Huw Richards on his journey to gardening

Earliest gardening memory One that comes to mind is from when I was in primary school. My dad told me to soak some beetroot seeds in warm water and leave them on the windowsill until after school. I was so excited to get home and sow the seeds with my dad.

First plant love Redcurrants, I used to propagate and sell soft fruit when I was about ten years old, and redcurrants always stood out – due to them being so deliciously sweet and juicy, but also surprisingly productive in the shadier corners of the garden.

How did gardening become your career? I started my YouTube channel when I was about 12, and after A-levels I decided to go full time with it. So currently it has been my only career.

Horticultural hero I love what James Wong is doing with introducing new and exciting edible plants to British gardens. Over the past 50 to 100 years, the average kitchen garden hasn’t seen much change in diversity of plant types.

Favourite garden I am influenced by gardens with a lovely vegetable-growing area and an orchard full of character. If I was to single out the garden that impresses me the most then it would have to be Charles Dowding’s market garden.

Unsung hero of the veg patch I am inclined to say the humble swede. It doesn’t get much attention, but it’s a fantastic winter veg that thrives in our climate, and mashed swede is a much healthier alternative to mashed potato with around half the calories.

What principles have guided your attitude to gardening? This could sound unprofessional, but I think the principle of not having to be a perfectionist has been a substantial one. It is so easy to get drawn into trying to get everything just right, but you lose an incredible amount of efficiency. I feel it is much better to just go for it, accept failures will happen and always highlight the successes you do have.

Read Huw's tips for a successful allotment here.