Home Grown with Martha and Jamie

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:hello@homegrownpod.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio

In this episode, Martha and Jamie share practical ways to drought proof your garden, from mulch, compost and hydrophobic soil, to container watering tips, dense planting advise, drought-tolerant crops and wildlife support. They also explore the power of earth smiles, swales, zai pits, and what drought stress actually does to plants and how to over come it. A practical episode full of tips, personal anecdotes, and advise for building healthier soil and stronger garden 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:Chicory Rose of Venice:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/chicory-rose-of-venice/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

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

June is here, so in this episode Martha and Jamie are talking about what to sow, grow, harvest and notice in the garden this month. From swede, French beans, summer flowers and tomato leaf pesto, to Miriam Margolyes, edible hedges, bumblebee safaris and open gardens, this episode is packed with practical June gardening advice and seasonal plant stories. 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:Swede Mirian:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/swede-marian/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

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

In this episode, Martha and Jamie share practical ways that can actually make gardening cheaper, more sustainable and less wasteful. From seed saving and propagating plants to homemade compost, DIY garden projects and turning weeds into fertiliser, they explain how to set up closed loop systems and grow more while spending less.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:Cottagers Kale:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/kale-cottagers/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

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

In this episode, Martha and Jamie break down everything you need to know about gardening in busy month of May. They cover what to sow, what to plant out, why you may want to walk bare foot in the garden before planting, and how to manage the shift into late spring conditions. From hardening off and common mistakes with feeding tender crops, to late spring folklore and wildlife, this episode gives you practical advice to help your garden thrive. And If you would like to grow our seed of the week, you can find the link below:Drying popcorn Fiesta:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/drying-corn-fiesta/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

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