The Kitchen Garden Magazine Podcast

September is a month of abundance and transition in the kitchen garden, and in this episode, we’re embracing it all. Stephanie Hafferty walks us through essential tasks for the month — from composting and sowing to harvesting and preserving a bounty of crops. Fruit expert David Patch joins us to share his top pear varieties for home growers, including the storied history of the classic 'Conference' and the stunning 'Durondeau.' Plus, Martin Fish takes us on a delightful visit to a historic walled garden in Lincolnshire, home to a 156-year-old grapevine and centuries of gardening tradition. Whether you're bottling chutneys or planning your overwintering crops, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration for the changing season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deliciously practical episode, Rob Smith dives into the world of homegrown snacking—from crunchy celery and colorful French beans to creamy pea dips and vibrant kohlrabi. Discover how to grow tasty, nutritious party bites even in the smallest of spaces. Then, Benedict Vanheems returns with essential advice for helping your plants thrive through scorching summer heat. Learn top watering strategies, mulching methods, and clever cooling tricks to beat the burn. Whether you’re prepping a garden platter or protecting your patch, this episode has your back. 🌱☀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bumper August episode, the Kitchen Garden team digs into all the key jobs for the month—whether you're lifting onions, sowing winter salads, or managing a greenhouse in a heatwave. Learn how to check sweetcorn for ripeness, deter pests like vine weevils and spider mites, and keep your tomatoes and peppers thriving. Rob Smith also shares his expert advice on watering strategies, fruit tree care, and preparing for Christmas potatoes. From green manures to homemade saffron from calendula petals, there's something for every gardener in this season of plenty. Tune in and grow on! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we bring you top greenhouse and garden jobs for July—from managing heat and humidity to sowing spring cabbages and keeping your tomatoes and peppers happy. Then, professional gardener Nicola Hope shares a moving story of heritage seeds and cultural preservation, taking us from her Gloucestershire greenhouse to far-off lands like Syria, Ukraine, and Bolivia. Learn why saving seeds isn’t just practical—it’s personal. Plus, Martyn Fish drops in with tips on salads, strawberries, and citrus care to keep your crops thriving through the height of summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this sun-soaked July episode, we dive into the must-do tasks for your veg patch, with expert tips on everything from harvesting garlic and courgettes to pollinating squash by hand. Learn how to fend off summer pests like potato blight and carrot root fly, and discover Steve Ott’s guide to growing a thriving herb garden—whether you're planting parsley in pots or crafting a pizza-themed herb display. It's a celebration of summer abundance, flavor, and fragrant greenery you won’t want to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this vibrant early summer episode, we dive into the top gardening tasks for June with Joyce Russell—from pruning cherry trees to tackling weeds and getting your veg into the ground. Tony Flanagan brings sunflower sunshine to your plot with growing tips and variety picks, while we share step-by-step advice on pumpkins, peas, sweetcorn, and more. With pests to watch out for and harvests to enjoy, it's a packed guide to making the most of your kitchen garden this month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this berry-packed 150th episode, we dive deep into the delicious world of strawberries and beyond. Fruit growing expert David Patch walks us through every season of strawberry care—from planting and feeding to mulching and rotating your crop for success year after year. Plus, Rob Smith joins in to share his top varieties of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and even thornless blackberries ideal for small spaces, containers, and gardens big or small. Whether you’re after a glut for jam-making or a steady trickle of berries for your morning yogurt, this episode has you covered with practical tips, clever tricks, and juicy inspiration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Rob Smith sings the praises of broad beans — the hardy, fragrant, and easy-to-grow staple of UK veg patches. Discover his expert tips on sowing, spacing, and supporting your plants, plus how to guard against blackfly and chocolate spot. From rare heirloom varieties like Crimson Flowered and Martock to low-maintenance options perfect for busy growers, there’s a bean for every plot. Martin Fish joins us in the greenhouse to cover essential May jobs: planting tomatoes and cucumbers, sowing herbs, feeding strawberries, and managing watering and weeds. Whether you're planning an autumn bean harvest or prepping for a summer glut, this episode has you covered! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Kitchen Garden Magazine Podcast, we dive into the essential tasks for your vegetable patch this May. From protecting ripening fruit and earthing up potatoes, to thinning carrots and setting up sturdy supports for beans — we've got your seasonal to-do list covered. Discover smart ways to deter root fly, manage weeds, and mulch effectively for healthier crops and less effort. Plus, we share tips on caring for strawberries, preparing for late frosts, and what to sow, plant, and harvest right now. Packed with expert advice and timely reminders, this is your fortnightly fix for growing success! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just like us, our veg some times need a little bit of TLC. No more so than in winter, when food is scarce for predators and the weather can be inclement. In this podcast we give our top ten tips for care of winter veg and Rob Smith turns his gardening know how to those staples you can enjoy throughout the coldest months of the year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Squashes are members of the Cucurbita family that includes marrows, courgettes, cucumbers and melons. And like their fellow cousins, squashes are tender annuals. The winter squash can be stored for use over the winter months, making them a valuable and tasty addition to the winter table. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens are among Britain's most iconic. But did you know they also include a thriving vegetable garden? Kitchen garden editor Steve Ott takes a tour with kitchen gardener Olivia Steed Munden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sweet peppers and chili peppers have increased in popularity over recent years, and the seed catalogs are full of interesting varieties ranging from mild to very hot fruits that suit all tastes. Martin Fish gives his expert advice on growing these yourself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast KG editor Steve Ott chats to inspirational community gardener Becky Rolfe. With the help of willing volunteers, Becky has helped to create two community plots on the site in her local Norfolk village, providing prospective plot holders with the chance to gain confidence and hone their skills before taking on a patch of their own. She is also the driving force behind Hevingham Community Garden, open to the public 24/7 as a space to relax and to grow food, much of which is given to families in need in the local community and beyond. This work is part-funded by Becky herself via not-for-profit company Give Two Figs through which she sells her beautiful artworks. For more information: www.givetwofigs.co.uk : https://www.instagram.com/givetwofigs/ : https://www.facebook.com/GiveTwoFigs/ :https://www.facebook.com/groups/2958402361153787/ (the last for Hevingham Community Garden specifically)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KG editor Steve Ott chats to organic gardening expert and regular contributor to KG Stephanie Hafferty about RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. What were the themes and highlights and what ideas will Stephanie be taking home to her own plot in beautiful Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast KG editor Steve Ott chats to Tayshan Hayden-Smith who many of you will know as a TV presenter on BBC’s Your Garden Made Perfect and Hampton Court Flower Show coverage. He is also a pro footballer, award-winning Chelsea Flower Show designer, green activist and founder of The Grow2Know Project and now with the release of his new book Small Space Revolution, an author too! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The KG team of Steve, Emma and Tony gather to chat about the top tasks on the plot this month, to compare notes on what they have been up to in recent weeks and to talk about some of the latest gardening stories to hit the news – as well as the weather of course! For more information check out the latest issue in the shops now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KG editor Steve Ott chats to Milly Fyfe who (in no particular order) is a keen gardener, garden writer, farmer, Mum of two, home cook, food campaigner, award-winning digital marketing expert, Instagrammer and blogger as well as the owner of website www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.com (well-worth a visit for the delicious recipes alone!) Milly talks about her upbringing among a family of gardeners and her work promoting seasonal British farm produce as well as home-grown crops to parents and children alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KG editor Steve Ott chats to Susy Bortolot, AKA susybliving on Instagram and YouTube, about her obsession with growing her own, successional sowings and how moon phase gardening can both improve your crops, and your organisational skills in the garden! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KG readers will know Martin from his regular contributions to the magazine. A trained horticulturist, ex-nurseryman and head gardener, Martin now concentrates on his work as a writer and on giving talks at many major shows around the country where he works with wife Jill – Martin giving the gardening advice and Jill putting together delicious recipes using the produce he grows. Here he chats to the KG team about his life in horticulture and his exciting new garden in Lincolnshire. You can follow progress from the garden every month throughout 2024 in the magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.