Episode 658: The Week the Weather Turned… and I Finally Got My Bees

This week’s episode of The Veg Grower Podcast is a real mix of surprises, setbacks, and exciting new beginnings. From unexpected frost damage on the allotment to big changes in the kitchen garden — and the moment Richard finally becomes a beekeeper — there’s plenty to dive into. If you want the full story, the sounds, and the emotions behind it all, make sure you give the episode a listen.



Down on the Allotment



Richard kicks off the week with a weather surprise — a mid‑May frost that caught many growers off guard. As he said, “This week we have had some frosts… temperatures have certainly dipped overnight.” Potatoes blackened, cucumbers wiped out, and a few tomatoes took a hit. It’s a lesson in not planting tender crops too early, even when the forecast looks safe.



But it’s not all doom and gloom — Richard shares how he’s bouncing back and what he’ll do differently next year.



Weeding, Asparagus & Garlic Watch



With planting paused, Richard focused on weed control — essential at this time of year when everything grows at full speed. He also harvested rhubarb and asparagus, though the spears have been thinner than usual.



On the garlic front, the straw mulch continues to help reduce leek rust, though a few spots have appeared. As he explains in the podcast, removing affected leaves now gives the bulbs the best chance to finish strong.



In the Kitchen Garden



Back home, the sheltered kitchen garden escaped most of the frost damage. Richard has been sorting through his many pots — and discovered that around 75% of his fruit bushes and trees didn’t survive winter.



He talks through what happened, what he’s replacing, and why he’s switching to matching pots and decorative stone mulch.



Seeds Still Going In



There’s still time to sow plenty, so this week included:




Cucumbers



Nasturtiums



Sunflowers



Carrots



Beetroot



Spring onions




Richard shares why he’s sowing these now and how they fit into his late‑spring plan.



Recipe of the Week



This week’s kitchen segment features a creamy spring onion and potato soup — simple, seasonal, and perfect if you’re harvesting early potatoes. Listen for the full method and tips.



Beekeeping Begins



The big moment has arrived — Richard is officially a beekeeper. He collected his nuc on Saturday, transported it safely, and transferred the frames into his hive. As he described, “Within another couple of hours, the bees seem to have settled in.”



He also shares the full story of getting stung, settling the bees, and how he found the perfect field site.