TWEET AND VEG MAN

A keen fisherman, a lifelong veg grower and now a social media sensation Gerald Stratford talks to Grapevine podcast host, Daniel Heighes

- Daniel Heighes

How have you been getting on during lockdown?

My partner Elizabeth and I have been virtually self-isolating since last March. We did see our family a few times after the first lockdown but on the whole we’ve been happy in our little bungalow and garden. We’ve also been able to go to the allotment as it’s only in the village. We get our groceries delivered once a week and there’s always something to keep us busy.

Tell us a bit about your horticultural journey. Did you start at a young age?

My father got me into gardening. I’m not sure exactly how old I was but I was quite young. He gave me a little plot of land and a packet of radish seed and told me that was my garden to look after. Years later when I got married and had my own house and garden it was just natural to keep it tidy and to grow some vegetables to feed my family. Since moving here as well as growing vegetables to eat I’ve developed an interest in seeing how big I can grow certain veggies.

Who have you admired most over the years for their contribution to the world of gardening?

I loved Geoffrey Hamilton. He was the master of recycling, you never knew what he was going to come up with next. So enthusiastic in everything he did, such a shame he died so young. Also Medwyn Williams – he’s such a professional and so helpful as well.

Last year your world changed when your growing exploits exploded across Twitter! How are you coping with it all?