Rob Smith, Kitchen Garden Expert
We were delighted to speak to Rob Smith, author, garden writer and Kitchen Garden expert. Rob guides us through his favourite trends, personal influences & handy hints for your garden.
Passion & Influences
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR GARDENING ORIGINATE?
From spending time with my grandad in the garden as a child, I was amazed by how a stone-like seed would produce a tasty, colourful plant; it’s still like magic today!
DOES YOUR FAMILY SHARE YOUR LOVE OF GARDENING?
My grandad did mostly. My niece loves to spend time in the garden and my mum and sister are keen gardeners, but only for ornamentals.
WHO OR WHAT HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST IN YOUR APPROACH TO GARDENING?
I would say my love for growing food has the biggest influence, fostered by watching River Cottage years ago.
I wouldn’t say I copy anyone’s approach to gardening; my aim is simply to produce delicious, colourful vegetables which look great in the garden. If anything, my style would be a modern take on a Victorian kitchen garden.
About Your Garden
YOU BUILT A GARDEN FROM SCRATCH– HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT PLANNING SUCH AN EXCITING PROJECT AND WERE THERE ANY ‘MUST HAVES’ IN YOUR PLAN?
I wanted espalier fruit trees between the different levels in the garden, this is something that looks great in the late summer when they are covered in fruit, it also makes harvesting easier. I always wanted a large greenhouse, shed and space to relax in the garden, which I have created, as I believe you need to appreciate your hard work or it can become a chore.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE GARDEN JOBS? ….AND WHICH ONE’S WOULD YOU LOVE TO TAKE OFF YOUR LIST?!
Harvesting has to be the best garden job, as it means you are about to feast on some delicious, home-grown food. The worst job is thinning seedlings, as I find it hard to dispose of them, even if they are weak or not needed. I have an innate urge to try and rescue or grow every plant I see, and every seed I sow.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PART OF YOUR GARDEN AND WHY?
I love the kitchen garden, and am in the process of creating an undercover, outside kitchen area which will be used for preparing the food from the garden in the summer. I can’t wait to be able to BBQ, create Pizza, roast, preserve and griddle all types of food outside in the garden.
HAVE THERE ANY PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING SPOTS IN CREATING YOUR NEW GARDEN?
The garden has an underground stream which means it can flood even though we are on a hill, especially with all the rain we have had this winter. Each level can end up with standing water, hence why I grow mainly in raised beds and containers, even in the greenhouse.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS FOR ADDING FEATURES OR NEW SCHEMES TO YOUR GARDEN?
The Garden Kitchen will be amazing when its finished, especially as it will have an undercover lounge area with a wood burning stove, allowing it to be cozy no matter the weather.
Garden Design & Layout
WHAT THREE PIECES OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A GARDENER STARTING OUT ON A NEW GARDEN PROJECT?
Think about what you want to use the space for first.
Think about where the sun is in your garden in the summer and winter, as shadows can be problematic if there are too many.
Don’t over stretch yourself or get too stressed, it’s supposed to be enjoyable.
WHICH OTHER GARDENERS AND GARDENS DO YOU ADMIRE?
I love James Martins veg patch, as well as Nigel Slater.
HAVE YOU SEEN BIG CHANGES IN THE GARDENING WORLD IN THE LAST 10 YEARS? ARE THERE ANY TRENDS/CHANGES THAT YOU SEE COMING IN THE NEXT 10?
I think more people are growing their own food, not simply to reduce shopping bills, but to eat healthily and for exercise. We saw a huge shift during covid and grow your own is still riding that wave. I think more people will grow their own food over the coming years, as it allows you to know how it has been produced and what has been used on it. Even if it’s only a few veggies, you see more people supplementing their diet with home grown food, rather than the idea of being self-sufficient. After all, a pack of lettuce seed is around £2 and will provide lettuce all year, while a pre-packed bag if £2-3 and will do one serving!
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
We are giving away 5 copies of Robs New Book "Grow to Eat" - for your chance to win; follow, comment and likes our latest Instagram or Facebook post.
Grow to Eat is about making the best use of the space you have and growing produce you won’t find in the supermarket. Aimed at gardeners who aren’t sure what to grow or the varieties available, this practical guide covers all the basics from growing from seed and creating raised beds to dealing with pests and diseases, harvesting and storing as well as the exact seed names for superior quality.
Grow to Eat is about making the best use of the space you have and growing produce you won’t find in the supermarket. Aimed at gardeners who aren’t sure what to grow or the varieties available, this practical guide covers all the basics from growing from seed and creating raised beds to dealing with pests and diseases, harvesting and storing as well as the exact seed names for superior quality.
Find here
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