Growing Up Podcast

Send us Fan Mail November might seem like the month to put your feet up and forget about the garden, but there's still plenty to be getting on with! This week on The Growing Up Podcast, Kate and Andy explore some of the lesser-known gardening jobs worth tackling in November. From turning fallen leaves into valuable leaf mould and taking hardwood cuttings for free plants, to improving drainage, growing winter crops and getting your tools ready for next year. Plus, they share why November is the perfect time to reflect on this year's gardening successes (and disasters!) and start planning a better garden for next season. Practical tips, a few laughs and plenty of reasons to get outside this November — even if it's just for half an hour! The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail Did you know that some plants were once believed to protect against evil spirits, attract fairies, bring good fortune or even scream when pulled from the ground? In this episode of The Growing Up Podcast , Andy and Kate explore the weird and wonderful world of plant folklore, uncovering the fascinating stories, superstitions and ancient beliefs surrounding some of our most familiar garden plants. From the terrifying legends of mandrake and the mysterious Elder Mother to rosemary's association with remembrance and thyme's connections to fairies, we discover how plants have inspired magic, mystery and superstition for centuries. Plus, we finish with practical tips for creating your very own enchanted garden , filled with atmospheric planting, hidden corners and plants with extraordinary stories. A fascinating journey into the magical history hiding in our gardens! The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail It's pumpkin season! 🎃 This week on the Growing Up Podcast, Kate and Andy celebrate one of autumn's most iconic crops. From their ancient origins in the Americas to their fascinating connection with Halloween, we explore the history, folklore and cultural significance of pumpkins. After the break, we're getting practical with a complete guide to growing your own pumpkins, covering everything from choosing varieties and sowing seeds to feeding, pollination, harvesting and storage. Whether you're dreaming of a giant Halloween pumpkin or delicious home-grown squash for the kitchen, this episode is packed with gardening advice, fascinating stories and a few laughs along the way. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail As the garden starts to wind down for winter, it’s tempting to cut everything back, rake up every leaf and give the whole place a thorough tidy — but wildlife might prefer you didn’t! In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast , Andy and Kate explore simple ways to make your garden more wildlife-friendly this autumn. From leaving seed heads and fallen leaves to creating log piles, helping hedgehogs, planting spring bulbs and providing food, water and shelter for birds and insects, we look at how a slightly less tidy garden can become a haven for wildlife. Plus, we discover why ivy deserves better PR, why your neglected corner can officially be called a “biodiversity zone”, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your garden is… absolutely nothing. A practical, light-hearted guide to autumn wildlife gardening and preparing your garden for winter . The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail October might feel like the garden is winding down, but there’s still plenty to be getting on with! In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast , Kate and Andy run through the essential gardening jobs for October, from planting spring bulbs and garlic to harvesting the last crops, protecting tender plants and preparing your soil for winter. We also look at autumn lawn care, composting, making leaf mould, looking after wildlife and why you might want to resist the temptation to make the garden too tidy. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs or simply looking after your garden, this episode will help you make the most of October and get everything ready for the colder months — and for an even better garden next year. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail Think you need green fingers to be a good gardener? That watering leaves in sunshine will scorch them? Or that gravel in the bottom of pots improves drainage? In this episode of The Growing Up Podcast , Andy and Kate tackle some of the biggest gardening myths that simply refuse to die. From companion planting and coffee grounds to slugs, fertiliser, watering, no-dig gardening and growing vegetables in shade, we separate useful gardening advice from traditions and old wives’ tales that might not be quite as reliable as we've been led to believe. We also explore why losing plants doesn't make you a bad gardener, why a slightly messy garden can actually be a good thing, and why there really isn't one “correct” way to garden. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been gardening for decades, this episode might make you question a few things you've always taken for granted — and hopefully make gardening feel simpler in the process. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail Want to grow more food next year? The secret is to start now. In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast , Andy and Kate explore why autumn is one of the most important times in the gardening calendar — from planting garlic, onions and perennial crops to improving your soil, building raised beds, making compost and planning next year’s harvest. Discover the simple jobs you can do this autumn to get ahead, make spring easier and create a more productive garden next year. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail We're exhausted. And this week in a very tired state, we talk about the realities of working in horticulture. Six months work without a day off, long hours, heatwaves and why we still love the job that we do. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail What should you be doing in the garden this September? In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast , Andy and Kate explore the essential gardening jobs for September , from autumn planting, harvesting and sowing vegetables to lawn care, composting, planting spring bulbs, saving seeds and preparing your garden for winter. We also look at why September gardening is really the beginning of next year’s growing season, with tips on planting hardy herbs, protecting tender plants, improving soil, helping wildlife and getting your garden ready for a successful spring. If you’re looking for practical autumn gardening tips , ideas for what to plant in September, or a simple September garden checklist, this episode is packed with useful advice for gardeners of all experience levels. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail Today we're talking about one of our absolute favourite herbs—one that's been grown, cherished and written about for thousands of years. It's tiny, wonderfully fragrant and probably sitting in millions of gardens across the country. Today we're diving into the fascinating history of thyme. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail This week we deep dive into garden centres, the weekend destination of choice for so many - including ourselves. Lets enter into a world of impulse purchases, coffee cake and garden gnomes. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail This week we discuss why design matters, why some gardens look better than others but also why the only client who matters in the design process is yourself! The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail This week, we discuss how sowing seeds isn't just for spring and introduce some varieties that we really think you should be sowing during the month of August. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail If you're listening as this episode goes live, we're right in the middle of August—a month that's often overlooked in the gardening calendar. Many people think the busiest part of the season is behind us. The borders are full, vegetables are cropping, herbs are thriving and perhaps, for the first time all year, you're actually getting to sit outside and enjoy the garden. But August is actually one of the most important months of the year. The work you do now doesn't just affect how your garden performs over the next few weeks—it has a huge influence on autumn, winter and even next spring. Today's episode is all about those essential gardening jobs for August. We'll cover ornamental gardens, vegetable patches, herb gardens, containers, lawns, wildlife gardening and greenhouse jobs. Along the way I'll share plenty of practical tips and explain why these jobs matter rather than simply giving you a checklist. So grab yourself a cup of tea—or perhaps something cold if it's another warm day—and let's get started. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail Now, if you've been enjoying the garden over the past few months, you might be thinking that the hard work is behind you. The borders are full, the herbs are thriving, tomatoes are ripening and everything feels a little more relaxed. But here's the thing... Late summer is actually one of the most important periods of the gardening year. The decisions you make over the next few weeks can have a huge impact not only on the remainder of this growing season but also on next year's garden. Today we're talking about 10 common late summer gardening mistakes that even experienced gardeners make—and, more importantly, what you should do instead. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail We are back onto home territory here with a really geeky episode dedicated to the amazing herbs of summer, herbs that you can plant now and enjoy but also herbs that you can sow during the next few weeks to enjoy further ahead. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail Did you know that lavender has been treasured for thousands of years? From ancient Roman gardens to modern-day cottage borders, this beautifully scented plant has a rich history—and it's still one of the most popular plants for gardeners today. In this episode of our gardening podcast, we explore the fascinating history of lavender, why it has remained a garden favourite for centuries, and share our top tips for growing healthy, fragrant lavender that flowers year after year. You'll learn: 🌱 The history and origins of lavender 🌞 The best place to plant lavender 💧 How often to water lavender ✂️ When and how to prune lavender 🌸 Tips for bigger blooms and healthier plants 🐝 How lavender benefits bees and other pollinators 🏡 The best lavender varieties for UK gardens Whether you're growing lavender in pots, borders, or a cottage garden, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you get the very best from your plants. 🎧 Listen now and discover everything you need to know about growing lavender successfully! The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail Wondering what gardening jobs you should be doing in July? In this episode, we cover the essential July gardening tasks to help your garden thrive throughout the summer. Whether you're growing flowers, vegetables, fruit, or maintaining your lawn, you'll discover practical tips to keep everything looking its best during one of the busiest months in the gardening calendar. We'll discuss what to sow in July, plants to prune, vegetables to harvest, watering advice during hot weather, lawn care, greenhouse jobs, pest control, and simple maintenance tasks that will reward you with healthier plants and bigger harvests. Whether you're a beginner gardener or have years of experience, this episode is packed with expert gardening advice to help you make the most of your garden this month. In this episode you'll learn: Essential gardening jobs for July What vegetables and flowers to sow now July pruning and deadheading tips Watering strategies for hot summer weather Vegetable garden maintenance Lawn care in July Greenhouse gardening tasks Common garden pests and how to deal with them Tips for healthier plants and bigger harvests If you're looking for a complete July gardening checklist, seasonal gardening advice, or practical tips for your vegetable garden, flower beds, or allotment, this episode has everything you need. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail This is quite a raw and honest update in which we explain why this episode is being released late and update you on the last very, very full-on last two weeks of life for us here. We chat about the impacts of the heatwave, the importance of watching gardeners world with a kebab and offer some warm weather gardening advice. The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356

Send us Fan Mail This week, Kate deep dives into the truth and myth of companion planting. Buckle up, everyone, this is a very geeky deep dive into a gardening topic that so many people have requested! Enjoy! The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Check them out here➡️ https://rb.gy/55t356