The Kitchen Garden Magazine Podcast

In this berry-packed 150th episode, we dive deep into the delicious world of strawberries and beyond. Fruit growing expert David Patch walks us through every season of strawberry care—from planting and feeding to mulching and rotating your crop for success year after year. Plus, Rob Smith joins in to share his top varieties of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and even thornless blackberries ideal for small spaces, containers, and gardens big or small. Whether you’re after a glut for jam-making or a steady trickle of berries for your morning yogurt, this episode has you covered with practical tips, clever tricks, and juicy inspiration.

In this episode, Rob Smith sings the praises of broad beans — the hardy, fragrant, and easy-to-grow staple of UK veg patches. Discover his expert tips on sowing, spacing, and supporting your plants, plus how to guard against blackfly and chocolate spot. From rare heirloom varieties like Crimson Flowered and Martock to low-maintenance options perfect for busy growers, there’s a bean for every plot. Martin Fish joins us in the greenhouse to cover essential May jobs: planting tomatoes and cucumbers, sowing herbs, feeding strawberries, and managing watering and weeds. Whether you're planning an autumn bean harvest or prepping for a summer glut, this episode has you covered!

In this episode of the Kitchen Garden Magazine Podcast, we dive into the essential tasks for your vegetable patch this May. From protecting ripening fruit and earthing up potatoes, to thinning carrots and setting up sturdy supports for beans — we've got your seasonal to-do list covered. Discover smart ways to deter root fly, manage weeds, and mulch effectively for healthier crops and less effort. Plus, we share tips on caring for strawberries, preparing for late frosts, and what to sow, plant, and harvest right now. Packed with expert advice and timely reminders, this is your fortnightly fix for growing success!

Just like us, our veg some times need a little bit of TLC. No more so than in winter, when food is scarce for predators and the weather can be inclement. In this podcast we give our top ten tips for care of winter veg and Rob Smith turns his gardening know how to those staples you can enjoy throughout the coldest months of the year.

Squashes are members of the Cucurbita family that includes marrows, courgettes, cucumbers and melons. And like their fellow cousins, squashes are tender annuals. The winter squash can be stored for use over the winter months, making them a valuable and tasty addition to the winter table.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens are among Britain's most iconic. But did you know they also include a thriving vegetable garden? Kitchen garden editor Steve Ott takes a tour with kitchen gardener Olivia Steed Munden.

Sweet peppers and chili peppers have increased in popularity over recent years, and the seed catalogs are full of interesting varieties ranging from mild to very hot fruits that suit all tastes. Martin Fish gives his expert advice on growing these yourself.

In this podcast KG editor Steve Ott chats to inspirational community gardener Becky Rolfe. With the help of willing volunteers, Becky has helped to create two community plots on the site in her local Norfolk village, providing prospective plot holders with the chance to gain confidence and hone their skills before taking on a patch of their own. She is also the driving force behind Hevingham Community Garden, open to the public 24/7 as a space to relax and to grow food, much of which is given to families in need in the local community and beyond. This work is part-funded by Becky herself via not-for-profit company Give Two Figs through which she sells her beautiful artworks. For more information: www.givetwofigs.co.uk : https://www.instagram.com/givetwofigs/ : https://www.facebook.com/GiveTwoFigs/ :https://www.facebook.com/groups/2958402361153787/ (the last for Hevingham Community Garden specifically) 

KG editor Steve Ott chats to organic gardening expert and regular contributor to KG Stephanie Hafferty about RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. What were the themes and highlights and what ideas will Stephanie be taking home to her own plot in beautiful Wales.