Joe Swift

He’s the king of the allotment and a regular presenter on Gardeners’ World, but as Joe Swift explains, making sure the recycling is in order and the lights have been turned off is his top priority.

How green do you think you are?

How green are you?

Greener than most, but not as green as some! I’m easy green I suppose.

What's the greenest thing you've ever done?

I’ve planted lots of trees. It’s extremely green and also very satisfying.

...And what's your guilty green secret?

Wanting a cool, mid-life crisis car, but maybe I’ll wait for the electric ones to get flashier. 

What green thing do you always do?

There are several… I garden in an environmentally conscious way, make compost, save water, increase biodiversity and I never use chemicals.

What’s on your green to-do list?

Helping people who can’t get an allotment grow their own veg near where they live – I’m working on it!

Proving it

Grow your own or ready meal?

Grow your own, of course.

Leave on or switch off?

Definitely switch it off. I learnt from my parents and now I am trying to teach my kids too! I get wound up when the lights are left on in the house.

Drive, bus or walk?

Cycle, train, bus, walk and OK, sometimes drive too!

Recycle or dustbin?

Recycle. I spend anxious hours sorting out the recycling box!

Wash or wear again?

Are you calling me smelly? Wear again (except for the obvious items).

Just for you…

What green alternatives do you swear by to make your garden flourish?

Make it wildlife-friendly by having plenty of tree cover for birds, ideally a pond and don’t be overly tidy. 

What have you changed about your lifestyle to make it greener?

I grow plenty of my own vegetables now, which makes a huge difference.