Home Grown with Martha and Jamie

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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented 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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented 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 step into the hopeful energy of March in the garden, that turning point where winter loosens its grip and the growing season begins to stir. They share everything you can sow, grow, and get underway right now, from hardy early crops to seeds started under cover, along with the essential jobs that set the garden up for the months ahead. They also chat through their favourite tomato varieties and what they’re choosing to grow this year, from reliable classics to flavour-packed newcomers. Beyond the practical, they explore the folklore and seasonal rhythms woven through March, from the spring equinox and the story of Persephone’s return to the appearance of boxing hares in open fields and the sudden blaze of daffodils across the landscape. Expect a blend of timely gardening advice, personal growing plans, and reflections on the signs of spring that remind us the garden is waking up again.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:Black Cherry:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/tomato-black-cherry/Wild Tomato Red Currant:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/tomato-red-currant/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented 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 dive into the joyful, hardworking world of flowers in the vegetable garden. 🌸From multifunctional companion plants that deter pests and boost soil health, to edible blooms that elevate both flavour and beauty on the plate, they explore why flowers deserve a central place in productive spaces. They discuss flowering vegetables and what bolting really means, share fascinating pollination facts, and unpack how attracting insects isn’t just good for biodiversity, it also increases our yields. Expect practical growing tips, fascinating facts, and plenty of encouragement to let your add more blooms to your patch. 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:Dahlia Bishop’s Childrenhttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/dahlia-bishops-children/?srsltid=AfmBOoorvxUtdcaiseqRdQA1sUhc9chWhxLwOaqr1EYb1WeaJzBnsBM4Nasturtium Purple Emperorhttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/nasturtium-purple-emperor/We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should we be doing in the garden in February? In this episode, Martha and Jamie walk through February in the garden. They explain what this month is really for, what seeds are worth starting now, what should wait, and how to work with light, cold, and soil to get your plants off to the best possible start. They discuss practical growing advice, seasonal mindset shifts, plant science, and simple rituals that set up the growing season.If you’d like to try our “Seed of the week” or some of the other varieties mentioned, links below:Link to Dwarf Aubergine "Lilac Wand"https://shegrowsveg.com/product/dwarf-aubergine-lilac-wand/Link to Swiss Chard "Peppermint"https://shegrowsveg.com/product/swiss-chard-peppermint/We love hearing your questions and comments - so do get in touch:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does being in nature make us feel better? In this episode of Home Grown, Jamie and Martha explore the science behind gardening, mental health, and the power of plants. From dementia prevention and grounding to the plant that helped create the contraceptive pill, this is a deep dive into how plants shape our bodies, brains, and society.We love hearing your questions and comments - so do get in touch:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To kickstart Homegrown in 2026, Martha and Jamie discuss the best tips and tricks to starting your garden this January. From choosing the best compost and seeds, to adapting your garden through the changing of the seasons, they'll be sure to set you up with the know-how to help your plots thrive this year. 🪴They'll be chatting about their personal favourite fruit and veg to grow at home, the cycle of life in a garden, plus sharing anecdotes from their own gardening experiences and folklore traditions such as Wassailing! This is an episode about new beginnings, preparing for the year ahead and understanding how to keep your garden happy through the early cold months into Spring and Summer. We love hearing your questions - do get in touch:homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Kate McIntoshExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martha Swales and Jamie Walton settle in for a cosy winter edition of Home Grown, bringing together gardening know-how, seasonal science and the small wonders happening just outside your window at this surprisingly busy time of year. They chat about the creatures riding out the cold months, to when the Winter Solstice takes centre stage and the mood shift it brings, plus how to stay connected to the outdoors even when it’s cold and gloomy.There’s plenty of seasonal growing chat, including vegetables that actually improve after a frost, the deepening reds of radicchio, and the mystery of Christmas potatoes. They touch on evergreens, mushrooms, stored winter veg and the small kitchen joys that make this season feel special.homegrown@joypeddlers.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Charlie HewittExec Producer: Charlotte DawesArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.