The Beechgrove Garden 2023 episode 18 – It’s a momentous occasion at the renowned Beechgrove Garden in Aberdeenshire today, as head gardeners George Anderson and Carole Baxter proudly harvest the first potatoes of the 2023 growing season. The potatoes look magnificent – large, smooth, and free of blemishes. George and Carole are ecstatic as this is one of their best potato crops yet. The harvest comes just in time for the annual Beechgrove Garden Potato Festival held later this week, where visitors can sample the garden’s freshly dug tatties in a variety of delicious dishes. Carole mentions that the secret to their award-winning potatoes is plenty of organic compost worked into the soil.
Elsewhere in the garden, the blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes are weighed down with clusters of plump, ripe berries ready for picking. George collects them swiftly yet gently, taking care not to crush these tender fruits. The harvested berries will soon be turned into jams, pies, juices, and other tasty treats in Beechgrove’s kitchen. In between harvesting produce, George and Carole take a few moments to share their top tips for summer lawn care. They advise gardeners to raise the mower blades to their highest setting, as longer grass blades help shade and cool the soil. Regular deep watering is also key to keeping lawns green during hot, dry spells. Carole stresses the importance of sharp mower blades to prevent tearing the grass leaves.
The show then takes viewers along to a remarkable therapeutic garden in Glasgow designed especially for spinal injury patients. Raised vegetable and herb beds, accessible paths, and gentle water features create a calming, healing environment. Volunteers and therapists assist visitors in planting flowers, pruning bushes, and simply enjoying the garden’s tranquility.
Finally, Beechgrove’s Brian Cunningham checks in from the community gardens at Old Scone. Brian has been hard at work finding effective organic solutions to control pests like cabbage moths and aphids. Methods include physical barriers like row covers, natural repellents like strong-scented herbs, and introducing predator insects.
Brian is also gearing up for an upcoming tree planting event at the gardens. Many fruit and ornamental trees will be added to create shady spots, beauty, and future food sources for the community. It’s a busy, bountiful time at the gardens!
The Beechgrove Garden 2023 episode 18
Potato Harvest Brings First Tastes of the Growing Season
The potato, a staple crop grown around the world, gets its chance in the spotlight on episode 18 of Beechgrove Garden. This hearty vegetable, packed with vitamins and minerals, is a gardener’s delight, easy to grow and bountiful. The potato originates from the Americas, where it has been cultivated for over 8,000 years. Brought to Europe in the 16th century, it took some time to gain widespread acceptance, but today it is a beloved component of cuisines across the globe.
At Beechgrove Garden near Aberdeen, head gardeners George Anderson and Carole Baxter harvest the first potatoes of the 2023 growing season. Potatoes grow underground, forming tubers that act as energy storage for the plant. The tubers can be dug up and eaten while small and tender, called new potatoes, or left to mature fully before harvesting. George and Carole carefully dig around each plant with a garden fork, gently loosening the soil until the beige-brown potatoes are revealed.
The harvest is plentiful, with baskets quickly filling up. “It’s so gratifying to see the fruits of your labor after months of growing,” says Carole. There are multiple types of potatoes thriving at Beechgrove, including whites, reds, russets, and yellows. Each variety has its own unique flavor profile and best uses, from boiling to mashing, roasting, and frying. According to George, proper potato storage is key for lasting enjoyment. “Keep them in a cool, dark place and they’ll stay fresh for months,” he advises.
Blackcurrants and Gooseberries Add a Tart Twist
In addition to potatoes, Carole and George check the progress of the blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes at Beechgrove Garden. These fruits add a burst of tart flavor perfect for jams, juices, baking, and more. Blackcurrants grow on a small shrub in the gooseberry family. The berries form in clusters on woody stems. They are deep purple when ripe, with a sour tang and subtle sweetness. Gooseberries are another ribes family berry, growing on spiny bushes with tender green fruit. “They make a tasty pairing with richer foods like pork or fatty fish,” Carole suggests.
Both blackcurrants and gooseberries thrive in Beechgrove’s Scottish climate. The plants need cold winters and modest summer heat to grow. Pruning and pest management are key – currant worms and sawflies can damage the harvest. “We keep a close eye out for any infestations,” says George. “It’s worth the extra care for these unique summer treats.” A few handfuls of the jewel-toned currants or translucent gooseberries brighten up any baking project or salad.
Lawn Care for Lush Greens
In addition to gardening beds and vegetable plots, lawn care is an ongoing task at Beechgrove Garden. Lawn grass forms a soft carpet of green – when properly cared for. The Beechgrove team focuses on building healthy soil, proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing. “Achieving a thick, verdant lawn takes some work, but it’s worth it for the beautiful result,” says George. He recommends using organic fertilizer to feed the grass and build microbial activity in the soil. Letting clippings break down on the lawn (called “grasscycling”) also returns nutrients back to the ground. During dry periods, lawns need about 1 inch of water per week from rain or irrigation. Mowing height should be 2.5-3 inches to encourage deep roots. Weed control and aerating compacted soil once per year will also keep the lawn healthy. “Follow those guidelines, and your lawn will thrive through any growing season,” George assures.
Therapeutic Garden Design for Healing
The natural tranquility of gardens provides comfort and healing for mind and body. Episode 18 visits a therapeutic garden in Glasgow specifically designed for people with spinal cord injuries. Therapeutic gardens incorporate elements like accessible paths, raised beds, sensory stimulation, and social spaces. Horticultural therapy and exposure to nature have significant physical and mental health benefits. The garden aims to improve quality of life through cultivation, community, and closure. “After a life-changing injury, this garden gives people a place to adjust, adapt, and even thrive again,” the founder explains. Features include vertically planted walls, fragrant herbs, and brightly colored flowers.
There are textured stepping-stones laid on accessible paths wide enough for wheelchairs. Fruit trees, vines, and raised planting beds encourage interaction. Water features and wind chimes add soothing sounds. The thoughtful design allows individuals freedom of movement and engagement with plants and nature. It facilitates social connections, imaginative play, and finding peace after trauma. “What we’ve created here is a sanctuary – a living, growing environment for health and healing,” says the founder. This remarkable therapeutic garden is a testament to the restorative power of cultivating life.
Organic Pest Control
Like at any garden, Beechgrove has to stay vigilant against pests that can damage plants and crops. Episode 18 finds Brian Cunningham at Old Scone exploring organic pest control methods. From insects to rodents to mildew, pests stress plants and spread disease. Conventional pesticides carry risks to human and environmental health. “We want to keep pests away safely, without toxins,” Brian explains. There are many natural, non-toxic ways to control common garden pests.
Physical barriers like row covers and copper deter slugs and snails. Diatomaceous earth abrades the exoskeletons of soft-bodied insects. Neem oil and insecticidal soap disrupt insect nervous systems. Traps lure pests away from plants. Strong-smelling herbs like garlic, onions, and chives repel pests. “Combining multiple organic methods keeps the gardens thriving, naturally,” says Brian. An ounce of prevention is also key – planting native species, rotating crops, and fostering biodiversity boosts the garden’s resilience.
Conclusion – The Beechgrove Garden 2023 episode 18
Episode 18 of Beechgrove Garden highlights the bounty of high summer. Potatoes, blackcurrants, and gooseberries are ready to harvest as George, Carole, and Brian tend their plots. Lush lawns carpeting the grounds tie all the garden beds together into a cohesive landscape. A visit to an inspiring therapeutic garden in Glasgow shows the healing potential of horticulture. And Brian’s tips on organic pest control demonstrate sustainable ways to protect plants using nature’s solutions. The gardeners’ passion and care for the living things under their stewardship at Beechgrove continues to yield beautiful and mouthwatering results. Their wisdom and contagious enthusiasm educate and inspire us all to connect more deeply with the green world.
FAQ The Beechgrove Garden 2023 episode 18
What are some of the crops harvested at Beechgrove Garden in episode 18?
In this episode, George and Carole harvest potatoes, blackcurrants, and gooseberries at the peak of ripeness. The potato varieties include whites, reds, russets and yellows.
How can you maintain a healthy, green lawn?
Recommendations from Beechgrove for lush lawn care include building healthy soil, fertilizing with organic matter, allowing grass clippings to break down into the lawn, proper mowing height, adequate watering, aerating compacted soil, and controlling weeds.
What are some features of a therapeutic garden?
Therapeutic gardens incorporate accessible paths, raised beds, sensory elements, social spaces, vertical planting, and fragrant herbs and flowers to create an environment for healing, community, and improved quality of life.
What organic pest control methods does Brian recommend?
Brian suggests using physical barriers, diatomaceous earth, neem oil, insecticidal soap, pheromone traps, smelly herbs like garlic, crop rotation, and biodiversity to deter pests without toxic pesticides.
How does the therapeutic garden help people with spinal cord injuries?
The therapeutic garden provides a tranquil natural space for people with spinal cord injuries to adjust, adapt, and improve their physical health and mental wellbeing through community, cultivating plants, and closure after a traumatic event.
