1. If you intend to save your own vegetable/flower seeds this year, ensure they are kept as cool and dry as possible. Store them in glass or tin containers, (they may sweat if kept in plastic or polythene containers). Add a sachet of silica gel to each container to help keep the seeds dry.
2. Again the continuing rainy, wet conditions in UK are causing problems. If your garden/allotment soil is becoming waterlogged/compacted take any opportunity to let air into it. Digging is not advisable but pushing a garden fork into the soil repeatedly over a given area, will aerate the soil and may save plants from rotting off.
3. Scarlet Pimpernel is a common garden weed (very common on my allotment). It is poisonous to humans if ingested. It can also cause dermatitis. Don't forget to wear gardening gloves when necessary?
4. If you have a shaded area of ground and are looking for plants to grow there, try the following herbs, which should grow well even in shade. Chives, Lemon Balm, Mint, Parsley, Thyme. Remember to keep Mint and possibly Lemon Balm contained.
5. Don't discard your unwanted window blinds, they can be re-used as shading in the greenhouse.
6.Many allotment/garden plants are growing tall (despite the wet UK weather) don't forget to use stakes where necessary.
7. Brassicas should be enjoying the current cool damp UK Summer but don't forget to give them some extra feed. Spread some blood, fish, bonemeal around the plants. Hoe this feed into the soil after spreading.
8. Weeds are a haven for slugs and snails so the sooner the weeds are gone so are the slugs and snails. Try using aluminium foil as plant collars to deter slugs and snails.
9.The Red spider mite is often a nuisance in greenhouses. An organic method to combat it, is to introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimillis.
10. The following is a link to a website (USA) providing plans to construct your own greenhouse. If the current weather continues in UK you might need a greenhouse next year. (just a thought)?? CLICK HERE
2. Again the continuing rainy, wet conditions in UK are causing problems. If your garden/allotment soil is becoming waterlogged/compacted take any opportunity to let air into it. Digging is not advisable but pushing a garden fork into the soil repeatedly over a given area, will aerate the soil and may save plants from rotting off.
3. Scarlet Pimpernel is a common garden weed (very common on my allotment). It is poisonous to humans if ingested. It can also cause dermatitis. Don't forget to wear gardening gloves when necessary?
4. If you have a shaded area of ground and are looking for plants to grow there, try the following herbs, which should grow well even in shade. Chives, Lemon Balm, Mint, Parsley, Thyme. Remember to keep Mint and possibly Lemon Balm contained.
5. Don't discard your unwanted window blinds, they can be re-used as shading in the greenhouse.
6.Many allotment/garden plants are growing tall (despite the wet UK weather) don't forget to use stakes where necessary.
7. Brassicas should be enjoying the current cool damp UK Summer but don't forget to give them some extra feed. Spread some blood, fish, bonemeal around the plants. Hoe this feed into the soil after spreading.
8. Weeds are a haven for slugs and snails so the sooner the weeds are gone so are the slugs and snails. Try using aluminium foil as plant collars to deter slugs and snails.
9.The Red spider mite is often a nuisance in greenhouses. An organic method to combat it, is to introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimillis.
10. The following is a link to a website (USA) providing plans to construct your own greenhouse. If the current weather continues in UK you might need a greenhouse next year. (just a thought)?? CLICK HERE
Good tips this week Rooko.
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