The Kitchen Garden Magazine Podcast

Eaten by the ancient Egyptians more than 2500 years ago, there must be something about leeks that has kept the human palate keen. It might be that it’s a tasty and nutritious crop, that once it’s planted it more or less looks after itself, or that it provides an autumn/winter crop when there’s not so much to harvest on the veg plot. Whatever the reason, this member of the onion family is well worth the initial effort. Written by Tony Flanagan, read by Rachel Atkins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve, Emma and Tony chat about the benefits of raised beds – a great way of keeping your vegetable plot contained and they can reduce the workload, making them ideal for newcomers to veggie growing. Raised beds are a popular way to grow vegetables, even though they require an initial outlay. However, if you are a new gardener and you struggle with time, a raised bed is going to be helpful to you.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s hard to beat the flavour of sweetcorn freshly picked from the plot and cooked straight away. Once tried, forever smitten, says writer Tony Flanagan. Read by Rachel Atkins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is sponsored by Backsaver Garden Tools, home of the ‘Backsaver Autospade’, which has helped a huge number of people to dig without backache and at twice the speed.A lot of gardeners struggle to get the best results with their gardening through no fault of their own, due to age or injury. The Backsaver Autospade allows you to continue your hobby for years to come, pain free! With a stainless steel or carbon steel blade, the Autospade is an easy-to-use tool which helps remove the strain of bending down when digging in cultivated ground.So whether you’re young or old, novice or professional, take it easy and let the Autospade do the work. To find out more, go to: www.backsavergardentools.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is sponsored by elho, who create beautiful designer pots and planters in Holland from sustainable materials using 100% wind power. We all need to take responsibility for saving tap water and reducing the use of single use plastics in gardening. So it’s good to know that rain water is better for your plants. The Green Basics rain barrel from elho is made from 100% recycled plastic, and 12 used detergent bottles are recycled to produce the matching Green Basics watering can. It’s a far more sustainable solution than using a sprinkler or a hose. Going green doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style. Sustainability and design go hand in hand with the new Greenville Collection from elho. Made from plastic production waste, these planters have an integrated water reservoir to minimise water waste and keep your plants – and the environment – happy for years to come.  To find out more go to www.elho.com.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Atkins reads Julie Moore's report on a school in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, where the principles of sustainability and a healthy approach to food are central to the curriculum. Inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales’ book 'Harmony', which speaks about the philosophy of sustainability and the way nature is all interconnected, headteacher Richard Dunne has incorporated seven key principles of harmony into the school curriculum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 58 of the Kitchen Garden Podcast, join the team on a hot summer’s afternoon as they talk about the luxuries of gardening in the summer months, the best products for the season and how the dry months have affected Tony’s potatoes! Also, why does the courgette get such a bad press, and can you make wine from it? Find out in the latest Kitchen Garden Podcast! This episode has been supported by GardenSite, the online garden centre - head over to GardenSite.co.uk and start browsing their products today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Eden Project first opened its doors in 2001 and still maintains its initial purpose to highlight the importance of plants in every aspect of our lives. Take a tour with the head of Eden’s outdoor horticultural team, Julie Kendall (read by Rachel Atkins). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded 'on location' at Easton Walled Garden, Lincolnshire, Steve, Emma and Tony talk about their favourite salads and give you their top tips for growing. This episode has been supported by GardenSite, the online garden centre - head over to GardenSite.co.uk and start browsing their products today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sowing seeds can be great fun, but there is an alternative that can produce super tasty crops with much less fuss. KG editor Steve Ott sings the praises of plug plants - read by Rachel Atkins. This episode is supported by Defland Nurseries https://www.delfland.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there an alternative to slug pellets? – We talk about controlling slugs naturally using Nemaslug Slug Killer, which contains natural nematodes that are effective at controlling slugs, but unlike chemical controls, are safe for children, pets, birds and wildlife. The nematodes in Nemaslug are found naturally in UK soil and have been approved for use in organic gardening by the Soil Association. This episode is supported by Green Gardener https://www.greengardener.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who needs bling bling when you can have pure carrot gold? The history of the humble carrot is shrouded in mystery, with rumours, facts and old wives’ tales all mixed into the story. Involving kings, rebellions, night vision, war and designer veg, it certainly is a veg worth shouting about! This episode, written by Rob Smith and read by Rachel Atkins, is supported by Gardenlines, the home of all your gardening needs https://www.gardenlines.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's April already, and this week Steve, Emma and Tony talk about chitting and planting out second early potatoes. This episode is sponsored by our friends at Abel & Cole. Start your organic journey today by visiting https://www.abelandcole.co.uk and entering code KITCHEN at checkout. As a Kitchen Garden podcast listener, you'll be getting your first and fourth boxes for half price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Asparagus so expensive to buy, why not invest in growing your own - all you need is a bit of time, space and patience for long-term rewards. Written by Tony Flanagan, read by Rachel Atkins. This episode is supported by the Garden Prong from https://www.prongcroft.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A polytunnel is an elongated semi-circular or square shaped tunnel. It is most often constructed using steel and is covered in polythene. Polytunnels come in a range of sizes and are used to keep plants, vegetables and fruits warm enough to grow in temperate regions. It can also enable you to grow fruits, vegetables, and plants out of season. Recorded live, in a polytunnel on the hottest day in February on record, Steve, Emma and Tony tell you everything you need to know. This episode has been supported by First Tunnels: https://www.firsttunnels.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something slightly different for this episode. Editor Steve and Deputy Editor Emma gave a talk to the Horncastle U3A Edible Garden Club. Steve covers how the magazine is put together and Emma looks at some interesting fruit and veg she has attempted to grow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chillies? Choose heritage. Continuing his series on heritage fruit and veg, Rob Smith shares some of his favourite varieties of chilli and points out that although the heat can be important, it’s the flavour that counts. Read by Rachel Atkins. This episode is supported by Victoriana Nursery Gardens. To find out more, go to https://www.victoriananursery.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, Steve, Tony and Emma talk about getting your garden ready for spring planting, and take a close look at mulches. This episode has been supported Strulch - the light and easy to use garden mulch made from wheat straw for organic gardening https://www.strulch.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We try to reduce ‘vegetable miles’ by growing our own and buying locally, but often forget that their journey actually starts with the seeds. Hardly any of the vegetable seeds sold to UK gardeners and growers are produced in this country. Similarly, other products with local provenance are valued – local cider or breeds of livestock, for example – but rarely local varieties of vegetable.Change could be on its way, however. Small independent seed companies are becoming more popular; Brexit could bring new regulations that govern which vegetable varieties they can sell; and there are moves to encourage local production of seed. All this could lead to more choice for gardeners – giving us some tailor-made varieties and better quality seed.Rachel Atkins reads Sue Stickland's thoughts on the future of seeds... Post-Brexit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Christmas Eve treat for our listeners - Gardening writer Wendy Pillar violated the rule ‘never meet your heroes’ when she visited veg growing legend Joy Larkcom at her home in Ireland. She was very glad that she did. Read by Rachel Atkins. Merry Christmas everyone! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kitchen Garden magazine was recently voted Britain’s best gardening publication 2018 by the Garden Media Guild at gardening’s version of The Oscars, held annually at The Savoy Hotel in London. To mark the occasion roving reporter Hope Bolger of BBC Radio Lincolnshire visited KG HQ in Horncastle for a quick chat over the airwaves with editor Steve Ott to find out more about the publication, why the judges awarded KG this great accolade and why one of the magazine’s newest writers, fruit expert David Patch, was also judged to be Britain’s best by his peers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kitchen Garden has picked up a top accolade from the Garden Media Guild Awards.The magazine was crowned Garden Publication of the Year at a lunch at The Savoy Hotel, London on November 29, while one of its contributors, David Patch, was named Practical Journalist of the Year at the event.Visit our YouTube channel to see our Christmas advert: https://www.youtube.com/kitchengardenmagazineMudketeers Club https://www.mudketeers.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Atkins looks at a selection of gift ideas for green-fingered loved ones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apart from its infamous gaseous effects on the digestive system, the artichoke is no joke, says Rob Smith. It’s an attractive plant, easy to grow and produces tasty tubers - read by Rachel Atkins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings from the KG plot! There's lots to do this month as we all prepare for Autumn and Winter - Martin Fish has the details. In Question Time we cover; Blackfly on beans, the Froghopper, poor soil problems, a failing apple tree and grafted tomatoes. Presented by Rachel Atkins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drying is one of the oldest methods of preserving fresh produce, and for the gardener it offers convenience, reliability and speed. Written by Benedict Vanheems. Rachel Atkins tells us what’s involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Foraging expert Geoff Dann explains how by doing your homework you can gather wild mushrooms with safety. Read by Rachel Atkins.Fungi foraging can be daunting to a beginner. Britain is home to a vast variety (perhaps seven times as many species as there are plants) and some of them are deadly. In many cases, identification isn’t easy (even for experienced mushroomhunters).Going foraging with an expert doesn’t always help – some of my students, especially when the fungi are plentiful, are so overwhelmed that they are even more cautious at the end of the session than they were at the beginning. For most people, though, a few hours spent with an experienced person certainly speeds up the first steps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From cracked or slow-ripening fruits to no fruits at all, blight-battered foliage or an outbreak of whitefly – a lot can go awry with your tomatoes. But forewarned is forearmed, says Benedict Vanheems. Understand the threats and take action now to ensure trouble-free toms. Read by Rachel Atkins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The KG team went to Easton Walled Gardens near Grantham in Lincolnshire to film their videos for the forthcoming August issue. Join them as they take a stroll around the lovely fruit and veg garden and chat about the delights that they found there, such as burgeoning crops including potatoes, beans and salads and some of the many sweet peas that the gardens are famous for.Why not visit for yourself? For more info see www.visiteaston.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is it that an allotment can be kept so neat and tidy and packed with bountiful crops when its owner is never seen? Emma Rawlings narrates the story of the mystery of Plot 4B. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a special treat this month, we bring you the complete audio version of the April 2017 issue. Subscribers to our digital edition get the complete audio every month. For some great subscription offers, take a look here: classicmagazines.co.uk/kg264 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 33, Steve, Emma and Tony take a look at adding colour to your garden with dahlias, growing your own tea, salad varieties and asparagus. They discuss reducing the use of plastic on the plot, and introduce the potato bag challenge – all this and more is available in the April 2018 issue, on sale now. For some great subscription offers, take a look here: https://www.classicmagazines.co.uk/kg264 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The choice of salad for the home gardener to grow is enormous and makes supermarket bags of leaves seem boring. Sue Stickland shares some of her favourites (read by Rachel Atkins). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I always remember my granddad growing tomatoes in his old greenhouse when I was a child. The thought reminds me of summer with hours spent in the warm sun, picking the ripe fruit, and it brings a huge smile to my face even now.I don’t have many gardening friends who don’t grow at least one type of tomato, be it in a hanging basket at the front of the house, or as a cordon in the greenhouse. There is certainly a type of tomato for every situation and for every taste. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy new year! Welcome to a wonderful new year of growing your own fruit and veg. What could be more exciting than the prospect of a new season ahead and all those seed packets to open and sow, with bumper crops to follow later in 2018. In this packed issue we have plenty of food for thought and top advice from our team of experts to get your gardening year off to the best possible start. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's almost Christmas, and we can't talk about festive related vegetables without mentioning the good old sprout. Heritage veg enthusiast Rob Smith loves them and highlights some of his favourite old varieties - read by Rachel Atkins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s hard to believe that we are about to say goodbye to another gardening season. I hope yours has been as trouble free, enjoyable and productive as ours on the KG plot. But while it is sad to see the garden preparing for its winter hibernation, the prospect of a new gardening year ahead is so exciting.With this in mind we have some great features in this issue for you, including one for those of you thinking about giving over some space to a brand new vegetable garden.We can also announce the results of our two big competitions for 2017, the Passionate Plotter and Massive Marrow competitions.Both received a great response from you this year and I hope you enjoy reading about our prize-winning plots and seeing the skill of fellow readers who did battle with their superb squashes! We hope you will be inspired to enter our competitions next year, details of which will be announced early in 2018.Merry Christmas to all our listeners and readers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pumpkins and winter squash have been around in one form or another for thousands of years, be it the stereotypical orange pumpkin that is carved at Halloween, or the small oblong squash which tastes just like a sweet potato. So, when is a pumpkin a winter squash? Or is it a gourd and where do courgettes fit in? The world of cucurbita (the family that all of the above belong to), can be a minefield. Therefore, I’ve tried to simplify which belongs to what and why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Home-grown garlic tastes delicious and with many different varieties to grow it means you can experience a wider taste range than you would get with supermarket garlic. Garlic has been grown for centuries and has long been known for its healing powers. In Ancient Egypt garlic was renowned for its health-promoting properties and this has only strengthened as science has proved a lot of these claims. Growing your own may seem unnecessary when you can buy bulbs very cheaply in the supermarkets but home grown has a far superior taste. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This time of year is one of flux for the kitchen gardener, as summer advances and gaps begin to appear where crops once stood. It’s hard to admit it, but the best of the growing season is past us and… whisper it… the cooler months of autumn and winter aren’t far off.But this podcast isn’t about writing off the summer and resigning yourself to the cold to come, far from it! It’s about hope and sowing the seeds of success – quite literally – for next year. And green manures are how you’re going to do it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 24 of the Kitchen Garden podcast, Steve, Emma and Tony have a browse through the September issue (in the shops now). Topics include new kales, heritage lettuce, green manure and how to grow mushrooms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Question Time - Got a fruit or veg problem? Ask KG for help. This month's expert panel: Guy Barter - RHS chief horticulturalist, Emma Rawlins - Deputy editor, Kitchen Garden magazine, David Patch - Professional nurseryman, R V Roger Ltd, Anne Swithinbank - Contributor to Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time, Steve Ott - Editor, Kitchen Garden magazine.Topics include:, Old wives’ tale old bean, Cut and runners, My rhubarb is flowering!, Lesser known brassica pest, Garlic rust - how serious? Send in your question - Email [email protected] please include your full address (we do not publish full addresses). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 22 of the podcast, it might seem like a losing battle at times but it’s not all doom and gloom on the veg patch. This month Julie Moore presents a chemical-free approach to ridding your plot of weeds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team are back together today to have a browse through the July issue of Kitchen Garden magazine which is in the shops now. We have some great offers availabe exlusively to our podcast listeners: http://classicmagazines.co.uk/kg229 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 20! Rachel Atkins talks you though tasks for your vegetable patch in June, including protect pea shoots, cut asparagus, pinch out broad beans, planting leek seedlings plus much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 19 of the Kitchen Garden Podcast. Despite some initial reservations, allotment champion Steve Neal recounts the success of opening up an allotment site in Somerset to the National Garden Scheme. As an allotment association you get used to receiving a regular dose of unsolicited advice on how things could be done better or differently. It goes with the territory, as they say, but this comment from one of our own members made us momentarily pause in our tracks.Had we really grown a little bit above ourselves, opening our allotments alongside some formal gardens, belonging to fairly grand houses or old rectories, as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS)? Iford manor, Bath Priory Hotel, Corsham Court, Algars Manor, Dyrham Park, Muriel Jones Allotment Fields – Frome. It doesn’t take much to spot the odd one out on the list. And any one man or woman with a dog can, and often does, wander down the allotments any old day and has a nose around, without having to fork out £4.50 for theprivilege. A vision of potential public humiliation grew in the collective mind of the committee.The bunting all out for an open day where no one turned up, and a pile of unsold cake drying out under the gazebo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​A traditional potager is an ornamental vegetable garden where vegetables are grown with flowers and herbs, often in clumps rather than rows. It is in contrast to the tidy allotment where rows of veg neatly stride across the plot and flowers are often restricted to the edges or are purely for cutting.This is so much simpler to sow, hoe and harvest, when crops are in straight rows. So why bother to mix things up?The idea of a plot that is productive and beautiful is very appealing, although serried ranks of perfect veg have their own beauty too.Rachel Atkins reads Geoff Stebbings' feature on the challenges and rewards of mixing flowers and veg in a modern potager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's National Gardening Week - In this episode, the team look through the May issue and talk about companion planting, making a carrot fly-free frame, growing in buckets, planting, heritage beetroot and look ahead to the Harrogate Spring Flower show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 16, Rachel Atkins reads Steve Neil's account of his visit to Ston Easton House in Somerset. Standing in the Saloon of Ston Easton House, looking through the old glass of the window at the cascaded waters created by Humphrey Repton, you wouldn’t think for one moment that you were in a hotel. You would think you were a guest of the family, invited to a country house weekend in Somerset. And of course Ston Easton house at one time, the family home of the Rees-Mogg family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Top tips for potatoes, composting brassica and soil warming, Apologies for the not so good audio quality this episode, it will be fixed next time. Promise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.