The Gardener's Almanac

Overview ;

Basically, this month is about continuity, and keeping everything ticking over.

 

That is; ensure that sowings of quick maturing crops are made to give regular supplies of vegetables.

 

Keep on the top of the weeds with regular hoeing, and top dress the vegetable beds with a general fertiliser as necessary.

 

Week No. 23 - 3rd to 9th

 

• Plant out Cabbage (autumn) Chillis, Chives, Leeks, and Outdoor Tomatoes.

 

• If not done previously; support Peas, and protect them from birds.

 

• Keep an eye open for signs of potato blight (Brown blotches on the leaves).

 

Week No. 24 - 10th to 16th

 

• Make another sowing of maincrop peas.

 

• Plant out Savoy.

 

• Thin out Fennel seedlings.

 

• Feed Onions,

 

• Continue picking Rhubarb stems for a few more weeks, then leave plants to replenish their reserves.

 

Watch out for developing flower stems, and cut them away at the base as soon as they are visible.

 

Remove forcing jars from 'forced' Rhubarb to allow the plants to photosynthesise,and give the crowns a liquid feed.

 

 

Week No. 25 - 17th to 23rd

 

• Remove tip from Broad bean plants to deter 'blackfly'.

 

• Keep brasiicas watered and weeded, and spray with an insecticide if necessary.

 

• Thin out Carrots, then cover with agro-fleece to deter carrot fly.

 

• Clear back soil ( if necessary) from Shallots to allow them to expand and ripen.

 

• Make successional sowings of root and salad crops such as; Beetroot, Carrots, Lettuce, Radish, and Turnips.

 

 

Week No. 26 - 24th to 30th

 

• Keep Asparagus bed free from weeds and water if necessary.

 

• Sow French beans, and Mooli, insitu to give continuity.

 

• Thin out Beetroot,and Parsnip, then apply a liquid feed.

 

• Thin out Chinese cabbage.

 

• Check Brussels Sprouts for pests / disease, and treat accordingly.

 

• Harvest Garlic, and Globe Artichoke, if ready.

 

• Place collars around blanch Leeks,

 

• Pinch out flowers on Sage to encourage leaf growth.