Episode 647: March Begins: Soil Warming, Cauliflowers & No‑Dig Gardening cover art

Episode 647: March Begins: Soil Warming, Cauliflowers & No‑Dig Gardening

Episode 647: March Begins: Soil Warming, Cauliflowers & No‑Dig Gardening

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 March has arrived and the soil is finally starting to warm up. This week on the podcast In this week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast, Richard is welcoming in the month of March. I share updates on soil temperatures, warming beds for early sowings. We also have our Seed of the Month, and this month’s book review. There’s also a simple seasonal recipe using purple sprouting broccoli. Down the Allotment After weeks of rain, a few dry days have finally helped the soil begin to dry and warm. Richard has also been checking temperatures with a soil thermometer. Although readings are still around 5–7°C, things are moving in the right direction. Richard goes on to talk about how he's using cloches to warm the beds ahead of direct sowing, and why he prefer them over black plastic or weed membrane. There’s also a bit of reflection on how the allotment is looking overall as we head into the new season. In the Potting Shed With the shed averaging around 11°C this week, Richard has moved some of his peppers and chillies out from indoors to free up space. They’re looking happy, and the shed is now ready for more seed sowing as temperatures continue to stabilise. Seed of the Month Cauliflower This month’s featured seed is a multi‑headed cauliflower from Premier Seeds Direct. Richard explain's why this variety caught his attention. It produces a main head plus several smaller ones. Making it ideal for gardeners working with limited space. Richard also touches on why cauliflowers can be tricky, the importance of consistency, and how he start's his in root trainers to avoid disturbing their roots. In the Kitchen Purple sprouting broccoli is at its peak right now. This week’s Richard's recipe is a simple roasted lemon and garlic purple sprouting broccoli with crispy chickpeas. It’s quick, flavourful, and perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Full details are shared in the episode. Book of the Month For February Richard is reviewing No Dig by Charles Dowding. Although many of the principles are now widely known, the book still offers clear explanations and accessible science behind the no‑dig method. Richard share's his thoughts on why it’s still a worthwhile read, especially for newer gardeners. Richard's also introducing next month’s book: A Year on the River by Fiona Sims, which explores growing, foraging, and cooking from a narrowboat. Richard wrap's up the episode with a listener message about straw bale gardening and share why squashes and cucumbers are a great place to start. As always, Richard invite listeners to leave a review, join the Supporters Club, or get in touch via the website or social media.
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