Home Grown with Martha and Jamie
Home Grown is a gardening podcast hosted by Jamie Walton (Nettles & Petals) and Martha Swales (Marf's Kitchen Garden). It offers practical tips, seasonal advice, and inspiration for growing your own food, whether you have a balcony pot or a full allotment. Each month, they welcome special guests to share their experiences with soil, seeds, and seasonal living. The podcast aims to help listeners grow more and grow better.
Episodes
S1 Ep 49: Seed Saving at Home: How to, History, Hybrids and Why it Matters!
In this weeks episode Martha and Jamie discuss how saving seed can be simple, satisfying and useful in gardens of every size. They give a practical introduction to saving seeds from many of the plants likely already growing in your garden, such as peas, beans, lettuce, calendula and tomatoes. They cover why we should avoid seed from early-bolting crops, useful drying and storing techniques, the hi
S1 Ep 48: How to Make Better Compost: with Michael Kennard
In this weeks episode Martha and Jamie are joined by soil and compost expert Michael Kennard of Compost Club to explore all things compost and soil health. Michael explains why microbes matter, what good compost should look and smell like, How to make better compost, and where gardeners with limited space should begin. Martha also reveals her 18-month-old bokashi disaster before the group compares
S1 Ep 47: Don't Miss the Second Spring: Early Autumn is not the end of the growing year!
In this weeks episode, Martha and Jamie ensure that you do not miss the second spring! the early-autumn window for sowing crops that can feed you through winter and into next year. From winter radish, cold hardy greens, and winter lettuces, to Asian greens and even quick carrots, they provide ideas for all growing spaces and contexts. There is also a practical guide to planting hardneck and softne
S1 Ep 46: September in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow and Do!
In this week episode Martha and Jamie discuss what to sow, grow and do in the garden in this month of transitions. Martha investigates a mysterious tomato problem with a microscope, they explain why spiders suddenly seem to appear in September, and Jamie shares his elderberry syrup method. There is also advice on weather-resilient soil, wildlife-friendly autumn tidying and harvesting grapes, nuts
S1 Ep 45: Plot to Plate Recipes: Summer Garden Gluts and How to Use Them!
In this weeks plot to plate episode, Martha and Jamie share the favourite ways to use August vegetable garden produce while it is at its peak. With recipes such as raw courgetti "bolognese", crisp courgette fritti, aubergine parmigiana, miso aubergine, tomato summer pudding, and mustard tomato tart, you'll be sure to find some inspiration for using up those summer gluts!They also discuss preservin
S1 Ep 44: Edimental Gardening: Plants that Taste as Good as they Look!
This week Martha and Jamie explain why you may want to ditch the veg plot, and instead grow an edimental garden. The idea that a garden can be beautiful, productive and useful without separating vegetables from ornamental planting. They share beautiful simple swaps for commonly grown plant such as chard, peas and celery, plus lots of unusual plants you may not of heard of before such as perennial
S1 Ep 43: Supporting Summer Wildlife in Your Garden: Heat Waves, Ponds, Pollinators and More
In this weeks episode, Martha and Jamie explore the practical things gardeners can do to support summer wildlife, particularly in spells of prolonged warm dry weather. From providing food, water and shelter, to creating breeding spaces for insects, birds and other wildlife. They look at the habitats that help natural predators thrive, including mounds, leaf litter, log piles and beetle banks for g
S1 Ep 42: August in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow and Do!
August is a month of abundance, but it is also a key moment for planning what comes next. In this episode, Martha and Jamie discuss what to sow, grow and do this month, and why we should keep sowing before light levels fall, while also making the most of our flowers, vegetables and fruit that at their summer peak. They also explain why wasps become more interested in sugary picnics, how to identif
S1 Ep 41: Gardening in a Changing Climate: How to Future-Proof Your Garden
Gardening is becoming less predictable. A dry spring can be followed by a summer drought, a late frost can be followed by golf ball sized hail, and plants that once suited the local climate may struggle with new patterns. In this episode, Martha and Jamie explore gardening in a changing climate, from extreme heat and heavy rainfall to milder winters and crops that behave differently under stress.
S1 Ep 40: Garden Harvest Hacks: More Food, Same Space!
A garden can produce far more than the obvious harvest. In this episode, Jamie and Martha look at the plant parts, picking techniques and timing decisions that help growers waste less, save money and keep plants cropping for longer. From edible plant parts that supermarkets usually remove and a long-lived brassica that can be picked repeatedly, to succession sowing, relay cropping, cut-and-come-ag
S1 Ep 39: The Flower Apothecary: Natural Remedies, Dyes, Balms, Teas & Tinctures
Flowers can do far more than look pretty. In this episode, Martha and Jamie explore the garden as a floral apothecary, looking at the ways flowers and useful plants can become balms, teas, tinctures, scents, natural dyes and simple homemade experiments. From hardy annuals to sow now for stronger blooms next year, and colour changing teas, to how to make a simple soothing slave from calendula, and
S1 Ep 38: July in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow and Do!
July can feel like the point when sowing stops, but it is one of the most important months for planning autumn, winter and next spring. In this episode, Martha and Jamie share what they will be sowing growing and doing in this pivotal month in the garden, plus how to fill the inevitable gaps that begin to occur when potatoes, onions and early courgettes finish. They also cover the umbrella cucumbe
S1 Ep 37: Grow Your Own Cut Flower Garden with Sarah Grey
Cut-flower farmer Sarah Gray of Bloom & Gray joins Martha and Jamie for a practical tour of the cut-flower calendar. From when to start hardy annuals and what to sow now, why flowers should be picked before pollination, which flowers earn their place in a productive cutting patch, and Sarah also breaks a bouquet into five useful elements and chooses her top five plants if you'd like to grow a
S1 Ep 36: Growing with the Seasons: Solstice, Bolting and Midsummer Magic
This week, Martha and Jamie mark midsummer by looking at the garden as a seasonal calendar. They explore the idea of growing using the Wheel of the Year, and explain why changing day length can tell plants when to grow, flower, bolt or form tubers, and how we can use that knowledge to grow better plants. There is practical advice on sowing kohlrabi, fennel, spinach, radishes and Asian greens after
S1 Ep 35: Drought Proof Gardening: Mulch, Containers and Water Saving Tips
In this episode, Martha and Jamie share practical ways to drought proof your garden, from mulch, compost and hydrophobic soil, to container watering tips, dense planting advise, drought-tolerant crops and wildlife support. They also explore the power of earth smiles, swales, zai pits, and what drought stress actually does to plants and how to over come it. A practical episode full of tips, persona
S1 Ep 34: Why Pollination Matters: Biodiversity, Bigger Harvests and Better Blooms!
In this Episode Martha and Jamie are talking all about the importance of pollination! from practical ways to improve pollination in your garden, to the strange science behind flowers, bees, hoverflies and even vanilla. They'll offer practical advice for how to maximise your harvests for popular crops such as courgettes and sweet corn, and what to do with tired bees, as well as providing tips for p
S1 Ep 33: June in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow and Do!
June is here, so in this episode Martha and Jamie are talking about what to sow, grow, harvest and notice in the garden this month. From swede, French beans, summer flowers and tomato leaf pesto, to Miriam Margolyes, edible hedges, bumblebee safaris and open gardens, this episode is packed with practical June gardening advice and seasonal plant stories. And If you would like to grow our seed of th
S1 Ep 32: Urban Wildlife, Wetlands and Community Gardens with Lira Valencia
In this episode, Martha and Jamie are joined by wildlife educator and urban nature advocate Lira Valencia. They explore why cities are full of incredible wildlife if you know where to look, why pigeons deserve more respect, and what the new RSPB advice on bird feeding means for gardeners. This episode is packed with practical advise, wildlife facts and lots of inspiration you can apply to any spac
S1 Ep 31: Money Saving Gardening: How to Grow More while Spending Less!
With household budgets under increasing pressure: how can we grow more while spending less? In this weeks episode Martha and Jamie share practical ways to make gardening more accessible and sustainable, whilst also being less wasteful. From seed saving and propagating plants to homemade compost, DIY garden projects and turning weeds into fertiliser, they explain how to set up closed loop syst
S1 Ep 30: Grow a Herb Garden: History, Hacks, Herbal Remedies and How to!
In this episode, Martha and Jamie break down everything you need to know about the power of herbs. They explain what herbs actually are, how to grow them in different conditions, their go-to herbal tea recipes, companion planting combinations, and why they are some of the easiest and most useful plants you can grow. From saving money on supermarket herbs and propagating from cuttings, to supportin
S1 Ep 29: May in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow, and Do!
In this episode, Martha and Jamie break down everything you need to know about gardening in busy month of May. They cover what to sow, what to plant out, why you may want to walk bare foot in the garden before planting, and how to manage the shift into late spring conditions. From hardening off and common mistakes with feeding tender crops, to late spring folklore and wildlife, this episode gives
S1 Ep 28: What are Heirloom Seeds and Why do they Matter?: With Lucy Hutchings and Kate Cotterill
What are heirloom seeds and why do they matter? In this episode, Martha and Jamie are joined by Lucy Hutchings and Kate Cotterill from She Grows Veg. They explore the wonderful world of heirloom seeds, what makes them different, unusual varieties you should give a grow, and why flavour, diversity and storytelling matter in growing food. From storage tomatoes you can eat in winter and seeds for a c
S1 Ep 27: Get Your Garden Summer Ready: Heat loving Fruit, Veg and Flowers and How to Grow them!
In this episode, Martha and Jamie break discuss how to get our gardens summer ready! and how to grow heat loving fruit, veg and flowers successfully in the UK. They explain what tender plants are, how to protect them, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to failure. From melons and cucumbers to beans, tomatoes and summer flowers such as cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers and more, they share practi
S1 Ep 26: Plant Once and Harvest for Years: Perennial Vegetables and Why they Matter!
In this episode, Martha and Jamie explore the varied and intriguing world of perennial vegetables and why they are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to grow food. From interesting ways to use classic crops like asparagus and rhubarb, to unusual perennials you may not of heard of - but will want to grow! they break down how to plant once and harvest for years, reduce effort in the garden,
S1 Ep 25: April in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow, and Do!
In this episode, Martha and Jamie break down everything you need to know about gardening in April. From what to sow, how to grow your own utensils, and how to catch up if you feel behind, to dealing with unpredictable weather, slugs and seed starting challenges. They share practical advice on crops like beans, melons, leafy crops, tender plants and bed preparation tips, while also exploring season
S1 Ep 24: Companion Planting for Diverse Gardens: Plants, Partnerships and Productive combinations for any space!
In this episode, Martha and Jamie break down companion planting and how different plants support each other within a growing system. From additions to classic combinations such as tomatoes, basil and marigolds, to lesser know companions for productive and diverse gardens. They share their top practical tips, discover which symbiotic pairing combines to create coral reefs, and explain the biology b
S1 EP 23: From Balcony Gardens to Edible Pond Plants: Growing Food on the 18th Floor, and so much more! with Jason Williams
In this episode, Martha and Jamie are joined by Jason Williams to explore what’s possible when growing food in small, urban spaces. From his beginnings on a balcony 18 floors up in Manchester to becoming an award-winning designer and educator, Jason shares how constraint can spark creativity. They discuss the realities of high-rise gardening, edible pond plants, and how even the smallest spaces ca
S1 Ep 22: Small Space, Big Harvests: Tips, Plants and Projects for Making the Most of the Space You Have!
In this episode Martha and Jamie discuss how to more grow food when space is limited. They share practical strategies for small gardens, balconies, patios and window boxes. Discuss succession planting, vertical growing, container layouts and crops that produce quickly in small beds. And cover projects such as worm farms, mini wildlife ponds and how to create a small but biodiverse ecosystem. Marth
S1 Ep 21: Incredible Edibles: Crops that You Won’t Find in the Supermarket
In this episode, Jamie and Martha discuss unusual crops they’ve grown or discovered, including unusual roots, rare herbs, lesser-known vegetables and some of their favourite unusual varieties of common crops. They discuss why some plants never become commercially popular, the origins of some of our garden favourites and why home growers have the freedom to experiment with far greater diversity. Ge
S1 EP 20: March in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow and Do!
In this episode, Martha and Jamie step into the hopeful energy of March in the garden, that turning point where winter loosens its grip and the growing season begins to stir. They share everything you can sow, grow, and get underway right now, from hardy early crops to seeds started under cover, along with the essential jobs that set the garden up for the months ahead. They also chat through their
S1 Ep 19: Pests aren't the Problem: An Ecological Guide to Managing Garden Pests, from Slugs and Aphids, to Rabbits and Deer!
In this episode, Jamie and Martha break down the biggest garden pests, why they become a problem, and how to prevent them; including slugs, aphids, spider mites, wireworm, rabbits and deer. They explain why pesticides fail long term, why prevention matters more than cure, and how building biodiversity and balance can reduce pest pressure over time. With practical takeaways, fascinating facts and t
S1 Ep 18: Flowers in the Vegetable Garden: Edible Blooms, Pest Protection, Pollination and more!
In this episode, Martha and Jamie dive into the joyful, hardworking world of flowers in the vegetable garden. 🌸From multifunctional companion plants that deter pests and boost soil health, to edible blooms that elevate both flavour and beauty on the plate, they explore why flowers deserve a central place in productive spaces. They discuss flowering vegetables and what bolting really means, sh
S1 EP 17: From Nettles to Truffles: A Guide to Spring Foraging with Fern Freud
In this episode, Jamie and Martha are joined by foraging educator Fern Freud of Foraged by Fern, and Nimbus the dog. From wild garlic and nettles to mushrooms and truffles, they discuss how to start safely, common mistakes, sustainable harvesting, foraging's relationship to gardening, and why it is as much about mindset and as it is about food.We love hearing your questions and comments - so pleas
S1 Ep 16: February in the Garden: What to Sow, Grow and Do!
What should we be doing in the garden in February? In this episode, Martha and Jamie walk through February in the garden. They explain what this month is really for, what seeds are worth starting now, what should wait, and how to work with light, cold, and soil to get your plants off to the best possible start. They discuss practical growing advice, seasonal mindset shifts, plant science, and simp
S1 Ep 15: Chilli Growers Guide: Heat, History, and How to Grow them Successfully
In this episode, Jamie and Martha explore everything you need to know about growing chillies and so much more. From when to sow seeds, top tips for success, and how to care for plants indoors or out, to why chillies evolved to be spicy, why you can feed them to a parrot, and how heat is measured, this episode blends practical growing advice with plant science, history, fun trivia, and flavour.If y
S1 Ep 14: The Power of Plants & Nature's Mental Health Magic
Why does being in nature make us feel better? In this episode of Home Grown, Jamie and Martha explore the science behind gardening, mental health, and the power of plants. From dementia prevention and grounding to the plant that helped create the contraceptive pill, this is a deep dive into how plants shape our bodies, brains, and society.We love hearing your questions and comments
S1 Ep 13: James Wong
This episode sees Martha Swales and Jamie Walton joined by botanist, author and broadcaster James Wong for a wide-ranging conversation about plants, curiosity, and seeing the natural world a little differently.From growing up in Singapore to training at Kew, James shares how early experiences shaped his fascination with plants and why experimentation has always been at the heart of his work. The c
S1 Ep 12: How to have the Perfect Garden by June | A New Years Guide
To kickstart Homegrown in 2026, Martha and Jamie discuss the best tips and tricks to starting your garden this January. From choosing the best compost and seeds, to adapting your garden through the changing of the seasons, they'll be sure to set you up with the know-how to help your plots thrive this year. 🪴They'll be chatting about their personal favourite fruit and veg to grow at home, the cycle
S1 Ep11: The Home Grown Christmas Guide
It's the Christmas countdown on Home Grown, and Martha and Jamie are here to bring Christmas cheer in the form of practical ways to bring the season into your home... from your garden! Whether it's making holly and ivy wreaths, drying orange slices or creating natural homemade gifts. Also Jamie explains his new Boxing Day seed sowing tradition and the benefits of starting early, while Martha talks
S1 Ep10: Digging Into December
Martha Swales and Jamie Walton settle in for a cosy winter edition of Home Grown, bringing together gardening know-how, seasonal science and the small wonders happening just outside your window at this surprisingly busy time of year. They chat about the creatures riding out the cold months, to when the Winter Solstice takes centre stage and the mood shift it brings, plus how to stay connected to t
S1 Ep9: The Art of Preserving
This week on Home Grown, Martha Swales and Jamie Walton explore the art of preserving and what it really means to keep the harvest. From ancient bog butter to shipwrecked pickles and honey that has lasted for thousands of years, they look at why some foods stand the test of time.Back in their own kitchens, they talk through the essentials of fermenting, pickling, chutneys and jams, drawing on glob
S1 Ep 8: Plant a Fruit Trees and Other Great Life Choices
This week on Home Grown, Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) and Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals) dive into the wonderful world of fruit trees. From why winter is the perfect time to plant one, to quirky apple history and some truly wild varieties, they explore everything you need to know before adding a tree to your garden, balcony or allotment.Martha and Jamie taste unusual apples, unpack the ma
S1 Ep7: Frances Tophill - Rooted in Nature
It's an exciting week on Home Grown, Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals) and Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) are joined by their very first guest. Gardener, author and TV presenter Frances Tophill.Frances has inspired a new generation to see gardening as a way to live more gently with the world. From her work on Gardeners’ World and Love Your Garden to her own wildlife-filled home life, she share
S1 E6: Remember Remember What To Do In November.
It’s a cosy November catch-up with Home Grown hosts Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) and Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals). This month, the nights are long, the frosts are biting, and the garden is quietly slipping into its winter state.Martha and Jamie chat seed tins, your reviews, the good the bad and the ugly, plus why leaving your leaves might be the best gift you can give your garden. They
S1 Ep 5: The Terrifying Truth about Halloween Pumpkins
Home Grown is getting ghoulish. Martha Swales and Jamie Walton are rolling up their sleeves for a Halloween special packed with creepy curiosities, squash shaped secrets and plenty of pumpkin mischief. Jamie reveals why the scariest thing about Halloween pumpkins is the mountain of them wasted every year, and why spooky squash deserve the spotlight instead. They share the need-to-know differences
S1 Ep4: Your Questions Answered - Allotment sell offs, Book rivalries and Cats on your crops
It’s Q&A time on Home Grown! 🌿 Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals) and Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) dig into your burning gardening questions – from how to revive an unruly allotment plot to keeping mischievous cats out of the veg beds.Along the way, they reveal a bit of friendly book rivalry, share their grand plans for the Home Grown gardening podcast’s future, and offer plenty of grow-y
S1 Ep 3: The Magic of Soil
The No Dig Revolution with Martha Swales (@marfskitchengarden) and Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals)In this episode of Home Grown, hosts Martha Swales and Jamie Walton explore the magic of the No Dig gardening method, proving that sometimes the best gardening happens when you simply let nature lead the way.They discuss how leaving the soil undisturbed helps create thriving ecosystems, healthier pla
S1 Ep 2: Tomatoes
It’s tomato time! Martha Swales (Marf's Kitchen Garden) and Jamie Walton (Nettles and Petals) dive into the wonderful, rosy, glorious world of everyone’s favourite gateway veg. They share harvesting highs, planting tips, and taste their way through the mind-boggling range of tomato varieties bursting out of their beds. Martha makes her case for the unbeatable Sun Gold, while Jamie shows off some s
S1 E1: October
This is it! Episode one of Home Grown, our brand-new podcast all about growing, gardening, and everything in betweenAnd in today's episode, October is here, bringing crisp mornings, fiery leaves, and plenty to keep gardeners busy. In this episode of Home Grown, hosts Jamie Walton (Nettles & Petals) and Martha Swales (Marf’s Kitchen Garden) share what’s happening on their plots this month — fro
Pilot: Guide to September
Something exciting is sprouting! Home Grown is a brand-new gardening podcast hosted by two of the UK’s brightest horticultural voices: Jamie Walton, better known as Nettles & Petals, and Martha Swales of Marf’s Kitchen Garden. Together they share their knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of growing your own veg.The full launch is coming soon, but for now enjoy this pilot episode. Martha and Jamie
