Our next event is the plant sale on the 18th May in the Village Hall car park between 10am and 12 midday. A wide selection of flower and vegetable plants will be available as well as plenty of advice and good company.
We will also be hosting a stall at the St. George’s Day fete on the 27th April.
I think the early part of this year has been very frustrating for gardeners due to the continual rain leading to soggy ground and difficulties in early planting. Hopefully all that has now passed and the arrival of May will bring longer days, warmth and plenty of sunshine.
One of the great treats of late April and May is asparagus. Once the bed is established and after three years harvesting can start. Cut spears when they are 5 to 6 inches tall. Cut obliquely just below ground level. The season last to early June when they should be left to build up strength for the following season. Keep weed free but be careful as asparagus is shallow rooted and weeding is best done by hand. Apply a general fertiliser and leave until the foliage yellows in the autumn. Cut down and apply a good layer of well rotted manure plus if possible seaweed collected after autumn gales as asparagus is a plant of coastal regions.
It is still possible to get a late frost in May though this has become much less likely as a result of changes in the climate. However by the end of May it should be safe to plant out frost tender plants such as tomatoes, courgettes and runner beans.
If growing tomatoes in greenhouse borders plant as deeply as possible, even up to the first true leaves. This ensures that the first truss is low down on the plant and should ensure enough space for six trusses before stopping growth. Always water at the base and avoid wetting the leaves so as to avoid disease. Start feeding as soon as the first truss has set. There may be difficulties in getting the first truss to set so when passing gently tap the truss and use a finger to transfer pollen. Sweet peppers, chillies and aubergine need regular watering and feeding once the fruit has set. They also may benefit from a light spray of warm water to aid setting and deter pests. Watch out for the dreaded aphids!
If space allows greenhouse cucumbers are well worth growing but just two plants will produce an adequate harvest. Choose an all female variety.
With greenhouse grapes allow one shoot per spur and stop two leaves beyond the embryo bunch.
Allow daffodils to die down naturally although this may look untidy.
When adding grass cuttings to the compost heap remember to add plenty of old paper and cardboard to avoid the heap from becoming too soggy.
By the end of May the first strawberries will be ripening and will need protection from slugs and birds.
Remember the plant sale and St. George’s Day
Good Gardening
Peter Estcourt