Midway through their adventure, Giles and Sue question whether the rewards of a self-sufficient life could ever outweigh the hard graft. Things get off to a farcical start with the arrival of two very mischievous Gloucester Old Spot pigs and deteriorate even further as Giles and Sue try their hands at making their own wine and pickled eggs. To boost their vegetable supply, they decide to take on an allotment, but eventually have to call in Gardeners' World regular Joe Swift to help them tackle an infestation of thistles.

Giles and Sue explore ways to make or save money, including selling their homemade veg.