The Seed Pod

Welcome to the world of growing food! Richard Chivers and Becky Searle take you on a trip through the fascinating world of organic gardening delivering seasonal advice, fascinating science and stories from their own gardens.

Basics of Ecology

Today we take a step out of the garden and into the classroom with a little lesson in Ecology. We discuss some aspects that are important for gardening and just plain interesting!The books we spoke about today were:Thinking in Systems by Donella MeadowsSong of the Dodo by David QuammenSilent Spring by Rachel CarsonSilent Earth by Dave GoulsonWilding by Isabella Tree

07-08
47:29

Gardening Journeys with Liz Zorab

Richard and Becky chat to the fabulously inspiring Liz Zorab of Byther Farm. Liz tells us about her journey from bed bound to small holding and YouTube star!Check out Liz's YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe0Ha5QljsCV5UqIkobBrcQAnd Her Book Grounded:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grounded-Gardeners-Journey-Abundance-Self-Sufficiency/dp/1856233022

06-04
44:53

Tomato Chat!

This week, we're going lighthearted with a simple chat about tomatoes. We discuss our favourite varieties, when we sowed, when they flower, problems we can get with them and a few unusual solutions to these problems!

05-21
44:50

Gardening and Climate Change, with Professor Dave Goulson

This week, Richard and Becky are joined by Professor Dave Goulson, author of the best-selling book Silent Earth, along with Bee Quest, The Garden Jungle, A Buzz in the Meadow, A Sting in the Tale, Gardening for Bumblebees and more. We discuss what the changing climate could mean for us as gardeners and our insect fauna. We also discuss what we can do from our own patches to help fight against climate change. 

05-07
41:51

No Dig Gardening with Stephanie Hafferty

Richard and Becky catch up with author and no dig gardener, Stephanie Hafferty to talk about  no dig gardening and gardening holistically for a healthier, greener garden. You can find more information about Stephanie and links to her books at www.nodighome.com

04-23
45:45

New Growers Guide, Part Two

In this Episode Becky and Richard discus the next steps to getting your growing space up and running, including the pros and cons of raised beds, filling spaces with perennials and more. 

04-09
54:01

Starting a New Garden

In this episode, Becky and Richard explore some ways to make starting a new garden or allotment slightly less of a daunting task. 

03-25
46:00

Winter Growing

Becky and Richard discuss why growing over winter is important, and how exciting it can be too!They also discuss some crops that you can grow over winter to turn your plot into a productive paradise all year round.

09-11
36:11

Let's Get Composting!

Becky and Richard discuss composting this week. It's featured regularly throughout the podcast, so it's about time there was an episode on it. We discuss why it is an important thing to do, and how to do it, plus a few tips to make it easier, simpler and overcome a few problems people might have with their compost. 

08-22
42:03

Summer Pests and Diseases

Becky and Richard discuss some of the common pests and diseases we encounter in the summer months in our gardens and what we can do to organically manage them.Made in association with Harvst Mini Greenhouses. Use the code SEEDPOD for 10% off!

07-25
52:46

Episode 11 - Kids Gardening

In this episode Richard and Becky discuss the importance of getting kids involved with Gardening, and setting up positive associations with being outside and growing food. They also talk about simple things that we can do to keep children entertained on the allotment, whilst allowing us to get the gardening done. 

07-11
40:23

Episode 10 - Summer Loving

This week Becky and Richard are discussing the summer solstice, what it means for our gardens, our plants and for us.We also talk about what we are doing in our gardens right now, what challenges we are facing and what we are sowing, planting and harvesting!

06-27
53:06

Episode 9 - Weeds

Richard and Becky discuss one of their least favourite things; weeds. What is a weed, and what exactly is the point in them? And what if understanding these things helps us to manage them? 

06-13
53:15

Episode 8 - Greenwashing

As organic gardeners we are conscious of the affect we are having on the environment. We want to make good decisions about the products we are using. Sadly, savvy marketeers know this. Richard and Becky talk about Greenwashing in the horticultural industry and how to avoid it. Huge thank you to Sara Venn for her help with the ideas in this episode. 

05-30
32:24

Episode 7 - Myths and Misconceptions

Richard and Becky discuss some common gardening myths and pieces of dubious advice, and compare them to the current scientific wisdom!

05-16
52:05

Episode 6 - Come What May

Becky and Richard discuss another turning point in the gardening calendar here in the UK; May. They talk about their favourite crops to sow in May and also the coming of that all important last frost date!Warning: this episode contains material that some listeners may find offensive.

05-02
53:15

Episode 5 - Peat Free April

Richard and Becky talk to garden writer and organic farmer Sally Morgan about why Peat is such an important resource and about the campaign Peat Free April.

04-18
31:53

Episode 4 - Why We Don't Use Fertilisers

Becky and Richard discuss why they don't use fertilisers in their garden. They discuss the scientific reasons for this approach, and how it works practically for us as gardeners. 

04-04
44:48

Episode 3 - All Things Spring

Becky and Richard talk about what spring actually is, what it means to them and all of the dangers and delights that spring holds for gardeners.

03-21
48:10

Episode 1 - Introduction

Your hosts Richard and Becky introduce themselves and how they got into gardening and talk a little bit about how they run their gardens, and their own principles of organic gardening. 

02-28
29:53

Victor Pau

Looking forward to ep 2.

03-04 Reply

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