It is not too late to plant onions this year. They are particularly suited to raised beds with good drainage. Here a variety of onions and shallots are planted against the wood side of the bed and garlic planted along the middle of the bed. All have proved remarkably resilient to the slugs and snails …Read More about Garlic and onions
Archives for April 2017
Bluebells 2017 gallery
Bluebells are considered indicators of ancient woodland. The blooms appear in early spring to take advantage of the sunlight before the forest canopy covers over for the summer. They suit damp wet ground and once established return each year. You know it is spring when the bluebells start to bloom. Many traditional gardeners hold that …Read More about Bluebells 2017 gallery
Hardening off gallery
The process of moving seedlings from the warmth and protection of the house or greenhouse outdoors into the garden is called “hardening off.” This most delicate time in plant growth, following weeks of careful nurturing of small plants from seed, leaves the gardener at the mercy of outdoor elements often unpredictable and fast changing. While …Read More about Hardening off gallery
Spring weather
Do not be deceived by bright sunny afternoons at this time of year. Spring weather is highly unpredictable with night-time temperatures dropping drastically and ground soil far too cold for planting. It is important to take the long view starting with the 14 day weather forecast, particularly for temperatures. Summer does not officially start until …Read More about Spring weather
Indoor gardening
For city gardeners without the luxury of a greenhouse or a garden shed, indoors is the only option for bringing on plants for later planting outside. If possible, a room with the central heating turned down (or off) provides a good starting nursery for the several weeks before moving plants outside. When the dinning room …Read More about Indoor gardening
The humble radish
The humble radish is one of the fastest and most reliable cropping vegetables with seedlings appearing after 5 days and the crop ready after 6 weeks. This makes it ideal for people wanting to test out a planting space on a windowsill, balcony, or in the garden. Radish also are ideal starter plants for children. …Read More about The humble radish