Grow veg in small spaces, says Fearnley-whittingstall

‘If anything’s changed we have extra responsibility for the natural world this time round’

HUGH FEARNLEY-WHITTINGSTALL has said a lack of space should not stop people from growing their own vegetables, urging Britons to “grow vertically”.

River Cottage is back after a decadelong break and will aim to tap into the post-pandemic trend of people re-evaluating their lifestyles and their relationship with nature.

The chef said lack of room should not be a deterrent to producing food.

“I’d encourage people to grow veg even in small spaces, by using raised beds and containers (the bigger the better),” he said.

“You can get bigger harvests in small spaces by growing vertically – crops like climbing beans and tumbling tomatoes and strawberries.

“Grow the veg that you love to eat, especially things that are more difficult to buy really fresh – like peas and broad beans in the pod, asparagus and purple sprouting broccoli.”

“Trust the growing tips on the back of the seed packet,” he added.

“They are probably more reliable than anything I can tell you!”

The 57-year-old explained the impact lockdown had on him.

“It taught me how lucky I am to live in the country and have nature all around me, and to be able to grow my own food,” he said.

“That’s something we are sharing and celebrating in the new series.

“Now more than ever feels like the time to be immersing yourself in nature, connecting with local people who are growing and making great food, and growing some yourself if you possibly can.”

River Cottage regulars like forager John Wright and fire-cook Gill Meller will return, while a range of other experts will give advice on beekeeping, fermenting original drinks and making sourdough crumpets.

The series will also emphasise the need to clean up rivers to promote biodiversity and promote the health benefits of wild swimming.

Fearnley-whittingstall will also “kick-start a campaign to protect our woodlands by getting more venison on our plates”.

It is 25 years since the first River Cottage was aired but he said: “I think people’s interest in this way of living is now stronger than ever.

“If anything has changed it’s that we have an extra level of responsibility for the natural world this time round, and a little more emphasis on our wellbeing too.” River Cottage Reunited is on More4 today at 9pm.