The Seed Pod

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 Meadows Song of the Dodo by David Quammen Silent Spring by Rachel Carson Silent Earth by Dave Goulson Wilding by Isabella Tree

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/UCe0Ha5QljsCV5UqIkobBrcQ And Her Book Grounded: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grounded-Gardeners-Journey-Abundance-Self-Sufficiency/dp/1856233022

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Becky and Richard talk about the incredible life in our soil and how it is the key to successful organic gardening. Made in association with Harvst Mini Greenhouses. Use the code SEEDPOD for 10% off!

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!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.