2014 has been a wonderful year, all plants producing almost double what they did in 2012. Planning your cropping for the year ahead is one of the best bits of January. Bear in mind: Rotation of crops, which avoids build Read more »
As a relief from all that Christmas stodge, kale is a well textured and welcome fresh green taste. It is easier to grow than hearting cabbage, has a long harvest period and adds colour and structure to your garden through Read more »
Every year is different. It has been fabulous for humans, and twice as productive as normal for most vegetables. We have been frantically looking for new recipes to cope with the flood of heat lovers such as French beans and Read more »
If I could I would grow all my crops under Enviromesh, as it generates a miraculous micro-climate, and all plants under it grow twice as big. Buying it originally 5 years ago to keep butterfly and moth off cabbages and Read more »
Microgreens are traditionally the reserve of top restaurants and extreme gourmands, yet the principles of growing these colourful and textural delights at home are simple. Good starter crops are radish, greek cress, red cabbage and salad rocket as they grow Read more »
August is traditionally a warm month of dry soil and parched leaves, yet well established roots keep finding water and winter crops grow enormously. Care is needed for summer vegetables if dry: keep watering ones that set fruit, such as Read more »
So far this year we have had a dream growing year. As I write it is all hot and sunny, and early July is perfect for podding broad beans while watching Wimbledon. Many crops are yielding 2-3 weeks early, we Read more »
June sees a mixture of looking after growing crops and sowing new. Replace finished ones such as peas, broad beans and lettuce in July. Nip out broad bean tops as soon as you spot the first blackfly, daily inspection recommended. Read more »
May is a favourite month when we have the excuse to dance with gay abandon round the Maypole. The weather is finally on the side of most plants and crops really get growing and fill the garden with leaf. In Read more »
A well ripened pepper is a colourful and tasty treat. They are an enjoyable challenge, and all about heat, heat and more heat, so best grown indoors. Peppers are related to the tomato and have similar growing needs. Sweet and Read more »