Plot to plate: broad beans
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Autumn is a fantastic time to boost your broad bean crops. Although broad in name, these vegetables don’t take up a lot of space in the garden. Sow your beans in large pots, raised beds or in the ground to get started. Make sure to try out the delicious courgette and broad bean risotto recipe below with your newly grown beans…Here are some tips from our friends at gardenersworld.com to help get you started on your plot to plate journey. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block} ‘Made in Birmingham Garden’ by Paul Stone at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2018 In October and November you’ll need hardy varieties like Aquadulce Claudia for a successful harvest.Problems with mice? Sow your seeds in pots first to avoid your seeds being eaten! You can then plant them outside six weeks later.To prevent squirrels and birds eating your seeds, protect them by putting down netting. Once you see flowers appear, make sure to water your plants regularly for the best results.Broad beans can sometimes attract blackfly. Pinch out the growing tips when you see flowers appear to prevent attacks.For tender beans, harvest when the pods are around 6cm longWatch out for ‘broad bean chocolate spot!’ Common in autumn, this can be avoided by maximising air flow around plants and removed any weeds. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-divider{--divider-border-style:none;--divider-border-width:1px;--divider-color:#0c0d0e;--divider-icon-size:20px;--divider-element-spacing:10px;--divider-pattern-height:24px;--divider-pattern-size:20px;--divider-pattern-url:none;--divider-pattern-repeat:repeat-x}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider{display:flex}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{font-size:15px;line-height:1;max-width:95%}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__element{margin:0 var(--divider-element-spacing);flex-shrink:0}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-icon{font-size:var(--divider-icon-size)}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider-separator{display:flex;margin:0;direction:ltr}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator{align-items:center}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:before{display:block;content:"";border-block-end:0;flex-grow:1;border-block-start:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider__element{margin-left:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider__element{margin-right:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider__element{margin-inline-start:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider__element{margin-inline-end:0}.elementor-widget-divider:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text):not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon) .elementor-divider-separator{border-block-start:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern{--divider-border-style:none}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern.elementor-widget-divider--view-line .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not([class*=elementor-widget-divider--view]) .elementor-divider-separator{width:100%;min-height:var(--divider-pattern-height);-webkit-mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;-webkit-mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);background-color:var(--divider-color);-webkit-mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url);mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url)}.elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing{--divider-pattern-size:auto}.elementor-widget-divider--bg-round{--divider-pattern-repeat:round}.rtl .elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{direction:rtl}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-divider,.e-con>.elementor-widget-divider{width:var(--container-widget-width,100%);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)} Rosie Birkett joined us at BBC Good Food Show Summer 2019 on both the Good Food and Summer Kitchen stages. Check out her tasty recipe below for a delicious broad bean recipe!Stay tuned for line-up announcements to BBC Good Food Show Summer 2022. COURGETTE & BROAD BEAN RISOTTO WITH BASIL PESTOby Rosie BirkettServes 2 as a main; 4 as a starterCooks in Preparation Time: 25 mins, Cooking Time: 30 minsDifficulty: Easy METHOD1. To make the pesto, crush the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt using a pestle and mortar. Add the pine nuts and pound to a coarse paste, then tear in the basil and mint, pounding again until they’ve broken down. Stir in the oil and cheese, then taste for seasoning – add more cheese if you prefer.2. To make the risotto, heat the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the courgettes, sprinkle in the chilli flakes and nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Fry for 3-5 mins until the courgettes are golden and softened. Add the spring onions and lemon zest, and stir for a minute or two. Tip in the rice and stir to coat in the oil until translucent, about 2 mins.3. Pour in the wine, then cook for a couple of minutes until it’s mostly evaporated. Add a ladleful of the stock and stir for a few minutes until it’s absorbed. Continue adding a ladleful at a time for 20-30 mins, stirring continually, until all of the stock is absorbed.4. Stir in the blanched broad beans and flowers, if using, and warm through for 2 mins. Remove from the heat and stir through the parmesan. Allow to sit for about 5 mins, then swirl through half of the pesto.Any remaining pesto will keep chilled for up to two days.5. Divide the risotto between bowls and scatter with the extra basil leaves, extra cheese and another spoonful of the pesto, if you like. INGREDIENTS3 tbsp olive oil1 tsp butter2 medium courgettes (about 350g), cut into 1-2cm dicepinch of chilli flakes or pul biberpinch of grated nutmeg2 spring onions, finely sliced½ lemon, zested150g risotto rice75ml dry white wine or vermouth750g warm vegetable or chicken stock80g broad beans, blanched and peeledcourgette flowers, stamen removed and petals torn (optional)20g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated FOR THE PESTO:1 garlic clove1 tbsp toasted pine nutslarge handful of basil leaves, plus extra to servehandful of mint leaves1 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp grated parmesan or vegetarian alternative We hope you enjoy growing and eating your delicious broad beans. For advice on grow your own from top experts, and garden and foodie inspiration make sure you book tickets to BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Tickets include entry to BBC Good Food Show Summer! BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Stage will be in abundance of gardening advice FIND OUT MORE Delicious eats and treats from the BBC Good Food Show Market FIND OUT MORE
National Stress Awareness Day
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It's National Stress Awareness Day Today marks National Stress Awareness Day and we’d like to share with you the power of plants in combatting stress.Gardening can bring many benefits to both our mental and physical health. A great excuse to get outside, gardening helps us to connect with nature, enjoy the fresh air and soak in the sunlight. Getting outside in the garden where you can stretch those limbs and exercise while you dig, plant and pick, is an excellent form of stress relief from physical exercise. Start wrestling with the weeds instead of the frustrations or stresses from your busy week.From improving sleep, to breaking up a busy schedule, being outside in nature can bring peace, mindfulness, and calm in the face of stress. Taking the time to create a space where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings can be a great way to relieve stress. Growing and nurturing the space around you can be such a rewarding process, filling you with productivity and pride. With a Flower Power theme, many of the Beautiful Borders at BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition 2021 had mental health and healing at their heart.Here, we’ll share the inspiration behind some of these designs, with a wealth of fantastic ideas that you can use to harness the power of gardening in your own space… Reflect and Bloom by Katie SmithKatie wanted to bring a garden of self-reflection and personal growth to shine the spotlight on the astonishing power of natural spaces and vibrant colours to mental wellbeing. When we look after ourselves mentally, we allow ourselves to bloom.Taking the time to reflect can be a great way to reduce stress. Whether you’re watering your houseplants or weeding in your garden, make sure you set aside this time to clear your mind, reset and reflect. Health and Relaxation Border by Chris SellarsThis border showcased the power of plants and how they can offer both physical and mental health benefits. Using a white flower theme, medicinal herb planters and a water feature, the aim of Chris’ design was to create a setting that encourages people to step into the border and relax on the bench.Relax in a quiet space in your garden – using seating can be a great way to frame garden features and create a tranquil environment to alleviate stress. Make Do and Mend by Andy WrightAndy Wright’s border was built with the help of a number of patients undergoing military rehabilitation. The sensory use of plants and the stimulation of the senses, such as touch, smell and sound can not be overstated in the process of healing and finding calm.Pause for a moment in your garden and think about what you can hear, smell and feel. The Earth Smiles with Flowers by Jessica NichollsAre we really looking after nature or is nature looking after us?Jessica’s garden was created as an inspired representation of a calming passage to mimic a wildlife friendly rustic cottage garden walkway. A reclaimed water trough provided peacefulness in a moment of reflection while the rich colour palette, scent and the sounds of wildlife, inspired visitors to take time to breathe and reset.Create your own haven at home to relax in by planting flowers in a colour palette that inspires you -now is a great time to plot bulbs to bloom in Spring. Use a bowl or upcycled water trough to encourage nature to your spot. Garden envy by Kate MasonGardening, plants, flowers and outdoor spaces proved to be a very valuable asset to each of us in the lockdowns of 2020. Taking the time to relax and enjoy the garden gave the opportunity to find peace in stressful times, gave people the power to heal, practice mindfulness, regain self-confidence, feed themselves and to succeed.At the Special Edition, Kate’s garden was all about making gardening and its power accessible to everyone, and with just one click away. You can read about Kate’s journey building her border and how you can recreate elements of it in your own space here. Blooming Apothecary by Christine MulinderApothecary began as an ancient form of dispensing medicines for ailments. In this border, apothecary was celebrated in a showcase of flowering garden plants that had the power to heal and support wellbeing.While plants have the ability to heal physically, gardening can also be healing mentally. Watching and waiting for your plants to grow and bloom can be rewarding and rejuvenating. Find out what you could be planting this November here. The Power of Plants is Everything by Lynn CordallAt BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition, Lynn’s border aimed to show that even in small space, the power of flowers can enclose and provide an escape from the busy world while taking care of many species. Using a blue/purple colour palette and rustling grasses, Lynn’s border was a haven of calm, appealing to the senses and the bees!Wildlife in the garden is not only good for the environment, but good for the mind. Having a buzz of activity around your flowers can be a great way to stimulate your senses and add sound to your garden space. Creating a space to grow and relax can do wonders in helping to manage mental wellbeing and stress. We hope that the fantastic Beautiful Borders from the Special Edition have given you some ideas for your own space at home.Interested in bringing a Beautiful Border to BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2022? This year’s theme is all about Wild Life! Be it garden ecosystems and habitats, the beauty of untamed natural planting, a garden space to let your hair down in, or a fierce colour palette – go wild with your inspiration and let your creativity flow! We want to know what Wild Life means to you. Find out more here.Get in touch with Lucy Tremlett at [email protected] or telephone the office on 0207 150 5130. Bring a Down Your Way Beautiful Border to BBC Gardeners' World Live FIND OUT MORE Find out more about the Beautiful Borders, unique to the Show Beautiful borders
Recipe from the Veg Patch, Mary Berry...
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Recipe from the Veg Patch, Mary Berry's Plum Tomato, Olive and Marjoram Tart With tomato seeds started off indoors in April, they’ll be ready to plant out in May and June. With this in mind, we’ve asked our resident expert Matt Biggs for his expert tips on growing tasty toms, and paired this with Mary Berry’s delectable plum tomato, olive and marjoram tart recipe, as demonstrated at the BBC Good Food Show Summer.We’ll be joined by Matt Biggs at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, and Dame Mary Berry will join Adam Frost for a very special session on Saturday at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Tips from the Veg Patch: Matt Biggs‘s top tips for growing tomatoes If your plants are a bit ‘leggy’ don’t worry, planting tomatoes 5-10cm or more deeper than they are in the pot, so you are burying the stems. Tomatoes produce roots from the stems, so they will develop a larger root system for better uptake of food and water.  As the plant grows, shoots form where the base of the leaf joins the main stem. Pinch these out with your finger and thumb rather than secateurs, when they are 2.5cm long. This ensures that you have one main stem, all the energy goes into producing fruit and the plant remains nice and tidy. Bush or trailing tomatoes don’t need ‘pinching out’.  To guarantee a good crop of tomatoes, tap the fully open flowers with your finger around mid-day on a warm sunny day to ensure pollination takes place. You will see pollen falling from the flower. Do this every time a new cluster of flowers appears.  You can grow tomatoes indoors in growing bags, in a shallow tray, by a sunny patio doors or smaller bush varieties on a windowsill. If you are using growing bags, turn them vertically, shake the bag so the compost settles, then fold the excess plastic underneath, planting two plants in the bag rather than the recommended three. This means there is less competition for nutrients and water and avoids problems with ‘Blossom End Rot’, where the end of the fruit turning brown.  You can grow tomatoes in pots of multipurpose compost at least 30 cm in diameter. Keep the compost moist at all times to stop the fruit from splitting, watering the compost, around the base, not the foliage and feed with high potash fertiliser, according to the manufacturers instructions, to encourage flowering and fruiting. Recipe from the Veg Patch: Mary Berry‘s Plum Tomato, Olive & Marjoram Tart Serves 6For the pastry150g plain flour, plus extra for dusting75g butter, chilled & cut into cubes1 egg, beaten For the filling2 eggs200ml crème fraîche50g Cheddar cheese, grated50g Parmesan cheese, grated1 tbsp finely chopped marjoram6 large plum tomatoes, skinned and sliced into rounds12 pitted black olives, halved½ tbsp balsamic vinegar MethodFor the pastry, measure the flour and butter into a food processor and whizz until the mixture is like breadcrumbs. Alternatively, place the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and rub in the butter with your fingertips. Add the egg and whizz again until a ball of dough is formed.Sprinkle your work surface with flour and roll out the dough to the thickness of a £1 coin and large enough to fit into a 12 x 36cm loose-bottomed tranche tin with 2.5cm-3cm sides. Line the base and sides with the pastry, leaving a generous edge to allow for shrinkage in the oven, prick the pastry all over with a fork and chill in the fridge for 30 mins.Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6 and place a large baking sheet inside to get very hot.For the filling, break the eggs into a jug or bowl, add the crème fraîche, Cheddar, Parmesan and half of the marjoram. Season with salt and pepper and mix until combined.Line the pastry case with baking paper and baking beans, place it on the hot baking sheet and bake blind for 15 mins. Remove the paper and beans and return to the oven for a further 5 mins to dry out. Remove the pastry case from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.Pour the filling into the pastry case and lay the tomato slices overlapping in five or six rows widthways across the top. Arrange the olive halves in between the rows of tomatoes and sprinkle with the remaining marjoram. Brush the tomatoes and olives with the balsamic vinegar.Bake for 25–30 mins until the pastry is golden and cooked and the top is browned. Trim the edges to remove any overhanging pastry, then carefully remove from the tin and serve warm with dressed salad leaves. Find out more about BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair Find out more about the BBC Good Food Show Summer
Gardening gifts for your Valentine
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Gardening gifts for your Valentine With Valentines Day swiftly approaching, it’s time to sow the seeds of love and get the perfect gift for the gardener in your life. Tickets to BBC Gardeners’ World Live or BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair would make a great gift, with instant delivery if you select to print yours at home. Make it extra special by pairing tickets with a gift from one of the exhibitors joining us at the Show in June. Book tickets here.See below for a selection of great gift ideas… For the eco-friendly gardenerIf you’re looking for plastic free, high quality sustainable gardening products for a hands-on gardener, e-pots is the place to go for pots, trays and more.e-pots will be at both BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair. For the kitchen gardenerDoes your loved one love to cook using home-grown ingredients? Check out Kitchen Garden Plant Centre to add some flavour to their kitchen windowsill.You’ll find the Kitchen Garden Plant Centre at both BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair. For the gadget gardenerThere’s always room for one more tool in the shed, right? Check out Greenworks Tools for gadgets, accessories and plenty of tools.Greenworks Tools will be at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. For the peaceful gardenerDerbyshire Bonsai have a wide range of bonsai trees for beginners and experienced collectors, a perfect gift for the tranquil gardener.Find Derbyshire Bonsai at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. For the bird whispererThis Valentines, show a little love to the birds by gifting your partner an extra cosy bird nester from Made By Alpacas.You’ll find Made By Alpacas at both BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair. For the alpine loverTake a look at D’Arcy & Everest for a wide range of beautiful home-grown alpine and unusual perennial plants.D’Arcy & Everest will be at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. For the hands on gardener Glove Specialist is a family-run business, providing top-quality gardening gloves for all the essential jobs around your garden. Glove Specialist will be at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair. For the glamorous gardenerThis Valentines, gift your partner a piece of handmade sterling silver jewellery from Elly Harvey Silver, inspired by the beautiful Dorset Coast and Countryside.You’ll find Elly Harvey Silver at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair. For the creative gardener Designed in Devon, Beechwood Trinkets create beautiful mid-steel sculptures.The perfect addition to your garden!Beechwood Trinkets will be at both BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair. Find out more about what's on at BBC Gardeners' World Live Find out more about what's on at BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair