to gardening machinery, making them a less desirable option. Instead, Richard advocates for the use of cardboard as a biodegradable alternative. Here’s how you can effectively use cardboard in your garden: Preparation: Remove any non-biodegradable materials, such as Sellotape, from the cardboard. Wetting the cardboard can make this process easier. Application: Lay the cardboard over empty garden beds to suppress weeds. As the cardboard breaks down, it enriches the soil with organic matter. Become a supporting member. This podcast continues thanx to the generous help of members of the supporters club. If you enjoy this podcast then please consider becoming a member and help keep this podcast running. Benefits of Mulching with Woodchip and Seaweed Richard emphasizes the importance of mulching in maintaining a healthy garden. Mulching offers several benefits: Moisture Retention: Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering. Weed Suppression: A thick layer of mulch can prevent weeds from germinating and taking over your garden. Soil Improvement: As mulch decomposes, it adds valuable nutrients to the soil. Richard shares his experience with two types of mulch: Woodchip: Often delivered to allotment sites for free, woodchip is an excellent mulch that improves soil quality as it decomposes. Seaweed: Collected from the beach after storms, seaweed is rich in nutrients and has been historically used in coastal gardening. Collecting Leaves for Mulch and Compost Another valuable resource Richard discusses is leaves, which are often considered a nuisance in public spaces. Here’s how you can make the most of fallen leaves: Mulch: Use leaves as a mulch to protect plants and suppress weeds. Compost: Add leaves to your compost heap to create nutrient-rich compost. Leaf Mold: Create leaf mold by collecting leaves in a bin or bag and allowing them to decompose over time. Leaf mold is an excellent compost for seed sowing and growing specific plants like parsnips. Effective Mulching Techniques Richard concludes his gardening segment by emphasizing the importance of effective mulching. Here are his key tips: Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to mulch half a bed well than to spread a thin layer over an entire bed poorly. Compost as Mulch: While compost is the best mulch, save it for when it’s most needed to maximize its benefits. Chef Scott's Recipe Segment In the latter part of the episode, chef Scott introduces a delicious recipe for a sweet potato and spinach lasagne with a hint of chili. This recipe not only showcases the versatility of sweet potatoes but also encourages listeners to grow their own produce. Scott encourages listeners to try growing sweet potatoes, highlighting their rewarding nature. Here are some tips for growing sweet potatoes: Climate: Sweet potatoes thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight. Soil: Plant them in well-drained, sandy soil enriched with organic matter. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Harvesting: Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the leaves start to...
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    32 mins
  • 574 Winter Is Coming: Are Your Plants Ready To Survive?

    574 Winter Is Coming: Are Your Plants Ready To Survive?
    Oct 7 2024
    As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, gardeners everywhere are gearing up for the winter months. In a recent episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard shares his extensive knowledge and personal experiences on how to prepare your garden for winter. From greenhouse maintenance to the benefits of green manures, Richard provides a wealth of practical advice to help you protect your plants and ensure a bountiful harvest come spring. Additionally, Chef Scott joins the episode to share a mouth-watering recipe for roast elephant garlic and potato soup, perfect for the season. Greenhouse Maintenance: Maximizing Light and Heat Cleaning and Organizing Richard begins by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and organized greenhouse. This is crucial for maximizing light penetration, which is essential for the growth of plants during the darker winter months. Cleaning Glass and Plastic Panels: Ensure that all panels are free from dirt and debris to allow maximum sunlight to reach your plants. Organizing Plants: Position plants that require more light on the southern side of the greenhouse. Richard mentions that his tomatoes are thriving on this side, while the northern side, which receives less light, is reserved for plants that have finished their growing season. Enhancing Heat Retention Richard has made several modifications to improve heat retention in his greenhouse, which is particularly important as temperatures drop. Adding Gravel: On the northern side of the greenhouse, Richard has added gravel to improve drainage and create a thermal bank. The gravel retains heat during the day and releases it at night, helping to keep the greenhouse warmer. Moving Tender Plants Indoors: Richard has moved several tender plants, such as his peach tree, grapevine, citrus tree, and various peppers, into the greenhouse earlier than usual due to the sudden drop in temperature. Considering Additional Heating Richard expresses concern about the lack of heating in his plastic greenhouse, which is more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. He is considering adding heat to a new potting shed he plans to build, which could provide a more stable environment for his tender plants. Vegetable Beds: Mulching and Monitoring Mulching for Insulation Richard discusses the importance of mulching perennial beds to insulate plants and protect them from the cold. Using Straw: He has mulched his rhubarb and dahlia beds with straw, which provides an effective barrier against frost. Dealing with Spent Plants: Richard acknowledges the challenges of dealing with spent plants, such as tomatoes affected by blight, but is pleased to see that some courgettes are still producing. Monitoring Temperatures Richard emphasizes the need to closely monitor temperatures and be prepared to take action if they drop significantly. Horticultural Fleece: He has horticultural fleece ready to protect his plants if temperatures drop below minus five degrees Celsius. This is particularly important for younger plants like spring cabbages and cauliflowers, which are more vulnerable to cold. Allotment Preparations: Harvesting and Planting Harvesting Root Vegetables Richard shares his experiences at the allotment, where he has been busy preparing for winter. Main Crop Potatoes: He has harvested his main crop potatoes and is pleased with the yield, particularly from the King Edward variety, which typically struggles in his soil. Removing Root Vegetables: Richard stresses the importance of removing root vegetables before the ground freezes to prevent damage. Planting Brassicas and Using Nets Richard plans to plant more brassicas in the now-empty potato beds and discusses his approach to protecting these plants. Using Nets: Although he dislikes using nets to protect his plants from birds, he acknowledges their necessity as winter approaches.
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    32 mins
  • #573 How Can You Successfully Plant Elephant Garlic This Autumn?#573

    #573 How Can You Successfully Plant Elephant Garlic This Autumn?#573
    Sep 30 2024
    In this episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the host, and Scott, a chef, share their insights and experiences on gardening and cooking with seasonal produce. Richard focuses on the process of planting garlic, particularly elephant garlic, and discusses various seeds that can be sown in October. Scott complements this with a delicious recipe for an autumn vegetable gratin. Planting Elephant Garlic Understanding Elephant Garlic Elephant garlic is a unique variety that grows similarly to regular garlic but is much larger and milder in flavour. It is more closely related to leeks than to regular garlic, which is interesting given its name and appearance. The bulbs can grow up to 14 cm in diameter, making them a standout addition to any garden. This feature is in collaboration with Premier Seeds Direct. Premier seed direct are my go to place for good seeds at very reasonable prices and in decent quantities. They even sell elephant garlic for growing, don't forget to use our discount code psdvegpod. Steps for Planting Elephant Garlic Choosing the Right Location Sunlight: Select a sunny spot in your garden. Garlic thrives in full sunlight, which is crucial for a successful harvest. Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained. Elephant garlic does not do well in waterlogged conditions. Preparing the Soil Weed Removal: Clear the area of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients. Soil Enrichment: Incorporate organic matter such as compost to enhance soil fertility. This creates a nutrient-rich environment for the garlic to grow. Planting Technique Spacing: Plant the cloves about 10 cm deep and 20 cm apart, with the pointed end facing upwards. This spacing allows the plants to grow without competing for resources. Depth Adjustment: If you have clay soil, consider planting shallower to prevent the cloves from rotting. Watering and Mulching Initial Watering: Water the cloves immediately after planting to help them settle in. Mulching: Cover the area with a mulch of chopped leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Care and Maintenance Cold Period: Garlic needs a period of cold to split into cloves, which is why it is planted in autumn. Minimal Care: Once growth starts, usually by December, ensure the soil remains moist and weed-free. Seeds to Sow in October Richard emphasizes the importance of growing food year-round and provides a comprehensive list of seeds that can be sown in October. Here are the detailed recommendations: Herbs Basil, Parsley, Coriander, Dill, and Chives: These herbs thrive in cooler temperatures and can be grown on a kitchen windowsill. They provide fresh flavors for winter cooking and can be harvested throughout the season. Microgreens Indoor Growing: Microgreens are small, flavorful plants that can be grown indoors. They are quick to harvest and add color and taste to dishes. Consider growing varieties like radish, mustard, and cress. Brassicas Cauliflower and Cabbages: These can be sown in October but will need protection from the cold. Use cloches or cold frames to shield them from frost. Winter Salads Winter Lettuces and Hardy Spring Onions: These can provide fresh produce during the colder months. They are hardy and can withstand lower temperatures. Broad Beans and Peas Indoor Starting: Sow broad beans and peas directly into the ground or start them in root trainers in a greenhouse. Starting them indoors can ensure an earlier crop and reduce the risk of black fly infestations. Green Manures Soil Health: Green manures like field beans and phacelia help protect the soil, prevent nutrient loss, and suppress weeds. They improve soil health and structure, making them a valuable addition to your garden. Recipe of the Week: Autumn Vegetable Gratin Chef Scott shares a comforting recipe for an autumn vegetable gratin, perfect for using up seasonal produce.
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    32 mins

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