hilton garden

There’s a definite change happening in the garden now. Summer might still be hanging on, but I’m already looking ahead to autumn, winter and, believe it or not, the growing season of 2027. The recent rain has been very welcome after such a dry year and it has made a big difference to the garden. There’s plenty going on as we start preparing for the months ahead, so let’s get into this week’s episode. Allotment The rain has finally arrived, and after such a dry year I certainly wasn’t complaining. The moisture has made the soil much easier to work and, more importantly, it has made pulling those pesky weeds out considerably easier. I’ve been getting stuck into the autumn and winter growing season, planting out winter and spring cabbages, kale and cauliflowers. Some of the kale planted earlier struggled during the dry weather, but the new plants are now going into the ground with much better conditions. I’m also preparing beds for my overwintering crops. The garlic w...

Aubergines are one of those crops that feel like a reward for patience. They take their time, they sulk in cool spells, and then suddenly — usually around late August — they hit their stride. Combined with the outdoor tomatoes that are finally ripening properly, you’ve got the makings of a dish that tastes like late summer in a pan. This week’s recipe is simple but feels special: soft, golden aubergine slices topped with quick‑burst tomatoes and finished with crunchy herby breadcrumbs. It’s warm, colourful, and perfect for that “summer sliding into autumn” moment. Ingredients For the Aubergine & Tomatoes 1–2 aubergines, sliced into rounds 250g ripe tomatoes (cherry or small varieties work best) 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tbsp olive oil Salt & pepper For the Herby Breadcrumbs 1 slice stale bread, crumbled 1 tbsp olive oil or butter Handful fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or chives) Pinch of salt Optional Extras A dri...

After one of the driest Julys I can remember, this week finally brought the kind of rain that transforms a garden overnight. Every one of my sixteen water butts refilled, the soil softened enough to dig again, and the whole plot seemed to sigh with relief. It’s amazing how quickly things bounce back once moisture returns, and it’s given me a renewed push to get winter crops established while conditions are favourable. Kitchen Garden Update The kitchen garden has responded brilliantly to the rain. Outdoor tomatoes are ripening beautifully, with a good mix of varieties coming through now that they’ve had a proper drink. The greenhouse, however, has been a challenge — temperatures hitting 32°C have stalled both tomatoes and cucumbers. Ventilation is top of the winter improvement list, and I’m working on a way to keep the greenhouse door propped open without it slamming shut. Herbs, beans and late brassicas have perked up noticeably. The chickens are laying consistently too — ...

Late August is prime potato‑lifting time. Whether you’re digging up first earlies that were left a bit too long or pulling out maincrop varieties, there’s something satisfying about tipping a bucket or lifting a fork and seeing those golden spuds tumble out. And while the beans are still producing nicely, this week’s recipe brings the two together in a comforting, simple bake that feels right for the season. It’s warm but not heavy, uses everyday ingredients, and makes the most of two crops that are at their absolute best right now. A proper allotment‑to‑table dish. Ingredients 600g potatoes, sliced into thin rounds 200g green beans, trimmed 1 onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp dried mixed herbs Salt & pepper Optional: A handful of cherry tomatoes A sprinkle of grated cheese A spoonful of pesto Method 1. Prep the Potatoes Slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Parboil for 5 minutes until just...

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. This week we’re taking a look at what’s happening both down on the allotment and in the kitchen garden, with plenty of harvesting, a few pest problems and some thoughts on storing our home-grown potatoes. Allotment We start the episode down on the allotment on a beautifully cool morning after another spell of very warm weather. There’s plenty to talk about, including some damage to one of my sweetcorn cobs. Something has managed to pull the cob down and has been helping itself to the corn, so I’m trying to work out what might have caused the damage and what I can do to protect the remaining crop. I’m also finding cabbage white butterfly eggs on my brassicas again. After dealing with a previous wave of caterpillars, it looks like we have another lot of eggs to contend with. Luckily, I spotted them early and have been removing them before they have a chance to hatch. Despite the problems, there are some good h...

Mid‑August has brought some of the toughest growing conditions we’ve seen in years. The soil is baked, water beads on the surface instead of soaking in, and every plant seems to be crying out for a drink. But even in this heat, a few crops are powering on: chard, sweetcorn, and courgettes. This week’s recipe celebrates those drought‑defying heroes with something a little different — a smoky, savoury summer hash topped with crispy garlic breadcrumbs. It’s bold, comforting, and packed with flavour, yet still light enough for warm evenings. And best of all, it uses crops that are thriving despite the weather. A Quick Allotment Story I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to coax water into hydrophobic soil lately — repeated light watering, damp cardboard, anything to get moisture to penetrate. But while some beds are struggling, the chard has stood tall, the sweetcorn is swelling nicely, and the courgettes… well, they never seem to stop. After a morning of watering cans ...