Welcome to Episode 665 of the Veg Grower Podcast. This week Richard shares a classic mix of summer gardening jobs — fruit thinning, sweetcorn planting, slug control, greenhouse tidying — plus our Seed of the Month, a refreshing cabbage slaw recipe, and a look at July’s Book of the Month.
It’s been warm and humid on the allotment, but thanks to straw mulch and careful watering, everything is thriving. Let’s dive into what’s been happening this week.
Down the Allotment
The allotment has been busy with seasonal tasks, starting with fruit thinning after the June drop. Richard explains why apples and pears shed fruit naturally, and why thinning further helps produce bigger, tastier fruit and prevents biennial bearing. It’s a job that feels counter‑intuitive, but the long-term benefits are worth it.
Gooseberries are ready, but harvesting them has become nearly impossible due to thorns and invading brambles. Richard shares his difficult decision to dig up the existing bushes and replant with thornless varieties to make the area more productive and easier to maintain.
Elsewhere on the plot:
Straw mulch continues to reduce watering needs
Leeks are being held back until cooler, wetter weather
The final batch of sweetcorn has been planted
New potatoes, courgettes, rhubarb and cabbage are being harvested
A surprise rat encounter added a bit of drama to the week
Tune in to hear the full story and Richard’s thoughts on keeping the allotment productive.
Seed of the Month — Kohlrabi
This month’s seed is kohlrabi, a quirky root crop that looks alien but tastes fantastic — sweeter than turnips and incredibly versatile.
Richard shares:
How he sows it directly into the soil
Why consistent moisture is essential
How to thin seedlings to 20–25cm spacing
Why harvesting at golf‑ball size gives the best flavour
How flea beetle and slugs can be managed
Ways to use kohlrabi in the kitchen, including roasting, stir‑fries and slaws
And a reminder that the leaves are edible too
It’s a great crop for summer sowing and offers two harvests from one plant.
In the Kitchen Garden
The kitchen garden has been all about organisation this week. Richard tidied the area in front of the greenhouse, sorted pots, removed weeds, and potted up cabbage, swede and late brassicas. The chickens’ area also had a tidy, making the whole garden feel calmer and more productive.
Slug & Snail Battles
Slugs and snails have been relentless this year, especially around the bean plants. Richard shares several methods he’s using:
Yeast traps made from wine sediment
Watering in the morning
Upturned pots to collect slugs overnight
Feeding trapped slugs to chickens and birds
It’s a constant challenge, but numbers are slowly coming down.
General Garden Notes
Tomatoes are loving the warm weather
Herbs are thriving but dry
Mulch continues to help retain moisture
Courgettes and other crops are producing well
Marigolds are being deadheaded daily to keep flowers coming
The kitchen garden is productive, colourful and full of life.
Recipe of the Week
Summer Cabbage & Peanut Slaw with Lime & Chili Dressing
This week’s recipe turns a humble summer cabbage into something exciting. Richard grates cabbage, carrot and red onion, adds fresh herbs and chili, and finishes with a zingy lime dressing and roasted peanuts.
It’s crunchy, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather. You can find the full recipe on the blog.
Book of the Month — The Victorian Kitchen Garden by Jennifer Davies
Richard reviews this classic book, which accompanies the BBC series of the same name. He explores:
Victorian walled gardens
Skilled head gardeners
Coal‑heated greenhouses
Hotbeds made from fresh manure
Fruit‑tree training
Soil care and mulching
Season extension techniques
The craftsmanship and attention to detail of Victorian growers
