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.

In the final part of the chilli growing series, we focus on what happens after the fruits appear. Learn when to harvest for the best flavour and heat, how to extend the season in the UK climate, and whether it’s worth overwintering your plants. We also cover simple ways to dry, freeze, and preserve chillies, plus tips for saving seeds for next year.

In part three of the chilli growing series, we tackle the most common problems UK growers face and how to fix them. From poor germination and leggy seedlings to flower drop, pests, and blossom end rot, this episode helps you read the signs your plants are giving you. With simple adjustments to light, warmth, watering, and feeding, most chilli issues can be corrected quickly, keeping your harvest on track.

In part two of the chilli growing series, we focus on the practical steps to raise strong, productive chilli plants in the UK climate. From sowing seeds indoors and managing light, to potting on, hardening off, watering, feeding, and choosing the best growing spot, this episode walks you through the full care routine. You’ll also learn which UK seed suppliers offer reliable varieties suited to British conditions.

Before you sow a single chilli seed, choosing the right variety can make the difference between a bumper harvest and a season of frustration. In this episode, we break down the main types of chilli peppers, explain heat levels in simple terms, and explore which cultivars perform best in UK conditions. From mild kitchen favourites to fiery superhots, learn how to match the plant to your space, your climate, and how you love to cook.

January might be cold and dark, but the growing season has already begun. In this episode, we cover exactly what you can sow in January to get a head start on the year. Learn which crops to start indoors in the warmth of your home, and which hardy vegetables can be sown in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame. From chillies and aubergines to broad beans and winter salads, this guide helps you sow wisely, avoid leggy seedlings, and make the most of the earliest planting window in the UK growing calendar.