From chaos to calm, what a week it’s been

Seeds, Heirloom Tomatoes, Non-Stop Rain and Allotment Reality

Have you ever noticed how the growing season can feel both impossibly far away… and suddenly urgent? One minute the soil is heavy and quiet, and the kettle is doing more work than you are. The next, you’re staring at seed packets as if they’re lottery tickets. In this episode of The VeggiePlot Podcast, I talk about the quiet decisions that shape a season before it even begins. I’ve started trialling a new vegetable seed supplier, committed once again to some unusual heirloom tomatoes, and bought five white strawberry plants that don’t look anything like strawberries should. Meanwhile, Cornwall has just recorded its wettest January on record — with storms, flooding, and soil that simply cannot take any more water. We explore what record rainfall means for allotment growers, why heirloom tomatoes are still worth the effort in a British climate, how flavour really develops, and whether a cordless water pump might just save my back this summer. If you’re planning, second-guessing, itching to sow too early, or simply watching the rain and waiting — this episode is for you. Tips, tales and inspiration from the garden.

Purple Tomatoes and Big Gardening Questions

What happens when the allotment finally feels ready… and you start wondering what comes next? In this episode of The VeggiePlot Podcast, I’m reflecting on one of those quieter but important moments in gardening. The weeding is finished, the soil is clear, and the plot suddenly feels full of possibility. But alongside that sense of order come some bigger questions about change, tradition, and the future of growing your own food. I talk about genetically modified purple tomatoes now being grown in the US and Australia, and explore how they came to be, why they exist, and what they might mean for gardeners here in the UK. It’s a plain-English look at the science behind them, the debate they raise, and why they matter, even if we can’t grow them here just yet. Back on the allotment, I share the satisfaction of simple jobs done well, from making compost to protecting overwintering onions and garlic. I also talk through a fairly big decision: closing one of my allotments and moving established soft fruit and perennials to another. Blueberries, currants, rhubarb, tayberries and globe artichokes all feature, along with some honest thoughts on timing, care, and helping plants settle in properly. This episode is about finishing jobs, letting go of what no longer fits, and making thoughtful decisions for the seasons ahead. It’s calm, reflective, and rooted in real allotment life, and I hope it resonates with anyone who enjoys growing their own food and thinking about where their garden, and gardening itself, might be heading next.

Talking about potatoes and other gardening topics

In this episode of the Veggieplot podcast, Chris delves into the world of potatoes, exploring their historical significance, the impact of the Irish potato famine, and the importance of variety selection in gardening. He discusses different methods of growing potatoes, how to harvest and store them, and introduces the Valor potato as a blight-resistant option. Additionally, Chris shares insights from a recent book find and a visit to West Dean Gardens, emphasizing the joy of curiosity in gardening.

Ponderings from the allotment plus two books I'm reading now

In this episode of the VeggieBlock podcast, I share my experiences and insights from a day spent at the allotment. I discuss the challenges of managing weeds and the importance of maintaining raised beds filled with quality soil to enhance plant growth. I reflect on the various crops I harvested, including sweet corn, courgettes, and potatoes, while also highlighting the significance of proper soil management in a challenging environment like my allotment in Cornwall. I emphasize the need for preparation and planning as the gardening season approaches, encouraging you to stay active and fit to avoid injuries while working in the garden. As the conversation progresses, I touch on my future plans for the allotment, including the potential installation of a fruit cage or polytunnel. I also share my recent finds from a charity shop, including books on gardening and environmental projects, which inspire me to think bigger about the impact of gardening on community and ecology. The episode concludes by encouraging you to engage with your own gardening journeys and to share your experiences.

From chaos to calm, what a week it’s been

From storm damage and broken greenhouse glass to harvesting winter potatoes and sowing broad beans on the radiator, this episode is a very real snapshot of a week in the garden. I talk through what Storm Goretti left behind here in Cornwall, what I’ve been harvesting from the polytunnel and allotment, and why Brussels sprouts taste far better now than they ever used to. I also share a Christmas food discovery that’s quickly become a favourite, update you on the latest version of my VeggiePlot Record Book, and explain why slowing down and planning is the most important thing you can do when starting a new allotment. I wrap up with a small teaser about a new gardening project that’s been quietly growing behind the scenes. A reflective, practical episode about finding calm in the chaos and letting the garden set the pace.