0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:01 > 0:00:06- Nantlle Valley's fertile soil - is perfect for growing vegetables.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- But very few people do that.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22- Bethan and I - are determined to change things.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- We want to see - the local people growing!
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- Penygroes is the focal point - of the Nantlle Valley.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40- In the early 20th century, - there were more than 90 shops here.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- Today, there are only two grocery - shops, very little fresh produce...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- ..not to mention local produce.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- Peas from Guatemala.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- The prices reflect that. - How much? 2.00?!
0:00:57 > 0:01:02- This series aims to encourage people - to grow their own vegetables.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- His radishes are up.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06- Look!
0:01:06 > 0:01:07- It won't be easy.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- It won't be easy.- - I want to cry.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- Is it that bad?
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- We're here to grow vegetables.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20- If he wants an apple tree, - he can have an apple tree!
0:01:21 > 0:01:25- If our growers have a surplus, - we intend to open a shop...
0:01:26 > 0:01:27- Excuse me, madam!
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- ..to sell local fruit - and vegetables...
0:01:31 > 0:01:32- That's show quality!
0:01:33 > 0:01:34- ..at affordable prices.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- Does anyone - want to grow vegetables?
0:01:38 > 0:01:43- But are the people - of the Nantlle Valley ready to grow?
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- We're looking for someone - to grow vegetables.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- Potatoes, carrots...
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- OK, Russell. - We've got our work cut out.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- We need to find at least - five families to grow vegetables.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- Let's go.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11- We've enlisted Craig ab Iago - to help us find potential growers.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- He's the coordinator - of the B3 community project.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- The venture encourages local people - to grow their own vegetables.
0:02:20 > 0:02:26- A group of enthusiastic volunteers - started it about eight years ago.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- Is there anyone home?
0:02:30 > 0:02:31- It developed.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- Three years ago, - thanks to a Lottery grant...
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- ..I was employed - to organize activities.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- I'd rush to the door - if I heard that knock.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53- Someone said to me, - "What's the point of the project?
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- "We get our food from Tesco."
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- That's a recurring theme - in the area.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- I try to point out the benefits - of home-grown vegetables.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- That's the biggest challenge.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- Do you want to grow vegetables?
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- Here we go.
0:03:16 > 0:03:17- Hello, how are you?
0:03:18 > 0:03:19- Oh, hello!
0:03:20 > 0:03:21- Do you grow vegetables?
0:03:21 > 0:03:22- Do you grow vegetables?- - No.
0:03:22 > 0:03:22- Do you want to?
0:03:22 > 0:03:23- Do you want to?- - No.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25- No, thanks.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- I farmed for years - and I know all about growing.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- I don't think - many people are home today.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- Plenty of people - are showing an interest in Russell!
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- Look who it is.
0:03:42 > 0:03:43- Russell, isn't it?
0:03:44 > 0:03:45- I haven't seen you for a long time.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- I haven't seen you for a long time.- - Nor me!
0:03:47 > 0:03:49- My line dancing partner.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- Years ago now.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- She would throw me across the room!
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- Not any more, love.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01- Do you grow vegetables?
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- Do you grow vegetables?- - I have no time.
0:04:03 > 0:04:04- You don't want to grow vegetables?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- You don't want to grow vegetables?- - No.
0:04:06 > 0:04:07- Nice to see you.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- Nice to see you.- - And you!
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- Bye-bye, Brenda.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- Is there anyone home?
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- Who knows?
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- Hello! How are you?
0:04:35 > 0:04:36- Fine, thanks.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- We're looking - for people in Penygroes...
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- ..who'd like to grow vegetables.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45- OK.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- Hooray!
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- We've found someone to accept - our vegetable growing challenge.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- Margaret Ellis has plenty of space.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- Do you make use of the garden?
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- The children play here, - and the dogs use it.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- Whenever I think of tackling it, - I'm called away or I have to work.
0:05:11 > 0:05:12- I haven't actually started it.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- I haven't actually started it.- - Have you grown vegetables before?
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- Tomatoes in a bag, - and also strawberries.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- Do you have a rough idea - or are you a complete novice?
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- A complete novice. - I wouldn't know where to start.
0:05:30 > 0:05:36- That's good. Do you hope to see - big changes by the end of the year?
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- I'd like to grow my own vegetables - and enjoy it.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46- There's a lot of work to do before - Margaret tastes her own vegetables.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- I hope she's ready for it.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- There are almost 20 rural villages - in the Nantlle Valley.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- In the mid 19th century...
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- ..thousands of tons of slate - were exported from its quarries.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- Penygroes was the retail centre - for the whole valley.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- There were 90 shops, including - soap and flour shops, a bakery...
0:06:16 > 0:06:21- ..several butchers - and more than ten grocers.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Does this shop have any mileage?
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- Does this shop have any mileage?- - But the buildings are empty today.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- I haven't got a phone. - I left it at home.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31- Is there a kiosk here?
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- Surely we can find - suitable premises?
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- I know just the man to help us.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- I've found a place, - and I've got the key.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- It's the former Tai Eryri offices.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- Gorphwysfa used to be a shop...
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- ..selling tobacco, tea, - corn and flour by the pound.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- After the owner died, - Tai Eryri bought the shop in 1985.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- It was adapted into offices.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- This is it.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- This is it.- - Gorphwysfa, yes.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18- Here we go.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- The bike has a mind of its own.
0:07:23 > 0:07:24- Look.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- We can display produce - in the window...
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- ..and put a table in the corner.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- And if people can't come here, - I can deliver vegetables on my bike.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37- We could do with shelves.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- We could do with shelves.- - Pretend to sell vegetables to me.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- Excuse me, madam. - Do you sell vegetables?
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- I've seen nice ones in the window.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- OK. I'll look for some.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- Do you seriously think - the idea of a shop will work?
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- It's a good idea - to open a shop here for the day.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- People can buy fresh vegetables.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- It could grow and develop.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Like a snowball.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19- What grows in the Nantlle Valley - stays in the Nantlle Valley.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22- That's the shop sorted.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- The only problem is, - we've no produce.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- I'm heading to the garden - of designer Justin Davies.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- This is your garden.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- Are you impressed?
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- He has never gardened before, - but he has ambitious plans.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- I've sketched rough ideas.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- I'm not sure what's possible.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- I want to retain the garden's shape.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- I've tried to combine - a vegetable garden...
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- ..with a space - where I can go to sit and relax.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16- You'll look back at these plans - in a few years' time...
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- ..and think what came over you.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- You might be more relaxed.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- You'll change.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- It's great when a novice gardener...
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- ..begins to see his garden - through a gardener's eyes.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- We're starting on Margaret's garden, - but is she happy?
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Not everybody likes Russell's plans.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- What's the problem?
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- What's the problem?- - I want them to look well-made.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- I don't want to use old wood.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- Some people want something more - than just vegetables.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- But we're here to grow vegetables.
0:09:59 > 0:09:59- .
0:10:02 > 0:10:02- Subtitles
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- We're almost ready to start - working on Margaret's garden.
0:10:11 > 0:10:17- We need to measure - before setting out the beds.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- With a little time and patience, - it's not complicated or difficult.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- All together?
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- # Together we'll sing
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- # Together we'll sing #
0:10:32 > 0:10:37- Recycled pallets will keep the dogs - out of the vegetable patches.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- RUSSELL CONTINUES TO SING
0:10:43 > 0:10:49- The beds will be built - from four-by-two timber planks.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- After sawing - and assembling the wood...
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- ..we'll use the framework - to mark the bed.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- There's no need to waste good soil.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- We're double digging.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- Turning the soil upside down - and covering it with manure.
0:11:10 > 0:11:16- This is a good example - of double digging.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Can you see the depth?
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Make sure it's deep enough.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- The grass will grow back - if it sees sunlight.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- Turn it around.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- There's no chance - of that growing back.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- It'll rot there - and the nutrients are protected.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- There's no room for waste today.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- I work as a barmaid in the club - three or four evenings a week.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- I clean there every day.
0:12:05 > 0:12:06- It's a job.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- I have three children, - two girls and a boy.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- I look after my granddaughter too.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- My daughters work nights.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- We look out for each other.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- I find myself helping everyone.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36- I cared for my sister - for a few years, up until her death.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- I lost my mother and sister - around the same time.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- I neglected myself.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- I didn't want to socialize.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- It's natural to withdraw.
0:12:50 > 0:12:56- I didn't want to get close to anyone - in case I got hurt again.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- It stopped me doing a lot of things.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08- The burden of caring for others - makes me feel that I'm drowning.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- I just sit in the house - and go to work...
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- ..pretend to be happy at work - and then go home.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25- Thank you!
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- I've never grown anything. - It's a new challenge.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- You haven't got time to talk!
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- I'll have to find time for myself, - an hour or two a day.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39- You're still at it?!
0:13:39 > 0:13:40- You're still at it?!- - There are so many stones!
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- I said it was like a quarry!
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- Gardening will take up my time.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Let's flatten the slate.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- I go away for two minutes - and it's chaos here.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- In the far end, I think.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Mind your arm.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- This is the last screw, girls.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11- Yeah!
0:14:11 > 0:14:12- Yeah!- - Hooray!
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- Hallelujah!
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- I'd really like a cuppa now!
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- Have you got anything to eat?
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Have you got anything to eat?- - Let's go inside.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26- Hold on.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- Hold on.- - Three beds in a day!
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- We did it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- We'll put chicken manure - in the first bed.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- It's sold in garden centres. - You don't have to keep hens like me.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- It's high in nitrogen and good - for peas, beans, onions and lettuce.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- In the middle bed, - we're adding lime.
0:14:51 > 0:14:57- It's good for the brassica family - - cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- We add bone meal to the third bed, - which is high in phosphorus.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- It's good for root crops - like potatoes, carrots and beetroot.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- Justin's garden - presents a different challenge.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- The designer - has big plans for his garden.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- But they may not be practical - for growing vegetables.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- We could start these today.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- We could start these today.- - We don't know what material to use.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- We haven't decided on the wood.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- What's the problem - with the materials?
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- I want it to look well-made.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48- I don't want it to look - as if we've used old wood.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Why don't we measure - and then go shopping?
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- We can see what's available - and then begin to build.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01- By next week, - we'll have vegetables growing here.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06- How close do you want it?
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- How close do you want it?- - A metre and a half.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- Let's just mark it.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- You mentioned a metre and a half.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18- Is that the size you want?
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- Is that the size you want?- - Yes.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- That's not very big!
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- I've seen better gardens - in a nursery school.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- I'd be happier - if they were that size.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- What does this measure?
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- It's two metres.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- How about two by two? - Or two by one and a half?
0:16:43 > 0:16:49- Some people want something more - than just vegetables.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- But we're here to grow vegetables.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- Within the section that he gives us.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- I want to sit here when it's sunny.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- I don't want to sunbathe - among carrots and cabbages.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- How much sun do we get?
0:17:07 > 0:17:08- Four beds or three?
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- Four. One can go beyond the stumps.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- And three here.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- Where would that reach?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- It does spoil your plans a bit.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22- Do you want two beds instead?
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- Do you want two beds instead?- - And an apple tree here.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- An apple tree.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- An apple tree.- - To hide them.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- You have to watch these, - not hide them.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37- If they're hidden, all sorts - of creatures will eat them.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- You have to protect the vegetables.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- If he wants an apple tree, - he can have an apple tree.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52- What's the point of growing them, - only to hide them?
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- He can come here to look at them.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- Russell would fill the garden - with vegetables.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- I'd make wiser use of the space.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- You can't fill the garden!
0:18:07 > 0:18:12- If they can't agree, - we'll be lucky to grow anything!
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- There's plenty of choice here.
0:18:17 > 0:18:18- These are the posts.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- These are the posts.- - These are good.
0:18:21 > 0:18:27- Four of these - would give you two feet.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- One of these will make up one side.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- Aren't you cutting them in half?
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- What does it measure - if you subtract two metres?
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- I left my maths hat at home.
0:18:45 > 0:18:46- How many do we need?
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- I'd say 30 or 32 - and do what we can with them.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- Alright, 32.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- I don't know about you, - but my head hurts.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- I've been a referee before, - but this could finish me.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- Russell hasn't even touched - a vegetable yet.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- Thank goodness - Margaret is ready to plant.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- We'll start with lettuce - in this patch.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- We can get four in a row.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- Don't mix the gaps - or some will be bigger than others.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- Is that OK there?
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- Use the trowel. - My hands are like a JCB!
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- In this row, between the lettuces...
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- ..we'll plant spring onions.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05- The onion, lettuce - and pea families...
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- ..love nitrogen.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- The way to plant - something properly...
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- ..is to make sure - the soil is like this.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- Don't plant it too deep.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- If the compost is exposed, - it'll dry out.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- As you see...
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- ..plant up to where the leaves end.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Don't plant it too deep - or it will rot.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- The lettuce and spring onions - will be ready in a month.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- And with the chance - of harvesting more than one crop...
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- ..Margaret's family will have - plenty of salads all summer.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- Do you want to plant those? - I'll make a furrow.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Can you sprinkle some seeds?
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- Can you sprinkle some seeds?- - Is that enough?
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- That's plenty of seeds.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- Keep the rest for another row.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Just cover them with a little soil.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- That's all you have to do.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- You can do it with your foot, - if you want.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- We're planting beetroot too.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- They don't grow high - and overshadow the lettuces.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31- We'll plant large onions - and a row of peas on the end.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- And now it's the lime bed.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Cauliflowers - are quite simple to grow.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- When the cauliflower itself - begins to appear...
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- ..don't let it be exposed - to the sun.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- To make sure - they're nice and white...
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- ..fold the leaves over.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59- Pin them together - to shelter the flower.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- Here, we'll plant - green and purple broccoli...
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- ..and curly kale.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12- These brassicas - grow brilliantly in chalky soil.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- In the final bed, - with added bone meal...
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- ..we'll plant potatoes, - a row of carrots and parsnips.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- These are good potatoes.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- They're resistant to blight.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- Three to a row is plenty.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- These Blue Danube are nice potatoes.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- The inside isn't blue, - but the skin is nice.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- I've never seen a blue potato!
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- All you have to do now is weed.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- Weeding and watering - are the most important tasks.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- It's best to water them - in the morning.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- I'll be back soon - to see how they're coming along.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05- And to check up on me!
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- And to check up on me!- - I have every faith in you.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- Right. I'll see you before long.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- On the next programme...
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- ..I'm back on my bike - in my search for potential growers.
0:23:20 > 0:23:20- Hello! Is anyone home?
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- Hello! Is anyone home?- - We've been expecting you.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- I'll try to make sure - we all stay level-headed!
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- They have to be in a line - and coordinated.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- It'll be fine after a drink or two.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- It's perfect!
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:55 > 0:23:55- .