Episode 622: Compost Wins, Edible Violas, and Garlic Growing Tips

This week on the Veg Grower Podcast I have been busy on both the allotment and in the kitchen garden. September always feels like the start of a new gardening year and with that in mind I have been preparing beds, harvesting plenty, and even picking up a bargain or two. Allotment Update: I started the week by harvesting a couple of cauliflowers and some broccoli. Timing is everything with these crops. Too soon and they are small, too late and they bolt. Thankfully these were just right and have been blanched for the freezer, made into cauliflower cheese, and enjoyed fresh. Harvesting them also freed up space in the brassica bed which will be home to garlic and overwintering onions. To prepare, I dug out some of my homemade compost and mulched the beds. It is satisfying to know that garden waste has come full circle to feed the soil for the next crops. While digging compost I also took the opportunity to tidy up the scruffy corner where the bins live. Nettles were cut back and the area generally smartened up, which gave me better access to my leaf mould bins. These will be filled with fallen leaves in October and left to break down into a useful soil conditioner. A trip to B&M also turned up an unexpected find. Trays of violas for just 20p each. After a good soak they perked up and I have planted them around the allotment and kitchen garden. Not only do they add colour but their flowers are edible too, perfect for salads or garnishes. Kitchen Garden update: At home compost has been another big theme. The hot bin continues to churn out high-quality compost and thanks to my neighbours pruning their vines I had more material to add. Chopping it up finely helps it rot down faster and makes a better end product. Looking ahead I am planning to try more polyculture planting next year in the kitchen garden. Rather than having beds for each crop, I want to mix things up with tomatoes and beetroot together or herbs tucked between vegetables. This will make the space more productive and resilient. Another highlight was pricking out thyme seedlings. The smell was fantastic and it reminded me why I want to grow more herbs. Not just for cooking, but also as companion plants. Thyme works well with brassicas as its scent confuses cabbage whites, basil helps tomatoes by repelling whitefly, and chives can deter aphids. Herbs really can bring both flavour and natural pest control. With rain finally arriving I have also been pumping water from full butts into others to make sure nothing goes to waste. My Autopot systems in the greenhouse have been a real help this year, keeping moisture levels steady and helping produce bumper crops. Recipe of the Week In the kitchen garlic was the star with a batch of homemade aioli. This is a simple garlicky mayonnaise made with garlic, egg yolks, mustard, olive oil and lemon juice. It is easy to make but full of flavour and shows just how versatile garlic is both in the ground and in the kitchen. Growing Garlic Finally, a few tips on growing garlic. I aim to plant mine around the 20th of September, which is also my wedding anniversary so I never forget. Garlic likes well-prepared, free-draining soil. I plant cloves 10cm deep and 10cm apart, pointy end up, and water well. Planting in September means the bulbs get the cold spell they need to split properly and by June they will be ready to harvest. Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow and one I always look forward to. Final Thoughts This week has been a reminder of how September is a turning point. Harvesting summer crops, preparing for winter, and planning ahead for next year. With compost, violas, herbs, and garlic all on the go it feels like the garden is full of energy and potential.