Dig in with Claire our Kitchen Gardener

Could you talk us through a 'typical' day working in the kitchen garden.

A typical summer’s day in the kitchen starts with an early watering session in the greenhouse where we grow chilli's, tomatoes, watercress, basil and other tender plants. Thankfully we have a watering system set up in the kitchen garden so I don’t have to start too early! Then I start harvesting the fruit and veg for the chefs. Weeds are the gift that keeps on giving and I spend a crazy amount of time keeping the weeds under control - this is crucial to ensure you keep pests and diseases to a minimum and the fruit and veg get enough light and water. I then succession sow carrots and beetroot plus a few others every two weeks so we have a continuous supply.

Where did your love of gardening come from? 

My first gardening memory is helping my parents collect potatoes for supper. They loved growing their own produce and it rubbed off on me! (For those of a certain age think Tom and Barbara in the Good Life) I have always grown my own fruit, veg and herbs either in my own garden, on my allotment or now in the kitchen Garden here at Odney. It's great for your mental and physical health and you get tastier, more nutritious food for your efforts.

It's early autumn now. What are the top three most important jobs you're focusing on this month?

My 3 most important jobs would be:

Soil preparation - Weed through and apply a layer of mulch to beds and borders to protect bulbs and improve soil health.

Leaf MulchIt - It's super easy to make! Simplify collect the leaves off your lawns and paths and shred them for faster decomposition, then store them in a moist, breathable container like a plastic bag or a wire frame for 12-24months. After the leaves break down into a dark, crumbly material, you can use this "leaf mould" as a rich, soil-improving mulch around plants.

Seed collecting -  Using your own garden seeds saves money and creates

locally-adapted, more vigorous plants better suited to your specific soil and climate.

What's one fruit, herb or vegetable you think everyone should try growing and why? 

One veg that everyone should try growing is watercress. It has numerous health benefits and vibrant, peppery flavour, as it's packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, and folate. It's also easy to cultivate at home in damp conditions,  offers a versatile ingredient for salads, soups, and sandwiches and can be a cost effective addition to your garden or pond.

Finally, what are you most excited to be planning or planting for the next growing season?

My project for next year is to create some engaging workshops for Partners and Members to learn new gardening skills in the walled kitchen garden.

Thank you Claire!

We'll continue to introduce you to the incredible Partners who make Odney tick. Join us in each newsletter for a glimpse into the creativity and passion that shapes our club.

Want a tour of the kitchen garden? Join Claire for a walkthrough.