Monty Don discusses cultivating personal produce
Monty Don, the beloved host of BBC's Gardeners' World, shares his secrets for successful vegetable growing all year round. In a discussion with Lucy Hall, editor at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, Don emphasises the importance of learning from mistakes and striving for progress rather than perfection.
Don's approach starts at the kitchen table, where he plans his growing choices based on what he and his family enjoy eating. For instance, he recommends sowing seeds like peppers early in the year (mid-March) and carefully transplanting seedlings when they develop true leaves. Using a peat-free potting compost mixed with garden compost, he advises gardeners to handle seedlings gently to avoid damage[1].
As summer approaches, Don suggests preparing the vegetable garden by planting appropriate vegetables like courgettes at the right time. Regular attention to soil health via composting, checking moisture levels for watering, and pest control in the growing season (e.g., June) is essential[4].
Preparing for winter requires different strategies, such as selecting hardy crops suitable for colder months and protecting soil and plants appropriately. Don offers tips on how to ready your garden for cold weather to extend the growing season and keep vegetables growing through winter[3].
Don also shares a lettuce growing guide, explaining the importance of sowing lettuce seeds every few weeks for a continuous harvest. He advises autumn sowing for a fresh supply of lettuce in the colder months[5].
Don's veg plot is at the heart of family cooking, and he uses tricks to ensure a steady flow of harvests. He harvests garlic and parsley in the autumn, and his favourite salad ingredients are yet to be specified[6][7].
For those just starting out in veg growing, Don offers an easy guide to fruit and veg. He also recommends the book 'The Veg Garden' for a more in-depth look at vegetable growing[8].
In addition, a special offer is available for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine subscribers. For just £5, new subscribers can get 3 issues of the magazine, saving 71%. After the first 3 issues, subscribers will pay £27.60 every 6 issues, still saving 20%. Cancellation is possible at any time[9].
Despite the occasional setbacks, growing food gives Don much pleasure, as he shared during the discussion. He also revealed that things still go wrong on his plot, but he learns from his mistakes and moves on[10].
Don's veg plot can be seen on BBC Gardeners' World on TV, and his book 'Creating Longmeadow' offers a behind-the-scenes look at his garden[11].
[1] Seed sowing and plant development [2] Seasonal garden preparation [3] Cold weather strategies [4] General garden and soil care [5] Lettuce growing guide [6] Monty harvests garlic and parsley [7] Monty's favourite salad [8] The Veg Garden Displayed (RHS Books) [9] Special podcast subscription offer [10] Monty Don revealed that things still go wrong on his plot [11] BBC Gardeners' World on TV and Creating Longmeadow.
- Monty Don encourages a healthy-cooking lifestyle as he chooses and grows vegetables based on his family's food preferences, such as sowing peppers early in the year and using a mix of peat-free potting compost and garden compost for seedlings.
- In summer, Monty recommends gardening practices like planting courgettes at the right time, maintaining soil health through composting and checking moisture levels, and controlling pests during the growing season for a bounty of fresh vegetables.
- As winter approaches, Monty offers tips for preparing the garden for colder months by selecting hardy crops and protecting them, ensuring a continued crop rotation that includes lettuce for a steady supply even during the winter months.
