Bare-root fruit trees are one of the best long-term investments you can make on a UK allotment or in a garden. In this episode, we explain what bare-root trees are, when to buy them, and why winter is the ideal time to plant. You’ll learn how to think strategically about tree size, spacing, self-fertility, and long-term placement — without getting lost in technical detail. This is a practical guide to choosing fruit trees that will thrive for years, not just look good on planting day.

Some fruit tree mistakes don’t show up straight away — they quietly limit growth, reduce harvests, and create problems that take years to correct. In this episode, we cover the most common long-term fruit tree mistakes made on UK allotments and gardens, from planting in the wrong place and choosing the wrong size tree to pollination errors and pruning problems. A practical guide to getting fruit trees right from the start.

Not every vegetable is worth the space on a UK allotment. In this episode, we make a practical, UK-specific “do not grow” shortlist — crops that often struggle with our cool summers, need too much protection, or take up loads of space for a small return. From sweetcorn and aubergines outdoors to fussy celery, pest-prone brassicas without netting, and carrots in heavy soil, this is a reality check designed to save you time, frustration, and wasted bed space. The goal isn’t to grow less — it’s to grow smarter.