The Plant Based Podcast

This episode of The Plant Based Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Cobra. Cobra has the UK's largest range of lawnmowers with more than 100 models available, meaning that there is one for every size and type of lawn. The vast range of products from Cobra also includes hedge trimmers, grass strimmers, leaf blowers, shredders across petrol, battery and electric models. The range is constantly expanding with new products added on a regular basis. Throughout series 4, Cobra is giving a way a whole host of Plant Based Podcast prizes. Visit www.cobragarden.co.uk for more information or follow them on Instagram at @cobragardenmachinery. #cobragarden

The Plant Based Podcast S4 Episode Ten - Tomato talk with Sterling Suffolk! May 30, 2021

Show notes

With enough tomato trees to cover the length of over 11 football pitches, the team at Sterling Suffolk are putting Suffolk on the map as being a major producer of tomatoes. After experiencing so much success in just a few short years, Michael and Ellen sit down with Horticultural Director, Richard Lewis, to discuss Sterling Suffolk's approach to tomato growing and so much more!

In part one, Richard shares how the company first began and talks through the growing process of their tomato trees. He also reveals how the company were able to achieve 95% self-sufficiency last year, allowing them to grow flavoursome, British-grown tomatoes, whilst operating as sustainably as possible. Richard also shares how bumble bees help their tomato trees to self-pollinate and reveals the challenges they face in keeping their plants thriving – which involves watering them up to a staggering 75 times a day!

In part two, Richard offers his wisdom and reveals his tips to help you grow tomato trees at home, including the best time to water and feed them, how to tackle blight and even how the shape of your plants can affect their growth. He also shares his dreams of a Sterling Suffolk tomato café and even converts Michael into a tomato lover!

To round things off we've got Donna Hodds from Pretty Little Cactus chatting about houseplants!

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The Plant Based Podcast S4 - News 23/05/21 May 23, 2021

Show notes

It's the news round up on this weeks plant based podcast with Michael Perry and Ellen Mary as hosts. Find out what has been happening in the world of horticulture from new gardening books to growing plants on Mars, plus a news 'extra' where Michael and Ellen discuss and give their own opinions about the news and a whole lot of other chat. In his episode, hear about Ellens new book 'The Joy of Gardening' and Michaels love for his new garden.

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The Plant Based Podcast S4 Episode Nine - From Spice Girls to the Chelsea Flower Show – all the gossip from Nicki Chapman! May 16, 2021

Show notes

In this week's episode of the Plant Based Podcast Michael and Ellen sit down with television presenter, Nicki Chapman, to discuss her career all the way up to presenting the Chelsea Flower Show!

In part one, Nicki reflects on her incredibly successful career in the music industry, from landing her first job on Pop Stars to travelling the world with the likes of The Spice Girls and Take That. She also describes how her urban garden has been a welcome relief over the past couple of years - helping her to recuperate during a period of ill health and, of course, during lockdown and a cheeky question from Michael makes Nicki spill the beans on the Spice Girl most likely to be into gardening (spoiler - it's probably Geri).

In part two, Nicki shares her love for presenting the coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show on BBC. She also shares her most memorable moments whilst filming, what it was like to be requested by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, for an interview and her favourite garden designers at the show in recent years. She even quizzes Michael and Ellen about their thoughts on the show and talks about her experiences at other garden festivals, such as Hampton Court and Chatsworth!

After Nicki, Joey and Katy from JoeyAndKatyCook.co.uk share another of their tasty recipes, and the fabulous Forage & Folklore reveal the things to be foraging right now!

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The Plant Based Podcast S4 - News 09/05/21 May 09, 2021

Show notes

It's the news round up on this weeks plant based podcast with Michael Perry and Ellen Mary as hosts. Find out what has been happening in the world of horticulture from Cherry Trees to plants stealing genes, plus a news 'extra' where Michael and Ellen discuss and give their own opinions about the news. In his episode, hear about Hydrangea tea and snobbish gardeners!

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The Plant Based Podcast S4 Episode Eight - The breeding story of begonias May 02, 2021

Show notes

What do you think of bedding begonias? Old granny plants or funky and individual? In this weeks episode, Michael is sent off to Germany (by Skype) to speak to the begonia experts, Benary! They discuss what it takes to breed a new variety of Begonia, and we get a few tips on how to grow them too!

Also in this episode, your vegetable problems solved with our Allotment Agony Uncle, houseplant chitchat with Donna from Pretty Cactus Plants, and a mega fun gossip with the boys from the Plant Daddy Podcast!

To see the Top 5 Begonias from Benary, you can visit our web page here...

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The Plant Based Podcast S4 - News 25/04/21 Apr 25, 2021

Show notes

It's the news round up on this weeks plant based podcast with Michael Perry and Ellen Mary as hosts. Find out what has been happening in the world of horticulture from Plymouth to Rome plus a news 'extra' where Michael and Ellen discuss and give their own opinions about the news. In his episode, hear about sea grass meadows, door mice and plant based podcast topping the charts!

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The Plant Based Podcast S4 Episode Seven - Plant trafficking and investigative journalism with Nelufar Hadayat Apr 18, 2021

Show notes

From the wild depths of Nigeria to the freezing cold temperatures of the arctic, and now to the Plant Based Podcast! Nelufar Hadayat – an award-winning journalist and presenter - sits down with Michael and Ellen to discuss everything from the reality of investigative journalism to her personal houseplant collection.

In part one, Nelufar reflects on her childhood in Afghanistan and how her experiences growing up helped to shape her career as a journalist highlighting environmental issues and cultural upheaval. Whilst talking about her series, The Traffickers, Nelufar shares her experience of discovering the black market of endangered trees and rare flowers – and her realisation of the true impact of this on other plants and their habitat. She also shares some of the dangers of investigative journalism, her experience visiting the Global Seed Vault and what it was like filming The Story of Gold with Morgan Freeman (yes, the Morgan Freeman!).

In part two, Nelufar discusses her other TV series, Food Exposed, and reflects on how her perspective on food changed and what surprised her the most during filming. She also talks about what changes she's noticed to food production as a result of climate change and the implications of animal agriculture.

Then Lee from Garden Ninja pops in for a gossip, and we have the latest foraging tips from Forage & Folklore and a delicious recipe from Joey and Katy Cook.

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The Plant Based Podcast S4 - News 11/04/21 Apr 11, 2021

Show notes

In this weeks episode you can hear the first plant based podcast horticultural news round with Michael Perry and Ellen Mary as hosts. Every other week find out what has been happening in the world of horticulture plus a news 'extra' where Michael and Ellen discuss and give their own opinions about the news. In his episode, hear about bamboo with a warning, RHS closures due to the sad death of Prince Philip and the cancellation of some garden shows across the UK.

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The Plant Based Podcast S4 Episode Six - The power of plants Apr 04, 2021

Show notes

Join Michael and Ellen for another episode of the Plant Based Podcast where they chat to organic gardener, Tanya Anderson, who is also known as Lovely Greens!

In part one, Tanya shares the story of how her gardening journey began, reflecting on how her upbringing in the capital of America fuelled her love for plants today. After working as a graphic designer, that landed her in different countries around the world, Tanya reveals how she built a business from her love of all things green - from sharing tips and tricks on her social media channels, to creating toiletries and beauty products from the plants she grows in her back garden! She also talks about the difficulties she faces growing plants in the Isle of Man – where she lives – and the limitations it has on her gardening overall.

In part two, Tanya shares her advice for anyone wanting to start making their own beauty and health treatments at home and reveals the best plants to start growing if you're a beginner! Tanya also tells Michael and Ellen all about her new book, 'A Woman's Garden: Grow Beautiful Plants and Make Useful Things', that also gives a voice to other women gardeners. It's available for pre-order now and out on May 4th.

Don't forget to catch the gossip at the end with Antonia from Norfolk Olive Tree Company!

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