Grow the crops you actually want to eat, says Joe Harrison

Joe Harrison joins Blake and Rose to discuss the gardening triumphs and disasters that he’s encountered during his time growing on his Lowestoft allotment site. From trying out the straw bale technique for producing potatoes to not getting a tomato crop from some volunteer plants. Plus, GYO account manager Dan drops in to chat about the UK’s most-hated vegetables. 
 
🌱 Don’t miss our special offer exclusively for listeners of The Dirt – you can get seven issues of Grow Your Own magazine for just £29.99 (that’s £11.94 off!) by calling 0800 904 7000 and quoting ‘GPOD7’, or visiting http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gpod7 – where you’ll also find the full terms and conditions. 
 
Could you be a future guest star of The Dirt? If you have some funny garden fails or easy growing hacks get in touch on thedirt@growfruitandveg.co.uk, or say hello on social media! 
 
ⓣ Twitter https://twitter.com/gyomag 
ⓕ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/growyourownmag 
ⓘ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growyourownmag 
 

I’m cited as an expert but I’ve just spent longer making screw ups, says Nick Bailey

TV gardener Nick Bailey joins The Dirt team this week to pass on a simple trick for tackling any soil problem, reveal the unexpected garden pest that caused havoc with his apple tree bounty, and to explain exactly why a Mormon line-dancing disco has stopped him ever being able to enjoy watermelons again. We know you’ll want to hear more - so take a listen and remember to subscribe, rate and review wherever you get your podcasts! 
🌱 Don’t miss our special offer exclusively for listeners of The Dirt – you can get seven issues of Grow Your Own magazine for just £29.99 (that’s £11.94 off!) by calling 0800 904 7000 and quoting ‘GPOD7’, or visiting http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gpod7 – where you’ll also find the full terms and conditions. 
Could you be a future guest star of The Dirt? If you have some funny garden fails or easy growing hacks get in touch on thedirt@growfruitandveg.co.uk, or say hello on social media! 
ⓣ Twitter https://twitter.com/gyomag 
ⓕ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/growyourownmag 
ⓘ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growyourownmag 
 

I’m a bit of a Charles Dowding fangirl, says no-dig gardener Katelyn

Katelyn (from @inatinygarden) started out growing in her small back garden – and after being on an allotment waiting list for five years, she was thrilled to finally get the green light! With the extra space has come lots of exciting new growing opportunities for some of her favourite vegetables. And, of course, this wouldn’t be The Dirt without a variety of gardening fails and learning experiences along the way. 
🌱 Don’t miss our special offer exclusively for listeners of The Dirt – you can get seven issues of Grow Your Own magazine for just £29.99 (that’s £11.94 off!) by calling 0800 904 7000 and quoting ‘GPOD7’, or visiting http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gpod7 – where you’ll also find the full terms and conditions. 
Could you be a future guest star of The Dirt? If you have some funny garden fails or easy growing hacks get in touch on thedirt@growfruitandveg.co.uk, or say hello on social media! 
ⓣ Twitter https://twitter.com/gyomag 
ⓕ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/growyourownmag 
ⓘ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growyourownmag 

Use seaweed feed, invest in organic matter and make notes, says Claire Ratinon

From growing produce for one of Ottolenghi’s restaurants to adapting to the clay soil of her new Sussex garden, Claire Ratinon’s varied gardening experiences make for a captivating listen on this week’s episode. Find out the important lessons she’s learned along the way and why she thinks every gardener should take some time to slow down and reflect on their efforts. 
🌱 Don’t miss our special offer exclusively for listeners of The Dirt – you can get seven issues of Grow Your Own magazine for just £29.99 (that’s £11.94 off!) by calling 0800 904 7000 and quoting ‘GPOD7’, or visiting http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gpod7 – where you’ll also find the full terms and conditions. 
Could you be a future guest star of The Dirt? If you have some funny garden fails or easy growing hacks get in touch on thedirt@growfruitandveg.co.uk, or say hello on social media! 
ⓣ Twitter https://twitter.com/gyomag 
ⓕ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/growyourownmag 
ⓘ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growyourownmag 

Distract slugs with sacrificial chard kebabs, says Alexander Thompson Byer

Alexander Thompson Byer has been gardening for 14 years – inspired by the Ruth Stout method, his allotment places a large focus on putting nature first and using permaculture techniques to great effect. Plus, he’s got some quirky tips for upcycling Facebook finds into handy garden items! Hear this and all the usual gardening banter from the GYO team by listening now. 
🌱 Don’t miss our special offer exclusively for listeners of The Dirt – you can get seven issues of Grow Your Own magazine for just £29.99 (that’s £11.94 off!) by calling 0800 904 7000 and quoting ‘GPOD7’, or visiting http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gpod7 – where you’ll also find the full terms and conditions. 
Could you be a future guest star of The Dirt? If you have some funny garden fails or easy growing hacks get in touch on thedirt@growfruitandveg.co.uk, or say hello on social media! 
ⓣ Twitter https://twitter.com/gyomag 
ⓕ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/growyourownmag 
ⓘ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growyourownmag