Episode 658: The Week the Weather Turned… and I Finally Got My Bees

About this episode

Richard discusses unexpected weather changes, gardening challenges, and his new venture into beekeeping.

This week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast is a real mix of surprises, setbacks, and exciting new beginnings. From unexpected frost damage on the allotment to big changes in the kitchen garden — and the moment Richard finally becomes a beekeeper — there’s plenty to dive into. If you want the full story, the sounds, and the emotions behind it all, make sure you give the episode a listen. Down on the Allotment Richard kicks off the week with a weather surprise — a mid‑May frost that caught many growers off guard. As he said, “This week we have had some frosts… temperatures have certainly dipped overnight.” Potatoes blackened, cucumbers wiped out, and a few tomatoes took a hit. It’s a lesson in not planting tender crops too early, even when the forecast looks safe. But it’s not all doom and gloom — Richard shares how he’s bouncing back and what he’ll do differently next year. Weeding, Asparagus & Garlic Watch With planting paused, Richard focused on weed control — essential at this time of year when everything grows at full speed. He also harvested rhubarb and asparagus, though the spears have been thinner than usual. On the garlic front, the straw mulch continues to help reduce…

People in this episode

Host: Richard

Topics covered

• weather changes
• beekeeping
• frost damage
• gardening setbacks
• kitchen garden
• weed control

Keywords

• frost damage
• beekeeping
• gardening
• kitchen garden
• weed control
• asparagus
• garlic

Mentioned in this episode

Products: potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, rhubarb, asparagus, garlic

Places: Allotment, kitchen garden

More episodes of The Veg Grower Podcast

• Episode 661: Early June Chaos: Wild Weather, Busy Bees and Successional Sowing · June 8, 2026 · 31 min
• Episode 660: Embracing Tomato Fortnight & Sowing French Beans in Early Summer · June 1, 2026 · 31 min
• Episode 659: Battling the Heatwave & Finding a Rustic Vision for the Kitchen Garden · May 25, 2026 · 32 min
• Episode 657: Sowing Winter Cabbage, Tackling Allotment Overwhelm & Our April Book Review · May 11, 2026 · 27 min
• Episode 656: Highlights From the Gardener’s World Spring Fair · May 4, 2026 · 33 min
• Episode 655: Planting Early, Protecting Brassicas & My First Real Beekeeping Experience · April 27, 2026 · 33 min