It has been an interesting year for growing chilli peppers. The early heat from March onwards was ideal for an early start but then a series of cold nights came along which threatened to damage the plants. Young chilli peppers are particularly sensitive to cold nights. With a few “stunted” in their growth, here are …Read More about Chilli peppers progress 2018
Summer gardening 2018
The spring season this year has been a bit of a mess with extreme cold in March and extreme heat in April, continuing into May. These unusual conditions make starting plants from seed and nurturing small plants quite difficult. Cold temperatures at night following hot days can damage young plants. Better to skip over spring …Read More about Summer gardening 2018
Cucumber season
In many warm weather cultures cucumbers are eaten like apples to provide hydration and valuable nutrition. It particularly suits being eaten fresh with a flavour far superior to store bought versions. They grow very well in small city gardens or in pots on balconies and roofs. With summer now underway two plants can provide a …Read More about Cucumber season
Starting courgettes
Courgettes can be one of the most satisfying vegetables to grow in a city garden or on a balcony. Once established a plant can produce up to 3 courgettes each week. Traditionally grown in soil beds, in small city gardens they work best in larger containers away from slugs and pests. Courgette seeds are large …Read More about Starting courgettes
Potting up time in Spring
The only rule in gardening is every year is different. The timing for starting seeds to bringing on young plants to moving them outside is always set by the subtleties of weather and cold. With the recent extreme cold and the possibility of an unexpected cold snap still, the whole process has been slowed down …Read More about Potting up time in Spring
Starting city beans
Beans are an ideal crop for growing in cities. While many think of beans growing in wigwams in open ground, in cities they work well growing on walls and stairwells or on netting over spaces. Climbing beans and bush varieties also work well growing in containers on balconies or rooftops. With many varieties to choose …Read More about Starting city beans