Episode 665: Fruit Thinning, Thorny Gooseberries & Summer Slaw Magic

Welcome to Episode 665 of the Veg Grower Podcast. This week Richard shares a classic mix of summer gardening jobs — fruit thinning, sweetcorn planting, slug control, greenhouse tidying — plus our Seed of the Month, a refreshing cabbage slaw recipe, and a look at July’s Book of the Month. It’s been warm and humid on the allotment, but thanks to straw mulch and careful watering, everything is thriving. Let’s dive into what’s been happening this week. Down the Allotment The allotment has been busy with seasonal tasks, starting with fruit thinning after the June drop. Richard explains why apples and pears shed fruit naturally, and why thinning further helps produce bigger, tastier fruit and prevents biennial bearing. It’s a job that feels counter‑intuitive, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Gooseberries are ready, but harvesting them has become nearly impossible due to thorns and invading brambles. Richard shares his difficult decision to dig up the existing bushes and replant with thornless varieties to make the area more productive and easier to maintain. Elsewhere on the plot: Straw mulch continues to reduce watering needs Leeks are being held back until cooler, wetter weather The final batch of sweetcorn has been planted New potatoes, courgettes, rhubarb and cabbage are being harvested A surprise rat encounter added a bit of drama to the week Tune in to hear the full story and Richard’s thoughts on keeping the allotment productive. Seed of the Month — Kohlrabi This month’s seed is kohlrabi, a quirky root crop that looks alien but tastes fantastic — sweeter than turnips and incredibly versatile. Richard shares: How he sows it directly into the soil Why consistent moisture is essential How to thin seedlings to 20–25cm spacing Why harvesting at golf‑ball size gives the best flavour How flea beetle and slugs can be managed Ways to use kohlrabi in the kitchen, including roasting, stir‑fries and slaws And a reminder that the leaves are edible too It’s a great crop for summer sowing and offers two harvests from one plant. In the Kitchen Garden The kitchen garden has been all about organisation this week. Richard tidied the area in front of the greenhouse, sorted pots, removed weeds, and potted up cabbage, swede and late brassicas. The chickens’ area also had a tidy, making the whole garden feel calmer and more productive. Slug & Snail Battles Slugs and snails have been relentless this year, especially around the bean plants. Richard shares several methods he’s using: Yeast traps made from wine sediment Watering in the morning Upturned pots to collect slugs overnight Feeding trapped slugs to chickens and birds It’s a constant challenge, but numbers are slowly coming down. General Garden Notes Tomatoes are loving the warm weather Herbs are thriving but dry Mulch continues to help retain moisture Courgettes and other crops are producing well Marigolds are being deadheaded daily to keep flowers coming The kitchen garden is productive, colourful and full of life. Recipe of the Week Summer Cabbage & Peanut Slaw with Lime & Chili Dressing This week’s recipe turns a humble summer cabbage into something exciting. Richard grates cabbage, carrot and red onion, adds fresh herbs and chili, and finishes with a zingy lime dressing and roasted peanuts. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather. You can find the full recipe on the blog. Book of the Month — The Victorian Kitchen Garden by Jennifer Davies Richard reviews this classic book, which accompanies the BBC series of the same name. He explores: Victorian walled gardens Skilled head gardeners Coal‑heated greenhouses Hotbeds made from fresh manure Fruit‑tree training Soil care and mulching Season extension techniques The craftsmanship and attention to detail of Victorian growers