Episode 641- Beekeeping Dreams, Winter Harvests and Tidying Up the Allotment
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This week’s podcast is a bit longer than usual, but there’s plenty going on both in the garden and beyond. From steady progress on the allotment, to seed sowing at home, and a fascinating deep dive into beekeeping, it’s been a good week all round.
Down on the Allotment
After a very wet week, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the allotment had dried out. With no major infrastructure projects planned this year, I’ve been concentrating on tidying problem areas.
The space by the shed, where my gooseberries grow, is now almost finished. Brambles and self-seeded trees have been removed, and the gooseberries given a proper prune to remove dead and crossing branches. It already feels like a far more manageable and productive area.
I’ve also been doing light tidying in front of the greenhouses and checking over the concrete pipes I’ll be using this year for carrots and parsnips. Speaking of which, I lifted a few carrots, parsnips and leeks for dinner and was impressed by how well the carrots are still holding up in the ground.
Next on the list are the autumn raspberries, which need cutting back to ground level, and tackling brambles creeping in from neighbouring plots.
In the Kitchen Garden
At home, seed sowing is continuing at a steady pace. Alongside the Supporters Club seeds, I’ve been sowing something every day, including basil, dill, cress, tatsoi, sunflower microgreens, sorrel and celery.
Some earlier sowings, particularly the chillies started back in December, have now been potted on. Space is starting to become a bit tight under lights and on heat mats, but everything is growing well for now.
One of the bigger home jobs this week has been continuing work on the elm tree. It’s slow, careful progress, but safety comes first. While we were outside, the chickens were also allowed to free-range around the garden again, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Beekeeping – A Fascinating Conversation
The main feature this week is a long and very interesting chat with Mark from Buzz Into Beekeeping.
Beekeeping is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and Mark explains it all brilliantly – from how to get started, to what equipment you really need, how much space a hive takes up, and what’s involved in looking after bees throughout the year.
We also talked about swarming, neighbours, garden suitability, and the many benefits of keeping bees, from pollination to honey and beeswax. It’s definitely left me even more inspired to give it a go.
Marks email is Maark@buzzintobeekeeping.co.uk
You can also find Mark on his instagram https://www.instagram.com/buzzintobeekeeping/
Recipe of the Week
This week’s recipe is a creamy garlic and herb root vegetable tray bake, using a mix of potatoes, parsnips, carrots, swede and onions. Simple to make, perfect with a roast, and just as good reheated the next day.
If you’ve been thinking about beekeeping, or you’re just curious about how it all works, this is an episode well worth listening to.
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- Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
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