2026 is turning out to be quite a difficult year for the average gardener. A dry winter and a late spring followed by a hot spell. Then in May there was a huge drop in temperature and even a touch of frost and now , at time of writing, we are enduring a second heatwave with daytime temperatures over 30*and no rain in sight.
I think the extreme temperatures combined with the drought has lead to the poor setting of fruit on many plants especially tomatoes and runner beans. With tomatoes it is a bit late to do much about it but watch out for blossom end rot which causes the end of the fruit to become dark and leathery. It is caused by a calcium deficiency brought about by allowing the plant to dry out so regular watering is essential.
With runner beans ensure regular watering and a fine misty spray in the evening will help. Runner bean, French bean hybrids such as Moonlight and Firestorm are less prone to poor setting as they are self fertile but still benefit from a fine spray.
In the greenhouse aubergine are particularly prone to poor setting and greatly benefit from the gentle application of a finger to transfer pollen but again it is essential to ensure regular watering and good ventilation. Start a weekly feed as soon as the fruit has set.
One possible benefit from the dry weather is a reduced risk of tomato and potato blight which requires warm wet conditions to spread. However should rain appear; beware! As those of us who remember 1967 as soon as it rained after the drought a huge crop of field mushrooms appeared.
Courgettes always produce a plethora of male flowers before the fruit bearing female ones appear, so do not despair. As with cucumbers pick regularly to ensure continual cropping.
Early sweetcorn will be ripening. To confirm readiness peel back the outer leaves to reveal the kernels. Pierce one with a finger nail. If the fluid released is milky the cob is ripe. If watery leave a bit longer and if nothing appears you’ve missed it!.
Dig second early potatoes and plant specially prepared potatoes in sacks for a crop around Christmas time. Grow in sacks so they can be moved under cover if blight appears or later on it turns frosty.
Another result of the drought is that the grass won’t need cutting. Don’t try and water lawns. They will recover as soon as the rains return.
So I suppose the message is to keep watering as efficiently as possible and within the guidelines of the water companies. Most domestic waste water can be used on the garden but cut down on detergents, bath salts and soap!
Our autumn show is on Saturday 12th September and we are holding it in conjunction with the Five Bells Harvest Festival so it should make great day out.
Good Gardening
Peter Estcourt