Home Grown with Martha and Jamie

In this episode Martha and Jamie discuss how to more grow food when space is limited. They share practical strategies for small gardens, balconies, patios and window boxes. Discuss succession planting, vertical growing, container layouts and crops that produce quickly in small beds. And cover projects such as worm farms, mini wildlife ponds and how to create a small but biodiverse ecosystem. Martha also explores the history of intensive market gardening in London and looks at shade-tolerant edible plants from Japan.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 radish, the 18 day radish:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/spring-radish-de-dix-huit-jours/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: 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 Purplettehttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/spring-onion-purplette/The perfect companion for carrots such as Carrot Ox Hearthttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/carrot-oxheart/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: 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 Childrenhttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/dahlia-bishops-children/?srsltid=AfmBOoorvxUtdcaiseqRdQA1sUhc9chWhxLwOaqr1EYb1WeaJzBnsBM4Nasturtium Purple Emperorhttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/nasturtium-purple-emperor/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: 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:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: 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 WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Kate McIntosh and Charlie HewittExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: 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:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Kate McIntoshExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the Christmas countdown on Home Grown, and Martha and Jamie are here to bring Christmas cheer in the form of practical ways to bring the season into your home... from your garden! Whether it's making holly and ivy wreaths, drying orange slices or creating natural homemade gifts. Also Jamie explains his new Boxing Day seed sowing tradition and the benefits of starting early, while Martha talks through creating decorations using what you already have outdoors. Plus we have an incredible Christmas Hamper ready for one lucky listener to win. With over £300 worth of gardening goods this will set any grower up for 2026. Listen to the pod to find out how to enter. If you're enjoying Home Grown please do tell your friends and share the love online with a nice review. It really does help more people hear about the pod. homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Charlie HewittExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martha Swales and Jamie Walton settle in for a cosy winter edition of Home Grown, bringing together gardening know-how, seasonal science and the small wonders happening just outside your window at this surprisingly busy time of year. They chat about the creatures riding out the cold months, to when the Winter Solstice takes centre stage and the mood shift it brings, plus how to stay connected to the outdoors even when it’s cold and gloomy.There’s plenty of seasonal growing chat, including vegetables that actually improve after a frost, the deepening reds of radicchio, and the mystery of Christmas potatoes. They touch on evergreens, mushrooms, stored winter veg and the small kitchen joys that make this season feel special.homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Charlie HewittExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Home Grown, Martha Swales and Jamie Walton explore the art of preserving and what it really means to keep the harvest. From ancient bog butter to shipwrecked pickles and honey that has lasted for thousands of years, they look at why some foods stand the test of time.Back in their own kitchens, they talk through the essentials of fermenting, pickling, chutneys and jams, drawing on global traditions and the quiet satisfaction of bottling the season. They share simple ways to start, how to keep ferments safe, ideas for unripe tomatoes and the methods that need a careful hand.It is an episode about saving the season, understanding the science behind long-lasting food and capturing a taste of tomorrow from the garden.We love hearing your questions - do get in touch:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Shadia OseniExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Home Grown, Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) and Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals) dive into the wonderful world of fruit trees. From why winter is the perfect time to plant one, to quirky apple history and some truly wild varieties, they explore everything you need to know before adding a tree to your garden, balcony or allotment.Martha and Jamie taste unusual apples, unpack the magic of grafting, and share incredible stories like that of Johnny Appleseed the American Pioneer. They break down pollination groups, self-fertile varieties, pruning styles and the top mistakes people make when planting young trees. Plus they answer your questions on growing fruit trees in pots and choosing the right varieties.The duo also run through the best companion plants for healthy, happy fruit trees before finishing with some delicious recipe inspiration, from pear tart to crumble.We love hearing your questions - do get in touch:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Shadia OseniExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's an exciting week on Home Grown, Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals) and Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) are joined by their very first guest. Gardener, author and TV presenter Frances Tophill.Frances has inspired a new generation to see gardening as a way to live more gently with the world. From her work on Gardeners’ World and Love Your Garden to her own wildlife-filled home life, she shares her thoughtful take on growing for joy, biodiversity and balance.She reveals her brave fashion choices at her first TV audition, her passion for pottery, and how her fabulous new book delves into the mystery and folklore of wildflowers Plus she tackles the questions that matter, from cats or dogs to the contentious choice of Gardeners’ World vs Love Your Garden.We love hearing your questions - do get in touch:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Shadia OseniExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a cosy November catch-up with Home Grown hosts Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) and Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals). This month, the nights are long, the frosts are biting, and the garden is quietly slipping into its winter state.Martha and Jamie chat seed tins, your reviews, the good the bad and the ugly, plus why leaving your leaves might be the best gift you can give your garden. They dive into the science and folklore of November’s Beaver Moon, the biggest supermoon in years, and share their favourite late-season harvests, from saffron to borlotti beans.There’s talk of bonfire traditions, caterpillars, and whether we should still be feeding the birds. Plus, a gentle reminder that dormancy can be a gardener’s secret weapon.So settle in for a soothing hour of muddy boots, lunar magic and practical garden wisdom.We love hearing your questions - do get in touch:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Shadia OseniExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Home Grown is getting ghoulish. Martha Swales and Jamie Walton are rolling up their sleeves for a Halloween special packed with creepy curiosities, squash shaped secrets and plenty of pumpkin mischief. Jamie reveals why the scariest thing about Halloween pumpkins is the mountain of them wasted every year, and why spooky squash deserve the spotlight instead. They share the need-to-know differences between pumpkins and squash, when to grow them, top varieties that taste incredible and clever ways to save space while still growing a monster harvest.Martha digs into the eerie origins of Halloween, from ancient Celtic bonfires and roaming spirits to Irish traditions that eventually brought pumpkin carving to the world. Jamie throws in fang-tastic food tips so you can eat, store and reuse every last bit of your harvest.There is a frightfully fun quiz, pumpkin festival facts (including a palace with its own Rapunzel tower and 450,000 pumpkins) and seasonal recipes to help you banish food waste. Expect folklore, flavour and a wickedly good time in the garden.We love hearing your questions - do get in touch:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Shadia OseniSenior Producer: Jack CarterExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Q&A time on Home Grown! 🌿 Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals) and Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) dig into your burning gardening questions – from how to revive an unruly allotment plot to keeping mischievous cats out of the veg beds.Along the way, they reveal a bit of friendly book rivalry, share their grand plans for the Home Grown gardening podcast’s future, and offer plenty of grow-your-own advice, honest chat, and down-to-earth laughter.We love hearing your questions - do get in touch:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Shadia OseniSenior Producer: Jack CarterExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The No Dig Revolution with Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) and Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals)In this episode of Home Grown, hosts Martha Swales and Jamie Walton explore the magic of the No Dig gardening method, proving that sometimes the best gardening happens when you simply let nature lead the way.They discuss how leaving the soil undisturbed helps create thriving ecosystems, healthier plants, and fewer weeds. Expect earthy chat, an infamous Soil Your Undies experiment, where you can discover just how alive your soil really is, and the fascinating science showing that soil can boost your happiness, thanks to beneficial microbes.Perfect for anyone who loves gardening but hates the backache, this episode celebrates the beauty of doing less and growing more, showing how lazy gardening can actually work in harmony with the natural world.We love hearing from you - do get in touch:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Shadia OseniSenior Producer: Jack CarterExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.