Something exciting is sprouting! Home Grown is the brand-new gardening podcast for anyone who loves growing their own food, from balcony pots to full allotments. Hosted by two of the UK’s brightest horticultural voices, it brings practical tips, seasonal advice, and plenty of inspiration straight to your ears. Jamie Walton, better known as Nettles & Petals , has built a huge following for his eco-friendly gardening style and passion for sustainability. He’s joined by Martha Swales of Marf’s Kitchen Garden , whose urban garden projects and veg-packed recipes show how much you can grow in even the smallest spaces. Alongside their own stories and advice, each month Jamie and Martha welcome a range of special guests to share their unique experiences of working with the soil, sowing seeds, and living seasonally. Whether you want to learn how to start a vegetable patch, discover what to plant each season, or simply enjoy lively conversations about the ups and downs of gardening life, Home Grown is the podcast that helps you grow more and grow better. New Episodes every Thursday Subscribe now and get in touch at homegrown@joypeddlers.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August is a month of abundance, but it is also a key moment for planning what comes next. In this episode, Martha and Jamie discuss what to sow, grow and do this month, and why we should keep sowing before light levels fall, while also making the most of our flowers, vegetables and fruit that at their summer peak. They also explain why wasps become more interested in sugary picnics, how to identify and treat deter spider mites, and how to grow saffron and save strawberry runners. As always, this monthly round up episode is also full of personal anecdotes, fun, facts and a reminder to observe the wildlife and plants already sharing the garden. 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 with 20% off your first order with code 'Homegrown' : Japanese Wasabi Autumn Radish: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/autumn-radish-japanese-wasabi/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: You now send us a message, voice note or picture on Whatsapp: +447999548073 or email us at: h ello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gardening is becoming less predictable. A dry spring can be followed by a summer drought, a late frost can be followed by golf ball sized hail, and plants that once suited the local climate may struggle with new patterns. In this episode, Martha and Jamie explore gardening in a changing climate, from extreme heat and heavy rainfall to milder winters and crops that behave differently under stress. They share practical ways to cool buildings, improve drainage, reduce bolting and choose plants that can cope with less predictable conditions. From there, the conversation moves through El Niño, plants that need winter cold, raised beds, sloped paths, organic matter, cover crops and a call to protect the wildlife that still shares our gardens. 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 with 20% off your first order with code 'Homegrown' : Beef and Onion Tree: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/beef-and-onion-tree/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: You now send us a message, voice note or picture on Whatsapp: 07999548073 or email us at: h ello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A garden can produce far more than the obvious harvest. In this episode, Jamie and Martha look at the plant parts, picking techniques and timing decisions that help growers waste less, save money and keep plants cropping for longer. From edible plant parts that supermarkets usually remove and a long-lived brassica that can be picked repeatedly, to succession sowing, relay cropping, cut-and-come-again lettuce and maximising yields from small spaces. This episode is filled with practical tips and advice, as well as the usual anecdotes and fun facts. 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 with 20% off your first order with code ' Homegrown : Kale thousand head: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/kale-thousandhead/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: You now send us a message, voice note or picture on Whatsapp: 07999548073 or email us at: h ello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Flowers can do far more than look pretty. In this episode, Martha and Jamie explore the garden as a floral apothecary, looking at the ways flowers and useful plants can become balms, teas, tinctures, scents, natural dyes and simple homemade experiments. From hardy annuals to sow now for stronger blooms next year, and colour changing teas, to how to make a simple soothing slave from calendula, and which popular garden herb Jamie uses to make nourishing hair oil this episode is packed with practical advice and projects to enable you to make the most of those blooms. The conversation also covers natural dyes, from hapa-zome flower hammering and steam dyeing to sulphur cosmos, coreopsis, onion skins, woad, Japanese indigo and true indigo. 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: Calendula Pink Surprise: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/calendula-pink-surprise/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: hello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July can feel like the point when sowing stops, but it is one of the most important months for planning autumn, winter and next spring. In this episode, Martha and Jamie share what they will be sowing growing and doing in this pivotal month in the garden, plus how to fill the inevitable gaps that begin to occur when potatoes, onions and early courgettes finish. They also cover the umbrella cucumber pruning method, tomato maintenance, garlic braiding, what to forage this month, why peanuts grow underground, and the relationship between cinnabar moths and ragwort. 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: Cabbage Kalibos: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/summer-cabbage-kalibos/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: hello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cut-flower farmer Sarah Gray of Bloom & Gray joins Martha and Jamie for a practical tour of the cut-flower calendar. From when to start hardy annuals and what to sow now, why flowers should be picked before pollination, which flowers earn their place in a productive cutting patch, and Sarah also breaks a bouquet into five useful elements and chooses her top five plants if you'd like to grow a small cut flower bouquet bed. They also discuss soil blocking for flower seeds without plastic pots, the growing British flower movement and Jeanne Baret, the pioneering botanist now recognised as the first woman known to travel around the world. 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: Zinnia Zinderella Peach: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/zinnia-zinderella-peach/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: hello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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/PlantsNeedFriendsToo 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: Corsican Mint: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/herb-mint-corsican/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: hello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Martha and Jamie break discuss how to get our gardens summer ready! and how to grow heat loving fruit, veg and flowers successfully in the UK. They explain what tender plants are, how to protect them, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to failure. From melons and cucumbers to beans, tomatoes and summer flowers such as cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers and more, they share practical advice to help you grow more food with less frustration. We will even discover the fastinating origin of the cavendish banana. 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: Melon Rich Sweetness: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/melon-rich-sweetness/ Cosmos Apricot Lemonade: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/cosmos-apricot-lemonade/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: hello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Martha and Jamie explore the varied and intriguing world of perennial vegetables and why they are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to grow food. From interesting ways to use classic crops like asparagus and rhubarb, to unusual perennials you may not of heard of - but will want to grow! they break down how to plant once and harvest for years, reduce effort in the garden, and build long-term growing 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: Perennial Nodding Onion: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/perennial-nodding-onion/ Perennial Onion Red Bunching: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/perennial-onion-red-bunching/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: hello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Martha and Jamie break down everything you need to know about gardening in April. From what to sow, how to grow your own utensils, and how to catch up if you feel behind, to dealing with unpredictable weather, slugs and seed starting challenges. They share practical advice on crops like beans, melons, leafy crops, tender plants and bed preparation tips, while also exploring seasonal highlights such as bluebells, things to forage for, and early harvests. 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: French Bean 1500 Year Old Cave Bean: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/french-bean-1500-yr-old-cave-bean/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: hello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Martha and Jamie break down companion planting and how different plants support each other within a growing system. From additions to classic combinations such as tomatoes, basil and marigolds, to lesser know companions for productive and diverse gardens. They share their top practical tips, discover which symbiotic pairing combines to create coral reefs, and explain the biology behind plant relationships, from pest control to soil health. If you would like to pre-order a copy of Jamie's children’s book there is a link below, thank you for your support! 💚 https://geni.us/PlantsNeedFriendsToo 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: Marigold, Lucy's Starburst: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/marigold-lucys-starburst/ Strawberry Drying Corn: https://shegrowsveg.com/product/drying-corn-strawberry/ We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: hello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Martha and Jamie are joined by Jason Williams to explore what’s possible when growing food in small, urban spaces. From his beginnings on a balcony 18 floors up in Manchester to becoming an award-winning designer and educator, Jason shares how constraint can spark creativity. They discuss the realities of high-rise gardening, edible pond plants, and how even the smallest spaces can support biodiversity and meaningful harvests. Drawing on insights from urban systems like sponge cities in China, this episode blends practical advice with a powerful reminder: you don’t need land to grow, just the willingness to start. We love hearing your questions and comments - so please do get in touch: hello@homegrownpod.com Presented by : Martha Swales and Jamie Walton Video Editor and Socials: Thomas Griffin Artwork : Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
