Growing veg in my garden, with Giovanna Fletcher

In this episode of the BBC Gardeners World Magazine Podcast, Giovanna Fletcher shares her passion for growing vegetables and the joy it brings to her family. Having started gardening on a small scale in her kitchen, she rapidly expanded her efforts upon moving to a house with more land, equipped with a greenhouse of sorts. Despite some initial setbacks with the greenhouse, she has embraced the growing journey, getting deeply invested in various vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. Her enthusiasm has led her to buy a plethora of seeds, leading to experiences of both abundance and the occasional overreaction to her gardening ambitions.

Giovanna reflects on her childhood memories of gardening and how it connects to her Italian roots, particularly with her family's farming traditions. Throughout the episode, she talks about successes and failures in growing different crops, including challenges with pests and the unpredictable nature of gardening. Her experience with gardening is accompanied by moments of learning, such as adapting to the wildlife that frequents her garden. Additionally, she enthusiastically shares the ways her kids engage with her gardening, from picking vegetables to participating in a fun 'runner bean challenge'.

Giovanna also discusses her charity work with a breast cancer awareness organization, Copperfield. She participates in treks around the world to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer, which adds another layer of fulfillment to her life, combining her love for nature and helping others. Overall, the episode celebrates the therapeutic benefits of gardening and the communal aspects of growing food while providing insight into Giovanna's personal growth through both gardening and her charitable efforts.