Michael Kelly

A retired Psychologist enjoying a contemplative moment on a beautiful spring morning is confronted with memories of past cases of the many clients he had treated throughout his years of practice. To occupy the obvious spare time he has on his hands now, he evaluates the worth of writing a book offering its readers an insight into the lives of everyday people who, in many instances are inflicted with life turns not necessarily induced deliberately....

Unfortunately, most of the imported supermarket tomatoes we buy taste of absolutely nothing at all. It is not until you grow your own that you realise this! The homegrown tomato is a delectable treat, and while a little TLC is required to grow them, it’s worth the effort.

The tip of the iceberg.

Mick is feeling cool as a cucumber with his well-rehearsed veg trivia, new polytunnels and boy scout knowledge of cucumber growing. While there’s more to it than the veg grown in earlier episodes, Karen shows how this prolific plant can also be grown outdoors in Container Corner, alongside some miniature cucumelons.

In this first episode Michael and Karen focus on a household staple – the onion. Easy to grow and very low maintenance, both red and white varieties are sown in the raised bed with Karen holding back some of the sets for container growing.

Growing some broccoli in the glass house.

Kicking off the season with growing broad beans.

Who knew French Beans were so easy to grow? Michael Kelly says French Beans are one of the most straightforward vegetables to grow - both the climbing green, and dwarf purple varieties, do really well in the glasshouse, raised bed and container.

This week's episode is all about the highs and lows of growing a more ambitious vegetable - in Michael and Karen's case, sweetcorn, and all they can say is third time lucky!

Far from humble, the potato is a great source of nutrition, and surely the most versatile vegetable in terms of how it can be cooked. Presenter Karen O'Donohoe joins the crew of a Thornton's Recycling bin lorry as it collects brown bins from an estate in Dublin and finds out exactly what happens to the vegetable peelings and grass cuttings we throw into the bins.