In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, Richard, the host, delves into the essential tasks for September, focusing on seed sowing and the benefits of growing overwintered onions from seed. Joined by Chef Scott, who shares a delectable plum and almond crumble recipe, the episode is packed with practical advice, culinary inspiration, and tips for indoor gardening. Let's break down the key takeaways and actionable advice from this episode.







The Seed of the Month: Alisa Craig Onions







This month the seed of the month is an onion variety called Ailsa Craig. This feature is in collaboration with premier seeds direct, an absolutely awesome supply of reasonably priced in seed in large quantities.







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Why Choose Seeds Over Sets?







Richard introduces the "seed of the month," the Alisa Craig onion variety, and explains the advantages of growing onions from seed rather than sets:









Cost-Effective: Seeds are generally more economical than sets.







Reduced Bolting: Onions grown from seed are less prone to bolting, a common issue with overwintered onions.







Healthier Plants: Starting from seed can lead to stronger, more resilient plants.









Sowing Alisa Craig Onion Seeds







Richard provides a detailed guide on sowing onion seeds:









Materials Needed: Plug plant trays, seed compost.







Sowing Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of about 1 cm.







Germination Conditions: Maintain a warm environment, ideally around 20°C (68°F), to ensure successful germination, which typically takes about two weeks.







Care for Seedlings: Once germinated, ensure the seedlings receive plenty of light and are kept moist but not waterlogged. Thin out the seedlings to prevent overcrowding.









Planting Out









Timing: Transplant the seedlings into the garden when they are large enough to handle, usually after 6-8 weeks.







Spacing: Space the plants about 10-15 cm apart to allow for proper growth.







Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.









Other Seeds to Sow in September







Richard encourages listeners to think ahead and plan for winter and spring crops. Here are some vegetables to consider sowing in September:









Spring Cabbages: Choose hardy varieties that can withstand colder temperatures.







Cauliflowers: Opt for winter-hardy types.







Root Crops: Turnips and radishes are quick-growing and can be harvested before the first frost.







Salad Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and arugula can be sown for a quick harvest.









Tips for Maximizing Garden Space









Interplanting: Plant fast-growing crops between slower-growing ones to make the most of your garden space.







Thinning: Regularly thin out seedlings to prevent overcrowding and ensure healthy growth.









Culinary Delight: Plum and Almond Crumble







Chef Scott joins the episode to share a mouth-watering recipe for a plum and almond crumble. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe:







Ingredients









Plums: 500g, pitted and sliced.







Almonds: 100g, ground.







Flour: 150g.