S5 Ep5: May - Grow a new garden this May, with Becky Searle
This month, Fiona visits trained ecologist and author Becky Searle. Becky has been showing the world how to garden organically via her Instagram account (@sowmuchmore) since 2018. This year, Becky embarked on a new journey with the release of her first book “Grow a new Garden.” Fiona and Becky spoke about what ignited her passion for gardening, the role ecology plays in her garden and the importance of seed saving.
Also in this episode...
Chris is away this month, so Fiona is joined by Jules Duncan, one of our expert organic gardeners at Ryton. They reflect on the beauty of May, and Fiona gets some germination troubleshooting! In the postbag, Jules, Fiona and Anton answer your gardening conundrums. Tackling what to grow underneath fruit trees, how to successfully grow Chayote, and we go back to basics with the do’s and don’ts of organic growing.
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S5 Ep4: April - Bringing nature to urban gardens with Kate Bradbury, and a special guest joins the postbag!
This month, Fiona visits author and garden writer Kate Bradbury, at her garden in Brighton. Kate shared her passion for wildlife-friendly gardening and the power of small actions to create meaningful change. Fiona and Kate discussed how connecting with nature, whether by planting pollinator-friendly flowers, creating habitats, or simply observing the life in our gardens, can combat eco-anxiety and create a community.
Also in this episode...
It's sowing time at Chris’s Allotment, and Fiona discusses the 5 vegetables she’s growing this year. Chris, Fiona, Anton and special guest Pauline Pears answer your questions in the Postbag, sharing advice on if you should be cleaning your water butt, how to look after a pond, and vegan organic substitutes for bone meal.
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Unpruned - A tour of the Beth Chatto Gardens with with Åsa Gregars-Warg
If you enjoyed our previous podcast with Åsa Gregars-Warg from Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens, this extended version is well worth a listen. Join Fiona and head gardener Åsa Gregers-Warg as we take a deeper dive into Beth Chatto's pioneering approach to gardening in harmony with nature. From plant choices and soil care to adapting to climate change, this full-length conversation is packed with extra insights and inspiration for gardeners of all kinds.
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S5 Ep3: March - Do we really have a problem with food waste? with Tristram Stuart
This month, Fiona speaks with Tristram Stuart, award-winning author and campaigner, about the positive trends in reducing food waste and his unique approach to sustainable farming. Hear how his cattle are "enhancing the wilderness," and discover his perspective on the global food system. Tristram also inspires us to connect with nature, whether through small garden projects or community initiatives.
Also in this episode...
Spring is here, and Fiona and Chris are excited to get seed sowing. Chris, Fiona, and new guest Jules answer your questions in the Postbag, discussing healthy houseplants, comfrey, and how to grow successfully in a bed affected by raspberry blight.
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S5 Ep2: February - What is going on underneath our soil? With Eddie Bailey from Rhizophyllia
In this month's episode, Fiona and Anton spoke with Eddie Bailey. Eddie has spent years studying the soil during his career as a geologist and now shares what he's learnt with gardeners and growers through his company, Rhizophyllia.
"In my garden, the effect I had when I stopped digging was instantaneous, the following season, germination rates just dramatically improved and got better and better within three years. It was a completely different landscape. The soil is absolutely critical to our health on this planet."
Also in this episode...
Fiona and Chris are "chomping at the bit" to get sowing and growing, and in the postbag, the team tackle questions on organic topsoil, rats, and plants that grow well on damp ground.
Inspiration to help you garden the organic way, with advice, tips and interviews from the UK's leading organic gardening organisation, Garden Organic. Hosted by Fiona Taylor and Chris Collins.
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