Growing Up Podcast
For those who love to grow, who are happiest in the garden, allotment or greenhouse. Hosted by Andy and Kate, a green-fingered couple who love growing, and are on a mission to share the joy of all things plant-related.
Episode title: Gardening, Death & Rosemary: Why Plants Help Us Remember
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Why do we bring flowers to funerals, plant trees in memory of loved ones, and find ancient yews in churchyards? Andy and Kate explore the connections between gardening, funeral traditions and remembrance—with warmth, curiosity and a healthy dose of irreverence.
From rosemary and Victorian flower symbolism to natural burials and living memorials, discover how plants help us remember people—and how to create a meaningful space of your own, even with just a single pot.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are b...
Gardening Jobs for November: The Overlooked Tasks That Make a Big Difference
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November might seem like the month to put your feet up and forget about the garden, but there's still plenty to be getting on with!
This week on The Growing Up Podcast, Kate and Andy explore some of the lesser-known gardening jobs worth tackling in November. From turning fallen leaves into valuable leaf mould and taking hardwood cuttings for free plants, to improving drainage, growing winter crops and getting your tools ready for next year.
Plus, they share why November is the perfect time to reflect on this year's...
Magical Plants: The Strange Folklore, Myths & Legends of Our Gardens
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Did you know that some plants were once believed to protect against evil spirits, attract fairies, bring good fortune or even scream when pulled from the ground?
In this episode of The Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate explore the weird and wonderful world of plant folklore, uncovering the fascinating stories, superstitions and ancient beliefs surrounding some of our most familiar garden plants.
From the terrifying legends of mandrake and the mysterious Elder Mother to rosemary's association with remembrance and thyme's connections to fairies, we discover how plants have...
How to Grow Pumpkins: From Seed to Harvest | History, Halloween & Growing Tips
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It's pumpkin season! 🎃 This week on the Growing Up Podcast, Kate and Andy celebrate one of autumn's most iconic crops. From their ancient origins in the Americas to their fascinating connection with Halloween, we explore the history, folklore and cultural significance of pumpkins.
After the break, we're getting practical with a complete guide to growing your own pumpkins, covering everything from choosing varieties and sowing seeds to feeding, pollination, harvesting and storage.
Whether you're dreaming of a giant Halloween pumpkin or delicious home-grown squash for the kitchen, this episode is...
Gardening for Autumn Wildlife
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As the garden starts to wind down for winter, it’s tempting to cut everything back, rake up every leaf and give the whole place a thorough tidy — but wildlife might prefer you didn’t!
In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate explore simple ways to make your garden more wildlife-friendly this autumn. From leaving seed heads and fallen leaves to creating log piles, helping hedgehogs, planting spring bulbs and providing food, water and shelter for birds and insects, we look at how a slightly less t...
Gardening jobs for October
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October might feel like the garden is winding down, but there’s still plenty to be getting on with! In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast, Kate and Andy run through the essential gardening jobs for October, from planting spring bulbs and garlic to harvesting the last crops, protecting tender plants and preparing your soil for winter.
We also look at autumn lawn care, composting, making leaf mould, looking after wildlife and why you might want to resist the temptation to make the garden too tidy.
Wh...
Gardening Advice You Should Probably Ignore
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Think you need green fingers to be a good gardener? That watering leaves in sunshine will scorch them? Or that gravel in the bottom of pots improves drainage?
In this episode of The Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate tackle some of the biggest gardening myths that simply refuse to die. From companion planting and coffee grounds to slugs, fertiliser, watering, no-dig gardening and growing vegetables in shade, we separate useful gardening advice from traditions and old wives’ tales that might not be quite as reliable as we've been le...
Grow more food next year by starting this autumn
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Want to grow more food next year? The secret is to start now. In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate explore why autumn is one of the most important times in the gardening calendar — from planting garlic, onions and perennial crops to improving your soil, building raised beds, making compost and planning next year’s harvest.
Discover the simple jobs you can do this autumn to get ahead, make spring easier and create a more productive garden next year.
The Growing Up Podcast is p...
It's the end.... A raw chat about the end of our working dispatch season and the realities of doing the job that we love.
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We're exhausted. And this week in a very tired state, we talk about the realities of working in horticulture. Six months work without a day off, long hours, heatwaves and why we still love the job that we do.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advic...
Gardening Jobs for September
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What should you be doing in the garden this September? In this episode of the Growing Up Podcast, Andy and Kate explore the essential gardening jobs for September, from autumn planting, harvesting and sowing vegetables to lawn care, composting, planting spring bulbs, saving seeds and preparing your garden for winter.
We also look at why September gardening is really the beginning of next year’s growing season, with tips on planting hardy herbs, protecting tender plants, improving soil, helping wildlife and getting your garden ready fo...
A Brief History of Thyme
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Today we're talking about one of our absolute favourite herbs—one that's been grown, cherished and written about for thousands of years.
It's tiny, wonderfully fragrant and probably sitting in millions of gardens across the country.
Today we're diving into the fascinating history of thyme.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products tha...
The Truth About Garden Centres....
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This week we deep dive into garden centres, the weekend destination of choice for so many - including ourselves. Lets enter into a world of impulse purchases, coffee cake and garden gnomes.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purc...
Why do some gardens look better than others?
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This week we discuss why design matters, why some gardens look better than others but also why the only client who matters in the design process is yourself!
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase ple...
What you can sow in August for an Autumn Harvest
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This week, we discuss how sowing seeds isn't just for spring and introduce some varieties that we really think you should be sowing during the month of August.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out to...
Gardening Jobs for August
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If you're listening as this episode goes live, we're right in the middle of August—a month that's often overlooked in the gardening calendar. Many people think the busiest part of the season is behind us. The borders are full, vegetables are cropping, herbs are thriving and perhaps, for the first time all year, you're actually getting to sit outside and enjoy the garden.
But August is actually one of the most important months of the year.
The work you do now doesn't just affect how your garden performs ov...
10 Late Summer Gardening Mistakes to Avoid
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Now, if you've been enjoying the garden over the past few months, you might be thinking that the hard work is behind you. The borders are full, the herbs are thriving, tomatoes are ripening and everything feels a little more relaxed.
But here's the thing...
Late summer is actually one of the most important periods of the gardening year.
The decisions you make over the next few weeks can have a huge impact not only on the remainder of this growing season but also on next year's...
Can you seriously plant herbs now during July?
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We are back onto home territory here with a really geeky episode dedicated to the amazing herbs of summer, herbs that you can plant now and enjoy but also herbs that you can sow during the next few weeks to enjoy further ahead.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you...
Lavender: a journey through culture, history and growing your own
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Did you know that lavender has been treasured for thousands of years? From ancient Roman gardens to modern-day cottage borders, this beautifully scented plant has a rich history—and it's still one of the most popular plants for gardeners today.
In this episode of our gardening podcast, we explore the fascinating history of lavender, why it has remained a garden favourite for centuries, and share our top tips for growing healthy, fragrant lavender that flowers year after year.
You'll learn:
🌱 The history and origins of lavender
🌞 The best pla...
Gardening Jobs for July
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Wondering what gardening jobs you should be doing in July? In this episode, we cover the essential July gardening tasks to help your garden thrive throughout the summer. Whether you're growing flowers, vegetables, fruit, or maintaining your lawn, you'll discover practical tips to keep everything looking its best during one of the busiest months in the gardening calendar.
We'll discuss what to sow in July, plants to prune, vegetables to harvest, watering advice during hot weather, lawn care, greenhouse jobs, pest control, and simple maintenance tasks that will reward you with...
We overstretched ourselves. Heatwaves, kebabs and Monty Don.
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This is quite a raw and honest update in which we explain why this episode is being released late and update you on the last very, very full-on last two weeks of life for us here.
We chat about the impacts of the heatwave, the importance of watching gardeners world with a kebab and offer some warm weather gardening advice.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the q...
Companion Planting - the most requested topic so far!
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This week, Kate deep dives into the truth and myth of companion planting. Buckle up, everyone, this is a very geeky deep dive into a gardening topic that so many people have requested!
Enjoy!
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advic...
What can you sow in June? Isn't it too late?
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This week we chat about all of the amazing crops that you can sow during the month of June. June is a very, very busy month that sets up the second half of the summer growing season. Grab a cup of tea and join us as we make a very long list of sowings to make this month.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products th...
Gardening Jobs for June
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How did we get to June already? Is anyone else saying that?
This week we dig deep into gardening jobs for June. This is a very busy month, so grab a drink, buckle up, we are diving straight into a packed gardening month in which the rate of growth accelerates sharply.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out...
Gardening During a Heatwave? Grab a cold drink....
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This week we sit in a very, very warm studio to discuss gardening during a heatwave, why this can cause problems and tactics that you can employ to make sure your plants dont suffer!
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase ple...
Changing career into horticulture? Let's make that jump a little bit easier.....
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Today we talk to Dan and Cathy who are telling us about 'Working for Gardners', an organisation that is on a mission to support those who are thinking about making the jump into working in the horticultural industry. We know that so many of you have thought about making such a change and that you will be as excited to hear the chat with Dan and Cathy as we were!
https://www.wfga.org.uk/
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First T...
Gardening Jobs for May
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May is such a busy month for gardeners. Whether you are gardening on an allotment, in a small garden or even just on a windowsill, May is the month where everything becomes very, very fast-paced, busy and exciting.
There is so much that you can do in the May growing space, and in this episode, we talk through the long list of May gardening jobs!
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel a...
The reality of being a woman working in horticulture
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This week, Kate sits down to chat with a friend of the show, Kendall, to compare their own experiences as women working in horticulture, discussing the obstacles, challenges, but ultimately the joy that comes from engaging with growing things.
About Our Guest:
Kendall Marie Platt is a Horticultural therapist & space holder for garden curious women.
She is the founder of Adventures with Flowers and supports women to create their own garden sanctuary as they use gardening to avoid burnout.
She brings...
Gardening for Bees
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There has never been a more important time to design your garden for the benefit of local bees. It's surprisingly easy and really fun. We are calling for a revolution as we all look to make our gardens more bee-friendly. Who is with us?
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If yo...
Small space, big harvest - the joy of small scale food growing
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Today we’re talking about one of our favourite topics: growing food in small spaces — balconies, patios, tiny backyards, fire escapes, even sunny windowsills.
If you’ve ever thought:
“I don’t have enough room.”“I only have a balcony.”“My yard is basically a postage stamp.”“I rent, so I can’t dig anything up.”This episode is for you.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in th...
Gardening Jobs for April - SUCH an exciting month in the growing space.
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In this VERY special episode, we talk about the gardening jobs that you definitely should be doing during the month of April. This is a very busy month in which daylight is slowly increasing and the garden is most definitely coming to life!
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you...
Growing a Flower Farm with a Business Plan
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So many of us dream of setting up a flower farm, but Jen from @life_on_the_lot has done exactly this. This week Jen sat down with Andy to talk about the story so far, the highs, lows and the learning experiences of setting up a flower farm from scratch.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link...
All Natural Pest Control? Is it possible?
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This week, Andy chats to Becky Searle of @sow_much_more on Instagram about how you can adopt an entirely natural approach to pest control that will actually provide long term benefits for your growing space.
https://www.instagram.com/sow_much_more/
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to or...
How to Grow Tomatoes - Tomato Revolution is back on the show!
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Lance from the amazing Tomato Revolution is back on the show this week and co-hosting with Andy as they chat about all things tomato growing. We talk about when to sow your tomatoes, why too much heat can be a bad thing for your seedlings, and Lance even recommends some unusual varieties to grow.
Check them out here:
https://www.tomatorevolution.co.uk/
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel an...
Planting Hardy Herbs During Early Spring
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This week we deep dive into the wonderful world of hardy herbs, that don't mind the cold days of early Spring and actually fill a gap in the garden.
This week our business - Urban Herbs - opened it's online shop for Spring orders and we are so grateful to you for your support.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First T...
Gardening Jobs for March
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This week Kate presents a huge list of jobs that are really important to do in the March garden, while Andy drinks tea and worries about just now much weeding will be required!
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don...
Things that are stopping you from growing a beautiful garden.....
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This week Andy is definitely coming off a long run up, with a few things to get off this chest as he shares the things that he feels are stopping you from growing a beautiful garden. Do you agree with him?
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like...
Seed Sowing Tips: Seed Sowing 101
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This week we focus on seed sowing. We know that so many of you will be sowing your own seeds over the next few weeks (if your windowsills aren't covered already!) so we wanted to share our own seed sowing advice, which is advice that we have genuinely learned over the last two decades growing things!
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tu...
How to Grow Potatoes
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This week we talk all things growing potatoes. We talk about how you can plant, nurture and harvest your own beautiful potatoes, introduce you to an expert merchant of seed potatoes and even launch the first-ever competition on the Growing up Podcast. Make sure you listen until the end for the chance to win your own seed potatoes.
https://www.jamiesonbrothers.com/scottish-seed-potatoes?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21794400387&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21800793251&gbraid=0AAAAADpBBJPB6Y5notvcqQZfcbdBUv8JY&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4pvMBhDYARIsAGfgwvyzqmMybLuUx606BA...
Gardening Jobs for February
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This week we talk about the busy gardening month of February, in which both wearing a warm hat AND getting outside into the growing space might be equally important.
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link below to order your own tunnel. If you would like honest advice before making your purchase please don't hesitate to reach out...
Planning the 2026 Growing Season: we try to turn our dreams into a plan.
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Two weeks ago we sat down in the afterglow of the festive season and shared some New Year Growing Resolutions - things that we both want to achieve in 2026 in the garden. This week we attempt to turn those vague aspirations into a solid plan. Let's see how this goes....
The Growing Up Podcast is proudly sponsored by the amazing First Tunnels. We are big believers in the benefits of growing in a polytunnel and genuinely believe in the quality of the products that First Tunnels supply. Check out the link bel...
