Episode 655: Planting Early, Protecting Brassicas & My First Real Beekeeping Experience

In this episode of The Veg Grower Podcast, Richard shares his early planting season on his kitchen garden and allotment in Littlehampton, UK, defying typical timing by planting out tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, and courgettes in late April due to unusually warm weather. He discusses the risks of frost and how he mitigates them with fleece covers and backup seedlings. Richard also details his efforts to protect brassicas from pigeons using wind-powered deterrents like toy windmills and homemade flags—solutions that allow beneficial birds like thrushes to still access slugs and snails. On the allotment, he plants the final variety of seed potatoes and completes his brassica planting, while also tending to asparagus that’s thriving. A major highlight is his first hands-on beekeeping experience day, where he observes hives, learns about swarm management, and gains insight into the practical challenges of beekeeping, including neighbor concerns and the need for insurance and experience. Though he’s ruled out keeping bees at home, he remains enthusiastic about starting on the allotment, despite bureaucratic hurdles. Richard concludes with a simple, delicious spring pea and mint soup recipe made from his garden harvest.