Home Grown with Martha and Jamie

In this week episode Martha and Jamie discuss what to sow, grow and do in the garden in this month of transitions. Martha investigates a mysterious tomato problem with a microscope, they explain why spiders suddenly seem to appear in September, and Jamie shares his elderberry syrup method. There is also advice on weather-resilient soil, wildlife-friendly autumn tidying and harvesting grapes, nuts and berries.And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below with 20% off your first order with code 'Homegrown':Giant Winter Spinach:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/spinach-winter-giant/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:You now send us a message, voice note or picture on Whatsapp: +447999548073or email us at: [email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Martha and Jamie explain why you may want to ditch the veg plot, and instead grow an edimental garden. The idea that a garden can be beautiful, productive and useful without separating vegetables from ornamental planting. They share beautiful simple swaps for commonly grown plant such as chard, peas and celery, plus lots of unusual plants you may not of heard of before such as perennial alliums, herbs, climbers and edible flowers. They also cover the incredible salad man Stephen Barstow and his 537-ingredient salad, ornamental plants you may not have known were edible such as lamb’s ears, hostas, begonias and fuchsias, and the extraordinary French potager gardens at Villandry and Versailles.And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below with 20% off your first order with code 'Homegrown':Coriander Confetti:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/coriander-confetti/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:You now send us a message, voice note or picture on Whatsapp: 07999548073or email us at: [email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August is a month of abundance, but it is also a key moment for planning what comes next. In this episode, Martha and Jamie discuss what to sow, grow and do this month, and why we should keep sowing before light levels fall, while also making the most of our flowers, vegetables and fruit that at their summer peak. They also explain why wasps become more interested in sugary picnics, how to identify and treat deter spider mites, and how to grow saffron and save strawberry runners. As always, this monthly round up episode is also full of personal anecdotes, fun, facts and a reminder to observe the wildlife and plants already sharing the garden.And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below with 20% off your first order with code 'Homegrown':Japanese Wasabi Autumn Radish:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/autumn-radish-japanese-wasabi/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:You now send us a message, voice note or picture on Whatsapp: +447999548073or email us at: [email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A garden can produce far more than the obvious harvest. In this episode, Jamie and Martha look at the plant parts, picking techniques and timing decisions that help growers waste less, save money and keep plants cropping for longer. From edible plant parts that supermarkets usually remove and a long-lived brassica that can be picked repeatedly, to succession sowing, relay cropping, cut-and-come-again lettuce and maximising yields from small spaces. This episode is filled with practical tips and advice, as well as the usual anecdotes and fun facts.And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below with 20% off your first order with code 'Homegrown:Kale thousand head:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/kale-thousandhead/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:You now send us a message, voice note or picture on Whatsapp: 07999548073or email us at: [email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July can feel like the point when sowing stops, but it is one of the most important months for planning autumn, winter and next spring. In this episode, Martha and Jamie share what they will be sowing growing and doing in this pivotal month in the garden, plus how to fill the inevitable gaps that begin to occur when potatoes, onions and early courgettes finish. They also cover the umbrella cucumber pruning method, tomato maintenance, garlic braiding, what to forage this month, why peanuts grow underground, and the relationship between cinnabar moths and ragwort.And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:Cabbage Kalibos:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/summer-cabbage-kalibos/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:[email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Martha and Jamie mark midsummer by looking at the garden as a seasonal calendar. They explore the idea of growing using the Wheel of the Year, and explain why changing day length can tell plants when to grow, flower, bolt or form tubers, and how we can use that knowledge to grow better plants. There is practical advice on sowing kohlrabi, fennel, spinach, radishes and Asian greens after the solstice, plus midsummer foraging ideas with lime or linden, honeysuckle and St John's wort. Martha brings the folklore too, from bonfires and love potions to A Midsummer Night's Dream, fireflies and the strange feeling of the year's longest days. And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:Kohlrabi Dyna:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/kohlrabi-dyna/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:[email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Episode Martha and Jamie are talking all about the importance of pollination! from practical ways to improve pollination in your garden, to the strange science behind flowers, bees, hoverflies and even vanilla. They'll offer practical advice for how to maximise your harvests for popular crops such as courgettes and sweet corn, and what to do with tired bees, as well as providing tips for pollinator-friendly planting, and discuss why our gardens are vital food sources for wildlife.And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:Courgette Pineapple:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/courgette-pineapple/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:[email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martha and Jamie are joined by wildlife educator and urban nature advocate Lira Valencia. They explore why cities are full of incredible wildlife if you know where to look, why pigeons deserve more respect, and what the new RSPB advice on bird feeding means for gardeners. This episode is packed with practical advise, wildlife facts and lots of inspiration you can apply to any space. And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:Sunflower Velvet Queen:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/sunflower-velvet-queen/Sunflower Titan:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/sunflower-titan/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:[email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martha and Jamie break down everything you need to know about the power of herbs. They explain what herbs actually are, how to grow them in different conditions, their go-to herbal tea recipes, companion planting combinations, and why they are some of the easiest and most useful plants you can grow. From saving money on supermarket herbs and propagating from cuttings, to supporting pollinators and using them in the kitchen, this episode if full of practical advice you can use in any space.If you like to support Jamie's first children's, the link is below, and thank you so much! https://geni.us/PlantsNeedFriendsTooAnd If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:Corsican Mint:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/herb-mint-corsican/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:[email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are heirloom seeds and why do they matter? In this episode, Martha and Jamie are joined by Lucy Hutchings and Kate Cotterill from She Grows Veg. They explore the wonderful world of heirloom seeds, what makes them different, unusual varieties you should give a grow, and why flavour, diversity and storytelling matter in growing food. From storage tomatoes you can eat in winter and seeds for a changing climate, to biodiversity and the future of our food, this episode is packed with practical ideas and fresh perspective.And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, you can find the link below:Storage Tomato Hanging Prince:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/storage-tomato-hanging-prince/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:[email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martha and Jamie explore the varied and intriguing world of perennial vegetables and why they are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to grow food. From interesting ways to use classic crops like asparagus and rhubarb, to unusual perennials you may not of heard of - but will want to grow! they break down how to plant once and harvest for years, reduce effort in the garden, and build long-term growing systems.And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:Perennial Nodding Onion:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/perennial-nodding-onion/Perennial Onion Red Bunching:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/perennial-onion-red-bunching/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:[email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martha and Jamie break down companion planting and how different plants support each other within a growing system. From additions to classic combinations such as tomatoes, basil and marigolds, to lesser know companions for productive and diverse gardens. They share their top practical tips, discover which symbiotic pairing combines to create coral reefs, and explain the biology behind plant relationships, from pest control to soil health.If you would like to pre-order a copy of Jamie's children’s book there is a link below, thank you for your support! 💚 https://geni.us/PlantsNeedFriendsTooAnd If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:Marigold, Lucy's Starburst:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/marigold-lucys-starburst/Strawberry Drying Corn:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/drying-corn-strawberry/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:[email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Martha and Jamie discuss how to more grow food when space is limited. They share practical strategies for small gardens, balconies, patios and window boxes. Discuss succession planting, vertical growing, container layouts and crops that produce quickly in small beds. And cover projects such as worm farms, mini wildlife ponds and how to create a small but biodiverse ecosystem. Martha also explores the history of intensive market gardening in London and looks at shade-tolerant edible plants from Japan.If you would like to grow our seed of the week, or some of the other varieties we discussed, you can find the links below:Spring radish, the 18 day radish:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/spring-radish-de-dix-huit-jours/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:[email protected] by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.