Home Grown with Martha and Jamie

S1 Ep 36: Growing with the Seasons: Solstice, Bolting and Midsummer Magic 18.06.2026 53min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 35: Drought Proof Gardening: Mulch, Containers and Water Saving Tips 11.06.2026 58min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 34: Why Pollination Matters: Biodiversity, Bigger Harvests and Better Blooms! 04.06.2026 49min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 33: June in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow and Do! 28.05.2026 1h 1min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 32: Urban Wildlife, Wetlands and Community Gardens with Lira Valencia 21.05.2026 1h 1min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 31: Money Saving Gardening: Free Plants, Free Fertility and DIY Projects 14.05.2026 1h 1min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 30: Grow a Herb Garden: History, Hacks, Herbal Remedies and How to! 07.05.2026 59min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 29: May in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow, and Do! 30.04.2026 53min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 28: What are Heirloom Seeds and Why do they Matter?: With Lucy Hutchings and Kate Cotterill 23.04.2026 53min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 27: Get Your Garden Summer Ready: Heat loving Fruit, Veg and Flowers and How to Grow them! 16.04.2026 57min

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.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 26: Plant Once and Harvest for Years: Perennial Vegetables and Why they Matter! 09.04.2026 56min

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.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 25: April in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow, and Do! 02.04.2026 55min

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.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 24: Companion Planting for Diverse Gardens: Plants, Partnerships and Productive combinations for any space! 26.03.2026 49min

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/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: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.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 EP 23: From Balcony Gardens to Edible Pond Plants: Growing Food on the 18th Floor, and so much more! with Jason Williams 19.03.2026 43min

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.comPresented by: Martha Swales and Jamie WaltonVideo Editor and Socials: Thomas GriffinArtwork: Rare Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 22: Small Space, Big Harvests: Tips, Plants and Projects for Making the Most of the Space You Have! 12.03.2026 52min

In this episode Martha and Jamie discuss how to more grow food when space is limited. They share practical strategies for small gardens, balconies, patios and window boxes. Discuss succession planting, vertical growing, container layouts and crops that produce quickly in small beds. And cover projects such as worm farms, mini wildlife ponds and how to create a small but biodiverse ecosystem. Martha also explores the history of intensive market gardening in London and looks at shade-tolerant edible plants from Japan.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:Spring radish, the 18 day radish:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/spring-radish-de-dix-huit-jours/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 21: Incredible Edibles: Crops that You Won’t Find in the Supermarket 05.03.2026 48min

In this episode, Jamie and Martha discuss unusual crops they’ve grown or discovered, including unusual roots, rare herbs, lesser-known vegetables and some of their favourite unusual varieties of common crops. They discuss why some plants never become commercially popular, the origins of some of our garden favourites and why home growers have the freedom to experiment with far greater diversity. Get your note books ready, your seed wish list is about to grow! 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:Mangelwurzel Mammoth Red:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/mangelwurzel-red/Celery Blush (Pink):https://shegrowsveg.com/product/celery-blush/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 EP 20: March in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow and Do! 26.02.2026 51min

In this episode, Martha and Jamie step into the hopeful energy of March in the garden, that turning point where winter loosens its grip and the growing season begins to stir. They share everything you can sow, grow, and get underway right now, from hardy early crops to seeds started under cover, along with the essential jobs that set the garden up for the months ahead. They also chat through their favourite tomato varieties and what they’re choosing to grow this year, from reliable classics to flavour-packed newcomers. Beyond the practical, they explore the folklore and seasonal rhythms woven through March, from the spring equinox and the story of Persephone’s return to the appearance of boxing hares in open fields and the sudden blaze of daffodils across the landscape. Expect a blend of timely gardening advice, personal growing plans, and reflections on the signs of spring that remind us the garden is waking up again.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:Black Cherry:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/tomato-black-cherry/Wild Tomato Red Currant:https://shegrowsveg.com/product/tomato-red-currant/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 19: Pests aren't the Problem: An Ecological Guide to Managing Garden Pests, from Slugs and Aphids, to Rabbits and Deer! 19.02.2026 44min

In this episode, Jamie and Martha break down the biggest garden pests, why they become a problem, and how to prevent them; including slugs, aphids, spider mites, wireworm, rabbits and deer. They explain why pesticides fail long term, why prevention matters more than cure, and how building biodiversity and balance can reduce pest pressure over time. With practical takeaways, fascinating facts and the their personal anecdotes from pest filled seasons past.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:Spring Onion Purplettehttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/spring-onion-purplette/The perfect companion for carrots such as Carrot Ox Hearthttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/carrot-oxheart/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 18: Flowers in the Vegetable Garden: Edible Blooms, Pest Protection, Pollination and more! 12.02.2026 43min

In this episode, Martha and Jamie dive into the joyful, hardworking world of flowers in the vegetable garden. 🌸From multifunctional companion plants that deter pests and boost soil health, to edible blooms that elevate both flavour and beauty on the plate, they explore why flowers deserve a central place in productive spaces. They discuss flowering vegetables and what bolting really means, share fascinating pollination facts, and unpack how attracting insects isn’t just good for biodiversity, it also increases our yields. Expect practical growing tips, fascinating facts, and plenty of encouragement to let your add more blooms to your patch. 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:Dahlia Bishop’s Childrenhttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/dahlia-bishops-children/?srsltid=AfmBOoorvxUtdcaiseqRdQA1sUhc9chWhxLwOaqr1EYb1WeaJzBnsBM4Nasturtium Purple Emperorhttps://shegrowsveg.com/product/nasturtium-purple-emperor/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 EP 17: From Nettles to Truffles: A Guide to Spring Foraging with Fern Freud 05.02.2026 43min

In this episode, Jamie and Martha are joined by foraging educator Fern Freud of Foraged by Fern, and Nimbus the dog. From wild garlic and nettles to mushrooms and truffles, they discuss how to start safely, common mistakes, sustainable harvesting, foraging's relationship to gardening, and why it is as much about mindset and as it is about food.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.