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No. 270
March 2020
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Itching to open those seed packets? Your March issue includes all the advice you need to help you get your new season’s sowings under way. As well as our essential jobs for the month section starting on page 6, where we have advice on planting potatoes, we also feature a selection of top class cultivation equipment that can make preparing and maintaining your seed beds so much easier (Page 74). On page 56 KG regular Ben Vanheems resurrects a traditional technique for growing greenhouse crops and gives it a modern spin, while on page 30 you’ll find my growing guide to tasty tomatoes. Gardening experts Colin Randel and David Patch bring you the very best varieties of dwarf beans and fruit for the show bench while organic gardener Stephanie Hafferty takes to the polytunnel to harvest bags of hardy veg and to sow new crops. Samphire is a must-have seaside vegetable in trendy kitchens and KG reader Tom Hall-Martell brings us the lowdown on growing it – even if your garden is many miles from the coast. Finally, I am delighted to announce that from this issue onwards subscribers will receive their copies in paper wrap replacing the previous polybag. It’s a step forward in ensuring our packaging is sustainably sourced and fully recyclable.
Steve Ott, editor
Rob Smith extols the virtues of veg which crops year after year, starting on page 26 www.youtube.com/kitchengardenmagazine
Contact me at: sott@mortons.co.uk | 01507 529396 Find us at www.kitchengarden.co.uk Contact subscriptions: 01507 529529
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EXPERT ADVICE TO HELP YOU GROW GREAT FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
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YOUR PLOT
6 ON THE VEG PATCH
In her monthly roundup of top jobs for the veg patch and allotment, KG regular Joyce Russell is busy planting early potatoes and pollinating fruit trees
10 IN THE GREENHOUSE
Martin Fish is in the greenhouse forcing early rhubarb and sowing salads in containers
12 WHAT’S NEW?
The latest news, comment and advice from the world of kitchen gardening
18
14 YOUR LETTERS AND TIPS
Learn what other KG readers have been up to and pick up some great first-hand advice
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18 CONNECT WITH YOUR KG SUBSCRIBERS’ CLUB
This month KG subscribers can save up to 20% on great products – plus there's a chance to win a Seed Tin from Suttons and Tidy Tray from Gardening Naturally worth £39.98!
20 KG PROBLEM SOLVER
Our experts help solve your gardening problems; this month including seedling troubles, leeks and raspberries
22 GROWING ONLINE
Our roundup of the best websites, blogs, vlogs and gardening socials
102 NEXT MONTH
Some of the highlights to be found in your April issue plus news of more great free gifts
103 LAST WORD
KG reader Julie Silcox turns adversity into a lesson for all keen gardeners www.youtube.com/kitchengardenmagazine
MARCH 2020
38 30 Scan this, and we’ll tell you!
70
98
KG regular Anna Cairns Pettigrew brings you delicious recipes based on freshly harvested fare ✪
Pg 98
GET GROWING 16 ON THE PLOT WITH THE THREE MUDKETEERS
This month the KG team are ‘busy’ spring cleaning, repairing the polytunnel and making some crop markers
26 LONG LIVE PERENNIALS ✪ Keen grower Rob Smith explains the advantages of plant-once crops
30 GROW TOMATOES GALORE! ✪
KG editor Steve Ott offers his top tips for growing our most popular veg
36 SAMPHIRE – SALT OF THE EARTH
56 OUT ON BALES ✪
Ace allotmenteer Ben Vanheems revives an old technique for growing bumper harvests
60 ONE TO TRY
KG’s Tony Flanagan reports on his trial of colourful peppers ‘Lemon Dream’ and ‘Tangerine Dream‘
63 FROM STARTERS TO MAINS
Potty plotter Elaine Crick follows the progress of some keen new plotters
66 GARDENING FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
KG reader Tom Hall-Martell shares his experiences of growing this sea herb
Gardener Andrew Oldham suffers from restricted mobility, but still harvests some tip-top veg
38 PLOTTING TOGETHER ✪
70 IT’S SHOWTIME!
Meet the worthy winners of the Family and Friends category of our annual competition
44 DWARF BEANS ON TRIAL ✪
Veg expert Colin Randel reveals the latest award-winning varieties from RHS Wisley
46 HOBBITS, HOBBITON AND HORTICULTURE ✪
Martin Fish travels to New Zealand to see the land where the hobbits grow their own
51 SPRING IS ON ITS WAY
Organic gardener Stephanie Hafferty is sowing early crops and caring for bees
54 YOUR FREE SEEDS ✪
Simple top tips to help you get the best from your free seeds this month
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Leading fruit grower David Patch reveals his favourite varieties and tips for would-be exhibitors
74 DIGGING THE EASY WAY
Soil prep and maintenance doesn’t have to be arduous. KG editor Steve Ott looks at some products that help reduce the effort
78 MAKE YOUR OWN GREENHOUSE ✪
WHAT TO BUY 87 PRODUCT REVIEW – PLANT LABELS ✪
The KG team look at a range of popular plant labelling options
92 GREAT READER OFFERS – SAVE OVER £42!*
Claim your free* raspberry ‘Yummy’ plant worth £15.95 when you order any of our bargain collections (*just pay p&p)
94 GREAT GIVEAWAYS WORTH OVER £1514 ✪
National Homebuilding & Renovating Show tickets, GardenSkill Pro Gro Poly Tunnels and Protek wood protection products
KG’s Joyce Russell brings you an ingenious DIY project to boost your sowings this spring
95 GIVEAWAYS ENTRY FORM
82 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HERBS ✪
96 GARDEN STORE PLUS SUBSCRIBER SAVERS
Garden writer Katy Runacres suggests lots of great ways to make use of some common-orgarden herbs
News of some great new products and a chance for KG subscribers to save up to 20% on big-name products! www.kitchengarden.co.uk | 5
GET GROWING
TASKS FOR YOUR VEGETABLE PATCH IN MARCH BY JOYCE RUSSELL
WATER FROST OFF PLANTS
Pictures: Ben Russell
Rows of peas and beans will slump under a hard frost and foliage may blacken. Water rows with cool water before the sun hits and you should reduce damage. Growing points may be spared even if some leaves are lost.
POT ON BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Prick out seedlings when they have two full leaves and put each one in an individual 12cm (5in) pot. Seedlings may seem small but they grow fast and enjoy a bit of root-room. Sow a few more seeds if you want to grow a later variety to spread the cropping season.
TIDY HERB BEDS
Remove dead stems and leaves from last year – new growth emerges from the base of chives, marjoram, fennel etc. Trim any broken or dead woody stems on sage and rosemary to make a neat bush with healthy leaves.
SUPPORT PEAS AND BEANS
Autumn-sown plants will be growing well and they need to stay upright. Provide sticks and strings, trellis, wire frames, or whatever is required to keep plants off the ground as they start to grow flowers.
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JOBS FOR THE MONTH XXX
PLANT SOME EARLY POTATOES
STEP 1: CHITTED SEED POTATOES Seed potatoes grow best if they have short, strong, green shoots when you plant them out. Put some early varieties in egg boxes with the sprout end up and leave them in plenty of light. Do this for a couple of weeks and you should have seed that is ready to plant by mid to late March.
STEP 2: A BIT OF MANURE
Choose a fine day to start planting. If your soil is dry, then plant in a trench with some compost or manure at the bottom. If soil is wet, then it works well to plant in a raised ridge – start out by laying manure on the surface and put potatoes 30cm (12in) apart on top.
STEP 3: BURY WITH SOIL
Pile soil from each side of the row until all the potatoes are surrounded by at least 15cm (6in) soil. Take care not to damage shoots. You may need to add more soil as plants grow so the crop of new potatoes doesn’t poke through to the light and turn green.
START A COUPLE OF COURGETTES Courgette plants aren’t frost-hardy but if you have a sunny window ledge it is easy to start off one or two early plants indoors. Sow one seed per 8cm (3in) pot of good compost and water lightly so the soil is damp. Put a clear plastic bag over the top of each pot and hold this in place with an elastic band. This makes a simple mini-propagator that helps to reduce moisture loss. Seedlings emerge in six to eight days. Plants grow quickly with plenty of light, water and warmth. Harden off and move outdoors to a cold frame or cloche after the last frost.
SOW NOW
SOW A FEW FLOWERS Sow some nasturtium and marigold (tagetes) seeds this month and you will have some help in combating pests that attack your fruit and vegetable plants. The bright flowers of marigolds and nasturtiums attract predators that eat greenflies and whiteflies seem to be repelled. Marigold roots excrete a substance that repels nematodes, and nasturtiums attract butterflies and hence are a sacrificial crop for some caterpillars. The bright flowers also attract pollinating insects to the garden. As an extra bonus, you can eat the flowers in salads – the petals look colourful, pretty and they taste good. Plenty of reasons to sow and grow a few flowers!
Early potatoes, peas, beans, salad leaves, spinach, beetroot, early carrots, leeks, Brussels sprouts, summer cabbage, celeriac, parsnips, turnip, swede, radish, spring onions, celeriac, celery, kohl rabi.
PLANT NOW
Onion sets, shallots, early potatoes and you can still plant raspberry canes or any pot-grown fruit bush.
HARVEST
Purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, spring cabbage, kale, leeks, lettuce, salad leaves, spinach, swede, Swiss chard.
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GET GROWING
TACKLE A PLANT PROBLEM
■ BEAT THE BOLT! Keep picking sprouting broccoli before the spears start to flower. Once the bolting process starts there is little you can do to hold it back, so pick as much as you can and enjoy the glut while it lasts. ■ PLANT ONION SETS Spring planting varieties are in the shops now. Look for firm bulbs that haven’t started to sprout. Plant into firm ground that is enriched with potash – wood ash and powdered seaweed are good sources. ■ FIRST MOW Lawns are probably a bit scraggly at this point, with some patches of grass longer than others. A mow in March will really tidy things up and you can use the clippings for a nitrogen-rich mulch. ■ MULCH FRUIT Fruit bushes and trees benefit from a layer of mulch. This helps keep moisture in the ground and it can also provide nutrients as the bush bursts into growth. Don’t put mulch down on to frosty ground – wait for a day when soil is at least 10C (50F) and damp. ■ BUY SEEDS If you haven’t done so already, then buy seeds now. Popular varieties are the first to disappear from the shelves and you don’t want to miss out on your favourites. Be sure to buy some for summer and autumn sowings too.
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Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles. They live in the soil for three to five years and love nothing better than to eat into your root crops. Look out for these yellow/ orange coloured pests and remove any you see when digging. If they are a major problem, it is worth growing a sacrificial crop of potatoes to clear the land.
TOMATOES
WORK WITH THE WEATHER March may come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, but it may equally stay lion-like throughout. Snow can be common this month and frosts are almost a certainty. We may get days that are warm enough to herald summer or ones that are wet enough to bring floods. Gardeners long to start sowing and planting outdoors, but can’t do a thing if the weather is raging. In short, nothing is certain and we must work with whatever the weather brings to get the best out of our gardens. A few tips:
■ It’s better to have a bare plot and wait a week for the weather to improve than to sow and plant in cold wet conditions. ■ Sowings made into warm ground soon catch up with ones made three weeks earlier in cold soil. ■ Check long-term weather forecasts regularly and plan accordingly. ■ Protect early sowings with fleece or cloches to mitigate against the worst weather. ■ Always harden off plants raised in warm conditions before planting in the garden.
Small plants start to appear in shops in March. Look out for varieties suitable for growing outdoors if you don’t have a greenhouse. Even in a sheltered spot, it can be mid-April before plants go outdoors, so don’t rush to buy unless you can provide heat and protection in the meantime.
LOOK AFTER FRUIT TREES IN FLOWER Some early flowering fruit trees and bushes burst into bloom in March and they often look at their most stunning. It can be tempting to look at a tree in full flower and to imagine a big harvest to come, but not every flower will translate into a fruit. Some won’t be pollinated, some may be lost to wind or frost and others may be eaten. A large cluster of flowers may yield a more modest cluster of fruits as trees shed smaller fruitlets in a natural form of thinning. There are a few things you can do to help maximise pollination and fruit set. This won’t guarantee a big harvest but it is a good start tto the process. ■ Use netting, flappers and bird sscaring devices to help reduce tthe amount of blossom eaten b by bullfinches. ■ Use netting with a mesh size that iis big enough to allow bees and other pollinating insects to pass through comfortably. ■ Tie cotton sheets over bushes if a gale is forecast. This may not be 100% effective but it will keep some blossom on branches. ■ Use a paintbrush to carry pollen between flowers if blossom is open before pollinating insects are active.
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■ As soon as seedlings of tomatoes and peppers are large enough to handle, prick out into small pots to grow on. ■ Start sowing outdoor veg in pots or plug trays to give them a head start when you plant out later in spring. ■ You can harvest early sown salad crops, chard and kale and enjoy them while they are still young and tender. ■ Sow dwarf peas, sugar snap or mangetout in large pots of compost to grow undercover. ■ Leeks sown in plug trays last month should now have germinated and when a couple of inches tall they can be thinned to a single seedling per cell.
WITH MARTIN FISH
RHUBARB CARE If you lifted a clump of rhubarb from the garden in January, potted it and brought it undercover to force it into growth, by now you should be starting to harvest your first forced rhubarb of the season. The taste of freshly pulled pink rhubarb is delicious and a real bonus at this time of the year. The dustbin or cover always needs to be kept over the clump to exclude light and only removed when the sticks are harvested, which is done by gently pulling them away from the root. Never use a knife as this leaves a stump that rots back. Keep the compost just moist and when you water give a seaweed feed to build up the root. 10 | www.kitchengarden.co.uk
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JOBS FOR THE MONTH
PLANT POTATOES Although early March is still too cold to plant potatoes outside in most parts of the country, in the protection of a polytunnel you can usually plant around a month earlier. Seed potatoes that have been chitting for several weeks should now have strong new shoots ready for planting. If space is limited, plant in large pots or compost, but where you have borders free, plant them directly into soil that’s been well-prepared by working in plenty of organic matter. Plant around 10cm (4in) deep and space the tubers at least 30cm (12in) apart. Water the soil and then wait for the new shoots to push through in a few weeks’ time. Protect them with fleece on cold nights.
■ Very often the space under benches becomes a bit of a dumping ground for pots and trays, so if you’ve not already done it, have a good tidy up and group different sized pots and trays together to make it easier to find what you are looking for.
FEED SPRING GREENS Spring cabbage plants that were planted into the polytunnel last autumn should now be starting to make new growth, having ticked over during winter. Very often at this time of the year they need a boost to kick-start them into growth and what they like better than anything is a high-nitrogen feed. Fast-acting nitrogen fertilisers include dried blood, poultry pellets or nitro-chalk, which as well as supplying nitrogen contains calcium. Feeding with nitrogen as the soil and air temperatures increase promotes new leaf growth, which is exactly what we want on our spring greens. You can also give a supplementary liquid seaweed feed, and although not high in nitrogen, it will act as a tonic and improve growth.
SOW SALADS IN BOWLS The secret to having a regular supply of fresh lettuce and salad leaves is to sow little and often and a good way to regulate the supply is to grow in containers. If done on a regular basis you will have a steady, constant supply, rather than feast or famine, which can sometimes be the case when you sow rows of salads in the borders. Any type of container can be used and it doesn’t need to be too deep. Fill with multi-purpose compost, firm lightly and sow the seeds thinly on the surface before covering with a thin layer of compost. Keep the compost moist and seedlings should be through in no time. Repeat this in a few weeks!
CHECK FOR APHIDS One of the first insect pests that can be a problem in the greenhouse or polytunnel is aphids. Although temperatures are still fairly low even undercover, these tiny sap-sucking insects will be starting to breed and form colonies that feed on the undersides of leaves or in the new growing tips. Aphids breed very quickly either by laying eggs or live birth, which means just a few small greenfly can soon multiply into thousands and as soon as they hatch or are born, they start to look for food. All sorts of salads, vegetables and fruit plants are a source of food, so make sure you check plants regularly and as soon as you spot any aphids, rub them off!
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■ As more plants are being grown, make sure watering cans are always topped up so that the water has time to acclimatise to the ambient temperature under cover. For watering newly sown seeds and seedlings, I prefer to use mains water as water from butts often contains fungi and bacteria that can damage seedlings. ■ A maximum-minimum thermometer is very handy to see exactly how cold it’s been overnight or how warm it’s been during the day. Ideally, reset it every day and make sure you have good batteries in if you’re using a digital type. ■ Check under large plant pots where it’s cool and damp as this is the perfect hiding place for hungry slugs. ■ If using a heated bench to start off veg seeds, once they have germinated, keep them on the bench for several days or even a week to give the roots time to establish before moving them to cooler conditions.
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YOU
YOUR PLOT
ALL THE LATEST NEWS, PRODUCTS & FACTS FROM THE WORLD OF KITCHEN GARDENING
As part of its winter events programme the Garden Museum in Lambeth, London has a number of talks and workshops that will be of interest to gardeners: Plot to Plate with Kathy Slack, on Sunday, March 8 (12.45pm-4pm) is a three-hour cooking masterclass on making food with seasonal crops. Herbs in the City, on Tuesday, March 10 (7pm), explains how growing your own herbs for use in teas, tinctures and bathing can improve your health and connection to nature in the city. From Shoot to Pod: the Power of the Humble Pea, on Tuesday, March 24 (7pm) is a workshop celebrating the power of the pea, learning how they can be used to make elegant, sophisticated drinks. Designing Your Herb Garden, on Tuesday, March 31 (7pm) consists of a workshop on growing herbs in different urban conditions (pots, windowsills, balconies, raised beds etc.). For the full programme visit: https://gardenmuseum.org.uk
Credit Hackney Herbal
HE GARD MARCH AT THE GARDEN MUSEUM
WHITE KNIGHT STUNNER
FIVE A DAY, NO WAY! The NHS annual Health Survey (2018) published December 2019 reveals that nearly two-thirds of us are ignoring the health benefits of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. The report – which relates to 2018 activity – showed that only 28% of adults were eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, with men worse than women. Moreover, just 18% of children aged between five and 15 were eating the recommended portions. The 16-24 age group were consuming the lowest number of portions of fruit and veg,“and were the least likely age group to eat their five-a-day recommendation”. Full report: http://bit.ly/NHSsurvey2018
Burpee Seeds Europe has launched the aptly named ‘White Knight’ for 2020. This is a disease-resistant variety which produces fruits up to 18cm (7in) long. Seeds are available from: Medwyn Williams: www.medwynsof anglesey.co.uk Nicky’s Nursery: www.nickys-nursery.co.uk Pennard Plants: www.pennardplants.com
According to the British Carrot Growers Association (www.britishcarrots. co.uk), carrots are the nation’s favourite vegetable, with 75% of Britons saying they regularly eat carrots; more than 10 billion carrots are eaten every year. British-grown carrots are available all year round, with 93% of the ones we consume currently grown in the UK.
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WHAT’S NEW?
MORE BAD NEWS ON INSECTS
BE ACTIVE!
Insect Declines and Why They Matter, a new report commissioned by an alliance of wildlife trusts in the South West, has concluded that the rapid decline in insect numbers as a result of pesticides will have a devastating effect on both wildlife and people. Invertebrate expert Dave Goulson, professor of biology at the University of Sussex, says: “Wild insects are routinely exposed to complex cocktails of toxins which can cause either death or disorientation and weakened immune and digestive systems. The consequences are clear; if insect declines are not halted, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems will collapse, with profound consequences for human well-being.” To find out more go to: www.wildlifetrusts.org
NEW EBOOKS AIM TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO EAT THEIR GREENS A series of new eBooks hopes to solve the age-old question – how do you get children to eat their vegetables? According to research led by Professor Carmel Houston-Price from the University of Reading, they are more likely to do so if they see pictures of them first. The eBooks presented by fellow researcher Dr Natalie Masento are designed to help parents familiarise their young children with a greater variety of vegetables, including their journey from farm to fork. Dr Masento said: “It is well established that children often need 10-15 exposures to new foods before they accept them into their diets. Research has shown, however, that children’s acceptance of new foods can be boosted purely by a food’s visual familiarity.” The resources were created as part of the See & Eat initiative, funded by the European Institute of
A new study, led by the University of Bristol and co-funded by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and Cancer Research UK (CRUK), found that men who are more likely to take moderate exercise such as gardening had a 51% reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to people who did not. The study was based on 79,148 prostate cancer cases – prostate cancer is the second most common male cancer worldwide. Dr Sarah Lewis, lead author of the research, said: “This study is the largestever of its kind which uses a relatively new method that complements current observational research to discover what causes prostate cancer. It suggests that there could be a larger effect of physical activity on prostate cancer than previously thought, so will hopefully encourage men to be more active.”
Innovation and Technology (EIT) and supported by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). You can download the See & Eat eBooks, along with meal planners, shopping lists and recipes, free of charge from: www.foodunfolded. com/account/login/seeandeat Story by Keelan Balderson
TIME FOR A MAKEOVER The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Greening Great Britain funding programme, now in its fifth year, is offering grants of up to £500 to 50 gardening projects nationwide and also hands-on support from an RHS community advisor. One of the 2019 funded projects included a revamped community garden that supplies fresh produce to a foodbank scheme in Gateshead and the transformation of a wasteland in Bristol into a vibrant community garden, helping local people to gain skills and confidence. The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, February 14, 2020. For full details of eligibility criteria – and the UK regions where funding and practical RHS help can be provided – visit www.rhs.org.uk/ggbwithcommunities
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Gateshead foodbank scheme
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YOUR PLOT
STOP THE ROT I read the letter from Tony Ryan in the January 2020 issue about onion white rot with interest as I also have this in several of my beds and have tried to minimise its effects in a similar but different manner to Tony. Once I was aware of it (when my onions literally fell over as the roots, and in many cases, the base of the bulbs, were completely rotted away, the fungus being apparent), I started trawling the www looking for a ‘cure’. I found a mycology paper (http://www.bcseeds.org/ white-rot-2) wherein treating the ground with a garlic (not an
onion) solution had shown some beneficial effect with the fungus ‘sclerotia’ germinating but then dying off, there being no actual alliums to infect. The ‘sclerotia’ apparently only germinate once. Anyway, I have given it a go, using garlic powder though, as against a garlic solution. I applied the powder to my beds in 2018 and did not grow onions in them last year, but will do this year – I’ll let you know if it works/has any effect – hopefully, it will. n Ian Crammen, Stonehaven TONY SAYS: Yes, interesting stuff Ian – do let us know how you get on.
CONTACT US WITH YOUR LETTERS AND TIPS: TFLANAGAN@MORTONS.CO.UK
THE ‘MUSSELBURGH’ LEEK I was particularly pleased to read Rob Smith’s enthusiastic comments about growing ‘Musselburgh’ leeks (January issue) as I have had an allotment in Musselburgh for over 30 years and always have success with this variety. ‘Musselburgh’ leeks are thought to have been imported from France around 1830 but their successful cultivation and selective breeding over time owes much to the Scarlett family, market gardeners in Musselburgh from the mid-19th century. The Scarletts found them hardy and ideally suited to the light sandy soil of this area close to the Firth of Forth. The majority of their crops were sent into the markets of Edinburgh by horse and cart and later by train. Some were even sent by steamer to Shetland. The Scarletts’ substantial stone house, Sweethope, still stands at the south end of Inveresk village, surrounded by agricultural land. Its dominant feature is a tower with windows on all sides. The Scarletts were reputed to be hard taskmasters and liked to keep an eye on their workers from the comfort of their eyrie! Jenny Mollison, East Lothian TONY SAYS: Thanks Jenny. Fascinating bit of local history around this well-regarded leek.
Send us your tips and pictures and if your letter is published you will get a £10 Dobies voucher. If you are lucky enough to have yours chosen as our Star Letter you will get a £25 voucher. Your voucher will be sent out with a Dobies catalogue and you can choose to spend your winnings on a fabulous range of seeds,
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young plants and gardening sundries. You can get hold of a copy of the catalogue now by phoning 0844 701 7625 or go online to www.dobies.co.uk You can reach us by letter, email or via our Facebook page: FACEBOOK.COM/ KITCHENGARDENMAG
Email E il your letters l tt to tflanagan@mortons. co.uk or post to Letters, Kitchen Garden, Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR
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CONTACT US:
STEVE OTT sott@mortons.co.uk
EMMA RAWLINGS erawlings@mortons.co.uk
TONY FLANAGAN tflanagan@mortons.co.uk
YOUR VIEWS XXX
RECYCLING TIPS A trick I always used to get seeds started a few weeks early was to use polystyrene cups, like those used at burger/snack bars etc. Once planted up, even if there’s a few cold days/nights, the polystyrene will keep the compost or soil inside warm for a few days. Paul Crumpler, Peterborough
EDITORIAL Tel 01507 529396, Fax 01507 371075 EDITOR: Steve Ott, sott@mortons.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR: Emma Rawlings,
erawlings@mortons.co.uk
STAFF WRITER: Tony Flanagan,
tflanagan@mortons.co.uk
PRODUCTION: Pauline Hawkins,
Sarah Spencer
I’ve been using Pot Noodle pots for years. I put three holes in the bottom, evenly spaced. They’re nice and deep so you can get a good rootball. I start all my veg in this way, one in each pot. Byran Munday, Lincoln
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As organic gardeners we value our worms greatly and have been very concerned about the spread of New Zealand flatworms. Never having seen a clear photograph of them, we are suspicious of anything unusual. My mother was clearing leaves one day when she spotted a large worm with a slightly flattened underside, but otherwise exactly like an earthworm. She laid it on the paving and went to fetch a camera, intending to send a photo to Kitchen Garden for a positive ID! Sadly, on her return she saw the worm disappearing over the fence in the beak of a blackbird! So we still don’t know if our earthworms are safe. Could
Credit RHS
NURTURE OR NOBBLE?
you please priint clear photos of this pest so that we know what to nurture and what to nobble. Gavin Parker, Bicester TONY SAYS: The darker one is the New Zealand flatworm; the Australian one, which is also predatory, is lighter. For more on these beasties go to: www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=975
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SEEDLING GERMINATION TIMES GERRY: When the advice on the seed packet
says “Start in a propagator but move to cooler conditions when germination has taken place,” do you move as soon as some seeds have germinated or do you leave them until all have germinated and chance the earlier ones getting leggy?
took the entire pot out and put it on a window ledge, still in its sealed plastic bag, until the rest started coming through. The peppers had an even germination.
TIGERBURNIE: I take the lid off my propagator
in the day and put it back on at night. Once plants need potting on, they take precedence; dangerous to wait for seed that may not germinate. Planting in cells can help as it’s easy to remove single plants.
PRIMROSE: I no longer use a propagator as I found I too frequently ended up with leggy seedlings. I did put my chilli and pepper seeds in pots sealed in polythene bags in the airing cupboard and checked them every day. As soon as the first seedling started pushing through I
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KG AND THE ENVIRONMENT Once you have read and enjoyed your copy of Kitchen Garden magazine, why not recycle it? Remove the glossy cover and shred the rest before adding to your compost heap or bean trench. Subscriber copies now come in recyclable paper, while the polythene sleeves in which KG is supplied in shops are recyclable. Look for the label printed on yours and follow the instructions.
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Illustrations: Let’ss Face It
Give your container plants a boost by taking off the top 5cm (2in) of compost and replacing with fresh compost
“Have you viewed us on YouTube yet?”
The KG team offer chat, tips and gardening gossip
3 Mudketeers
WE WANT WORKERS, NOT SHIRKERS! Well, it’s after 10am and the Muddies are nowhere in sight. It was agreed yesterday that they would turn up today at 9am and get stuck in pronto! The plot needs a good spring clean – there’s pots to be washed, greenhouse glass to be hosed down and polytunnel plastic to be cleaned. I wonder what excuses this year? Things like: “I had to bath the
16 | www.kitchengarden.co.u uk
cat” (you haven’t got a cat Steve); “I thought it was tomorrow” (Emma, today is tomorrow!); “I have the ague” (no one’s had the ‘ague’ Tony since the 19th century!). Hang on, I think I hear distant voices, a kind of singing (if it weren’t so tuneless) “Hi ho, hi ho” – golly gosh, it’s them after all. I don’t believe it! The Muddies are coming….
HOLEY POLY, BATMAN! Over winter, activity in my polytunnel has been fairly minimal and a few holes had started to appear in the soil around the perimeter, indicating that mice and voles l have taken advantage of this to make a cosy home in the warm, soft earth. One of our many neighbourhood cats must have spotted this as when I went inside recently to start sowing I found many determined scratch marks in the polythene and holes, one large enough for a fat cat to pass through easily. My first job must be to patch the holes and hope that my increased activities will scare off any rodents so that the cat loses interest. If you have had similar experiences I’d love to hear from you.
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