Winter Zoom Talks Series 2024/2025
– A Huge Success!
Our Winter Zoom series has once again proven to be an incredible success!
This year’s lineup of speakers delivered a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to gardeners across the UK and Ireland, all from the comfort of our homes. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made these sessions so special, and a special shout-out to our speakers who shared their expertise with such enthusiasm and generosity.
A Look Back at the Talks
November 6th
John Soulsby on Growing Exhibition Pot Leeks
John kicked off the series with a masterclass in growing exhibition pot leeks. His detailed insights on soil preparation, feeding, and care provided a roadmap for growers aiming for show-standard results. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, John’s advice was a game-changer for many attendees.
November 20th
David Thornton on Pests and Diseases
David’s session focused on tackling common garden invaders and harmful conditions. With practical tips on organic solutions and integrated pest management, participants left equipped to protect their gardens and enjoy a healthier growing season.
December 3rd
Laura Tully on Cultivating Health & Wellbeing this Winter
Laura’s workshop reminded us that self-care is just as important as caring for our gardens. Her guidance on movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress control left attendees feeling recharged and ready to face the winter months.
December 17th
Fiona and Ray’s 2024 Year in Review
This reflective session celebrated the highlights of the show season. Fiona and Ray’s showcase of photos and results from the Branch and National Championships was a wonderful way to close out the year.
January 7th
Owain Roberts on Growing Exhibition Potatoes
Owain’s detailed walkthrough of growing exhibition potatoes offered a glimpse into his tried-and-true methods, from seed preparation to storage. His expertise inspired attendees to aim high in the upcoming growing season.
January 21st
Sandra Hall – Tunnel Growing
Sandra shared the secrets of successful tunnel gardening, We gained valuable tips on enriching soil, enhancing ventilation, using creative plant supports, and watering techniques for improved results. Her practical tips made extending the growing season feel achievable for everyone.
February 4th
Mark Perry on Growing Exhibition Stump Carrots
Mark’s session offered an in-depth look at growing top-quality stump carrots. With March just around the corner, his advice came at the perfect time for growers
February 18th
Jim Pearson on Broad Beans
Jim’s passion for growing broad beans shone through as he shared his methods for achieving National Standards. With 2025’s National Championships including a Chair’s Challenge for broad beans, his advice was especially timely.
March 4th
Raymond Higgins on Growing for Glory
Raymond’s beginner-friendly guide to entering vegetable shows was a standout for newcomers. His tips on preparation, presentation, and judging criteria gave participants the confidence to take the leap into exhibiting.
March 18th
Simon Smith on Growing Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Simon closed out the series with his expertise on tomatoes and cucumbers. His emphasis on attention to detail and dedication inspired attendees to aim for top-quality results in these always-popular show classes.
Thank You to Our Speakers
We extend our deepest gratitude to all our speakers. Your willingness to share your knowledge and passion made this series an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
A Growing Resource: Our Video Library
Over the past few years, we’ve built a fantastic video library on our website, featuring recordings of these sessions and more. With over 6,300 views, it’s clear that this resource is incredibly popular with our members. If you missed a talk or want to revisit a favourite session, be sure to explore the library and make the most of this treasure trove of gardening wisdom.
Looking Ahead: Call for Speakers
Are you passionate about gardening? Do you have expertise to share with our community? We’re looking for speakers for our 2025/2026 Winter Zoom Series and would love to hear from you! Whether you’re an experienced exhibitor, a grower with innovative techniques, or simply someone with a story to tell, we’d be delighted to feature you.
If you’re interested, please get in touch with Raymond Higgins to discuss your ideas:
Thank you once again to everyone who made this series such a success. Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and community!
