The Dirt: the gardening podcast from Grow Your Own magazine

The Dirt Christmas Special!

In this bonus episode of The Dirt, the GYO team talk favourite veg for the Christmas table, ideal gardening gifts and reflections on the 2022 season. With a ridiculous party game and cracker jokes, it's packed full of cheer that will certainly get yo…

The whole point of gardening is to experiment and learn from your mistakes, says Mark Dwelly

This week, we're joined by Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls. Mark explains how he landed his fulfilling career, as well as some handy time and money saving hacks that you could put to use on your own plot. Plus, the GYO team talk…

There’s something about that feeling of being cocooned in the polytunnel, says Hannah Bates

This week, the team is joined by senior horticulturist and tutor for The Therapy Garden, Hannah Bates. Hannah discusses the mindful nature of certain tasks in the garden, as well as how everyone makes their mark on growing spaces.   Plus, the team di…

Instead of a beekeeper, I’m a bee host, says Kevin Hancock, founder of the Gardener’s Beehive

On this episode of The Dirt, we're chatting to Kevin Hancock, founder of the Gardener's Beehive. Kevin tells us all about his Eco-Beehive invention and why gardeners all over the country love it. He also shares fascinating information about honeybees…

It’s my dirty little secret that I’m not very good at seed sowing, says Pollyanna Wilkinson

This week, we're joined by multi-award-winning garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson. Polly explains her fascinating career change to garden design, as well as some hilarious growing mishaps that have given her the confidence and insight to create stun…

The garden has so many faces, and you can love them all, says the RSPB’s Adrian Thomas

This week on The Dirt, we are joined by the RSPB's wildlife gardening expert, Adrian Thomas, who shows us that gardening for wildlife can take many different forms and can suit your own plot style. He also highlights that you never know what you migh…

Anyone who can grow a cauliflower deserves a medal, says Kathy Slack

This week, we're joined by food writer, stylist, photographer and kitchen gardener Kathy Slack, who celebrates the rewards of bringing crops from the plot to the plate. With talk of supper clubs, gluts and a pig romance involving pumpkins, it's the p…

The way I garden is rooted in letting go of control, says Poppy Okotcha

This week we’re joined by ecological home grower Poppy Okotcha, who tells all about her special relationship with her garden, and her mission to treat this space with the love and respect it deserves.    Plus, the GYO team chat about the mental benef…

Gardening cuts across all ages and cultures, says Mark Ridsdill Smith

This week we’re joined by gardening author and container growing expert, Mark Ridsdill Smith, who tells all about his inner city gardening journey, and how to get great harvests from any space.   Plus, the GYO team chat weather, and smart upcycling h…

On the farm we’ve achieved the full sustainable cycle, says chef Clodagh McKenna

This week we’re joined by television chef, author and gardener Clodagh McKenna, who tells all about her sustainable farming lifestyle, handy slug-repellent hacks, some top preserving tips and much more.   Plus, the GYO team discuss grass cutting goat…