Most gardeners look forward to a bit of summer rain, the farmers certainly need it, but in recent summers this rain comes hard and fast and damages a lot of young flowering plants. It is worth trying to erect some shade covering over vulnerable plants to break up the downpour. The saturation of the soil …Read More about Summer showers
Weather
Struggling with chilli peppers
It is annoying that the best specimens of chilli pepper this year are growing on a bedroom windowsill in the house. The weather so far this year has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. The month of May was the driest and warmest on record followed by a 10 degree plunge in temperatures …Read More about Struggling with chilli peppers
Potting up
Tomato seeds started now should germinate quickly, between 5-10 days. They are best started in separate pots or modules as the roots of the small plants can be difficult to dis-entangle when transplanting. Potting up the small plants is about giving the plant growing space in step with its growth rate. Tomato seedlings grow quickly …Read More about Potting up
Change in the weather
After 2 weeks of heatwave conditions the weather has now plunged into rain and overcast conditions and looks set to stay that way for next 2 weeks. While this is good for direct sowing lettuce seed in beds and containers, it is not so good for planting out young plants. Those already out will take …Read More about Change in the weather
Finishing chilli peppers
The late bit of sun for October has helped turn the remaining chilli peppers to their end colours. The wet weather after the early summer heat meant none of the plants reached their full potential. This is caused, in part, by the plants sitting in wet soil (even with good drainage). This said, it can …Read More about Finishing chilli peppers
Plan for drought, prepare for rain
Belgium used to be famous for its wet summers. Not this year. While the real concern affecting farmers is prolonged drought, city gardeners need to plan for the best and the worst of both worlds. It may be a long dry summer or the weather may explode in thunderous rain. Either way being prepared is …Read More about Plan for drought, prepare for rain