Grow Your Own - October 2020 UK

LOW-MAINTENANCE GROWING EXCLUSIVE
ue s
issThi
!
Is forest gardening the way forward?
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Grow
GARDENING ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST
GROW GUIDES
4Grow bumper
gooseberries
yourown The UK’s best-selling kitchen garden magazine

4Plant marsh
samphire
4Ripen green
tomatoes now!
Your Autumn
Garden Heroes
The best fruit & veg to start this month
WEEKEND DIY
Create a quirky
5
PUMPKINS
& SQUASHES
thyme planter ON TEST!
from a chair! Turn to p74
COMPOST
STEP-BY-STEP
The ultimate
guide to success
The no-waste garden

Simple ways to store leftover seeds
Carol Klein
“My pruning masterclass
Inside! QUICK CROPS + JOBS ON THE PLOT for perfect fruit trees”
Editor’s Letter
WELCOME O
SH P
… to the October issue of Grow
Your Own! We are once again at
OM
the turn of the season, and can
GI
EDITORIAL
see the fruits of our labours in TS
F
Editor
C
Laura Hillier 01206 505 991 the garden coming into the TOYO U.
laura.hillier@aceville.co.uk
kitchen. However, this doesn’t mean that there
Deputy Editor
isn’t still plenty to do outside, too! Remember to check
Blake Roberts 01206 505 979 out giftstoyou.co.uk
blake.roberts@aceville.co.uk Anne Swithinbank is getting her broad beans
to find plenty of
Editorial Assistant in the ground and sharing her favourite varieties
Rose Comber 01206 505 984
great gardening
(pg. 32), the RHS shows us something a little exotic gifts for you and
rose.comber@aceville.co.uk
with their expert guide to sea samphire (pg. 21), garden-loving
Group Editor
Natalie Osborn and Kim Stoddart helps us get to grips with forest family and friends!
DESIGN gardening (pg. 60).
Art Director James Philp Carol Klein is tackling the task of pruning fruit
Designers trees (pg. 67) and shows that there is nothing to fear, even if it
Debbie Pratt, Shannon Hall can sometimes feel a little overwhelming!
& Sam Rogers
As well as that, if you have lots of leftover seeds to carry forward to
PHOTOGRAPHY
next year, we have a handy guide to safely storing them (pg. 24), and
CliQQ – www.cliqq.co.uk
ADVERTISING
for an exciting upcycle of some old furniture, we have a fun and quirky
Advertising Manager project showing you how to make a thyme planter from an old wooden
Daniel Hewlett 01206 505 950 chair (pg.78).
daniel.hewlett@aceville.co.uk
October is a key month for pumpkins and squashes, with plenty of
Senior Account Manager
Nathan Kliber 01206 505 424
carving and soup making going on – we share our top 5 varieties on
nathan.kliber@aceville.co.uk page 74.
SUBSCRIPTIONS HELPLINE As ever, we love seeing what you’ve been upto in the garden, and
0800 904 7000 have some fantastic reader pictures to share in #growwithgyo (pg. 29),
ACCOUNTS so do check them out, and send your own!
Anne-Marie Hartley 01206 505 902
REPROGRAPHICS & TYPESETTING
Ace Pre-Press, 19 Phoenix Court, Happy growing!
Hawkins Road, Colchester,
Essex CO2 8JY
DISTRIBUTED BY
Frontline Ltd., Peterborough.
Tel: 01733 555161
Printed in the UK
Laura
Editor Laura Hillier
Cover image: GAP
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growfruitandveg.co.uk 3
OCTOBER’S
CONTENTS
Smart Gardening
102
56 Smart news
58 Smart step-by-step: Getting winter ready
60 Smart guide: Try forest gardening
Veg
12 Jobs on the plot
32 Anne Swithinbank: Broad beans
38 Plot essentials
41 Sow your bonus seeds
Regulars
7 This month
8 Over to you
14 Nick Bailey: Peanuts
29 #GrowwithGYO
37 Charles Dowding’s monthly diary
78 Garden makes: Thyme chair
88 Garden Organic: Healthy compost
105 Rose’s top 5 picks
RHS
18 Beginner’s guide: Gooseberries
21 Edible exotics: Marsh samphire
22 RHS growing guide: Broccoli
24 RHS technique: Saving seed
26 RHS Q&A
More growing advice

34 David Domoney: Companion planting
46 October’s veg to sow & harvest
53 Ask the experts
67 Carol Klein: Pruning masterclass
72 Frances Tophill: Wild your garden
74 Top 5 pumpkins & squash
53
77 Rachel’s tasks this month
80 Simon Akeroyd’s flavour garden
82 Under cover
85 Pick of the crop: Urban growing
86 Simple step-by-step: Pumpkin picking
94 Ellen Mary: Add sunflowers to your plot
96 Kim Stoddart: Edible windowsill
98 Raise rhubarb
100 Tried and tested: Digging tools
102 Allotment inspirations
104 Preparing your chickens for winter
106 Win! This month’s great giveaways
108 October’s discounts
114 Behind the scenes with Danny Clarke
12
4 growfruitandveg.co.uk
LOW-MAINTENANCE GROWING EXCLUSIVE
Contents
ue s
issThi
!
Is forest gardening the way forward?
Grow
GARDENING ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST
ON THE COVER GROW GUIDES

4Grow bumper
gooseberries
E • SUBSCRIBE
Photography: Shutterstock/Studio Barcelona yourown 4Plant marsh
samphire
4Ripen green
IB
• S UBSCR
•S
The UK’s best-selling kitchen garden magazine
tomatoes now!
Grow bumper gooseberries 18 SUBSCRIBE
UBS
Plant marsh samphire 21 Your Autumn TODAY!
Store your leftover seeds 24 Garden Heroes
CRIBE
Try forest gardening 60
The best fruit & veg to start this month
5 FREE* GROW
YOUR OWN
E
WEEKEND DIY PUMPKINS
Carol Klein’s pruning masterclass 67 Create a quirky & SQUASHES
IB
thyme planter ON TEST!
Top 5 pumpkins and squash 74 from a chair! Turn to p74
BINDER
•S
CR
Make a thyme planter 78 COMPOST S UB
STEP-BY-STEP
Create organic compost 88 The ultimate
guide to success
• SUB RIBE
SC
Enjoy your free seeds with this issue of The no-waste garden
Simple ways to store leftover seeds
Carol Klein
Grow Your Own (digital copies excluded) “My pruning masterclass
Inside! QUICK CROPS + JOBS ON THE PLOT for perfect fruit trees”
Try 6 issues for
£29.99*
38 plus up to 10 packets
of seeds per issue
when you subscribe to
Grow Your Own.
Turn to page 50
to find out more!
26
24 *Just pay postage
If you’d like to keep up to speed with the latest

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98
Garden report
This month…
Keep up to date with the latest news from the growing world
RHS president to prioritise sustainability
NEWS
in brief
The RHS has launched
The next president of the RHS, Keith Weed, has announced a new career resource
that he intends to make the charity’s focus on sustainability with over 60 films
showcasing 45 different
and mitigating climate change his main priority. He will also
horticultural careers.
be encouraging gardeners to make their gardens and local
The database was
areas sustainable as well as beautiful in a bid to grow the
created after research
gardening revolution. According to the RHS, around 15 million
revealed that not
people visited the RHS website during lockdown and 200
knowing enough about
per cent more people sought advice on how to grow food.
plants or gardens, and
Along with this, Weed has committed to helping increase
careers in horticulture,
diversity in the horticultural industry and within the charity
puts people off working
RHS / Helen Yates
itself. Upon his appointment, he stated: “Another important

in the industry. 24
priority for both the RHS and the wider horticultural world is
per cent of the those
to help increase diversity in the horticulture industry and in surveyed were more
this charity; on our boards, in our teams, in our gardens, at our willing to consider a
shows and across our work.” career in horticulture
if they believed they
would be benefiting the
environment, and 25 per
WE LOVE cent might swap jobs if
the career would boost
their mental health.
The scientific journal Plos One has published Plans to increase

a report titled A Plan Bee for Cities, suggesting allotment space in
that cities have the potential to provide a diverse Dundee, Scotland could
habitat for different groups of pollinators, cut the waiting list of
including bees and other insects. The urban more than 100 people.
areas in question include city gardens, parks The proposal, which is
and roadside verges. The potential is due to to go before Dundee City
the diversity of plants in cities and the lack of Council’s recovery sub-
pesticides. As well as this, researchers also committee, has identified
discovered that pollinator numbers in urban 1,500 hectares of land
gardens were comparable to rural ones. that could be used to
grow fruit and veg. This
includes overgrown
communal green
Our September highlights… space and the back of
tenement buildings.
TOP CROP
THIS MONTH
PEAS
This month, sow peas
for overwintering
outside in a sheltered
spot and cover
with cloches. One
of the best peas for
78%
of people plan
overwintering is
ROSE BLAKE LAURA ‘Avola’, but other to spend their
“Pumpkin picking “Find pruning fruit trees “If you want a low- hardy varieties of this holiday time
season is finally here, a bit of a daunting task? maintenance, eco- staple crop can be
sown. Make sure to in their own
so find out how to Well, panic over because friendly plot, turn
harvest, cure and Carol Klein’s ultimate to pg 60 for Kim protect your plants outdoor areas
carve your gourds guide will turn you from Stoddart’s guide to from mice and birds, SOURCE: Forest Garden
on pg 86.” beginner-to-pro on pg 67!” forest gardening.” especially pigeons.
Mail
HAVE YOUR
Get in touch with your growing stories & snaps
Say Write to us
Share your garden tales,
Stette
pictures, community projects
l
and tips with us for a chance
ar r
to win a pair of WOLF-Garten
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receive a pair of these gloves
which are designed to offer a
snug fit with a breathable
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blake.roberts@aceville.co.uk
or write to us at 25 Phoenix
Court, Hawkins Road,
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facebook.com/
growyourownmag
First cauli harvest @gyomag
“As a family who recently instagram.com/

growyourownmag
became green-fingered, we
all couldn’t resist sharing
this proud moment of Lady Lottie of Lockdown Manor
our youngest daughter
Juliet harvesting her first
“During the lockdown weeks,
several fellow allotmenteers have
out as well as I had hoped. She
has decided that allotment OVER
cauliflower. Juliet planted
said what a boon it has been to
be able to spend time on our
gardening isn’t quite the same
as tending her roses and is off
toYOU
from seed and helped plots – but we did at times feel to the local pet rescue to see
nurture throughout the We asked our followers
guilty at grumbling about the if they need any little doggies
how they prevent carrot
whole growing process, as endless watering and weeds - taking for a walk instead. She
root fly damage, here’s
she loves to get involved even good things can get you has also made off with a pair
what they said…
down a bit. I work three plots of my gardening gloves, so a
in any type of gardening
single-handedly and thought I replacement (small) pair “I sowed them in deep
activities. She absorbs could do with some help, but would be very welcome.” metal buckets and had
everything we teach her my volunteer helper didn’t work Kathryn Flegg them up high to avoid
along the way and is so carrot fly...it worked and
enthusiastic in growing our Thanks for sharing your story Kathryn. they tasted gorgeous.”
Your WOLF-Garten Star Letter prize is on its way!
own.” Louise Farrar @groves.carly
“We cover them with ultra

Show us your growing pics! fine enviromesh.”
@millie.williamson
“I put grained coffee on

the ground where the
carrots are growing, and
it has worked fine.”
@galicianseastar
“This year, my carrots are

lovely! It is all down to thin
sowing from the start!”
@missgrowsalot
“Waste offcuts of veg including “After four months not leaving the “This was my first “A tip from one of the old
celery, spring onions and house, I finally made it to a garden courgette of the year, since boys on my allotment was to
Chinese leaf so we get a whole centre and treated myself to some have had plenty more, but grow them in pots and put
new plant for free and have fun pretty Osteospermum, beautiful!” the first one is always the the pots up high, like on a
doing it!” Marcus H Lorraine M best!” Ian R table.” @jouskaetc
Expert advice
October’s
BEST CROPS! Top expert advice to inspire you to grow
more in the fruit and veg garden this month
14 Powerful peanuts
32 Broad beans
46 Garden calendar
Nick Bailey investigates the health Anne Swithinbank is sowing a crop of Find out what veggies, fruits and
benefits and production requirements broad beans this autumn, to save time herbs can be sowed, planted and
of the popular peanut in the spring harvested this month
60 Forest garden
74 Generous gourds
90 Grape vines
Kim Stoddart uncovers the plants we We pick our top five pumpkins and Simon continues his flavour garden
should introduce to create a thriving squash suitable for both large, and series by growing grape vines, and
low-maintenance, edible space small gardens making wine
Jobs
on the Plot
As nature offers the full spectrum
of orange and brown hues this
month, high-season summer
edibles are being replaced by
the trusty flavours of earthy roots
and leafy greens. Compost heaps
will be topped up and sowings
for overwintered crops can still
be made – so things are far from
winding down just yet.
Seasonal tasks
The Herb Garden The vegetable patch
Ensure hardy leaves such as mustard,
It’s not always about keeping things turnip tops and komatsuna remain lush
tidy – leaving old stems will help and productive by covering the drills with
tunnel cloches.
overwintering wildlife and encourage Root crops, like parsnips, turnips and
self-seeding. Re-locate potted cuttings swedes, can be insulated with a good
into a cold frame, porch or greenhouse layer of straw to make lifting in the winter
months easier.
as their roots can be damaged if they
Lovers of spring cabbages should get
freeze. Lift and pot up healthy sections their transplants in the ground this month.
of mint, oregano, thyme and parsley. Space them 25cm apart and firm them into
the ground well.
Place on a sunny windowsill for leaves
There’s still time to quickly sow a hardy
throughout winter. green manure, so utilise any bare patches
of earth and stop the weeds taking over!
Container growing If you’ve any maincrop potatoes in the
Reduce watering of tubs, baskets and containers now growth is slowing. Doing so also ground, lift them now. Left in the ground
helps to hasten the maturity of certain hot-season crops. Tomatoes, chillies, sweet peppers they’ll be damaged by slugs, frost – or both!
and aubergines will all respond to this stress by ripening up. If you garden on light soil, sow a hardy
overwintering broad bean variety which
Move second cropping potatoes grown in bags or pots to a greenhouse. This gives them
will be ready to harvest a month earlier
additional protection from the more severe winter elements, and prevents frost from killing
than spring-sown.
the plants.
Autumn-planted garlic often yields a lot
As growing bags become emptier as the months progress, but
better than a spring-planted crop. Only
because temperatures are still relatively high, you might be able
use the largest cloves as these will deliver
to squeeze a final autumn salad leaf sowing into them.
sizeable heads.
Or if you’d rather, you can recycle the compost they contain. Wearing stout gloves, cut down all old
Don’t forget to check for any pests buried in the soil, asparagus stems and burn them (adult
like vine weevil. Tip into a wheelbarrow before asparagus beetles can over-winter in the
re-using to rummage through and hollow stems).
fish out any that you find. This can
Enjoy a final flourish of runner beans – this
then be used on flower borders or
crop enjoys warm, moist autumn weather
offered to friends and neighbours
but will be cut back to the ground by the
as a free soil conditioner.
first frosts.
Expert advice
PROBLEM OF THE MONTH:
Parsnip canker
If you’re lifting your tasty parsnip
roots to find that they’re tinged
orange and rotting, especially at
the top, canker has unfortunately
hit your crop. Heavy, acidic soils
are more prone to this; with early
sowings being the most susceptible.
The fungi that cause canker can
build in the soil, so adopt crop
rotations if the disease is a recurring
problem. In future, opt for resistant
types, such as ‘Avonresister’,
‘Gladiator’ and ‘Panache’ to try and
avoid problems.
Producing
Focus leafmould
on this: When those leaves
fall, and you
meticulously collect
them up, put your energy to good use
by using them to create leafmould!
Under cover Simply place foliage (deciduous is
Keep sowing short drills of winter-hardy
salads, such as chicory and chard. best) in a bin bag, pierce it several
Move potted Christmas potatoes
times with a fork, and pop it
undercover at the end of the month. somewhere you can forget about it.
Reduce the amount of water you give After a year it will have rotted down
tomatoes but keep plants ticking over. into a dark, fine, crumbly material
Remove young cucumbers and melons as which is ideal for blending with
they won’t have time to ripen. seed compost or adding to potting
Close roof and side vents in the evening, mixes. Can’t wait that long? Running
as night time temperatures begin to drop. your lawn mower over the leaves
And, think about getting some insulation,
such as bubble wrap up.
Fruits of your labour will shred them and pick up grass
Now is the time to take cuttings clippings at the same time – this helps
Wash off shade paint if you plan to grow from your currant bushes, as well as
any winter crops in your greenhouse, to
the leaves to rot more quickly.
blueberries and gooseberries. If you
boost indoor light levels. are looking to increase your stocks,
Don’t stop pest and disease controls, there this is a great opportunity to propagate
are many weeks of growing left. some of your own plants – you could
Regularly pick over your drying trays of even give some to your friends!
onions and remove rotted ones promptly. Any unruly cranberry bushes should
be trimmed now. Remember to always
use sharp tools and make clean cuts in
order to avoid damaging the plant and
leaving it vulnerable to diseases.
Spend some time looking at your plot
to see what you would like to add to
it next year – now is the perfect time
to get new cane fruit ordered from
suppliers, and it is never a hardship
looking through the catalogues!
Your citrus fruits can be overwintered,
so move them inside to give them a
helping hand and gradually decrease
the amount of watering.
GYO
says
Peanuts are
packed with
nutrients so is a
great addition
to the plot for
health-conscious
gardeners
Useful Plants:
not enough they also provide high levels of
folate, niacin, thaimin and vitamin E not to
mention Manganese, Phosphate and Zinc.
So, peanuts truly are an extraordinarily
Peanuts
This useful plant provides plenty of
rich food source. And despite their humble
beginnings being cultivated in Paraguay
they are now globally grown with China
the largest consumer, closely followed by
the US. In fact, this little nut is so widely
loved and consumed that it is a staple
on the International Space Station in the
goodness, as well as some serious garden form of peanut butter! Back down on earth
peanuts are also the basis of the pioneering
bonuses – Nick investigates emergency, long lasting food packs used to
help infant development in poverty-stricken
as roasted nuts. I always have 2-3 jars in
L
ike the eccentricities of the English parts of West Africa.
language the world of plants my cupboard and a 4kg box of them in my And across much of Asia peanut oil is
is strewn with confusing and car in case I get stranded on the desolate used for hot frying as it has a good flavour
apparently contradictory rules and words. highway that is the M4 for a week... you and the molecules can handle extreme
A strawberry is, in fact, not technically never know! But I do eat them for a specific heat without breaking down. Also currently
a berry whereas a banana is a berry – reason. My work is often physical and I growing in popularity is peanut milk. It is
strange, right? Well, the same can be said of do callisthenics, so I need lots of protein used in a similar way to almond milk though
the humble peanut (Arachis hypogaea). and try to minimise the amount I get from personally I don’t really dig the flavour.
Despite its common name this plant is animal sources. Peanuts have the highest Beyond their obvious food credentials,
actually a seed producing legume and I level of protein found in any plant, along peanuts have numerous other useful
reckon one of the most useful food sources with useful fats, vitamins and minerals. applications. As a crop they provide dense
on earth. I confess I’m slightly obsessed. I 100 grams of peanuts contains around 26 weed-suppressing, moisture retaining
consume at least 500 grams a week in the grams of protein, 16 grams of carbohydrate ground cover. And being a legume, they
form of peanut butter (palm oil free) and and 8 grams of dietary fibre. As if that were have that magical capacity to grab nitrogen
Expert advice
in the air and fix it in their root nodules. The

waste generated by this little seed is handy,
too. Peanut tops make a great nitrogenous NUTRIENT PROFILE
The term Superfood is a spurious one,
addition to the compost heap while the nut
shells make a novel mulch or higher carbon- but peanuts truly are a food which is USES – QUICK GLANCE
based compost addition. super-charged in terms of nutrition. High protein food
While peanuts are certainly not a Percentage of recommended daily
allowance found in 100grams of High calorie food
traditional crop in the UK they can thrive
in southern Britain and the midlands, roasted peanuts:
Cooking oil
producing a high protein, high-yield, Protein – building muscle/energy 46%
Milk substitute
low input crop. So, I reckon if they are Carbohydrate – energy release 12%
good enough for ex US president and Ground cover
peanut farmer Jimmy Carter, they are Vitamin E – antioxidant, skin, eyes 55%
Nitrogen fixing
good enough for us! Niacin (B3) – digestion, skin,
energy release 75% Mulch
Producing peanuts
The last time I referenced peanuts in this Thaimin (B1) – nervous system, Compost supplement
title I remarked that they ‘are a pain to grow’. energy release 53%
This was mainly due to my batch a few years Manganese – metabolism,
back being ravaged by red spider mite in anti-inflammatory 84%
the glasshouse. I’ve since learned my lesson
and would now describe them as fairly easy, Zinc – immunity, protein
novel, rewarding and best grown outdoors. production 30%
Sow them in May in moist but free draining
soil at around 30cm centres. of the ground leave them with their ‘nuts’
The plants will then flower in mid- attached for a few days before giving them
summer at which point they do a curious a good shake to release the pods.
thing. As each flower is pollinated the plant
pushes the bloom underground ready to Home roasting
start producing peanuts. Cooking your harvest of peanuts could
There are many varieties which grow not be simpler. Heat the oven to 180
well in the UK including the novel stripy red degrees and spread the nuts in a single
and white A. ‘Just Be Happy’. Grown well I’ve layer on a shallow baking tray. Given them
had over 100 ‘nuts’ per plant but breeders 15-20 mins and bingo, freshly roasted nuts
claim this can be nearly doubled in perfect ready for a light salting and a wowing of
conditions. Once you’ve pulled the plants out family and friends.
RHS Advice
RHS Jobs to do in October

Garden projects from experts at the Royal Horticultural Society
Your RHS
professionals
Lenka Cooke Marcia Peacock Esther McMillan Rob Stirling Guy Barter
HOW TO: Grow gooseberries, broccoli and samphire, PLUS easy

tips for storing excess veg seeds for next season
18 Beginner’s guide
Gooseberries An unjustly forgotten fruit,
Lenka Cooke treats us to an all-round guide
to growing gooseberries
21 Edible exotics
Marsh samphire Find out from Rob Stirling
how to correctly care for and prepare marsh
22
samphire – a fabulous addition to the plot!
22 Growing guide
Brilliant broccoli Learn how to sow, grow and
harvest classic calabrese, with advice from
Esther McMillan
24 RHS technique
Seed storage Marcia Peacock shows us how
to collect and store left over vegetable seeds to
stop them from spoiling
26 Your questions answered

RHS expert Struggling to grow apricots,
carrots and raspberries? Guy Barter is on
hand to solve confusing cropping conundrums
21 21 26
Turn the page for RHS advice on October jobs

18
RHS BEGINNER’S GUIDE
GOOSEBERRIES
Lenka Cooke, RHS Horticultural
Advisor makes the case for these
unsung heroes of the fruit garden
Site and soil
G
ooseberries have enjoyed popularity
in Britain since the 15th century Gooseberries are not too fussy about soil
because they are one of the first fruits conditions as long as the soil is not prone to
to ripen in summer and cope well with the staying wet or being very dry. They tolerate
climate in northern parts of the country. light shade but, for the best crops and
Growing the heaviest gooseberry fruit was sweetest fruit, choose a sheltered sunny spot.
the aim of numerous gardening clubs, a
tradition that has diminished over the years. Soil preparation and planting
Unjustly, gooseberries are now a little- Well-tended gooseberries will last 10 years
overlooked compared to other soft fruit such or more, so it pays to prepare the soil well.
as raspberries and strawberries. The fresh Improve the planting area, not just the
ripe fruit is seldom seen for sale. You may planting hole, by digging in a 2.5-5cm (1-2in)
be lucky when they are in season, but firm, layer of garden compost or manure-based
sharp fruit good for cooking, are more often soil conditioner. When planting bare root
offered. The best way to enjoy gooseberries gooseberries, plant so the uppermost roots
by far is to grow your own, choosing dessert are just below the soil surface. Water in to
or dual-purpose cultivars, bearing sweet settle the soil around the roots. Apply a 2.5-
red, green or yellow fruit that is great to eat 5cm (1-2in) layer of mulch such as garden
on its own when fully ripe or with a little bit compost or manure-based soil conditioner of sulphate of potash at 15g/m2 (1/2 oz/sq
of sugar or cream. to reduce drying out of the soil. yard) in late winter is beneficial. Replenish
the mulch annually in late winter. Water
Which form to choose Watering and feeding during dry spells to ensure you get good
Gooseberries are usually grown as 1.2-1.5m In early spring, feed with a general fruit development.
(4-5ft) bushes on a short 10-20cm (4-8in) ‘leg’ fertiliser such as Growmore, Vitax Q4 or Gooseberries flower early in the spring
(stem). Allow for 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) between blood, fish and bone at the manufacturer’s and the flowers can be damaged by frost. It
individual plants and nearby soft fruit. recommended dose. Gooseberries can be is a good idea to protect the blossom with
Where space is limited, consider prone to potassium deficiency. Application fleece if frost is forecast.
growing gooseberries as cordons (single
stems) on a wall or on post and wire
supports. Plant 30-40cm (12-16in) apart.
Gooseberry standards grafted or budded
onto a clear ‘trunk’ 1-1.2m (3-4ft) tall are
gaining popularity. It is another space saving
option allowing for low growing crops such
as strawberries or salads to be planted
under the canopy. Standards can be also
incorporated in herb gardens, potagers or
even ornamental beds.
When to plant
The best time to plant is from autumn to
spring, as long as the soil is not waterlogged
or frozen. When planting during the summer
months, it can be difficult to keep on the top
of watering to prevent drought stress.
Plant bare root plants as soon as you
can after delivery. If not possible due to bad
weather, heel the plants in a spare piece of
ground or pot up and keep outside.
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings about
30cm (1ft) long from recently purchased
gooseberries. Older plants may carry
disease so choose carefully.
Problems
Aphids may feed on the soft shoot
tips. Consider spraying with organic
product based on pyrethrum, plant oils
or fatty acids. Caterpillar-like larvae of
gooseberry sawfly can defoliate plants
in days. Inspect plant from late April
and control with pyrethrum-based
products. Protect the ripening fruit from
birds with netting.
Gooseberry mildew can be a
problem. Powdery grey-white fungal
patches develop on the leaves and fruit,
later turning brown spoiling the fruit.
Consider growing a resistant cultivar as
no chemical treatments are available.
Pruning and training entirely or prune to a strong, younger shoot.

Bush plants Start with opening the centre and pruning RHS CULTIVAR SELECTION
First year out low lying branches that will bend to the (D= dessert, C = culinary, D/C = dual
In late winter/early spring after planting, ground under the fruit weight. purpose)
select up to five strong stems growing from Gooseberry cultivars showing
top of part of the short ‘leg’ and prune them Cordon mildew resistance:
back by three quarters to about 15-20cm Purchase one-year-old rooted cuttings or ‘Captivator’ – D/C Hardy. Almost
(6-8in). Prune out surplus shoots and pre-trained cordons from specialist suppliers thorn free. Reddish fruit.
remove any shoots growing from the leg. or use your own rooted cuttings. Plant next
to a 1.7m (5ft 6in) bamboo cane secured to ‘Hinnonmäki Röd’ (‘Hinnonmaki
Year two horizontal wires spaced 60cm and 1.2cm (2ft Red’) – D/C Heavy crops of ruby-
In late winter select eight-10 well-spaced and 4ft) apart. Space single plants 30-38cm red fruit
strong shoots and trim the tips back by up to (12-15in) apart. ‘Hinnonmäki Gul’ (‘Hinnonmaki
a quarter of their length. Remove any shoots On planting, tie the stem to the cane. Yellow’) – D/C. Good yields of
growing toward the centre of the bush or Trim the leading shoot by about a quarter. yellow fruit.
if they are crossing. Shorten all remaining Remove all side shoots up to 15cm (6in) from
shoots to four buds. the ground and any suckers. Spur prune all ‘Invicta’ AGM – D/C Vigorous.
young laterals/side shoots back to one or Heavy crops of green. Mostly
Year three onwards two buds. culinary, but ripe fruit is good for
Start pruning with removing any dead or Alternatively, convert a newly eating. Mature plants have good
damaged branches and shots growing from purchased bush with a strong shoot resistance to gooseberry mildew.
the short ‘leg’. growing in the centre. Retain the central ‘Lancashire Lad’ – D/C Good
shoot and prune all the rest to 2.5cm (1in). cropper. Red fruit.
Spur pruning – when you are looking for Prune cordons in summer and winter. From
a smaller crop of larger fruit. early-June to mid-July, trim all young side ‘Martlet’ – D/C. Strong, upright
shoots to five leaves and tie the leader to growth. Red fruit
In summer in mid-June to mid-July, prune the cane. In winter, spur prune the same ‘Rokula’ - D/C Fairly compact. Red
back the current season’s growth to five side shoots to one or two buds. Reduce the dessert quality fruit.
leaves except for the branches that are leader by a third every winter until it has
needed to extend the main framework. reached 1.7m (5ft 6in). Then trim at five ‘Xenia’ – D. Upright growth, almost
In late winter, spur prune the same shoots leaves in the summer and prune to one to spine free. Red fruit great for eating
by cutting them back to between one to three buds each winter. fresh
three buds.
Standards
Renewal pruning – for a larger crop of Standards need permanent staking. It is best
smaller fruit. to use two stakes and tying high up near the
graft just below the head. Otherwise, they
The aim is to remove older unproductive can sometimes snap off high up at the graft
wood, reduce crowding of the branches and under the weight of the fruit. The ‘head’ is
encourage the growth of new replacement pruned in the same way as a bush. Remove
shoots. Prune out up to one third of the any shoots arising from the clear stem or the
oldest branches. Remove the branches base as soon as seen.
Edible exotics: Marsh samphire
is known as a
Marsh samphire halophyte, which

is a plant that has
Rob Stirling, RHS Horticultural Advisor, explores adapted to salty
conditions
marsh samphire’s extraordinary growing requirements
M
arsh samphire (Salicornia and 15ºC at night. Once the tiny plants
europaea) is a succulent, hardy have appeared, saline conditions should
annual, native to coastal Northern be introduced by watering with half a
Europe where it grows in salt marshes and teaspoonful of sea salt (not table salt
beside salt water estuaries. Marsh samphire which is toxic to the plants) dissolved in
is known as a halophyte, which is a plant that one pint of rainwater.
has adapted to grow in salty conditions. When roots have developed, transfer
It has been used as a vegetable for hundreds the seedlings 2-3cm apart into a seed
of years, and also as a source of soda tray containing a sharply draining
ash used in glassmaking, hence its other compost such as fifty per cent John Innes
name: glasswort. More recently, it has been No. 1 and fifty per cent sharp sand. Use a
reinvented as a gourmet vegetable, and is small paintbrush to lift the tiny seedlings
now grown commercially all over the world off the tissue to avoid damaging them.
to meet popular demand by chefs, and Water the seedlings from below with
upmarket restaurants. the weak salt solution as before, adding
Marsh samphire has tiny, scale-like a half-strength high potassium fertiliser
leaves, and branching fleshy stems, which to the water twice a month and grow in
have evolved to reduce moisture loss. The full sun.
stems start off green, but become yellowish- Plants can finally be potted up
green and finally reddish in colour, when the individually when large enough to
plant is about to flower. Tiny yellow-green handle, using the same sharply draining
flowers are produced on terminal spikes compost and watered using one
and appear in the northern hemisphere, in teaspoon of sea salt to one pint of water.
August and September. Feed with a high potassium fertiliser
as before.
How to grow rather than the saline water the adult plants
Because of their unusual requirements, need. This is because a high salt solution How to prepare
marsh samphire can be an interesting plant at this stage inhibits their germination. The stems of marsh samphire are best
to grow, and is available from suppliers in To initiate germination, the seeds need a eaten young, and used raw in salads to
the UK as young plants or as seed. To grow cold, dark period at 5ºC. This is called cold which they impart a crisp texture and
them successfully from seed at home, a few stratification and it’s achieved by placing salty, asparagus-like flavour. As the plant
guidelines outlined here may help. the seeds after sowing in a fridge for 30 ages, the basal parts of the stems become
In March, sow the seeds onto tissue paper days or so. more woody and the plants are then
in a petri dish or other lidded container, After this, bring the container into bright best steamed or boiled and eaten like
which has been moistened with fresh water light and a daytime temperature of 25ºC asparagus with a nob of butter.
RHS GROWING GUIDE
Broccoli
RHS principal horticultural
advisor Esther Mcmillan explains
everything you need to know about
growing this classic veg
C
alabrese with its grey-green clubbed
heads has become ubiquitous on
supermarkets shelves thanks to
its high vitamin content and popularity
with vegetable-shy children. However,
homegrown crops beat shop-bought for
freshness and flavour. If you have a large
household or freezer capacity, you may opt
for one of the large headed F1 hybrids, such
as ‘Marathon’ and ‘Belstar’. These are bred
for agricultural purposes where varieties are
bred for cropping at once. One way round
this is to grow close spaced as mini veg,
sown every few weeks.
Alternatively, try a hybrid between
broccoli and Chinese kale (kai-lan) such as
‘Brokali Apollo’ or ‘Sticcoli’. They have an
even better ability than their F1 cousins to
produce a good supply from side shoots
once the central head is cut. This extends the
cropping time, so giving continued pickings,
it’s ideal for most home gardeners’ needs.
SOWING INDOORS AND OUT

Like all brassicas, calabrese likes a moisture
retentive, humus rich soil prepared with
well-rotted manure in advance. Top dress
with a general purpose fertiliser and liquid
feed during the growing season if needed,
but in general, calabrese can take poorer
The fresher the spears, the

Top better the flavour, so eat as soon
tip! as possible after harvesting
should be 30cm apart with rows 45cm
apart. However, if you want to sow for
mini veg you should reduce this to 20cm
apart. The early variety ‘Kabuki’ is good
for this.
Calabrese is an unreliable crop for
overwintering, even in a cold frame as
young plants. Hardy sprouting broccoli is
a better choice for spring picking.
AFTERCARE
Water well in dry spells to keep the
plants evenly moist and use a mulch to
lock in moisture. Crops may benefit from
an occasional liquid feed, but as has been
said, calabrese is not so greedy
as many other members in
the cabbage family. It can
produce good results on
poorer soils.
Calabrese need
protection from
the usual pests
and disease of
brassicas. Young
plants, especially
in wet weather will
be vulnerable to slug
soils than many brassicas. However, if you Unlike many or snail attack. You
can follow a pea or bean crop, this will have brassicas which can may need to protect
additional nitrogen available in the ground be transplanted from from birds and with
which is good for green veg. Aim for a pH a nursery bed, calabrese summer heading crops,
that is 6-7.5, liming if required. needs sowing in its final spot mesh to keep out butterflies,
Early calabrese can be own indoors in to avoid root disturbance. to prevent harvests becoming soiled
modules, then planted out under protection You can direct sow in mid to late spring by caterpillar and their poo. Use root
in April. But many gardeners think it is best when soil temperature are above 7°C. For a collars to fend off cabbage root fly, but by
directly sown, especially with plantlets that late summer or early autumn crop, carry on using a mesh for butterflies this will also
need transplanting in warm weather as sowing into July. Sow two or three seeds per preclude the fly. If club root is a problem
these tend to produce much smaller heads. station initially. Final spacing after thinning in your soil, select a resistant cultivar
such as ‘Monclano’ and lime the soil.
HARVESTING AND USES

Time to harvest is generally 12-15 weeks,
although ‘baby’ varieties are picked
earlier, for example, ‘Sakura’ is quicker
at six to 12 weeks. Pick before flower
buds open. In the case of the Chinese
kale hybrids, pick the central floret early
to encourage side shoots into growth.
For additional mini heads over the
following six weeks, cut cleanly leaving
leaves intact. Although an F1 hybrid,
‘Monclano’ is a good candidate for this.
A good watering and a top dressing of
nitrogenous fertiliser like chicken pellets
or a liquid feed will spur these sideshoots
on at this point. You will find cooler
summers favour a calabrese crop.
Drop the harvests into salted water to
kill off any hidden caterpillars. Steam the
florets to retain flavour or oven char for
use as a side veg or tossed with other veg
in couscous. You can also puree for soup
or as a pasta sauce or bake in flans with
cheese. Excess can be frozen.
Easy guide
RHS TECHNIQUE:
STORE
LEFTOVER
SEEDS
Stop surplus seeds from spoiling
with advice from RHS Horticultural
Advisor, Marcia Peacock
Store successfully
T
he ancient tradition of collecting
seeds will save pennies and the The seeds will store well if
selection process could help to the sealed containers are
improve and increase the yield of your placed in a cool, dry and dark
crops. Seeds from open pollinated varieties environment. Temperatures
are likely to produce plants that are very should ideally remain at or be
similar to the parent plants but there will, below 5°C (41°F) but should
however, be some genetic differences and not drop down to freezing: 0°C
these subtle differences enable adaptation. (32°F). A domestic refrigerator
Seeds collected from plants that have provides suitable storage
performed well are likely to carry traits conditions. However, if space
particularly well suited to your growing is limited then a cool garage
conditions. Saving seeds can also help to or a cupboard in an unheated
conserve heirloom varieties. Collect carefully room where temperatures are
To maximise the viability, allow seeds unlikely to fluctuate much are
F1 hybrids vs heritage to ripen naturally on the plant and only suitable alternatives. If kept in a
It's best to avoid collecting seeds from collect from healthy specimens, ideally on garage, some extra precautions
F1 hybrids because the resulting plants a dry day. The seeds should then be to keep seeds protected from
are likely to be very variable and lack cleaned and spread on a sheet of paper mice or other rodents may
vigour. Saving seeds from plants in the and left for a few days to completely dry be necessary.
Cucurbitaceae family, such as squash and out. Place dry seeds into paper packets If you are storing a large
courgettes, can also result in quite varied or envelopes clearly labelled with the batch of a particular seed for
offspring. Seeds from popular crops such as plant name, variety, source and date of more than one year, it could be
tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas are good, collection. These packets should then be worth doing a germination test
reliable options for collection and storage. placed in an airtight container. If levels of each year to check viability.
It is reasonable to expect seeds from moisture and humidity are too high seeds For small seeds, this can
most vegetables to remain viable for at will deteriorate or develop fungal diseases. be done by placing them in
least two years. The germination rates of While being stored, excess moisture can a moistened paper towel; a
seeds from parsnips, leeks and onions tend be removed by adding a desiccant to the sample of larger seeds are best
to decrease significantly after two years, container. A packet of silica gel or calcium sown in modules or 9cm pots.
whereas seeds from brassicas are likely to chloride (sold in DIY stores for use in Ideally, the germination
remain viable for five years and possibly dehumidifiers) placed in the container will rate should remain
even longer. absorb excess liquid. above 50 per cent.
If you have ever grown your own
Grow Your Own Raspberry strawberries before you will know that
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Name ......................................................................... Signature ......................................................................................................................
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Address ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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IF ORDERING RASPBERRIES PLEASE ADD £8.95 P&P £8.95 Offers by post from carefully selected third parties
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A copy of our privacy policy can be found at pomonafruits.co.uk
GRAND TOTAL Offer closes October 31st, 2020.
Your questions
ANSWERED! Ripening
depends on
light, warmth
and potassium
Guy Barter shares his knowledge
to solve your gardening problems supply
No apricot fruit
Q Last spring I planted an apricot tree. A
year later and it still has had no leaves
at all and produced no fruit. I have now
noticed small pink spots on one of its small
branches. Is there anything I can do to save
the tree so it will bear fruit next year?
Paul Hughes, via email
Guy says: “No leaves suggests your plant is

not viable. I hope that your supplier, as many
suppliers do, offered a lengthy ‘no quibble’
guarantee. The pink spots sound like coral
spot fungus that can attack living shoots, but
more usually infects dead or dying plant
material. It is almost certainly a symptom not
a cause of the unfortunate loss of your tree. It
is quite tricky for new trees to get ‘established’
and root out into the surrounding soil. Losses
in the first two years are quite common, but
replanting after replacing the nearby soil
should be successful.”
Q&A
Help with raspberry canes

Q I have a fruit cage with three types of raspberry canes in it, all
in separate rows. Around mid-April each year the leaves begin
to turn brown and crispy on the early raspberry (‘Malling Minerva’)
and shrivel with some shrivelling into the canes going part way
down towards the bottoms of each cane affected. The mid season
raspberries show some of this around mid-late July (‘Glen Ample’)
but not very much and continue to crop normally. The late season
raspberries do not appear to be affected (‘Polka’). Can you identify
my problem? Dave Carss, via email
Guy says: “Unfortunately shrivelling of raspberry canes is very common,

often due to adverse soil conditions including wet winter weather and
dry summers. Feeding, watering and mulching can help keep raspberries
healthy. More seriously, root diseases are also involved. Honey fungus
typically spreads along the rows, but here root rot pathogens are more
likely culprits. In severe cases, there can be heavy cane loss but they can
also cause sporadic damage. There are no fungicides and gardeners can
only remove damaged canes and improve cultivation conditions to put off
when replanting on a fresh site becomes necessary.”
Can’t grow carrots!

Q I’ve tried to grow carrots for two years in a
row now, and haven’t had much luck. The first
Simple guide
were dwarf types in a container, the second in the
ground (which wasn’t overly stony). Both times I’ve
got a very modest crop that’s provided about one
meal. What can I do differently? Are some varieties
easier to get a crop from than others?
Sian Newton, via Twitter
Guy says: “You have accomplished the most critical

step – your carrot seeds emerged successfully – they
are not the easiest. Early sowing, ideally in April, really
helps carrots. Hybrids are best – good ones include
‘Norwich’, ‘Romeo’, ‘Stromboli’ and ‘Volcano’. They are
not hungry crops – 70g per square metre of general
fertiliser such as growmore raked in before sowing is
plenty. Thin to 10cm between plants and allow 30cm
between rows. Covering with fleece or insect proof
mesh fends off carrot fly. Carrots will not tolerate
weeds, but resist drought – a good soak every 14 days
in dry weather should be enough.”
Waiting for tomatoes

Q All of my tomato plants have grown from seed, supplied by GYO
(‘Ailsa Craig’ and ‘Moneymaker’) As can be seen I have some very
healthy looking trusses but for some reason they are not turning red. Any
suggestions most welcome. Mick Bowery, via email
Guy says: “Ripening depends on light, warmth and potassium supply. Your
sturdy plants appear to be enjoying ample light. There should be plenty of
warmth in August, and you can increase this by managing the ventilation, being
careful not to exceed 27˚C. Tomato fertiliser applications will boost potassium
levels applied as directed by the manufacturer. Sugars from the leaves
accumulate as starch in the fruits, which on ripening become pigments, sugars
and acids, giving the characteristic colour and flavour. Avoid removing healthy
leaves as the leaves provide the sugars needed to ripen the fruits. Only time is
needed now.”
Grow along
JOIN US TODAY wwithg

#growwithgyo ro
#g
yo
in partnership with the RHS
We showcase the nationwide
H
IN IT
PA W
RT NERSHIP
grow-along that you need to be a part of!

Are you taking part in #growwithgyo? in #growwithgyo next year, so do get in
There is still time to share pictures of your touch on our social media platforms.
garden and harvests and to get involved, It is also important to start thinking
whatever you’ve been growing. We have about caring for your soil as well as the
seen a productive harvesting season, and crops you grow in it. Have you used
are still enjoying plenty coming into the green manures before? If not, now is a
kitchen from the garden. As well as caring great time to get started with them.
for overwintering crops, thoughts start These are helpful plants that cover bare
turning to the next growing year – what we earth, and also help improve soil structure.
want to grow, what we will do differently, What’s even better is that they can be
and lessons we have learned this year. dug into the ground in the spring and
We’d love to hear about any particular offer even more nutrients that way,
crops of varieties you’d like to see us tackle so are hard-working little plants!
wwithg
OCTOBER ro
#g
yo
#growwithgyo
H
IN IT
in partnership with the RHS PA
RT NERSHIP
W
This month we are still enjoying plenty time outside to enjoy, and plenty
of harvests – many types of fruit and more harvests left to come! We are
veg all being plucked by the trugfull, showcasing our progress over on our
but also thoughts are starting to turn social media channels, as well as on
towards the next season in the garden, our forum ‘The Grapevine’ which can
and assessing the one we are now be found at growfruitandveg.co.uk/
coming towards the end of. There is grapevine. We’d love to see your
plenty to do, so don’t think that summer progress and hear about your plans,
being gone means there will be less too, so be sure to follow along!
What you’ve been growing

As ever, we love seeing what you’ve
been growing, and really enjoy
receiving your emails and photos -
it looks like you’ve all had a fantastic
gardening year so far! Here are a
couple of the brilliant pics and
letters from this month.
“Hi, Here is my first

attempt at growing
vegetables. My
cauliflowers are
coming on a treat
(photo attached). I
have cauliflower,
cabbage, leeks and
lettuce growing on a
small raised bed I threw together
with some plants of wood and
gaffa tape. Put it on the grass, put
down some cardboard and topped
it with compost. Planted the veg a
bit too close together but for my
first attempt I have five out of my
six cauliflower plants with flowers.
Have eaten most of the lettuce, the
cabbage is coming on well and
the leeks are not too bad. Potatoes
growing next to them in tubs.
Not bad for a first go!”
Pam Rigby, via email
“My first attempt at

growing my own!
So Proud of myself!”
Louise Hutchinson
Grow along
#growwithgyo
This month’s top tips How to get involved!
Now is a good time to start thinking about the fruit
garden. It is the ideal time to place orders for any new
1 To get your hands on exclusive RHS tips,
tricks - and later in the year, discounts,
each month, sign up to the Grow Your
bare root fruit trees, as well as planting pot-grown fruits. Own newsletter at growfruitandveg.co.uk/
You can also take cuttings of currants and gooseberries newsletter – don’t miss out! These brilliant
to boost next year’s stock. discounts will help you to get started on
You can still sow green manures now, which will your #growwithgyo journey. You will also
help give your soil a boost of nutrients, and improve the receive seasonal growing advice, the latest
structure. They are generally quick-growing, and easy to events in the gardening calendar and
look after, and are a great natural ground cover option. up-to-date news. Subscribe now for free!
If you will be growing garlic, this is an ideal time to get

your cloves into the ground, so choose your variety, prep
your soil, and get planting! It is advisable to order from
2 Don’t forget to pick up Grow Your
Own magazine each month for top
seasonal tips, updates and more!
reputable suppliers – don’t just plant the ones you get from
the supermarket, as they may not be suited for UK growing.
3 Make sure you are following us on
our social media platforms, and have
registered to be a member of our forum
Send us your growing snaps! growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine so
See your grow-along vegetable pictures featured on the pages you can stay up to date with all the latest
of Grow Your Own magazine by sending them in to us now. We #growwithgyo news, and to share your
want to see if yours are doing better than ours! Email them to progress. Each month we will choose an
GYO Editor Laura now on laura.hillier@aceville.co.uk image to feature in the #growwithgyo
hall of fame.
@GYOmag @The_RHS
@growyourmag @rhshome
@growyourownmag @the_rhs
A look back at this season’s

next grow along – and a look
month: forward to next year!
Anne Swithinbank
How to grow
broad beans
Sow a crop of broad beans this autumn to
overwinter for next year, says Anne Swithinbank
O
ne of the many delights of growing Should the last few turn mealy and old, pop
your own veg is an opportunity them from their tough skins and mash with
to show off a little. Many folk have oil, garlic and herbs as dips or spreads.
never tasted freshly picked homegrown Compared to French and runners, I
produce and their faces on savouring a would say broad beans are trickier to grow.
carrot fresh from the soil or a forkful of Like peas, the plants prefer cooler weather
‘Onward’ peas are a picture. Young broad and quickly go off in the heat of summer.
beans plunged briefly in a pan of boiling, In all but the chilliest regions, an autumn
lightly salted water are a revelation, their sowing of a hardy variety is worth making.
tender skins falling readily from beans The biggest danger is rotting in wet soil
of perfect texture and delicious flavour. but this is easily remedied by sowing into a
slightly raised bed. In colder areas, sow

in October, but in milder regions,
November is better to deliver strong
young plants up to 13cm high for
overwintering. Cropping begins in June.
My habit is to space beans 23cm apart
in drills making a double row 25cm apart.
This makes them easy to cover with a
polythene tunnel cloche should weather
turn evil. Another sowing in early February
is made into modules under glass because
If you have...
15 minutes
Harvest older
roots
Now’s the time to
inspect crops left
over from spring and
summer sowings, to
make sure they are
lifted and used before
they spoil. Large beetroots
from early sowings will be in
danger of turning woody and hopefully
there will be younger roots ready to take
their place. Pull a few carrots and check
for slug damage. Successional sowings
made back in summer should be fresh
and ready to harvest but if roots are
deteriorating in soil, plan to lift and store.
If you have...
30 minutes
A late sowing
Many gardeners
want to know what
veg will fill the beds
of greenhouses and
polytunnels during
winter. One to sow now
is Cabbage ‘Caraflex’,
an improved ‘Hispi’ type
with attractive pointed heads.
This fast-growing cabbage will develop
comfortably now temperatures have
dropped under cover. The cabbages
should be ready before temperatures
rise too dramatically in late spring and
early summer. Sow into a pot, transplant
to individual pots and then plant out
30cm apart into well-conditioned beds.
A good one for the hungry gap.
by then our soil is usually saturated.
Sowings indoors or out can continue to Anne’s favourites If you have...
April. When grown and hardened off, for an autumn sowing 60 minutes
set plants at the spacings above. As pods
form, strings wound around canes will ‘Express Eleonora’ Spread compost
save the stems from toppling over. A green-seeded variety that grows and More veg growers are
crops speedily, is winter hardy and turning to the no-dig
Troubleshooter the beans look lovely mixed with silver method and why not?
Black bean aphid starts in the tips, so ones on the plate. Reaches around 1m. Spreading compost
much can be removed by nipping these Seedaholic (seedaholic.com) is easier than digging
out as long as beans are setting below. ‘The Sutton’ and as long as beds are
Inspect through a magnifying glass first, A white-seeded variety perfect if you not compacted by trampling,
because if aphid parasites and predators have a windy garden and can only there are many advantages.
are building up, nature can be left to take supply minimal supports. Crops well Worms and their soil tunnels are left
its course. You are looking for hoverfly and reaches only 45cm. Simply Seed undisturbed and the hyphae of beneficial
larvae, ladybirds and their larvae, (simplyseed.co.uk) mycorrhizal fungi connect plants and
lacewing larvae, flower bugs, parasitised ‘Valenciana’ move nutrients around more effectively.
aphid husks and velvet mites. A white-seeded bean yielding Success depends on regular mulches of
The fungal disease chocolate spot can long pods, each holding 8-9 beans well-rotted compost applied to the surface
smother plants and kill them. Avoid high of delicious flavour. Grows 1.2m after crops are removed and between
nitrogen fertilisers as soft growth is prone high. D.T.Brown (0333 003 0869 them whilst growing. Take an hour to
to infection. High potash fertilisers harden dtbrownseeds.co.uk) clear a spent crop, spread compost and
growth and make plants less susceptible. check heaps.
Make a sacrifice
David Domoney:
Companion
PLANTING
Give the pests something else to dine on
rather than the crops that you want for
your own dinner by planting extra-tasty
plants that will keep them at bay, so you
can then remove them by hand.
Unsurprisingly, cabbage white
caterpillars get their common name from
their tendency to be found feeding on
cabbages and other brassicas as well as
turnips, horseradish, and swedes. To keep
your brassicas for yourself rather than
Make use of those crops that offer more eaten by caterpillars, planting Tropaeolum
majus (nasturtiums) as a sacrificial crop,
than just a harvest, says David will see the creatures choose the flowers
over the cabbages.
While you are planning this autumn and
C
ompanion planting has long been a Nasturtiums are popular as a sacrificial
traditional way to garden winter’s crops, or those you intend to plant plant around Brussels sprouts as they are
organically and is a great way of next spring, it’s always best to remember prone to visits from caterpillars, too, as well
reducing the use of chemicals and that there are several ways that fruit and as cabbage root fly. Another measure to
pesticides in the garden, meanwhile vegetable crops can benefit from protect your Brussels sprouts is by planting
making the most of space and even companion plants. They can have the Calendula officinalis (marigolds) that will
making your harvests taste better! The purpose of attracting beneficial insects, attract slugs, and once the pests have made
system of planting certain crops together improving the nutrients in the soil, repelling their way to the marigolds, they’re more
works on the theory that certain plants or acting as a decoy for harmful creatures visible meaning you can easily pick them
and flowers can improve the health of or as a sacrificial crop for pests to get their off and move them away from your crops.
others when grown in close proximity. teeth into rather than your prized plants. As another measure of control, the bright
Veg advice
flowers. These bugs can help pollination

and feast on pests that are in the area, too.
Lavender is well known for its delightful
flowers attract beneficial insects, too, which aroma that helps relaxation and aids sleep
prey on aphids. quality, and it’s also enjoyed by a range of
Similarly, nettles also attract aphids pollinators, meanwhile aphids don’t enjoy
early in the season, and they are followed the strong scent so are deterred by it.
by ladybirds which feed on those aphids - Planting lavender near leeks and carrots
studies show that one single ladybird can can confuse pests resulting in them staying
eat 5,000 aphids during its life. away, making it a great all-rounder in the
edible garden.
Keep out! Radishes and rocket are quick to
To keep pests at bay from the immediate mature, and to reap the benefits of these
area, repellents are used to steer them crops so you can continue to use them as a Take care of the crops:
away by emitting strong scents that can catch crops, you’ll want to keep them For a quick guide on some compatible
mask the smell of the target plant. protected from flea beetles, slugs and snails. plants to grow, here are a few common
Marigolds do the trick of repelling Dill, thyme and mint will attract predators crops which are the best companions in
whitefly and cucumber beetles from of the flea beetle like tachinid flies whilst the garden:
cucumbers, luring aphids away from also masking the smell of the host plant Benefit your onions by growing carrots,
runner beans and attracting beneficial bugs which will also act as a deterrent. lettuce and cabbage. You will want to
such as lacewings and ladybirds who prey The hairy leaves of Borago officinalis avoid planting beans and peas nearby
on those aphids. At the same time as being (borage) taste like cucumber and are great because the onions release an
practical, they’ll also brighten up the veg in salads and yoghurts, and the blue flowers antibacterial that kills the bacteria on the
patch and invite pollinators to the area too. are attractive to bees, butterflies and roots of beans and peas which inhibits
To protect your carrot crops, planting hoverflies which help to pollinate crops. their nitrogen production.
the overpoweringly fragrant Allium Bring in the borage as a companion to
Potatoes will thrive when planted near
tuberosum (garlic chive) will confuse the cabbage, broccoli and squash which will
marigolds, cabbage, and beans as they
carrot root fly which can smell the rich improve pollination.
will improve the growth and taste, but
scent of carrots up to a mile away. For
keep them away from cucumbers and
instant results, garlic chives can be bought Practical produce squash as they become more susceptible
in a container and planted in the pot next to Using these plants to benefit each other is a
to blight.
the carrots so they can be easily accessed great idea, even for those with the smallest
to snip off the chives when you want to use of gardens as the method can help to make Pea-family plants such as lupins, beans,
them in the kitchen to add some extra the most out of space. So, by forward peas, and sweet peas benefit the soil as
flavour to stir-fries, stews and soups. planning, you can choose which crops will they take nitrogen from the air and store
Peppers are ready to harvest from July fit nicely together in terms of the space they it in their roots. For this reason, beans are
to October, and basil will repel aphids and need and how they will work together. For commonly recommended as a companion
mites to keep your produce safe, it’s also example, tomatoes and carrots will grow for many vegetables including
said that basil can help to boost the flavour well together in a small space and bring cucumbers, corn, and broccoli.
of peppers, too. you harvests with plenty of nourishment. To improve the growth of leeks, plant
Whatever you’re growing, ensure you them with carrots, celery, onions and
Welcome wildlife get the most out of your garden by planting spinach but avoid planting near beans
Some plants are used as attractors to smartly to attract beneficial bugs, deter and peas. The leeks will benefit the other
encourage beneficial bugs into the garden pests, and improve the taste of your fruit veg by repelling carrot root fly.
with their pleasant fragrance and bright and veg.
Organic advice
Charles Dowding’s
Monthly Tasks
Make compost, grow garlic under cover, and
create small space salad boxes, says Charles
Garlic undercover
C
reating and spreading your No materials are exclusively
own compost from garden green or brown. You can double the garlic harvest next
and other wastes, results Green means soft, fresh and June by planting a few cloves now,
in bigger and healthier harvests. moist, such as weed leaves, kitchen in polytunnel or greenhouse. One big
However, you need a lot of material wastes and fresh manure. reason for the harvest increase is that
to make a decent amount of compost! Brown means drier and fibrous, garlic leaves under cover develop
Gather local waste matter such as such as paper, cardboard, anything less rust, which can cause premature
paper, tree leaves, wood chips, coffee woody, stems and soil. cessation of growth outside.
grounds, spent hops from breweries,
and seaweed. Green materials feed the bacteria Small space growing
which stimulate heat, brown materials Procure for free any plastic crates
1. Carbon: nitrogen hold air in a heap and are food for of medium size, such as mushroom
A reader asked about starting with fungi. Roughly half of each is good, boxes. Line with two sheets of paper
two compost bins, and wrote: more by weight than volume. No and fill with multipurpose compost.
“You suggest 50:50 green to need to measure, just get in the For winter cropping you need
brown material. A number of other habit of doing a rough estimation. transplants sown in September
articles I've read are saying 25-30 (salads and spinach mainly), because
parts carbon (brown) to 1 part green Hot and bothered sowing in October gives only very
(nitrogen) – why the difference?” From questions I receive, I see many small plants for winter. A lovely
This is a confusion of terms: the worries about compost not heating exception is peas for shoots.
correct description is 32 carbon up. This does not stop you making Sow peas now or in November,
to 1 nitrogen (C:N). However this good compost, but a cool heap takes one seed per 2cm in all directions.
measure is not useful, as we don’t longer, and weed seeds will survive. Use any variety including leftover
know the relative quantities of C:N in They die at 55°C or higher. seeds, then pick or cut shoots when
cabbage stalks, weeds and grass. Compost with weed seeds is plants are 12-15cm high, Keep
Instead, a good and easy way to still excellent compost. Soon after harvesting new growth all winter,
measure proportions for a compost spreading it, be ready with a rake, though harvests are small from
heap is half green and half brown. hoe or trowel to scuff the surface, as Christmas to early February.
Winter compost heaps have more soon as you see germinating seedlings. Water sparingly.
brown, which means decomposition Best spread such compost in early
is slower. Heaps you start now will spring, when there will be drier
be ready next summer or autumn. conditions than now for disturbing
weed seedlings, which then die in
2. Green: brown place, with no need to remove them.
Green is higher in nitrogen, This saves a lot of time.
and brown is higher in carbon.
00 growfruitandveg.co.uk growfruitandveg.co.uk 37
Your Plot GYO
says
ESSENTIALS
This month’s jobs on the
Squash will
lack flavour if
harvested too
early, so wait
vegetable patch and patio until fully ripe
WORDS: Sally Nex
GROWING TECHNIQUE:
STORING SQUASHES
Winter squash are hitting their full hefty weight now
and showing off their autumn livery, from stripey
‘Turk’s Turban’ and silvery ‘Crown Prince’ to glowing
orange ‘Potimarron’.
A little care taken now makes all the difference to
how long you can store them for. Cut the fruit with stalk
attached; as this dries, it seals the neck so rot can’t set in.
Move fruits into a sunny, dry greenhouse, conservatory
or windowsill for two weeks to ‘cure’ or harden the skins,
making an impermeable carapace that keeps the flesh
inside in perfect condition.
Store your squash somewhere dry and cool, but frost-
free like a shed, garage or greenhouse. Lay them on a
rack upside down, so the stalk is downwards and any
condensation that might collect in the neck can drain out.
With luck, you should still be eating them six months to a
year from now in as good condition as they were on the
day they were picked.
90%
of members of Trinity College, Dublin
voted in favour of wilder grounds
AUTUMN
MULCHING
Gone are the days of
traditional double-
digging from one end
of the allotment to the
other. Now we’re more
Source: Trinity College, Dublin
educated about the
delicate soil ecosystem
DON’T FORGET: beneath our feet and
how important it
DIP PLANT SUPPORTS is for our plants
IN PRESERVATIVE to keep it intact,
autumn mulching has
Bean poles and bamboo canes can last taken over as our
for years if you look after them well. annual ritual.
Any well-rotted
Once you pull them up at the end of organic matter makes a good mulch: empty out
the season, dry them off in the shed or your compost bins, and when you run out of homemade, order in green
greenhouse and brush off any excess dirt, waste from the local council, sterilised to kill weed seeds and pathogens,
or tap up your nearest farmer or riding stables for some manure. Check
then stand them in a can of eco-friendly first that the pasture it comes from hasn’t been treated with weedkiller,
preservative like Eco Wood Treatment though, as it can persist and affect your crops.
Spread your mulch in a generous layer 5-10cm thick. Mulching after
(harrodhorticultural.com) for a few
rainfall is best, as it locks the dampness into the soil; in dry weather,
hours until it’s well soaked in. Then tie water first. The mulch acts like a blanket, protecting the soil from winter
them into bundles and hang from the weather, and as the worms pull it down into the soil it’ll enrich it, too,
ready for the season to come.
shed roof till spring.
Expert advice
1 hour job: VARIETIES TO TRY
NEW VARIETY:
Build a leafmould bin Oriental
Falling from the sky about now is one of spinach
the best free gifts you’ll get from Mother ‘Mikado’
Nature. Yet many gardeners grumble Even this late in
about autumn leaves and burn them the year you can
on a bonfire or take them down the tip. still get a few more
They’re really missing a trick, though: Oriental greens in
they’re throwing out an invaluable soil the ground, especially
conditioner which opens up claggy if you can give them the
clay and helps lighter soils hold on to extra protection of a cloche. They’re super-
moisture, all for free. hardy, and grow best when the days are
Leaves rot down slightly differently short and the temperatures are cooling –
to other garden waste, though. In a making them invaluable for extending the
compost heap, bacteria does most of growing season. This bullet-proof Oriental
the work turning green waste into spinach is a handsome plant with deep
black gold. But leaves need fungi to green, lush, pointed leaves on upright stems,
decompose, so it’s a much slower slightly flushed pink; unlike regular spinach,
process which needs plenty of air and though, it won’t bolt, so you can sow it just
not quite so much warmth. about any time of the year and still expect a
That’s why you need to keep your great result. (thompson-morgan.com)
leaves separate from your compost in
their own bin. Knock four 1.5m fence HERITAGE
posts into the ground to make a square, VARIETY:
ideally about 1.2m along each side (and Carrot ‘Paris
no smaller than 60cm). Nail chicken Market’
wire onto the posts using U-bend staples. You might think
Then start filling. Tread down your the carrot season
leaves as you go, and damp them down is over by now.
thoroughly; once the bin is full, leave to But if you switch to
rot down for one year if you’re using the diminutive little round-
leafmould for mulch, or two years for rooted carrots, you can
fine-textured seed compost. carry on pulling fresh nuggets
of crunchy sweetness right through winter.
These 19th century French heirlooms are
sold under all sorts of names, but the basic
HOW TO AVOID... idea is the same: they’re almost spherical, at
about 3cm wide and long, and grow really
OVERWINTERING fast – usually eight to 10 weeks from sowing
to pulling. Sow now in greenhouse borders,
LATE BLIGHT under cloches or straight into containers
and you could be harvesting fresh carrots
for Christmas.
EXOTIC VARIETY:
Choy sum
Of the many
invaluable Oriental
vegetables, choy
sum is among the
most versatile. It’s
also referred to as
flowering pak choi,
which gives you a good
idea of what it does. You
can eat it as leafy greens, harvesting the
Pulling out tomatoes and potatoes reduced infected has rotted away. So it’s quite safe to big, cabbagey heads all at once, or just leaf
to brown mush by the scourge of late blight compost blight-affected plants. by leaf; the flavour is somewhere between
is a dispiriting process, and not one which However, blight can persist in infected spinach and cabbage, and the younger
you’ll want to repeat. tubers, using them as a host to return even the leaf, the more delicate the flavour. Let
There’s a lot of concern over disposing earlier next season. So never compost it bolt and run to flower, though, and the
of blight-ridden foliage in case it should peelings from infected tubers and take whole plant becomes sweeter. Both stems
re-infect the following year’s crops, but in extra care to remove all ‘volunteers’: tiny and flowers are edible, and delicious
fact blight needs living material to survive tubers left in the ground, which sprout scattered in salads or lightly stir-fried.
and doesn’t last long once the leaf it’s again next year and reinfect your crop. What’s not to love?!
NEW
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Lobworms are an excellent addition to ‘Gardening The Natural Way’.
Lobworms (also commonly known as Earthworms or Garden worms) will
work and improve the soils health, condition and overall drainage (even clay
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SEEDS
• FREE
• BONUS
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• FREE •SEEDS
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SEEDS
• BONUS
• FREE SEEDS
SEEDS
SOW YOUR
BONUS
SEEDS!
Grow a varied and exciting array of
veg with these brilliant varieties
Beetroot
‘Paonazza d’Egitto’
This quick-maturing beet is
one of the best varieties out there
for early sowings. The deep-
red, slightly flatter shaped roots,
have a melt-in-the-mouth flavour
and a crisp bite. Sow beetroot
‘Paonazza d’Egitto’ outside into
fertile, light soil from March, and
expect bountiful beets from June
to October. Early sowings might
require protection from handmade
or shop-bought cloches.
1 Sow seeds thinly outside from

March to July where they are to
crop, at a depth of 3cm. Make sure
to sow into fertile, light and well-
drained soil.
2 Plant in rows, allowing 30cm

between plants.
3 Seedlings should appear

within 12-24 days. When large
enough to handle, thin seedlings
to 10cm apart.
4 Water fortnightly in dry

weather. If plants look sickly,
add 30g per square metre of high
T•
S OW
H A RV ES
•H
nitrogen fertiliser. Sow

Mar-Jul
A RV ES
5 Harvest when the roots have

reached cricket ball sized,
usually from June to October.
Harvest
Jun-Oct
•
• S OW T
COVID-19 UPDATE: Due to these unprecedented times, your free seeds may vary from those covered in our growing guides.
Please visit our website growfruitandveg.co.uk/how-to-grow for up-to-date sowing and growing advice to help you get started.
BONUS SEEDS • BONUS SEEDS • BONUS SEEDS • BONUS SEEDS

Carrot ‘Royal Chantenay 2’

T • S OW The Chantenay carrot originates, as the name
suggests, from the Chantenay region of France
H A RV ES
•H
Sow and is now one of the most popular carrot
Mar-May cultivars to grow, or buy. Ever wondered
A RV ES
what makes this carrot so sought after?
Harvest Well, its miniature, bite-sized roots are great
Jun-Nov to add whole to a stew or to steam and serve
•
T
• S OW al-dente, and its sweet flavour is irresistible.
What makes this carrot even better, is the fact
that it can be sown much earlier than other
varieties so it’s great at extending the season
and it’s rich in vitamin C, too.
1 Sow seeds thinly outside from March to

May where they are to crop, at a depth of
1cm. Make sure to plant out after the risk of
frost has passed. If we are having a cold winter,
sow at the end of May.
2 Seedlings should appear within 10-20 days.

When large enough to handle, thin seedlings to
10cm apart to prevent carrot root fly attack.
3 The thinnings can be used in salads,

to prevent wastage.
4 Harvest roots from June

to November. Eat on
their own as snacks,
steam and serve
al-dente or add
to stews.
Sweet pepper S OW
T•
‘Lunchbox Mix’ H A RV ES
•H
This sweet pepper selection is
Sow
Mar-Apr
A RV ES
great for popping into lunchboxes,
or eating as a snack. They’re Harvest
extremely versatile, too – grow them Jul-Oct
•
on the windowsill, in hanging baskets, • S OW T

or in the open ground outside. These
peppers aren’t spicy in the slightest either,
sporting a high sugar content instead, making
them ideal for children to eat and non-spice
lovers to grab on the go.
1 Sow seeds thinly inside from March to April

in pots filled with good seed sowing compost.
Cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite.
2 Place pots inside a propagator or seal inside

a polythene bag and keep at a temperature
of 18-25°C until germination occurs.
3 Seedlings should appear within seven-10

days. When large enough handle, transplant
seedlings into 7.5cm pots and grow on in cooler
but not cold conditions.
4 After all risk of frost has passed, transplant

into grow bags, containers or into fertile,
moist and well-drained soil.
5 Harvest your peppers from July to October,

when they have coloured up.

Tomato ‘Tigerella’
Tomato ‘Tigerella’ is appropriately named given
this fruit’s red-orange skins and orange-yellow
stripes. Unlike a tiger, however, these fruits
aren’t fierce at all, and are instead surprisingly
sweet and cascade down the plant in comforting
trusses. Grow these tomatoes either in the
ground or in the greenhouse, and remember to
pinch out the sideshoots when appropriate.
1 Sow seeds thinly inside from February to

May in pots filled with good seed compost.
Cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite.
2 Place pots inside a propagator or seal

inside a polythene bag and keep at a
temperature of 20-25°C until germination.
A RV ES T•
S OW 3 Seedlings should appear within 10-14 days.
When large enough to handle, transplant
seedlings into 7.5cm pots.
•H
Sow
Feb-Mar 4 In June, when plants are 20cm high,
A RV ES
grow on in a greenhouse or plant into
fertile, well-drained soil 45cm apart.
Harvest
5 When
•H
Jun-Oct growing,
• S OW T
pinch out the
sideshoots.
Harvest June
to October.
Cucumber ‘Masterpiece’
With dark-green, slightly spined skins, and
tender white flesh, this cucumber is, indeed,
a masterpiece. It’s not just a looker, either, as
cucumber ‘Masterpiece’ is an early and reliable
variety, so it helps to stretch out the growing
season. An outdoor cultivar – don’t remove the male
S OW
flowers, and make sure to keep the ground moist at
all times to prevent the fruits from becoming bitter.
T•
H A RV ES
•H
Sow
Mar-Apr
A RV ES
1 Sow cucumber seeds inside from March to April

on their sides in 7.5cm pots filled with good
seed compost, at a depth of 1cm. Place pots inside a
Harvest
Jul-Sept
•
propagator or seal inside a polythene bag and keep • S OW T

at a temperature of 20°C until germination.
2 Seedlings should appear within seven-10 days.

When plants are well grown, transplant two per
grow bag, or 45cm apart in the greenhouse.
3 Alternatively, sow seeds outside from May to

June where they are to crop, at a depth of 1cm.
For the best chance of success, however, start off
in pots before acclimatising to outdoor conditions
over seven-10 days.
4 Transplant outside into

warm, well-drained soil
in a sheltered spot in full sun.
Plant in rows, allowing 90cm
between plants.
5 Harvest
from July
to September.

Lettuce ‘Arctic King’

S OW
T•
Crispy, crunchy, and a sure-fire source of beta-carotene
and vitamin A, ‘Arctic King’ is a strong contender for the
A RV ES
•H
Sow best butterhead lettuce award. With compact, light-green
Aug-Oct
A RV ES
heads and crinkled leaves, it’s well-renowned for resisting
Harvest the cold weather, although it might need cloche protection
in particularly chilly spells.
•H
Mar-May
• S OW T
1 Sow seeds thinly outside from August to October where
they are to crop, at a depth of 1cm. Make sure to plant in
soil that has been raked to a fine tilth.
2 Plant in rows, allowing 30cm

between each to prevent
overcrowding.
3 When large enough to

handle, thin seedlings
to 23-30cm apart.
4 In colder areas,
plants might require
cloche protection.
5 Harvest lettuces from

March to May, when
the heads feel firm
when gently pressed.
Sweet marjoram
To the Greeks and Romans, marjoram was
S OW
T•
an emblem of love and happiness, and
newly-weds would wear garlands of this
H A RV ES
•H
herb around their heads. Nowadays, sweet Sow

Apr-May
A RV ES
marjoram brings happiness to people

through the fragrant flavour it adds to Harvest
Mediterranean and North American dishes. Jun-Oct
•
Grow it inside, in containers, or outside in T

the rock garden or border.
• S OW
1 Sow seeds thinly inside from April

to May in pots on the surface of good
seed compost and cover with a light
sprinkling of vermiculite.
2 Place pots inside a propagator or seal

inside a polythene bag and keep at a
temperature of 20-25°C until germination.
Keep compost dry, and don’t exclude light.
3 Seedlings should appear within 21

days. When large enough to handle,
transplant seedlings into 7.5cm pots.
4 Grow on in cooler but not cold

conditions for
a few days before
planting outside
after the risk of frost
has passed. Plant in
rows, allowing 30cm
between plants.
5 Harvest from
June to October,
as and when
required.

Chamomile
As we all know, chamomile tea is the ticket
for a good night’s sleep, since this plant has a
cooling effect on the nervous system. There are
two types of chamomile: non-flowering cultivars, that
can be planted en-masse to create a scented chamomile lawn,
and flowering types, like this one, which are better for filling
gaps at the front of flower borders, or in the kitchen.
1 Sow seeds thinly outside from April to May where they are
to crop, at a depth of 1.2cm. Make sure to plant in light,
S OW
well-drained soil and in a sunny spot. T•
A RV ES
•H
2 Plant in rows, allowing 30cm between plants so they have the
space to grow on healthy and happy.
Sow
Apr-May
A RV ES
3 Thinning shouldn’t be necessary, but if seedlings are looking
overcrowded, thin to 15cm apart once large enough to handle. Harvest
•H
Jun-Sept
4 Keep the area between plants weed free, and water during
periods of dry weather. • S OW T
5 Harvest six-eight weeks after sowing, usually around

June to September. To harvest, select a few leaves from
each plant and use to make a refreshing tea.
S OW Watercress
T• Rich in zinc, iron, calcium, pro-vitamin A and
H A RV ES
•H
Sow vitamins B1 and B6, watercress ranks as

Apr-May
A RV ES
one of the most nutrient-dense veggies on

Harvest the planet. Health benefits aside, there’s no
Jul-Sept denying the fact that watercress is delicious,
•
• S OW T delivering a peppery, mustard-like flavour that is

often paired with game, but it also works well in a
salad or as a garnish.
1 Sow seeds thinly outside from April to May where they are
to crop, at the bottom of a 10cm deep trench. Make sure to
plant in soil that has been raked to a fine tilth.
2 If planting rows, space 15cm apart so the plants have

adequate space to grow on to full size.
3 Seedlings should appear within seven-10 days. When

large enough to handle, thin to 15cm apart.
4 Alternatively, you can grow watercress in pots, planting

four plants per 30cm pot.
5 Harvest watercress as and when required, from July to

September. Make sure not to cut plants too low when harvesting.
Gourd snake S OW
These gourd snakes are great for getting kids involved in T•
A RV ES
•H
gardening. Once full-sized, pick the gourds, and leave to dry in Sow
a warm, airy spot until the fruits become lighter in weight. After Apr-May
A RV ES
they’ve dried, let your creative imagination run wild – paint with
spots, stripes, stars and zig-zags to look like snakes. Remember,
Harvest
•H
these gourd snakes are for art projects only, and are not edible.
Sep-Oct
• S OW T
1 Sow seeds inside from April to May. Make a 1cm deep hole and
push the seed in on its edge. Cover with a sprinkling of compost.
2 Place pots inside a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag

and keep at a temperature of 20-25°C until germination.
3 Keep the surface of the soil moist, but not too wet. Seedlings
should appear within five-seven days.
4 When large enough to handle, transplant into 13cm pots. After

all risk of frost has passed, plant outside, 60cm apart.
5 Your gourd snakes will be ready for picking, drying and

painting from September to October.

This month’s veg to
SOW &
HARVEST
Start broad SOW
Broad beans: Start these seeds now and in a few months time you will
bean seeds be able to enjoy an early harvest next year.
Cauliflowers: Sow early summer types now and place under a cold
this month frame. If you are lucky then you may be rewarded with a supply of this
delicious veg.
Peas: Use a hardy, overwintering variety for sowing at this time of year
for the best chance of producing young crops
PLANT
Cabbages: It’s your last chance to transplant spring varieties to their
final growing position.
Currants and gooseberries: Bare-rooted bushes should be planted this
month or next. This early organisation will help the roots to develop well.
Garlic: Place these flavoursome bulbs in the veg bed for a fantastic boost
to your cooking.
Grapes: It is possible to plant bare-rooted vines in preparation for next
season. Choose your preferred position wisely.
Onions: Autumn sets can be planted now and in a few months you will
be rewarded with an abundance of bulbs.
Rhubarb: Plant new sets or divide established crops to enjoy larger
harvests with a number of smaller crowns.
Strawberries: New crops can be planted out now, but keep an eye
out for plummeting temperatures, and protect your edibles.
HARVEST
Apples: Look out for a change in colour in the fruit, and apples that have
fallen on the ground.
Aubergine: When the fruits turn dark and glossy, they will be ready.
Cut them from the plant just above the stem with a sharp garden knife.
Beetroot: Lift the roots gently to avoid disturbing smaller crops that
need more time to develop.
Broccoli: Continue to cut the heads using a sharp knife once they reach
the desired size.
Brussels sprouts: Buttons can be taken from the plant this month.
Cabbages: Red types can be harvested now.
Cape gooseberries: Leave the berries on the plant for as long as
possible before the first frost.
Carrots: Pull the roots up from the ground by grasping the feathery Parsnips: Lift these roots once they have experienced frosts
tops and gently levering them out. as this improves their flavour.
Cauliflower: Sever the heads from the base of the stem just above Pears: Taste this fruit before picking them in bulk – this will
the surface of the soil. ensure that you enjoy your harvests at their peak.
Celeriac: Cut the stems and pick off the lower leaves to keep the Peas: Once the pods are tender and the peas have swelled
crowns clear. inside, pick them straight away.
Celery: Harvest the stems before the leaves become yellow to Plums, damsons and gages: Feel the fruit before picking to
preserve their unique flavour and crunchy texture. check it has a soft texture.
Chicory: Red and sugarloaf varieties can be taken now, but this Pumpkins: Raise the fruits off the ground and cure the skins
month is your last chance! in the sunlight before cutting the stem.
Chillies and peppers: Wait for the peppers to turn from green to red Radishes: Pluck these tangy roots from the ground as and
(or whatever the final colour of your chosen variety is). when you need them.
Courgettes: The last flourishes of this veg can be taken now. Raspberries: Once the berries have turned red all over with
Cranberries: Wait until a good handful of berries are ready to pick. a soft texture then it’s time to enjoy them.
Endive: Pick frisée and broad-leaved types throughout autumn and Runner beans: Pick the beans before they become too long
winter. Protect from frost with fleece. and tough in texture.
Florence fennel: Take the last bulbs when they are ready but keep Salad leaves: Lettuce, corn salad and spinach can be
harvested now.
Spinach: Pick leaves by hand as and when you need them
“Pull carrot roots up from the ground for a flavour boost to salads.
Swede: Lift the veg from the soil and make the most of this
by grasping the feathery tops” delicious crop in a variety of meals.
Tomatoes: Pluck the last toms from the stems this month.
Turnips: These roots should be ready to lift now.
soil temperatures mild with the use of cloches.
French beans: Pick the pods while they are still young if you plan on
eating them whole.
Grapes: The longer the fruit is left on the vine, the sweeter the grapes
will become.
Kohl rabi: Slice the swollen globes away from the roots and trim
leaves in preparation for eating.
Leeks: Cut the stalks and enjoy their flavour in your cooking.
Marrows: Harden off the skins in the sunlight to make them more
suitable for storage.
Melons: Once the melons ripen, cut the stems to release these
substantial fruits.
Oriental leaves: Take cuttings of these leaves regularly.
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GREEN FINGERS
UNLEASHED
IN LOCKDOWN!
Find the best greenhouse for you, with Vitavia’s expert guide
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hat a crazy, unexpected year accessories. From our warehouses in
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Ask
Seasonal
the Experts
eating
MEET OUR PANEL

Blake
Roberts
is the deputy
editor of
Grow Your
Own magazine
Ask the
Dominica
McKevitt
is the head
gardener
experts
at Ardgillan
Park
Laura
Hillier
is the editor
of Grow Your
Own magazine Get the best from your plot with
advice from our garden pros
Got a niggling problem that you want one

of our esteemed gardening experts to aid FORCING CROPS
you with? Email your question to:
blake.roberts@aceville.co.uk for the
chance to see it featured on these pages Q I’ve heard people at my allotment
talking about ‘forcing’ but don’t
know that much about it. What is it
This encourages pale, tender growth in
the darkness. While it is not traditional,
this cultivation in the dark could be
and which crops are suitable for this considered a type of ‘forcing’, as you are
particular growing technique? encouraging the plant to make a specific
Harriet Wood, via email type of growth.”
Blake says: “Forcing means to develop

certain crops in darkness in order to
Q How do I force my rhubarb plants
and what should I use to do it?
Steph Jarvis, via email
encourage longer, more tender growth
as they become taller and paler in the
Blake says: “This is a much simpler
search for light. This can often alter the
process than you might be expecting,
taste and texture of yields that otherwise and should be carried out in late winter.
have the potential to become woody and Cover your rhubarb crowns in a bucket,
unappetising. Crops with edible stems upturned pot or forcing jar and block
can benefit from this as well as leafy out any holes that may let the light in.
veg and fruit; chicory, strawberries and Wait until the stems of this edible grow
rhubarb are three of the most common. To to the top on the container. Once this has
encourage a better flavour, leeks can be happened you can cut the stems and
‘puddled in’ by digging a hole and placing harvest the paler, more tender yields
the young plants inside, covering the soil that should be ready around three weeks
over the stem and partially burying them. earlier than those grown without forcing.”
Q&A
Q How can I get a better crop of

carrots? They’re the one thing I
would like to grow, because we eat a lot of
The biggest problem with the growing of
carrots is the prevalence of carrot root-fly
which can decimate a crop. The flies lay
them, but so far I’ve not seen much luck. eggs beside the carrot plants and grubs
Suzanne Richardson, via email hatch out and bore into the carrot and
live there rendering the carrot useless for
Dominica says: “As a general rule all consumption. If this happens early in the
vegetables need a high nutrient content in life of the carrots, they will not develop,
the soil to grow successfully. This can be grow very poorly or die. Yellow or red
achieved by adding compost or farmyard colouring on the leaves are a sign of attack.
manure. But carrots cannot be grown in soil The only way to successfully grow carrots
that has been recently manured or they will in an area prone to carrot root-fly, is to sow
fork. An area that has been manured for them at required spacing, cover them with
the previous crop will suffice. If carrots are white fleece and seal at soil level and raise
sown too close together and not thinned to the fleece up adequately to accommodate
4” they will not establish to adequate size. the mature plant, do not remove the fleece
Carrots also dislike wind when very young. until carrots are ready to harvest.”
Q I’ve read lots about strawberry

runners, but it’s my first year
growing them, so could you talk me
through what I need to do to get more
strawberries from the same plant next
year? Pete Smith, via Facebook
Dominica says: “To get more

strawberries from the same plants next
year remove all leaves from plants after
they have cropped this year, do not
let any runners grow from the plants.
(Runners are stolons that grow from
the plant and produce new plants).
People sometimes let the runners grow
and use the new plants to start a new
strawberry patch. Strawberry plants
naturally produce a bigger crop in the
second and third year after planting.
In the forth and subsequent years the
crop gradually declines and new plants
should be planted. If plants are small or
growing poorly, fertiliser can be applied
to the soil near the base of the plant
after cutting back the plants or in spring,
when weed growth begins.”
Q I’ve got a small urban garden,

but would still love to grow
some fruit if possible. What would
and should be grown in pots to keep
them in their preferred acidic conditions.
Strawberry runners can be cultivated in
you recommend? the ground or hanging baskets to really
Courtney McDonald, via Twitter make the most of your growing area and
will still offer a decent return like this.
Laura says: “There are plenty of There are also a wide range of dwarf
options for small-space growers to fruit trees available from many suppliers
keep you in an abundant supply that will give you a taste of an orchard
of fruit harvests all year round. with a fraction of the space needed to
Blueberries are an excellent choice accommodate a full-sized tree.”
Ask the Experts
PEST FOCUS:
Pigeons
A pigeon swaggering around your veg
patch isn’t good news for brassicas.
These year-round pests are larger than
most garden birds and have appetites to
match their size. Wood pigeons can peck
the leaves of overwintering cabbages,
Brussels sprouts and related veg to
shreds. Only the toughest sections are
safe from their attentions.
The old saying birds of a feather flock

together is especially true of pigeons.
Later, if snow’s on the ground, your hardy
winter cabbages and Brussels may be the
only vegetation that’s easily visible. Up to
three or four dozen birds may descend on
allotments together. But, even in smaller
numbers, they can cause a lot of damage.
Netting is the simplest way to keep

plants safe. A crop cage covered with
tough bird netting is an impenetrable
barrier between the pests and your veg.
Keep the material taut and well-secured
for two reasons. First, you don’t want
creatures to become caught in any folds
– check regularly to make sure birds and
animals aren’t tangled. Second, large
birds sitting in the centre of a sagging net
may use their weight to push it down and
nibble at crops through the holes.
Love peas and cabbages? Continue to

cover them up in spring. Wood pigeons
keep grazing as the weather gets warmer.
Young shoots and summer leaves won’t
be safe unless they have protection.
Stick with netting where you can, as bird
scarers don’t always work as long-term
deterrents. But for an easy quick-fix DIY
option, string your old CDs onto twine to
gently keep these pests at bay.
SMART
NEWS
The only pages modern gardeners
need for brilliant growing ideas
GYO Spotlight
Top of the lockdown crops revealed
Seed supplier Suttons has released details of its top-
selling seed variety packs during the busy lockdown
months. The data – spanning from the first day of
lockdown in the UK (23rd March) until 4th July – shows
that Brits sowed a mighty 100 million lettuces, 25 million
herbs and over 15 million beetroots from Suttons alone.
The stats also highlight that edibles really did come
up trumps this year, with 80 per cent of all packets
sold being vegetable ones. David Robinson, Managing
Director at Suttons, said: “During lockdown, we’ve seen
the trend shift towards sowing vegetable seeds. In an
increasingly developed and technologically driven
world, we’ve seen customers taking solace in their
gardens, reconnecting with nature and rediscovering
the basic urge to provide their own food.”
LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO... Starting up

...A FROST-HARDY PLOT
Squash Winter F1
‘Celebration’ It’s likely that the first frosts will arrive
This acorn-shaped ribbed this month. Without preparation, your
orange F1 squash with perennials and overwintering crops
flecking is a real stunner for could perish when these harsh
any garden. The orange- conditions take hold. With a little bit
coloured fruits grow to of planning, you can ensure that
around 10-12cm and your lingering edibles will survive to
have an excellent sweet flourish once again next season.
nutty flavour that will go Dig over your plot now before the
down a treat in your hearty ground becomes too frozen. When
winter dishes. Plus, they winter sets in it will be very difficult to
have intermediate resistance to turn the soil and prepare it for the next
powdery mildew. To get your pack, sowing season. Therefore, it’s important
visit nickys-nursery.co.uk to remove weeds, incorporate organic
matter and rake the earth until it becomes
a fine tilth.
‘Bluecrop’ blueberry
The ‘Bluecrop’ blueberry is a Many gardeners use mulches in
popular mid-season variety summer to retain moisture during those
bearing heavy crops of light long, hot days. But these materials can
blue berries of good flavour in also be invaluable in winter, acting as a
late July. It grows vigorously fantastic insulator for the roots of your
with an upright habit and edibles. Just remember not to smother the
offers good drought resistance, stems as this can lead to rotting.
which makes it perfect for the Use cloches and fleece to cover foliage.
hot summers we have been This added protection could make the
getting over the last few years. difference between a healthy crop in
To order yours, visit the Ken Muir the new year, or a new addition to your
website at: kenmuir.co.uk compost heap.
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of getting swept away by gardening gimmicks
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HOT NEWS These can be low
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Saving Pollinators narrow depending
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Smart step-by-step:
Getting
winter ready
Winter-proof your garden now, before the cold
weather strikes, with these four simple steps
T
he end of the summer months and arrival of autumn can elicit a wide range of
feelings and emotions in us gardeners. Perhaps you’re feeling sad that the best part
1
of the growing year is now over, or proud of your achievements on the plot over the INSULATE YOUR GREENHOUSE
past few months. Maybe you’re still a little frustrated at losing that crop of broad beans to As temperatures drop, you can help
aphids, cabbages to pigeons, or aubergine to slugs. to lock in heat in the greenhouse by
Soon, however, the summer of 2020 will be all but a distant memory, and we turn our insulating your under cover space. Bubble
thoughts to the possibilities of what next year might bring. As the temperature drops and wrap does the trick nicely and is easy to
the nights rapidly begin drawing in, it’s crucial that you don’t just forget about your garden put up and take down at different times of
because it’s not as productive as it once was. the year. While re-using excess packaging
Instead, see this time as one of opportunity; for preparing and winter-proofing your from an online order might be appealing, it’s
growing space in time for spring, and to tick off the things you didn’t get a chance to whilst best to opt for some sturdier horticultural
busy enjoying the sunshine and harvests. It can sometimes be a challenge to summon up the bubble wrap that is UV-stabilised. This can
energy and will to go out in your coat (and later gloves and hat!) but tick off these four smart be ordered via gardening websites or found
ideas and you’ll head into the new year feeling even better about things. at garden centres.
4
COMPOST, COMPOST, COMPOST!
2 3
THINK SOIL REPLENISHMENT PRUNING FRUIT TREES
One of the easiest and smartest ways There is something about fruit tree With less time sowing, planting and
to increase yields for next year, is pruning that seems to instill pure panic harvesting over the coming months,
to boost soil now using green manures. and fear into gardeners. But it’s an important why not turn your attention to starting a
These plants improve the structure of the part of the fruit gardening calendar. Prune compost heap? The majority of garden waste
earth and prevent erosion during extreme fruit trees and bushes, such as apples and can be used to boost crops in future seasons.
weather conditions, and create a covering pears, in autumn by chopping back dead, Alternatively produce your own leaf mould
to suppress weeds. Roughly dig over the diseased or dying growth. But leave trees when collecting up autumn leaves. Simply
soil, remove any weeds and scatter green like peaches, plums and cherries until pop leaves in black plastic bags, poke holes
manure seeds evenly over your chosen area. summer, as doing so in winter can make through the material to allow a level of air
Lightly rake the ground and water well. them vulnerable to silver leaf disease. For a flow and leave it alone for a couple of years.
Keep conditions moist and seedlings should comprehensive guide to fruit pruning, turn to Within this time the foliage will decompose
appear within a few weeks. page 67, where Carol Klein shares her tips. and turn into crumbly compost.
Smart guide to:
GROWING
A FOREST
GARDEN
Kim Stoddart explains how to create the
ultimate low-maintenance, resilient, edible space
T
he concept of forest gardening
can seem a little off-putting at first
because the name itself seems
to indicate the need for substantial
space (i.e. a forest). Actually though, the
principles can be applied to small urban
areas with relative ease. It’s all about
working with nature, rather than trying
to box it off and meticulously control it,
with different plants all mixed in together.
This explains the name, as actually it’s
inspired by what happens naturally in
a wood (or forest) which is a living eco-
system where trees thrive alongside (and
in harmony with) other plants in a variety
of different layers. There are many
things we don't understand about the Here’s how to weave some forest gardening few trees on your vegetable patch already,
symbiotic relationships both below and inspiration into your existing plot with you can work around these, otherwise
above ground on our veg patches, where minimum fuss: choose an available spot and plant a few
the likes of mycorrhizal fungi will bind varieties. Your local garden centre (or
itself to a plant’s roots to help it find food Step 1 – Plant (or work online retainer) can advise which apple
and water. Now, with climate change around existing) trees trees work well together for pollination
extremes of weather really starting to It makes sense to start with edible trees and they should be placed at a sufficient
impact us, the more resilient we can first (your canopy layer). These can be distance apart with lots of room for other
make our growing spaces, the better that apple, pear, plum, medlar, damson, nut or produce in-between. This will depend on
will be for us all. anything “munchable” in fact. If you have a the size of the space you are working with
but it’s best not to cram in too many trees.
Tip
Place any grafted, dwarf rootstock south
of trees that will grow to a full size. If you
have a windy spot (as I do, 700ft above sea
level) then you can use damson trees on
the westerly side to create a barrier against
the worst of the winds. I was once told I
couldn’t grow fruit trees so high up, but
mine are thriving with such protection so
it's well worth growing them.
Tip
If you are planting afresh, it helps to keep
grass and weeds at bay to enable trees to
become established. A layer of cardboard
and mulch around the base (not touching)
works very well for this purpose.
Smart gardening
Step 2 – Shrubs Step 4 – Go wild OTHER IDEAS FOR

Next comes the black, white or red The likes of wild garlic and strawberries
currants, gooseberries and other lower can be used to help keep weeds at bay. INSPIRATION
level fruits. You can place these around Allowing some annuals like calendula, Any regular readers of the magazine
your trees, again allowing space in-between geranium and poppies to self-seed and will have probably read about my mixed
for other planting. provide ground cover will also help planting approach before. Rather than
greatly and boost the lower maintenance growing produce in blocks, I mix and
Tip credentials of your forest garden. match, plant different types of produce
Just remember not to place too much with edible flowers, soft fruit bushes,
of the same kind together. Step 5 – Further edibles herbs and perennials in my climate
In remaining gaps in the ground you can change gardens. So if you want to, you
Step 3 – Perennial produce also add annual planting such as lettuce, can take forest gardening inspiration
Choose here from a wide range of low- roots, peas and beans, squash et al. onto another level by mix planting
maintenance edibles and herbs which can across your whole patch, rather than
be added in and around your taller layers. Tip just one dedicated area.
Choose from rhubarb, Jerusalem Certain plants are supposed to benefit each
artichokes, oca, artichoke, horseradish, other when being grown hand in hand
perennial kales like ‘Taunton Dean’, mint, and in forest gardening, there are many
chive, rosemary, sage, bronze fennel, apple recommended guilds with this in mind.
mint, thyme, feverfew and others. Comfrey The three sisters guild is perhaps the FIND OUT MORE
also works really well. most well known, and one of the oldest, Kim Stoddart is running her popular
companion planting methods. It combines climate change gardening and
Tip the planting of a pea or a bean plant with polytunnel growing courses from her
You can also turn some brassica plants winter squash and sweetcorn. training gardens in West Wales again.
partly perennial if you keep growing them, There is also a four sisters guild which All attendees get a free copy of her
just cutting back in spring after they have includes amaranth in the mix. It's a good Climate Change Garden book and
provided a harvest, flowered and attracted idea to experiment with these different plants to take home as part of the day.
pollinators in. Purple sprouting broccoli, companioning planting methods in order greenrocketcourses.com
chard and kale work especially well. to find out what works best for you.
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Expert advice
Carol Klein's
fruiting instead of vigorous growth. Fruit
ULTIMATE GUIDE trees lacking in vigour should be pruned

back hard to stimulate more growth the
following season.
TO PRUNING Traditionally, pruning cuts were

always sealed over with wound paint.
However, research shows that trees
recover better when wounds are left
unpainted. The paint can sometimes seal
Carol Klein offers the advice you need to prune in infections and can also inhibit the fruit
tree’s natural ability to callus over the
your fruit trees with confidence, this autumn pruning cuts.
When to prune
M
ost fruit trees will benefit from an annual removal of branches to encourage vigour
and healthy fruit, even though such pruning can appear brutal to the uninitiated. Apple and pear trees were traditionally
Always make sure that your pruning equipment is sharp to ensure clean, smooth pruned during winter, a convenient
cuts. Once the few basic rules have been mastered, pruning should be a pleasure. time when it was otherwise quiet on
the fruit farm. It is also easier to see the
Aims of pruning Furthermore, pruning improves the shape of the tree when it is leafless, and
Regular pruning is an essential part of fruit physical look of a tree or shrub, making free standing trees are still pruned in
care if your trees are to be productive and it appear cared for. This is particularly winter for this reason. However, pruning
look good all year round. There are four important during the early, formative restricted forms of apples and pears in
main reasons for pruning: stages of a fruit tree’s life. late summer is becoming popular. Not
Firstly, it removes dead, dying, and Finally, suckers or double leaders need only is the weather more pleasant but
diseased parts of the tree or shrub, which to be removed so that the tree grows into vigorous trees put on less growth when
could spread if left alone. the shape that you want. pruned at this time of year. It can also help
Secondly, by removing some of the to prevent biennial fruiting (fruiting every
branches, pruning allows air and sunlight Effects of pruning two years).
into a plant, and this is essential for the Because pruning stimulates growth, vigorous Stone fruits such as cherries, peaches,
development of fruit and to avoid dense trees should only be given a light trim to plums and apricots should always be
canopies in which fungal diseases thrive. avoid an excessive reaction. Alternatively, pruned when the plant is in growth.
Pruning branches growing close together instead of pruning, the branches can be This is to avoid disease problems that
also prevents them rubbing against each festooned, that is, trained downwards enter pruning cuts that are made in the
other, causing open wounds. towards a horizontal position to encourage dormant season.
Basic safety
THE TOOLS OF Protection using a pair of thick gloves
THE TRADE is particularly important when pruning
thorny plants such as gooseberries and
blackberries. Gloves will also reduce the
risk of cutting your hand with secateurs or a
Secateurs pruning saw. Eye protection should be worn
These should be used for thinning out to prevent sawdust blowing into the eyes or
fruit spurs and cutting branches no a sharp branch scratching them.
thicker than 2cm (3⁄4in) in diameter,
or about the width of your little finger. Pruning cuts
A good, sharp pair is essential for Each tree should be treated individually
making clean cuts. Bypass secateurs when it comes to pruning, but there are
are the best type as they make a Remove long, heavy branches in stages to
some general guidelines that should
clean cut rather like a pair of scissors. avoid tearing the bark with their weight. If
be followed.
Avoid anvil secateurs as these tend to pruning a branch back to the trunk, leave
crush the branch. a small collar as this will help the tree to
callus over the wound.
Pruning saws Because pruning Make pruning cuts with secateurs at
an angle just above a bud – never through
On branches that are too thick for
secateurs, use a pruning saw. This
stimulates growth, a bud. Slant the cut downwards from
5mm (1⁄5in) above the bud. Where there
is long and narrow so its blade will
fit between the narrow angles made
vigorous trees should are opposite buds, make a flat cut at a
by branches. Bow and panel saws only be given a light similar distance above the buds. A long
stub left erroneously between the cut and
should be used only to cut up large
pieces of wood once they have been trim to avoid an the bud may cause the branch to die back,
increasing the risk of disease.
removed from the tree.
excessive reaction Always cut back to a branch further
Extended saw down the tree or shrub. This branch needs
Sometimes called a pole saw or to be at least one-third the width of the
long-armed saw, the extended saw branch that has been removed.
is useful for cutting branches above
head height. It is far safer to prune
from the ground and therefore an
extended saw is a better option than
FRUITING SPURS OR FRUITING TIPS?
climbing a ladder and using a shorter
saw. Always wear a hard hat and Successful fruit pruning depends on Once you understand how your tree
goggles when using this tool. having a basic understanding of a plant’s produces its fruit, you can then prune it to
physiology. Fruit trees – particularly maximise potential high yields. Peaches
Loppers apples – fall into two categories as to how and acid cherries, for example, bear fruit
These are useful for chopping up they produce their flowers and therefore, mainly on wood from the preceding year,
prunings once they have been after pollination, their fruit: these are spur so on such tip bearers you must ensure
removed from the tree and can bearers and tip bearers. Most fruit trees that plenty of new shoots are tied in for
occasionally be helpful when actually form both types of growth but are usually next year’s crop. Sweet cherries, however,
pruning. However, they don’t make as prone to producing more of one type than develop their fruit on a series of spurs
clean a cut as a pruning saw. Loppers the other. Spur bearers, which are the built up over the last two or three years,
should never be used from a ladder most common, bear their fruit on short, so a system of spur pruning is necessary.
as they require two hands to operate stumpy shoots (the spurs), which are Summer-fruiting raspberries bear fruit
them, meaning that it is not possible usually more than two years old. The fruit on canes produced the previous year,
to hold onto something else while of the tip bearers develops on shoots that whereas autumn-fruiting ones form fruit
pruning your tree. were formed during the previous season. on the current season’s growth.
If a tree is mainly a tip bearer and you Grapevines bear fruit on shoots
Ladders cut back all the new shoots to one or two produced in the current year. Prune
Sometimes ladders are needed buds to form short spurs (as for a spur annually in winter to encourage new,
to reach high branches. Three- bearer) then you won’t get much fruit that healthy canes, and avoid using water
legged stepladders (tripods) are year because most of the fruit buds will shoots (canes coming directly off the
best because they are easiest to get have been removed. This is one reason central trunk) as they will contain far
in close to the tree and among the why trees that are mainly tip bearing in fewer clusters of grapes. Instead, try to
branches. Only use ladders on level habit such as a ‘Bramley’s Seedling’ are select canes coming off the spurs of the
ground and make sure that the legs unsuitable for growing as restricted forms. trunk. The climbing habit of grapevines
are fully extended. Never overstretch Not only are they vigorous, but also by makes them ideal for training over arches,
or lean out too far over the sides. pruning new growth back to two buds pergolas and trellis systems. Because their
Very large fruit trees will need to any potential fruit is lost. It is therefore tendrils wrap around wires and posts
be pruned by a professional tree important to distinguish between the two they require less hands-on support in
surgeon. Don’t risk it yourself. habits of fruiting. terms of tying in and pruning.
Expert advice
5 THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN IT COMES TO PRUNING

READ MORE
RHS Grow Your Own Veg & Fruit

Bible by Carol Klein is published
2
PRUNE RESTRICTED FORMS: of
1
THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE: you need by Mitchel Beazley, £30.00,
apples and pears such as espaliers,
loppers, a pruning saw, a knife, a pair of octopusbooks.co.uk. Photo Credits:
cordons and step-overs (shown
secateurs and a pair of thick gloves for Jane Sebire, Kim Sayer and Laurie
here) in late summer, cutting back new
effective and safe pruning. Evans for location photography
growth to one or two buds.
3 4
CORRECT PRUNING: a clean and INCORRECT PRUNING: to prevent the
5
INCORRECT PRUNING: not only has
smooth, correct pruning cut is branch tearing from the weight of the this branch torn because there was no
made close to the adjacent branch fruit tree's branch, it should first have undercut made first but also the cut
or trunk. Avoid cutting the branch flush been undercut before the main cut is done should have been made much closer to the
with the trunk and possibly damaging it. from above. tree's trunk.
GET MORE FROM
GROW YOUR OWN
Expert advice
Your Plot Seed

ing
Sow
30 minute job:
Make new yacon
plants for free
VARIETIES TO TRY
NEW VARIETY:
Cucumber
‘Chompers’
ESSENTIALS
This month’s jobs on the
A new spring is nudging its way through
the frozen earth at last and all sorts of things
are starting to sprout in anticipation of the
growing season to come. Yacon tubers,
Outdoor, or ridge
cucumbers, are a
great alternative
if you don’t have
a greenhouse, but
kept carefully squirrelled away in boxes
vegetable patch and patio of just-damp compost in a frost-free shed
the fruits themselves
take some getting used
WORDS: Sally Nex over winter, respond quickly to the rising
to with their thick, warty skins and short,
temperatures so check them weekly for
stubby shape. This new outdoor cuke is
signs of life.
GROWING TECHNIQUE: Once you see live buds swelling on the
a step closer to the elegance of a long,
REPOT MINT crowns, pot them up and bring them back
smooth-skinned greenhouse fruit, though.
It’s enormous, for a start, up to 25cm long,
Take a look at our fantastic forum’s swanky new

Mint is one of those collector’s plants. Once you’ve into active growth. This is also your chance with a thin, gently striped skin you don’t
discovered the delights of growing refreshing peppermint to bulk up your supplies by propagating
for tea, or spicy spearmint for mint sauce, you just want
more: perhaps downy-leaved apple mint, or fragrant eau
new plants from the caudices – the cluster of
smaller roots at the base of the stem.
have to remove before you slice. Give it your
sunniest spot and some sturdy supports to Garden report
scramble up to enjoy long, sweet cucumbers
de cologne mint to pop into sachets tied under the hot tap
This month…
Take a knife and cut the crown up into by summer, no greenhouse required.
of your bath for a reviving soak. several smaller pieces, following the ‘seam’ (dobies.co.uk)
Whichever mint you grow, though, you must keep
GYO between each lumpy section and making
NEWS
them to a container or they’ll spread rapidly and take
over your garden – you can always bury the pot in the
ground to include mint among other herbs. But mint is
such a fast-growing plant it quickly exhausts the compost
says sure each chunk has at least one sprouting
bud. You should be able to create between
five and 10 new plants from the original
crown, depending on how big it was.
HERITAGE
VARIETY:
Lettuce
‘Little Gem’
in brief
in a pot, so to keep it growing strongly, repot it each Seaweed can be When you’re
Pot up each of these sections individually,
spring. Tip the plant out of its container and divide into used to make growing in
two or three healthy chunks. Repot one chunk into fresh
compost in the original container and pot up the rest
garden nutrient
with the buds sitting at or just below
compost level. Water in and keep in a containers you’re Keep up to date with the latest news from the growing world B&Q owner Kingfisher
has taken wildlife-
tea and added to greenhouse while they grow into healthy always on the lookout
separately to boost your collection or pass on to friends. compost young plants. In early summer, harden them
off carefully and plant outside in a sunny,
for good quality dwarf
varieties of your favourite Make waves for wildlife harming slug pellets off
its shelves ahead of a
25%
free-draining spot. veg – and this little cos lettuce is one of the The Wildlife Trusts and the RHS have joined forces to call on government ban on their
best. Bred in France, it’s still popular in
look! You will find plenty of tips, advice and like-

growers to install a garden pond. 2019’s Wild About Gardens outdoor use from spring
gardens on both sides of the Channel almost
a century later, admired for its neat, upright challenge has been set up to save Britain’s wildlife, as now 2020. The pesticide,
heads, superb flavour and densely-packed, 13 per cent of our freshwater and wetland species are under used to kill off slugs
HOW TO AVOID... crunchy hearts. More recently, it’s found threat from extinction. This is due to the UK’s rapid loss of contains the chemical
In 2018, 18-34 year olds accounted ONION SETS POPPING a new role as a star plant for relatively
restricted 21st century veg patches; grow
ponds, rivers and streams, and is reflected in last year’s
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch that revealed that frog and toad
metadehyde, that has
been outed by DEFRA
for 25% of lawn and garden spending
Source: National Garden Association
OUT OF THE GROUND plenty, as you’ll need a couple of heads
per salad, and re-sow monthly through the sightings are down by 17 and 30 per cent since 2014. Pond as posing a significant
season for a continuous supply. flowers, plants and running water are all a space for frogs, threat to birds, other
toads, newts and hedgehogs to drink, feed, breed and shelter. mammals and our water
EXOTIC
DON’T FORGET: VARIETY: If you want to help out, but lack room, don’t fear, as even the quality. The pellets will be
CLOCHE STRAWBERRIES Amaranth smallest of spaces can accommodate a pocket pond (a mini replaced by alternatives.
USE SEAWEED FOR MULCHING If we lived in a version of a regular garden pond) – simply fill an old sink or Urban growing is
Pop individual cloches or glass barn-style After a long, stormy winter, seaweed lies thick on the beaches, washed warmer corner bowl with water, plant it up outside and wait for creatures to
up on the incoming tide. Seize your chance to collect it and you’ll have of the world,
continuing to rise in
row covers over strawberry plants now the veg equivalent of a superfood on your hands. Seaweed is packed arrive. The added bonus for veg growers? Visiting frogs will popularity, as a recent
amaranth would
and you’ll intensify the feeblest early with trace minerals, plus growth-stimulating plant hormones; it breaks be as familiar to us happily gobble up slugs, helping you to keep on top of pests. study has shown. The
spring sunshine, raising temperatures down easily and even repels slugs, which avoid crawling across its salty as lettuce or spinach. European Federation of
minded growers to chat with. Find us at...

surface. Plus, it’s completely free! Also known as callaloo,
underneath to the positively summery You should ask the local council, harbourmaster or owner if it’s Green Roofs and Walls
each stage of growth provides a different
and kidding your plants into thinking a private beach for permission before collecting large quantities of crop. Its seedlings are delicious snipped has revealed that the
seaweed, but you’ll rarely be refused. Collect unattached seaweed from
of Gary’s late grandmother
it’s time to wake up and start flowering. area of green roofs in the
Open the ends regularly for ventilation
halfway up the beach, and don’t strip the beach as seaweed provides an
important habitat for wildlife.
Birds are often blamed for the curious
phenomenon of just-planted onion sets
popping out of the soil overnight. But there
surface. Or the soil may be too firm for
roots to punch through, so they raise the
set upwards instead. Push the set directly
WE LOVE
at 5-8cm tall as microgreens; or let it grow
to about 30cm tall and harvest its young,
tender leaves and stems. Wait till it flowers
who was supported by
Macmillan during her
Greater London area is
and to let pollinating insects in and Spread your seaweed straight away, while it’s still fresh, in a thick equal to a whopping 1.5
is little documented evidence of clandestine into the ground when planting and you risk – spectacularly – and sets seed and you cancer diagnosis and will
remember to water regularly, especially layer directly on the soil. Pull the mulch away from the stems of any get a protein-packed and gluten-free grain, million m2. This goes to
plants. You don’t have to rinse it first, as most of the salt dissolves with
set-pulling raids; and onion sets still jump compacting the soil beneath. Instead, make tell the tale of a fictional
loose even when netted against birds. a hole first with a trowel about 5cm deep, similar to quinoa. Rinse thoroughly to
Marbles, buttons, and 100 show even if you only
in particularly sunny weather, to enjoy the first rainfalls, but if the weather is dry spread out the seaweed and wash away the bitter saponins, then boil couple – a photographer
It’s more likely the problem lies in then drop the set in so the tip is just at the have a small balcony
your first sweet fruits by late May – a hose it down with plenty of fresh water before mulching.
the soil. Ground can ‘heave’ after heavy soil’s surface. Firm in and with luck, for 20 minutes and enjoy inother curiosities will line
tasty tabbouleh and an artist – and the
the walls and populate or windowsill there
good month earlier than usual! rain, pushing unrooted sets above the it should stay put. or pilafs. legacy they left behind
the flower borders of are plenty of ways to
through objects they loved.
Gary Bristow’s Macmillan get growing, such as
Features of the garden
38 growfruitandveg.co.uk growfruitandveg.co.uk 39
Legacy Garden for this windowboxes, pots and
Garden report include a planting scheme
year’s RHS Malvern Spring trellis. There are also
of perennials, bulbs, self-
This month…
Keep up to date with the latest news from the growing world
NEWS
in brief
B&Q owner Kingfisher
has taken wildlife-
Festival. The garden has
been created in memory
seeding plants, and various-
sized totem pole structures.
The RHS xxxxxx
many dwarf varieties
of fruit and veg bred
specifically for growing
in urban plots.
Make waves for wildlife harming slug pellets off
its shelves ahead of a
The Wildlife Trusts and the RHS have joined forces to call on government ban on their
growers to install a garden pond. 2019’s Wild About Gardens outdoor use from spring
challenge has been set up to save Britain’s wildlife, as now
13 per cent of our freshwater and wetland species are under
threat from extinction. This is due to the UK’s rapid loss of
ponds, rivers and streams, and is reflected in last year’s
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch that revealed that frog and toad
2020. The pesticide,
used to kill off slugs
contains the chemical
metadehyde, that has
been outed by DEFRA
June is great for…
TOP EVENT
70%
sightings are down by 17 and 30 per cent since 2014. Pond as posing a significant
flowers, plants and running water are all a space for frogs, threat to birds, other
toads, newts and hedgehogs to drink, feed, breed and shelter. mammals and our water
If you want to help out, but lack room, don’t fear, as even the
THIS MONTH
quality. The pellets will be
smallest of spaces can accommodate a pocket pond (a mini replaced by alternatives.
version of a regular garden pond) – simply fill an old sink or Urban growing is
bowl with water, plant it up outside and wait for creatures to continuing to rise in
arrive. The added bonus for veg growers? Visiting frogs will popularity, as a recent
happily gobble up slugs, helping you to keep on top of pests. study has shown. The
European Federation of Head over to Woburn
Green Roofs and Walls
of Gary’s late grandmother
has revealed that the Abbey Garden Show
WE LOVE who was supported by
Macmillan during her
cancer diagnosis and will
area of green roofs in the
Greater London area is
equal to a whopping 1.5 2019 from the 22-23 of British
million m2. This goes to
June to see helpful
Marbles, buttons, and 100
other curiosities will line
the walls and populate
tell the tale of a fictional
couple – a photographer
and an artist – and the
legacy they left behind
show even if you only
have a small balcony
or windowsill there demonstrations and
gardeners buy
are plenty of ways to
the flower borders of
Gary Bristow’s Macmillan
Legacy Garden for this
through objects they loved.
Features of the garden
include a planting scheme
get growing, such as
windowboxes, pots and
trellis. There are also
to hear talks and food for wildlife
year’s RHS Malvern Spring of perennials, bulbs, self- Q&As hosted by RHS
Festival. The garden has
been created in memory
seeding plants, and various-
sized totem pole structures.
The RHS xxxxxx
many dwarf varieties
of fruit and veg bred
specifically for growing
in urban plots.
ambassador Pippa or provide
June is great for…
Greenwood and BBC
Gardeners’ World
a home for
TOP EVENT HOEING PINCHING OUT THINNING
THIS MONTH
Head over to Woburn
Abbey Garden Show
70% of British
Use a hoe to remove
any unwanted
Pinch out the top
growing tips on
Thin pears, plums,
peaches and
presenter Adam
Frost plus rare access
wildlife in their
garden
2019 from the 22-23
June to see helpful
gardeners buy greenery and stones your broad bean nectarines trees and to the gardens. To
demonstrations and
to hear talks and food for wildlife find out more and
Q&As hosted by RHS
or provide
from between rows plants as these other fruit bushes to Source: Wyevale Garden Centres
ambassador Pippa to book tickets visit
Greenwood and BBC a home for of crops attract aphids maximise fruit yields
HOEING
Use a hoe to remove
PINCHING OUT
Pinch out the top
THINNING
Thin pears, plums,
Gardeners’ World
presenter Adam wildlife in their woburnabbey.co.uk
Frost plus rare access
any unwanted growing tips on peaches and
to the gardens. To garden
greenery and stones your broad bean nectarines trees and
find out more and
from between rows plants as these other fruit bushes to Source: Wyevale Garden Centres
to book tickets visit
of crops attract aphids maximise fruit yields
woburnabbey.co.uk
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Frances Tophill:
WORKING IN HARMONY
WITH WILDLIFE
in your kitchen garden
Frances Tophill offers her five top ways to take a more
wildlife-friendly approach when growing your own
W
e feel the need to protect our who eat the insects will really struggle to
crops, but if we are open to all survive. Instead, it is much better to have a 2. Grow perennial veg
species that we invite to share self-regulating balance of species to help Perennial vegetables are becoming
our gardens then a natural balance should maintain your garden eco-system. increasingly popular and easy to get
be struck between the pests and their
hold of. If you want to stop digging
predators. Yes, you might suffer a few
then a method of continually breaking
losses but not many. Certainly not enough
up the soil might be necessary. The
to put you off trying. You might even find
roots of perennial vegetables will
things grow better than they did before.
provide this function. You might be
lucky enough to live in a warm
1. Avoid chemicals climate where you can grow
Chemicals on your vegetable patch should
something with hefty roots like
be avoided at all costs, as this will cause a
cassava, which will break up the soil
serious imbalance in the visiting fauna. One
while maintaining its structure, but for
pest might be destroyed, allowing another
the rest of us, it’s artichokes, cardoons,
to take its place. Most realistically, in killing
perennial leeks, perennial kale,
the pest you targeted, you will invariably
asparagus, sorrel and many more
find you kill everything because there
becoming available every year.
simply aren’t any effective single species
pest controls out there. Frogs and birds
Veg advice
4. The impact of netting
Netting to protect your fruit trees from
hungry birds is an effective way of
preventing fruit damage but has enormously
negative ramifications for all the local
wildlife. Last year on a neighbouring
allotment alone, I found a dead mouse, a
dead bird, a few trapped or injured birds
and a dead snake. These sad discoveries
really hammer home that although we might
save a few berries from being nibbled, we
are taking the life of some local wildlife, who
may have nesting young to look after. If you
absolutely must deter the birds from eating
your fruits, then there are alternative
preventative methods that are non- Scarecrows will work for a time, mainly
destructive (remember though they are on larger birds. Still, they are fun to make,
going to prevent birds from coming to your and can work quite well, especially if
garden in general if they work): moved around every now and again!
If you have to net, choose the netting
Hang CDs from strings around crops – the carefully: one with holes less than 5mm.
reflective surfaces are unnerving to birds. The kindest method for wildlife is to use
Use a little windmill that spins in the wind bags that can be tied around individual
as a bird scarer. fruits or branches.
Step-by-step project:
3. Think no-dig How to use garlic for slug deterrent
Digging may be the staple activity of the
vegetable gardener, but it is not 1. Crush two bulbs of garlic
necessarily the best thing we can do. In 2. Pour on two pints of boiling water
fact, every time you dig you disrupt all (three pints for three bulbs, etc.) and
the complex relationships and processes simmer for 10 minutes
happening in the soil. It is becoming 3. Add water until it’s back up to two pints
increasingly encouraged to adopt a and bottle it
no-dig approach in the kitchen garden
4. Leave to cool
and the results have been slowly
indicating that in fact, doing less work 5. Store in a cool dry place
on your soil might actually result in 6. Every time you spot slug damage, add a
higher yields. So, if you want to do your couple of tablespoons of the mixture to
bit and improve your harvest while your watering can and water onto dry
maintaining your soil’s natural leaves in warm weather – though not hot
ecosystem, then put the spade down! enough to scorch the leaves
Have a cup of tea instead… 7. After heavy rain you will need to do this
again once the leaves have dried as the
rain will have washed away the garlic
5. Natural plant boosters

Feeding with very strong chemicals can be
destructive, too. Instead, wormeries are a
fantastic source of nutrients and can be a
really effective way of dealing with food
waste. Simply pour the food in and let the
worms do their thing. It will come out fairly
quickly as a really rich feed, both a
compost-like substance and a liquid, that
can be added to your veg patches with
great efficacy! Natural ingredients are the
best things to use as plant food, whether
that’s ash from the fire, compost, manure
that’s well rotted or a compost tea. The tea Extracted from:
can be made by soaking nettles or comfrey ‘Rewild Your Garden’
in water for a couple of months. This can by Frances Tophill is
then be diluted in your watering regime out now, hardback,
without creating a huge problem for the 15.00, Quercus
insects and micro-organisms in the soil.
Butternut squash ‘Crown Prince’
5umTOP
A classic on allotment plots, butternut This squash is a real stunner, and a
squash are generous, rambling plants that personal favourite, with its steely grey/
produce fruits with delicious, creamy and green skin, and vibrant orange flesh.
sweet orange flesh – ideal for soup making. The flavour is slightly nutty, and the
pkins
They also store well, provided the fruits are flesh is thick – making excellent curries,
p uash undamaged, so you can enjoy them right

through the autumn – however, the skins
are quite thin, so do make sure any with any
stews and thick, filling soups. It is also
rarely available in shops, so growing
your own gives you the opportunity
& sq
knocks or splits are used first, and the others to make the most of this gourmet veg.
are stored in a cool, frost-free environment. Sow seeds under cover in April-May,
Sow the seeds in early April and plant out and plant out after the risk of frosts
after the risk of frosts have passed. have passed.
1 2
This season is
associated with
carved Jack O’Lantern
pumpkins and spooky
goings on, but here are
some alternative gourd
varieties to try, says
GYO’s Laura Hillier
A
lways an impressive plant on
the vegetable patch pumpkins
and squashes are fascinating
to watch as they grow from tiny seeds,
to little green seedlings, right through
to enormous monster plants with their
variety of fruits in a range of sizes, shapes
and colours. If you have a small garden,
though, there are still options for you!
Most varieties will grow happily in
free-draining soil in a sunny spot with
partial shade. They can be greedy when
it comes to feeding and watering, but in
general are really simple crops to grow,
and crop reliably given adequate space
and care. Dig in some well-rotted manure
before you begin, but make sure this is
broken down and not fresh, otherwise it
can scorch the plants.
As with any crop, research different
varieties before you buy your seeds to
make sure what you choose will suit your
space, but there are so many different
varieties and families of squash, whatever
your tastes and garden needs.
Here are some of our top choices,
showing off the exciting and varied world
of pumpkins and squash!
Tag us...
Show us your pumpkins and squashes
and share your best pointers for Dimensions Dimensions
productive results by tagging us on Height: 45cm Height: 35cm
Instagram @growyourownmag Spread: 150cm Spread: 200cm
Expert advice
‘Jack Be Little’ ‘Spaghetti Squash’ ‘Turk’s Turban’
If you fancy growing the classic pumpkin This squash may not look like anything Extremely distinctive in shape and almost
but don’t have the space, this is the special on the outside, but the inside is a looking like an ornamental gourd rather than
perfect solution for you, as they can be different story. The unique flesh inside the edible, these delicious winter squashes are
trained to climb vertically – and they are fruits separates into individual, spaghetti- perfect for roasting, baking, or making into
great for young gardeners, too! If you like strands. Sow under cover, March-May hearty winter soups. They will be a real talking
will be growing vertically, you will need and plant out once all risk of frosts have point on the plot! They also keep well. As
to build a frame, and it is a good idea to passed. Once fruits start to form, thin these are quite large fruits and use a lot of the
pinch out the growing tips once it reaches out the weaker specimens to allow up to plant’s energy to grow and ripen, pinch out the
the top. This encourages the plant to put seven of the strongest ones to grow on. weaker fruitlets and choose five to continue
its energy into the fruits, rather than just Harvest when the skins have turned a growing on to full size. Harvest once the fruits
making for foliage on the plant. They are golden yellow, and make sure they have have reached full size and colour, and sound
great for serving as individual portions. been picked before the first frosts. hollow when you knock on the skin.
3 4 5
• GYO T
P
I harvesting
When
IP •
GYO T
squash and
pumpkins, always
GYO T
be sure to leave some

of the stem on it, too.
•
This helps it to cure

and last longer
IP
IP
in storage
GYO T •
Dimensions Dimensions Dimensions

Height: 45cm Height: 45cm Height: 45cm
Spread: 200cm Spread: 200cm Spread: 200cm
Veg guide
MY TASKS THIS
MONTH
Rachel Crosby is sowing hardy broad beans in the vegetable garden
and a variety of stunning flowers ready for spring
“Autumn has arrived and is certainly making its presence of hungry mice! The same rule applies for garlic and onions,
known! This time of year is always bittersweet; on the one which can be both direct sown and started off under cover.
hand, it’s a time to reflect on what has been achieved over the “Finally, if you’re a gardener brave enough to venture
last six months, but on the other, it’s the realisation that winter outside in the depths of winter, there are some salad leaves
is swiftly approaching. But just because winter is around the which provide an abundance of greenery throughout the
corner, it doesn’t mean that we can’t still be enjoying our cold months. Claytonia, lamb’s lettuce and perpetual spinach
allotments, gardens, windowsills and balconies. can be sown for winter harvests, although you may choose
“For the veg patch, I will be looking at the remaining things to start them off under cover and transplant out rather than
to be harvested, and the next things to sow ready for spring direct sow. Ensure your ground is free draining, and cover
(and maybe provide some small harvest over winter!) If you are with a fleece to add that extra layer of protection.
growing squash, consider how you can prolong the time on the “For the flower patch, I’m thinking about what I can get
vine for maximum growth and ripening. Raise the fruits onto in the ground for next year. Daffodils (non-negotiable as
bricks to stop them from rotting and trim any foliage which may a Welsh gardener), tulips and alliums will be going in the
be shading the light from the skins. ground to create a spectacularly colourful display come
“Secondly, sow hardy broad-bean varieties either directly spring, but I’m also going for something a little different this
(if you’re brave enough) or in cells ready for transplanting in year. In will go sixty autumn flowering saffron bulbs ready
January if your ground is prone to waterlogging or you have lots for autumn 2021.”
Find more from Rachel on Instagram by searching @Rachel_Grows
Photography: Gap Photos
STEP-BY-STEP GARDEN MAKES:

THYME CHAIR
Upcycle an old chair to make this unique and eye-catching planter
I
f you want to add a bit of quirky you! Creeping thyme is a beautiful and used in this project, but if you try this out
personality to your garden, and also versatile plant that can be used in a variety with any other types of furniture, we’d love
want to reduce the waste of disposing of recipes, as a companion plant, or just as to see what you come up with and hear
of old furniture, this project is the one for a lovely feature in the garden. A chair is how it works!
Expert advice
YOU WILL NEED:

Old wooden chair
HOW TO GROW
1
Compost Create a wire frame and fix it into the
Permeable membrane
gap where the chair seat would have THYME
been. Measure out a layer of permeable This is a herb you can pick all year round
Wire membrane the size of the seat of the chair, once the plant is established and growing
Red creeping thyme plug plants and add this on top of the wire. well, and is a hardy, evergreen perennial.
It has aromatic leaves and clusters of
small, beautiful flowers in a pale pink.
The plant only reaches a height of
around 10cm, and forms a ‘matt’ with a
spread of up to 1m. It is a fairly easy plant
to care for, and doesn’t want much from
you as a gardener. The soil should be
kept moist, but never waterlogged, and
it likes a neutral soil pH. Keep on top of
weeds to reduce competition for water
and soil nutrients, and it should grow on
very happily!
Not only is it a great addition to
plenty of dishes, creeping thyme is also
an excellent companion plant – deterring
cabbage root-fly, as well as attracting
bees and many other beneficial insects
into the garden or allotment.
2
Make sure the base is secure and It is also a versatile addition to the
3
Remove the thyme plugs from
carefully fill the seat with a good- their tray, and position them on the garden and can be used to as a pretty
quality compost. Gently firm it down compost, at even spacings to make and aromatic ground cover, or the
with your hands to create the bed for sure there is space for them to grow on trailing stems can be planted in rockeries
your plants. and spread. or on dry-stone walls.
4
When you are happy with the layout
5
Water the thyme in well. Your chair
of the thyme, plant the plugs into the is done! It really is that simple! Keep
compost, and firm down gently. It may the plants watered, and they will soon
look a little bare at the moment, but will form a cascade down the side of the chair,
quickly spread and fill in beautifully. and makes a beautiful feature.
SIMON AKEROYD’S
Flavour Garden
This month, Simon is planting grape vines in his
garden, and turning his hand to making wine
R
elaxing in your garden or allotment taste different to the same variety grown some organic matter added to the planting
while sipping homemade wine from in clay soil, on a westerly slope planted at hole prior to planting. If the vine you have
grapes you've grown yourself, must the edge of a river. This is the pleasure and purchased has a bulge near the base of the
be one of the most rewarding and satisfying excitement of making your own wine from stem, this means it has been grafted. This
achievements for any gardener. Yet, vines grapes you've grown yourself, as it will have graft union should be planted above the
are easy to grow, in fact, once established, it its own unique characteristics, reflecting the level of the soil.
can be hard to stop them growing, with new conditions of your garden. Grape vines are climbing plants, and
shoots putting on up to 5cm of growth a day therefore will need some sort of wire or post
in the summer. My 'Champagne arch' structure for their tendrils to cling onto. Plant
Vines crop readily two or three I'm planting two grape vines on either side grape vines at 1.5m apart, if you are planting
years after planting, and one of the many of an arch this month. In two or three years, a row of them to create a mini vineyard.
advantages of growing them is they don't it should produce enough grapes to produce
need to take up much space as grape vines about 10 bottles of wine. The varieties I've Pruning
can be trained vertically on fences, walls, chosen are both world famous grapes There are numerous methods of pruning
pergolas and arches. from France; ‘Pinot noir’ (black grape) and grape vines, but the simplest method, when
‘Chardonnay’ (white grape). Both grapes training them up and over an arch is to
Discover your are two of the three varieties used to make prune new growth back to five leaves in late
garden's unique 'terroir' Champagne (the other variety being ‘Pinot summer, and then prune the new growth
As wine lovers will tell you, the flavour and meunier’). For this reason, I'm calling my again back to two buds in winter.
aroma of any wine is a reflection of the place arch the 'Champagne arch'.
it is grown in, which includes the micro- Choosing grape varieties
climate, aspect and nutrients and minerals Planting a grape vine There are generally two different types of
of the soil. In France, they have a word for Most wine varieties can be grown outside, grapes; white and black grapes. It is the skins
this called 'terroir', which doesn't translate although there are some that are hardier of the black grapes that are used to make
directly into English, but describes the than others. All grapes require full sun and red wine, by leaving the skins in contact
individuality of different wines, due to the a sheltered position. Avoid frost pockets and with the juice. If you squeeze black grapes,
unique soil, aspect and climate of where the choose wine grapes that will ripen early without skin contact, you will have white
vine is grown. enough to give a long enough season to juice. One famous example is Champagne,
For example, a wine made from grape ripen fully on the vine. which uses ‘Pinot noir’, a black grape as one
vines planted on a south-facing slope, in Vines thrive in a range of different soil of its main varieties for creating their world
a chalk soil, with light sea breezes, will conditions, but will benefit from having famous sparkling wine.
xx
GYO
says
Remember
sterilisation is
crucial in wine
making – not a
Expert step to skip!
advice
To make high-quality wine, choose a wine Step-by-step:

grape. Wine can be made from dessert
grapes, such as ‘Black Hamburgh’ or ‘Muscat 1 Pick the grapes when they are at their
ripest and sweetest. The sweeter they
are, the more sugar there is to convert into Grape vines are
of Alexandria’, but they lack the acidity that
wine grapes possess, and can therefore higher alcohol levels.
climbing plants, and
taste slightly 'flabby' and not have the 'bite'
that wine requires. There are many suitable 2 Squeeze the grapes through a muslin bag
or sieve and into a bowl. Keep squeezing
bunches of grapes until you have about 4.5 therefore will need
wine grapes for growing outside, and my
favourites include: litres (a gallon, or demijohn)
some sort of wire or
White grapes: 3 Add a wine yeast and wine nutrient
according to the instructions on the label. post structure for their
‘Chardonnay’, ‘Bacchus’, ‘Phoenix’
and ‘Orion’ 4 Cover the bowl with a tea cloth, leave
in a warm place, such as an airing
cupboard, if you have one.
tendrils to cling onto
Black Grapes:
‘Dornfelder’, ‘Pinot Noir’, ‘Regent’
5 After a few days, the bubbling of the
primary fermentation should have
How to make wine slowed down.
To make a demijohn of wine you will need:
Wine grapes, wine yeast, wine nutrient,
6 Pour the liquid into a demijohn. Fill it up
to the bottom of the neck. Fit an airlock.
campden tablet
Demijohn, sieve or muslin cloth, large
7 After about a month, use a siphon tube
to move the wine into a new clean,
demijohn, taking care to leave the sediment
bowl, air lock, siphon tube, 6x75cl
at the bottom of the old demijohn. Top up
wine bottles
with water, if the new demijohn is now low.
Always sterilise equipment, bottles, bowls
and demijohns before using
8 Leave until the bubbling has stopped
completely. Then add a campden tablet
to prevent any further fermentation.
Top Make sure the grape variety you

are choosing is suitable for your
9 Pour the liquid into sterilised wine bottles.
You will need 6 x 75cl bottles per demijohn.
tip! conditions, and wine making 10 Seal with a plastic cork. Leave to rest
for a few weeks before drinking.
OCTOBER
UNDER Dos & Don’ts

DO bring container vegetables,
including annual herbs and salads,
COVER
Make the most of your greenhouse and polytunnel
indoors under cover as the weather
cools to keep them cropping for
longer. A cool greenhouse is ideal, but
a conservatory or even the lee of a
house will do as long as it keeps them
sheltered from the winter weather. With
with these top tips and growing advice luck you’ll extend the season by several
weeks, giving you fresh pickings well
WORDS: Sally Nex
beyond autumn.
How to avoid: Green tomatoes DON’T leave autumn-sown broad

beans inside the greenhouse once
You and your tomatoes are in a race stress plants and germinated: if seedlings are too warm
against the dipping sun now. Your make them ripen they grow long and lanky, making weak
fruits faster. plants that topple over once planted
challenge is to see how many green
and are prone to stem rots. Instead
tomatoes you can turn red before As autumn turns move them outside as soon as seedlings
you have to admit defeat and start cooler, though, it’s time poke above the compost – place on an
making chutney. to intervene. Take each plant outdoor shelf safe from mice and slugs,
Ripen on the plant for as long as carefully off its supports and uproot it. for sturdy young plants by planting out
possible. Take down shade netting, Hang upside down in a spare room, time in February.
raise blinds and wash off shading paint, garage or conservatory: good light You can still take harvests
then remove large leaves overhanging isn’t necessary as it’s the warmth that Top
your fruit. Cut back on watering to counts. Pick fruit as it ripens. tip! from herbs brought inside,
perfect for flavouring dishes
Sow now:
Early summer cauliflowers 3 VARIETIES TO TRY:
Let’s face it: cauliflowers aren’t the easiest of vegetables ‘Snowball’ is the go-to variety
to grow. They need perfect conditions: not too wet, for classic white, round-hearted
not too dry, not too hot and not too cold. It’s not cauliflowers. It’s been popular since
helpful, either, that there are several different types, all the 19th century and is hard to beat
requiring a slightly different regime of sowing, planting for sheer reliability
out and harvesting. (suttons.co.uk)
But early summer varieties are the ones to choose if
you’re trying caulis for the first time, as they’re quick to ‘Nessie’ is another superb early
mature so there’s less time to get it wrong. They’re also summer variety, handsome, dense-
doing most of their growing through spring and early hearted and vigorous with the curds
summer, when rain is frequent but sunshine is too – so well protected by hefty blue-green
conditions are as close to perfect as you can get. leaves (dobies.co.uk)
Sow early summer caulis now to overwinter as
seedlings for the quickest results. Fill 7cm pots with ‘Barcelona’ has fine quality
compost and sow two seeds into each: once they’re curds with a very good flavour; it
up, thin to the strongest seedling and grow on in a cool overwinters particularly well and
greenhouse or cold frame. Then next February, harden is one of the earliest to mature
the young plants off carefully and plant them out in (moreveg.co.uk)
rich but firm soil under insect-proof mesh.
Expert advice
TECHNIQUE
Step by step: Bring citrus indoors for winter
Citrus trees, including lemons, kumquats, limes and grapefruit, are surprisingly hardy, and
cope with temperatures as low as -5°C. Unless you live in a very sheltered microclimate,
though, you’ll still need to move them indoors for winter.
1 2
Store root vegetables

Many root veg wait perfectly happily in
the ground through winter until you’re
ready to harvest them. But nowadays
Before you do anything, find the right Once you’ve found the ideal place (often winters are much milder, so they
spot. It doesn’t have to be warm – in fact a frost-free greenhouse or unheated continue growing and turn over-mature
overheating your citrus will stress the plant. conservatory) move your citrus tree in and woody. Hungry pests also relish
The best place has bright light, a constant, gradually. Any sudden change will send the an out-of-season snack, so the longer
moderate temperature of 5-10°C and high plant into shock. Start with two hours a day you leave roots in the ground, the more
humidity – if the room is dry enough for soft indoors to begin with, moving it back outside damaged they get.
furnishings, your citrus tree won’t like it. for most of the day. Harvest your roots in peak condition
just before winter and you can pack
3 4 them away until you need them.
Prepare your veg, twisting off the tops
and brushing off excess dirt. Then
line a wooden or cardboard box with
newspaper and put a 5cm layer of
dampened sand in the bottom. Lay roots
on top so they aren’t touching, cover
with more sand, and repeat till the box
is full.
Build up the length of time you’re leaving Once your citrus tree is settled in, water only
your citrus tree inside over a period of about once every 10 days or so. Keep a close eye
two weeks, adding an extra hour each day out for problems: the two most common are
until eventually it’s living indoors all the time. excessive leaf drop, usually due to over (or
Cut down on the water to keep your tree under) watering or hot, dry temperatures,
on the dry side, and switch to a specially- and sooty mould on the leaves caused by
formulated feed to support flowers and fruit. scale insects – spray with insecticidal soap.
Weekend Project: Build your own

greenhouse staging Next, cut a pallet in half, trimming off any
excess wood to make two slatted shelves.
Come spring, however much staging you You can make narrower shelves for the top
have, you’re bound to run out of room. and add a wider shelf at ground level, or
Instead of bankrupting yourself buying just have the narrower shelves, or a single
more, just install a home-made version: wider bench-style shelf at the top – the
it’s cheap and cheerful but it does the job, beauty of making your own is that you can
provides you with extra space for seedlings, customise it just the way you want.
and you can always dismantle it once Now measure the depth of the shelves
you’ve finished. and cut two battens to match for each shelf.
Start by making four uprights from Screw the battens in place across each pair
scrap wood or fence posts, cut to the height of uprights at regular intervals, making sure
you want the shelf. If you’re using fence they’re level. Then simply sit the shelves on
posts you can knock them into the ground a top of the battens, screw in place and your
little way to give your staging more stability. staging is ready to use!
PICK OF THE CROP
Bird
feeders
Four arm feeding station Treat your garden Edessa multi-feeder
(£19.99) Use code GM5 visiting friends (£12.99)
This four arm feeding station is a one-stop This is a durable, powder-coated metal
shop for garden birds. Its strong, stable,
smart design includes seed, peanut, fat ball
to these feeding feeder that is divided in to two parts, making
it suitable for feeding seed mixes and
and suet pellet feeders. Use GM5 to get at
advertised price at lovegardenbirds.co.uk
stations this autumn peanuts or suet pellets simultaneously and
safely to your garden birds, all year round
Love Garden Birds CJ Wildlife
Ceramic bird feeder Copper finish twin feeder Telephone box bird feeder
(£12.99) (£29.00) (£35.00)
This colourful hanging bird feeder is great for The unique design acts as a seed feeder on A fun bird feeder in the style of a traditional
seeds, suet pellets and mealworms and looks one side and a nut feeder on the other so a red telephone box! It’s ideal for outdoor use
great too. It’s supplied with a strong steel whole variety of garden birds will be well fed and a great feature for your garden. Fill with
hanging wire and made in hi-fired colourful including tits, finches and woodpeckers! It peanuts, seed mix or sunflower seeds and
ceramic for frost resistance also comes with a lid and a tray watch as birds drop in to make a quick call
RSPB Waltons Gardenis
1
Even though it’s tempting to harvest
pumpkins as soon as a good size is
reached, it’s important to leave them
on the plant to ripen. You can speed up the
ripening process by pruning sideshoots
and removing extra foliage. Place a wooden
board or tile underneath each one.
2
If your pumpkins are on the smaller
SIMPLE STEP-BY-STEP: side, then turn them a quarter-inch

every few days, as this will make the
most of the autumn sunshine, increasing
PUMPKIN the size. Rotating the fruits also helps to

encourage a nice round, even shape and
less deformities.
PICKING
Get great gourds with our easy-to-follow guide
W
ho doesn’t love the sight of a pumpkin patch in the month of October,
especially around Halloween? We know we do! For the past three
months or so, you’ve been patiently watering,
feeding and inspecting your pumpkins, dreaming
of the day when you’ll finally be able to cut the
fruits from their stems and store, consume or
carve them. Well, harvest time is here – hurrah!
Even though it might be tempting, don’t rush
3
to pick your plants straight away, as there’s a In an ideal world – pick your
few extra steps, and special requirements, pumpkins before the first frost.
that have to be completed first. To get However, if your gourds aren’t ready
started, read our simple step-by-step on before this date, don’t panic. You can protect
picking, curing and carving, so that you them from frost damage by covering with
can get the most out of your gourds. suitable frost protections, such as cloches,
blankets and plastic sheets.
Practical project
Use pumpkin in: Thai Red Curry
and Pumpkin Noodles
Serves four
Ingredients
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 red onion, sliced
100 g (3 oz) red curry paste
3–5 garlic cloves, crushed
About 400 g (14 oz) pumpkin,
seeded and diced
About 400 g (14 oz) tofu, drained
and pressed, then cut into
bite-size pieces
1 litre (34 fl oz/4 cups) veggie
4
Your pumpkins will be ready to
7
Keep your crop in a dry, cool and stock or vegan ‘chicken’ stock
harvest as soon as the skins have well-ventilated place, which could 400 ml (14 fl oz) tin coconut milk
turned a deep colour and ring be a spare room, a frost-free cellar or Generous bunch of chard leaves
hollow when tapped. Use a sharp knife or the shed. Store stalk-downwards on a rack torn into bite-size pieces
pruners to cut each fruit from the stem, layered with newspaper or straw. Choosing and washed well
leaving 10cm attached. Cutting the stem a rack over a soft surface helps to increase Salt
any shorter can result in faster decay. air-flow and prevents rotting. 200 g (7 oz) pad Thai (flat rice)
noodles
To garnish:
Few handfuls of roasted cashews,
slightly crushed
Handful of fresh coriander
1 lime, halved (optional)
1 Heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan

over a medium-high heat. Once melted,
add the onions and cook for a good five
minutes, until soft and starting to turn
translucent. Add the curry paste and garlic
and stir constantly for a minute or so,
until the curry paste is fragrant. Add the
pumpkin and tofu and cook, stirring, for a
couple of minutes, then add the stock and
5 8
Before hardening your pumpkin, Watch out – rats love to nibble at
make sure you brush off any excess pumpkins and other stored goods coconut milk. Increase the heat to
dirt and debris from your pumpkins. like squash and apples. Make sure high, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat
Some gardeners wash their fruits with to store fruits somewhere secure and to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring
soapy water in order to kill of pathogens inspect specimens every now and again. If occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until
and discourage rotting, but this is not an you suspect that rats have gotten to them, the pumpkin is almost tender and the edges
essential method. remove and do not consume. of the pieces are melting into the soup broth.
Add the chard and cook for another two
minutes, then remove from the heat. Season
to taste (if necessary: the stock might make it
salty enough).
2 Add the noodles to the pan, nestling

them in the broth, then cover and leave
for five minutes. After five minutes, give the
noodles a stir and check how well cooked
they are: you may need to cover them for
another minute or two, depending on the
brand of noodle.
3 Ladle the noodles and curried pumpkin

into bowls and top with cashews,
coriander and a squeeze of lime juice (if
using). Enjoy immediately.
4 Leftovers will thicken significantly but
9
If you’re growing pumpkins for
6
Allow your pumpkins to harden (cure) it’s really delicious the next day (and will
in the sun for at least two weeks. carving, choose one that is firm, fresh keep in the refrigerator for up to four days).
Leave outside in the sunshine or in the and has a sturdy stalk and a flat
greenhouse and turn every few days so that bottom so it won’t roll away when you cut Buy the book!
it. There are so many ways eat pumpkins, Vegan One-Pot Wonders by
they cure evenly. Alternatively, leave your
too. Have a look online or in recipe books Jessica Prescott (Hardie Grant,
pumpkin on the same side for one week,
£15) Photography ©Bec Hudson
then flip over onto the other side the next. for inspiration on what to do with them.
Garden Organic
masterclass:
MAKING
HEALTHY
COMPOST
Anton Rosenfeld tells you how to get the
best from your garden matter
M
aking compost at home is a win- Diseased plants are a complex issue. The
win all round. You are taking short answer is ‘if in doubt leave it out’.
garden waste and turning it into Some diseases won’t survive the composting
a useful product that can be used in your process as they require living plant material
garden. Plus, you are doing it in your own to propagate, but others, such as clubroot
garden, so avoiding the need for any lorries produce spores which will survive in a
to collect it then distribute it again. Despite home compost heap. All this requires
this, compost is often met with caution. knowledge of the particular disease, so
Will I be spreading diseases, weed seeds unless you are really sure, we would put the
or contaminating my soil with unwanted material in the council green bin where it is
chemicals? However, with a bit of care, all of taken away to be composted at high enough
these potential problems can be avoided. temperatures to break it down.
Many things can be composted including There are many other materials which
vegetable peelings, grass clippings, soft are surrounded by a mass of conflicting
prunings, straw, cardboard and coffee information. Printed paper with coloured
grounds. To make healthy compost, we ink is one. These days, the vast majority of
should have a 50:50 mix of wet green inks are vegetable based, and analysis has
materials with drier materials, and there shown that the level of contaminants are
should be air spaces to let it breathe. minimal, so this can be safely composted.
However, there are some things that should Teabags are a different story – most
be left out of your compost. teabags still contain small amounts of plastic
Let’s start with the weeds. There are fibres in the casing, although some brands
generally two classes of weeds: annual have managed to remove this now. Unless
and perennial. Annual weeds mainly you want to spend the next year picking
reproduce through seeds. Examples include plastic fibres out of your compost, we would
chickweed, red dead nettle, speedwell and strongly recommend that you rip them
fat hen. As long as there are no seed heads, open and only put the inner tealeaves in the
you can safely put them in your compost compost. Or better, use loose-leaved tea.
heap. Perennial weeds reproduce through The art of composting can be as simple
storage structures such as tap roots, runners or complex as you want to make it, and
and stolons and are potentially more armed with a little bit of knowledge, most
troublesome. Examples include bindweed, of your green household and garden waste
horsetail and creeping thistle. We will give can be dealt with at home. For everything
advice on how to deal with these in your you need to know about composting, visit
compost on the next page. gardenorganic.org.uk/compost
Organic gardening
How to deal with

perennial weeds
1 Any above-ground material with

no roots or seed heads can be
safely added to your compost
2 Take the roots and cut up any

larger pieces. Put them in a
bucket of water to drown
3 things that should stay out of your compost
Cooked food Grass clippings

3 After six weeks, they should
have broken down into an
unrecognisable ‘gloop’
Unless your compost bin is completely From lawns treated with clopyralid
rodent proof (such as a hot bin or herbicide. Check the label on the
Green Johanna), cooked food will products that you or any other
rapidly attract a family of rats and all gardeners have used to make sure.
their friends. Many councils collect It will survive the composting process
food waste to be processed in an and the resulting compost will act
anaerobic digester. as a mild weed killer, giving rise to
distorted crazy-looking plants. If in
Perennial weed roots doubt, test on broad beans, which are
The likes of bindweed, dandelion, the most sensitive. Hopefully attitudes
creeping buttercup stand a good are changing, so that people are able
chance of surviving in domestic to see the benefits of a few flowering
compost, which generally doesn’t get weeds in their lawns, and no longer
that hot. You will then be spreading
weeds around in your compost.
feel the need to use these products as
much as before.
4 This can now safely be added
to your compost, including
the liquid.
Advertorial feature
OVERWINTER
THIS WINTER!
There’s lots of reasons to keep your plot busy over the colder months, here
are the ideas and product inspiration you need to know about
Protect your plants
I
t can be a tough few months for plants and veg. Be careful that your plants do not
coming up, having to battle frost and bad Covering your plants allows them to thrive sweat and rot – remove the covers when
weather isn’t easy. Thankfully, there are in slightly warmer conditions than those mild weather is forecast.
ways around these barriers – a variety of they would otherwise endure. Items such Keep reading for the products that
methods that help to overwinter your crops as cloches and polytunnels are perfect will make nurturing and caring for
can be used to maintain the health of your for this task. Cloches allow sunlight to overwintering crops even easier.
edibles into spring, rewarding you with reach foliage whilst protecting against
strong new growth and bumper harvests. cold temperatures and wind, and they also
Greenhouses, fleece tunnels, and many other trap heat, thereby warming the soil and
products are perfect for this season – take a air underneath. Polytunnels made from
look at the following information to find the plastic or a sturdy fabric can cover rows
right item for your plot. of seedlings, transplants or other tender
fruit and veg to keep the temperature
What to grow over winter sufficiently warm. This will also help to
There are a selection of edibles that are give half-hardy edibles a head start later.
suitable for growing outdoors during the
winter months. These types of plant are Other overwintering methods
normally fully hardy, so they will be able to Depending on the types of plants you
cope with the cold weather. If hard frosts are growing, it could be beneficial to
are forecast, consider covering your crops protect them with thick, dry mulch. Globe
with fleece for added protection. You can artichokes benefit from this – consider
plant out onions, shallots and garlic, or using straw, garden compost, chipped
grow spring onions and perpetual spinach. bark or well- rotted manure. Another way
You could even sow hardy varieties of peas of successfully overwintering edibles
for an extra early yield next year. If you is to wrap them up – this is particularly
would rather play it safe, cultivate veg such effective with trees. In exposed areas,
as carrots, winter salads and pak choi in even hardy ones may need additional
the greenhouse in cells this season, ready protection. Wrappings should be put in
to be transplanted into the ground or in place at the first signs of frost – materials
polytunnels, cloches and cold frames as the such as fleece, polystyrene, hessian and
weather slowly warms. straw can be used to insulate your fruit
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GARDENING for
WELLBEING
Grow stunning
sunflowers in the
kitchen garden,
and use the seeds
for a refreshing
face scrub, says
Ellen Mary
T
he end of the summer marks many
momentous moments. The lowering
of the sun, the drop in temperature
and those oh-so gorgeous initial changes
of colour in the leaves. Autumn is
approaching but summer still hangs on and
it’s one of my favourite months of the year.
Harvests are still coming, late colour in the
garden seems all the more special and an
enormous sense of satisfaction for the past
growing season appears like a ray of early
evening sun. Yet we are also preparing for
the winter months ahead.
Moving forward positively having
reflected on the past is a meaningful
exercise, so not only can we do that based
on what has happened in the garden over
the past months but also the same applies Bear’ with their fluffy yellow flowers grow up out when necessary and make sure they are
for life in general. Reflection is important for to 60cm high and still pack a sunny punch. hardened off during the day for a few weeks
growth and wellbeing. Overall, they bring a smile to any allotment, before planting out during mid to late spring.
kitchen garden or balcony plus the birds Young plants might need some protection
The benefits of growing and the bees will enjoy them just as much from slugs and snails and they will need
sunflowers in the kitchen garden as you. The seed heads during autumn are plenty of sun (it’s in the name after all) as
The obvious reason for growing sunflowers simply stunning and you may even attract a they will turn to face the sunshine. Finding a
is simply how stunning they are! There are goldfinch looking for its next meal. field of sunflowers is one the most fantastic
few kitchen gardens without them. Adults and uplifting sights! Water as needed and be
love them, kids compete for height when How to grow prepared to possibly provide support as they
growing them and wildlife enjoy them, too, Sunflowers are just so easy and reliable to grow tall to help ensure they aren’t damaged
so there isn't much not to love. Secretly, I grow, there is no wonder they continue to be in bad weather. Adding in some mulch will
am pretty sure down my allotment most one of the most popular plants growing all help retain some moisture as well.
people are keeping an eye on who has around the world during the summer months.
grown the tallest on the site. They can be sown undercover early spring, History of the sunflower
But, when it comes to sunflowers, size preferably one or two seeds per 9cm pot to Native to north western America, sunflowers
really isn't everything. Whilst the Helianthus about 1cm deep or you can wait until late were grown and used medicinally by
‘Titan’ sunflower can produce flowers up to spring when the soil has warmed up and sow indigenous tribes going back to 3,000 BC.
60cm wide, smaller varieties such as ‘Teddy them directly outside. If you sow in pots, thin Seeds were ground into flour for baking
Expert advice
GARDENING
FOR
wellbeing
HOW TO MAKE
A SUNFLOWER
FACE SCRUB
With so much vitamin E in the seeds,
using them to create skin cleansing and
glowing products is perfect and really
simple. This can help with the signs of
ageing and reviving dull skin. If you
have redness or any irritation it is a
good idea to calm that first before using
this scrub but I love it for it’s absolute
ease to make and no waste involved.
Ingredients
Sunflower seeds
Essential oils
Water/rose water
Step-by-step
1. Blitz 225g of sunflower seeds in a food
and some tribes mixed the seed with other processor for about one minute, until
vegetables such as beans, squash and corn very fine
from the ‘three sisters’ companion growing 2. Transfer to a storage container and
method. Seeds were used to squeeze oil keep in the fridge
to make bread and the plant used to heal 3. Scoop a tablespoon into your hand
snakebites, make dye, eat and drink for when you want to use it
energy plus the thick dried stalks were used 4. Drop in a few drops of essential oil such
in buildings. It was much later that Russia as lavender or chamomile
commercialised oil making and we now use 5. Add a little water if needed to make into
sunflowers in many food products today. a thick paste (you could use rose water)
We now eat the seeds in many ways from 6. Gently use on your face in a light
a handful sprinkled on salads to a healthy circular motion with the tips of your
addition to smoothies and sunflower oil isn’t fingers (avoid your eye area)
just used for cooking, it is also found in many
cosmetics as it’s so good for the skin. The If you would prefer to use a smooth face
seeds make excellent microgreens, sown into mask rather than a scrub. Just soak the
a growing medium and harvested at 10cm for seeds in almond milk overnight first.
a quick burst of nutrition with low calories.
They include vitamin E, B, zinc, selenium and Stay up to date with Ellen Mary! Visit
much more. Don’t forget the birds, sunflower ellenmarygardening.co.uk and follow
seeds are a great source of food for our her on instagram @ellenmarygardening.
feathered friends.
THE EDIBLE
WINDOWSILL
Kim Stoddart advocates bringing the outdoors in
for winter-long produce growing opportunities
W
hat a year it has been. During salad – how could you possibly go back
lockdown for so many of us the to bland, shop-bought, bleached bagged
ability to nurture home grown leaves? There is simply no comparison to
produce helped us cope. Our gardens and lettuce freshly picked and plated. No plastic,
allotments became our sanctuary. Growing no waste, just delicious leaves that you have
fruit and vegetables was something we had lovingly nurtured into life. That’s food for the
control over amidst all the horrible things soul as much as the plate.
happening otherwise. Pick-and-come-again varieties are easiest
Now, as the seasons change and the for windowsill growing and making the best
world continues to be a rather scary use of space as the more you harvest, the For a zingy taste of summer, coriander,
and uncertain place, we still need the more you get. Fantastic. dill, fennel, mint, chive and basil can be
opportunity to grow our own more than successfully added to the windowsill mix.
ever. Just because the natural world outside Happiness in herbs Start by either germinating seeds for use as
has started to slow down and slumber, it As well as the herbs that can be reliably microherbs in a small pot, or you can afford
doesn’t mean we have to. There are plenty overwintered outside (sage, thyme and plants more space (in bigger pots or tubs)
of opportunities for windowsill growing still rosemary), herbs that would otherwise lie for wider, long-term picking opportunities.
to keep us nourished inside and out for the dormant or die, can be reliably grown on For a head start on growth, buy a
long months ahead. indoors. Parsley will stand firm outdoors in supermarket herb pot and divide the
a sheltered spot in your garden but if you seedlings within into many batches. Plant
What to grow bring it in, then you’ll get lots of lovely new deeply to provide the overcrowded spindly
Pick-and-come-again salad leaves growth for vitamin C -packed loveliness all herbs the support and nutrients they need to
Once you’ve tasted home grown mixed year round. grow on in your home.
Expert advice
GETTING STARTED
Choose your location How to keep plants healthy
Pick a warm, drought-free, sunny Get your watering right. Indoors it’s
windowsill as an ideal home for your very easy to over or under water
indoor growing. Away from radiators plants and radiators can make the
would also be preferable. surface area of compost dry out
That said, most plants will tolerate a quickly so the only surefire way to see
bit of cold, with the exception of basil, so whether your plants need watering
why not bring the outdoors in by packing is to stick your fingers in the soil to
in plants at each and every opportunity check moisture levels underneath.
throughout your home.
Many children have really found a love Keep picking. The more you
for gardening during lockdown so why not harvest – the more they will grow.
keep this going with the addition of some Add a mulch of multipurpose
bedroom-based plants? compost. This helps to provide
added nutrients to your potted
Germination plants during winter. It also helps to
A sunny, warm spot is preferable when improve the soil structure.
it comes to the coaxing of seed into new Check if plants need repotting.
growth at this time of year. Sow directly If the leaves start turning yellow
into peat-free seed compost in your chosen that could be a sign they need more
pots and clingfilm (or glass) could be space. Also, have a look under your
added over the top to help persuade your pot to see if plant roots are starting
seeds to spring into life out of season. to poke out then repot.
Make room for roots

Home grown baby carrots in winter are the
bomb. They look and taste so incredibly
good and they are very easy to grow inside
for year round use. Simply sow lots of seed
in your chosen container either alone,
or mixed in with other produce in any
available gaps.
Indoor growing in this way avoids the
risk of carrot fly and enables you to thin out
your carrots for delicious baby roots which
can be cooked whole without any need for
peeling. They can be added to a variety of
dishes or simply sautéed in a little butter and
seasoning for a meal to truly impress. Radish
and baby beetroot can also be grown on a
windowsill in this way.
Oriental leaves
Sow now from one of the mixed leaves
packets of seed you can get for a punchy
mix of young pak choi, mustard, Chinese
greens, mizuna, mibuna and more. All of
these are great to grow mixed in together
in a pot for multiple baby leaf picking
opportunities.
Raise
rhubarb
Introduce this productive perennial
to the plot this autumn
STEP TWO
F
or many gardeners, rhubarb, along dormancy and ensures a good crop of stalks
with tomatoes, courgettes and beans, is Pick out a sunny, weed-free spot and the following annum.
a garden staple – and it might well be prepare the position for planting by digging
one of the first plants introduced to the plot! in two bucketfuls per square metre of well- STEP SIX
There are so many reasons for this decision, rotted manure. Remember, rhubarb is not a Your rhubarb might look ripe for the picking
not forgetting the fact that rhubarb has a fan of disturbance, so make that the spot you the first year after planting – but resist!
terrifically tart taste, brilliant at balancing choose can be its permanent residence for Picking now will zap the plant's energy,
out the sweetness in tarts, pies and puds. For up to at least a decade. something it needs in the first twelve months
a start: this plant is super simple to grow and to establish a good root system and to bulk
once planted and cared for well, it can be STEP THREE out the young crowns. In the following year,
productive for up to 12 years. Dig a hole in the site, slightly wider than harvest a little, but not a lot – taking only two
Getting started with rhubarb, however, the crown, then carefully lower the young or three stems per plant. In the third year,
can feel daunting, since there are lots of plant in and back-fill in around it with the you can harvest half the clump, leaving the
different varieties to choose from and early soil. Next, eliminate air pockets, as these can rest to power the plant on to the next season.
forcing can confuse some growers. As well cause the crowns to dry out, by firming-in
as this, rhubarb is grown from crowns, with the heel of your shoe as you go. The tip Rhubarb pests,
established plants at least one year old, – or bud – of the crown should be at or just diseases and remedies
which have unusual appearances, something below soil level to give it enough of a chance Thankfully, rhubarb does not suffer from too
that can also be off-putting. However, it's our to break through. However, growers with many pests and diseases, but there are a few
job to remind you that rhubarb is not just slightly heavier soil might want to plant them things to look out for. We've highlighted the
reserved for experienced gardeners. Rather, slightly higher to prevent crown rot. three most likely problems to plague your
anyone can grow this plant, and grow it well. plants, and how to prevent them.
Follow our super simple guide to growing STEP FOUR
rhubarb below, and you'll be enjoying When planting, bear in mind that the stems Slugs and snails
productive harvests year after year. and leaves will grow out 60cm from the plant Even though rhubarb is extremely resistant,
in every direction. For this reason, allow for it's still not safe from slugs and snails. These
How to grow 75-90cm between plants and 30cm between bothersome beasties love to munch on
STEP ONE rows. If growing a larger variety, space these young seedlings and the leaves of adult
Ambitious growers might want to try out 1.2m apart. Make sure to puddle in plants to plants. Each gardener will have their own
growing rhubarb from seed. However, it's far allow the soil to settle in around them. individual approach for getting rid of slugs
more popular and easier to grow this plant and snails. We recommend starting with
from dormant crowns. Crowns look like STEP FIVE non-chemical controls such as beer traps,
short stumpy clods of soil with little pieces Apply a 2-5cm layer of mulch around the eggshells and copper tapes.
of rhubarb poking up out of the top. Don't crown of the plants in the spring. If you plant
be alarmed, this is what they're supposed to rhubarb now, or later in winter, plants will Crown rot
look like, and these can go straight into the also benefit from fertilisers throughout the Crown rot is perhaps one the most common
ground in the dormant period from October first summer such as nitrogen-rich organic problems to befall rhubarb. It's a fungal
to March. Pot-grown rhubarb can be planted general fertiliser. In spring, cut away the disease that starts at the base of the stalks.
whenever, but it's still recommend to plant flower shoots, as these will absorb all of the Signs of this problem include unhealthy-
during this time. This is because, during hot plants energy. You should also remove dead looking plants and rotting, brown crowns. To
weather, the plants require more watering top growth in autumn in order to expose the stop crown rot from taking over, swift action
which can be hard to keep on top of. crown to frost. The cold temperatures break is required. This is because it spreads to the
Expert Advice
"This plant is super simple to grow and once

planted and cared for well, it can be productive
for up to twelve years"
stems and foliage in a flash before the plant

dies altogether. To save the rhubarb, remove
affected area and dispose. Sometimes,
however, there's no saving the plant, so dig it
up and start again.
Honey fungus
Honey fungus, the general name given
to Armillaria fungus, attacks the roots of
perennial plants, including rhubarb. The
fungus spreads underground and no plant
is truly safe from it. Above ground, the plant
dies, the leaves grow stunted and sometimes
mushrooms sprout from the infected material.
If your rhubarb has got honey fungus, there's
not much you can do, beside digging it up,
destroying it and planting new crowns far
away from the original area.
Know.
TRIED&
TESTED: Value
Durability
Practicality
Digging tools The garden prong (Prongcroft) £14.99

The garden prong is a unique design, created to make easy-work
of aerating small areas of soil, such as in containers and raised
This month, Simon is beds. Due to the ‘missing’ middle prong, it also enables weeds to
be removed around the base of plants, without damaging them.
taking some terrific It is a high-quality product, which is lightweight and easy to use.
The small protrusion in the centre of the prong, helps prise out the
tools for a spin in his weed by its roots, avoiding leaving roots in the ground. There are
edible garden three sizes of handle, (short, medium and long handled) and the
polished stainless steel of the blade reduces down soil adhesion,
which makes it easy to use.
M
ost gardeners love quality hand tools that make light
work of some of the more arduous or labour intensive
gardening jobs. This month I’m putting digging tools
under the spotlight, to see whether they make tasks in the
garden easier, and help me become more efficient in my work.
I’m testing a back saving device that reduces the need to bend
when digging, and a handheld gardening prong that makes
it easier to cultivate the soil than standard gardening forks.
Finally, I’m testing a range of high-quality digging tools with
carbon steel blades that I’m hoping will make working in the
garden a pleasure rather than a chore.
Value
Durability
Practicality
Backsaver Autospade
(Backsaver Garden Tools Ltd) from £99.00
This ingenious digging implement allows you to dig from an upright
standing position, avoiding the need to bend, lift and turn soil. After
a bit of practise, you are able to dig up to twice the speed as a
convention spade, without risking damage to your back. It works
by pushing the blade into the ground at a backward angle, placing
your foot on the footplate and pulling back the handle which pivots
and levers out the soil with minimum effort. The T-bar handle is
adjustable, to suit your height and is comfortable to grip. An added
benefit is that there is also an interchangeable fork blade, that can
be easily swapped. There are both stainless steel or carbon steel
blades available. This is the perfect tool for those who wish to avoid
straining their back, and wish to make light work of digging.
Product review
Long Handled Trowel, Weed Fork and Cultivator
Value (Greenman Garden Tools) All £13.99
This high-quality range of long-handled tools from Greenman, are
Durability ideal for cultivating the garden, while reducing the need for bending
Practicality down. I tested the long handled trowel, weed fork and three pronged
cultivator and they were a pleasure to use. They all had a beautifully
crafted, 50cm ash handle combined with a strong lipped socket, to
strengthen the bond between the blade and the handle. The trowel
had a lovely deep dished blade, meaning soil or compost didn’t fall off
it easily, while the weed fork enabled me to pull the most pernicious
of weeds out of the ground. The cultivator had three sharpened,
arrowhead shaped stainless steel tines on a heavy duty stainless steel
tang. A superb range of high quality gardening hand tools.
Value
Durability
Practicality
Half Brite Digging Spade and Digging Fork

(Greenman Garden Tools) both £25.99
Let’s face it, a good quality spade and fork are a gardeners’ best
friend in the horticultural world. The Half Brite digging spade and
fork, I’m delighted to say, were a pleasure to use, making light work
of heavy soil and easily breaking up clods of earth with minimum
effort. The ash handle is of superb quality and craftsmanship. The
carbon steel heads are hard-wearing yet malleable, meaning they
become shaped and honed by the gardener the more they get used,
adjusting to the gardener’s technique. The term half brite, refers to
the bright, polished section of the blade, which shows off the quality
of the blade. A superb, high-quality set of tools from Greenman.
WHERE TO BUY
Backsaver Garden Tools Ltd
01943 870 486, backsavergardentools.co.uk
Prongcroft 01159 830 344, prongcroft.co.uk
Greenman Garden Tools
01484 725 400, greenmangardentools.com
October’s
ALLOTMENT
INSPIRATIONS
On the plot news and advice for the month ahead
Escape to the allotment

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted
in surge of city-dwellers moving to the
countryside in search of ‘the good life’.
According to the property website
Rightmove, enquiries about purchasing a
home in a village increased by 126 per cent
in June and July. The National Allotment
Society has also revealed that applications
for allotments have rocketed in recent
months. The NAS has said: “Local Authorities
are reporting significant rises in waiting list
applications compared to 2019. However,
unless more land is found or released for
use as allotments, the eager gardeners will
have to wait to taste their first home grown
spud. With one in eight of the UK population
having no access to a garden and a rise
in awareness of the fragility of our food
systems, perhaps now is the time for central
government to reassess the potential of
allotments to support public health and make
a significant contribution to food security.”
Q&As
This month we asked you...
Families on the plot
Di Appleyard is mentor co-ordinator for the National Allotment Society Q What veg do you sow
in autumn?
Children love helping out on the family in a container would be suitable for
plot and appreciate having a space that older children and attract pond skaters
is all their own to grow crops or to just and damselflies or even a frog or two,
have fun in; a mud kitchen with make-shift especially if there is somewhere dark,
work station, hanging utensils, teapot and damp and quiet nearby to hide, like an
spatula offers all sorts of opportunities for upturned flowerpot.
imaginative play. Sharing stories and poetry on the plot
Children also enjoy contact with also helps to enhance creativity; how
nature: creating a part of the family plot about creating a story together about the
dedicated to encouraging beneficial insects creatures that inhabit the allotment?
and amphibians will help children to Growing together on an allotment
appreciate the importance of bio-diversity helps families to bond, gives children the
and how the food chain works. Pollinator- opportunity to learn about healthy eating
friendly flowers such as poached egg plant, and where their food comes from, enables
marigolds, honeywort, nasturtiums, French them to let loose their imagination and
marigolds and allium can be sown in spring most important of all — get muddy!
and interspersed amongst the vegetables. For more growing advice on the benefits
Adding an insect, or bee home, made of allotment gardening and much more from
from recycled materials will give the the National Allotment Society, visit the
insects a home in winter. A small pond website nsalg.org.uk
Allotments
OCTOBER JOBS GROWING THE
Get the last remaining apples, frost-free greenhouse. The crops that
pears and quinces off your trees will need protecting or moving now COMMUNITY
this month as fruits hit by a frost include basil, coriander, dill and mint
will suffer tissue damage which can and salads that are still productive
cause them to rot when stored. Sloes, Cut Jerusalem artichokes to ground
on the other hand, prefer a cold level to stop them from blowing over.
snap. Wait until the first hard freeze To remember where they are, make
before picking, to ensure the most sure to leave 20cm above ground
mouthwatering, succulent sloes level. Asparagus needs cutting back
Protect tender and half-hardy this month, too, and the site weeded
plants with fleece or move into a and covered with a good mulch
Eden G Community Garden,
Edenthorpe
Eden G Community Garden has an
incredible story, showing a community
coming together at the beginning of May
2020. When they decided to start the
project, they all had the same aim, which
was to transform an overgrown piece
of wasteland between two residential
developments in Edenthorpe, Doncaster
into a delightful space for all to enjoy. The
land, which now belongs to the parish
council was a mess of thigh-high weeds,
building materials and fly-tipped waste.
The group was initially started
virtually, with the volunteers being made
up of those who were isolating alone,
those who had been furloughed and
whoever wanted to be involved. The
group is open to anyone who wants to join
with the age range of volunteers ranging
from five to over fifty. With regulations
slowly being eased later in May, they were
able to safely start work in the garden.
To help with financing the project,
they started a Go Fund Me page, where
they received an influx of donations from
the public. They hired a digger and skip
“We’ve started next year’s
to clear the site and now, the once disused
cauliflowers, leeks and calabrese,
plot is home to a wildlife garden, adorned
and next week we will start cabbage,
with pollinators, a digging pond that a
winter lettuce and sweet peas.”
family of frogs swiftly moved into, and
TCV_Birmingham, via Twitter
raised beds filled with delicious veggies
such as carrots, parsnips, and pumpkins.
“I usually plant broad bean
Appealing to their younger volunteers,
‘Aquadulce’ so that they mature
they also have a woodland play area, fully
before the black fly hit in the spring.
Onions and shallots overwinter well equipped with a story telling area and
and mature a bit earlier as a result. A mud kitchen.
few brassicas under netting to avoid They plan to open to the public in
bird damage keep us going through October, with the hopes to add a sensory
the winter. Winter gem lettuce area once more funds are raised..
usually do well.” For more information on Cultivation Street
2020 supported by Miracle Gro® visit the
Pat Gething, via Facebook
Did you know? website cultivationstreet.com.
“Salad leaves, rocket, Swiss chard,
broccoli, cauliflower, kohl rabi,
During the WW2 Dig
radicchio, carrots, radishes, beetroot, for Victory campaign,
dwarf peas and beans, mangetout,
second lot of cucumbers, courgettes around 55 per cent of
and herbs. I’ll give anything a go at this
time of year.”
households were growing
Maria Ringrose, via Facebook fruit and veg?
warmth, but it is really important to do this
safely and remember that you are only trying
to take the chill out of the air, not actively
warm the environment up.
Water
If we have a really cold winter, water
sources can freeze up (especially if left out
overnight). Obviously, hens need access to
fresh water, so be sure to regularly check
drinkers. Take them in overnight if at all
possible, as this offers them some protection.
Refill with warm water in the morning, and
remember to keep them topped up and
fresh, as ever.
Feeding
Just like us, hens will sometimes enjoy a
warm meal on a cold day. Mix your crumbs
or pellets with some hot water for a warming
snack for your flock. When you do this, just
put down enough for them to enjoy, don’t
leave it out.
Energy from their food will help keep
your hens warm, so check that feeders are
kept topped up. Also, make sure your hens
aren’t bored, as bullying can happen in these
conditions, and you don’t want any hens kept
away from the food. Make sure the feed is
given some protection from bad weather to
Preparing your prevent it from getting damp. You can give

some extra nutrition in the form of cod liver
oil, or a little extra corn, too.
CHICKENS
FOR WINTER
Keep your flock happy and healthy
once the weather starts to turn
A
s the evenings start to draw in and fixed at the soonest opportunity. Make sure
we can see winter on the horizon, the space is well-insulated, but do not block
the chicken keeper’s thoughts start ventilation, as this can allow parasites to take
to turn to making sure your hens have hold, and is bad for the respiratory systems
everything they need to keep them happy of the chickens.
and well over the winter months. If your structure isn’t set where it is and
In general, these birds are fairly well set can be moved, transporting it to a slightly
up for the cooler months – their feathers keep more sheltered part of your garden or plot is
them cosy and are water-resistant, but it isn’t another good option.
as easy as that. There are considerations At this time of the year, daylight hours
with housing, food and water, all of which we will be short, meaning that your flock will
will look at now. have limited time outside, and limited time
for eating and drinking. Egg production is
Housing likely to drop over this period, too, but is to
It is really important that your hen housing be expected so nothing to worry about. If
doesn’t get damp, and check for any damage this is a problem for you, you can provide
to the structure. Anything that might make artificial light, but this isn’t totally necessary.
your flock vulnerable to cold draughts or In extreme weather conditions, you can
offer easy access to predators should be use heaters to give your girls a little extra
Expert advice
Rose’s top 5 for

OCTOBER
GYO editorial assistant Rose shares her
tasks and resources to improve your plot
Read this
We’re all well aware of the benefits of growing plants
outside, but what about inside? Plant Therapy,
by Dr Katie Cooper, explores the connection
between houseplants and better mental health. As a
psychologist, who worked for the NHS for many years,
Katie shares her scientific research behind the positive
effects of plant care. Each plant has a care guide
containing information on how the species can boost
our mood as well as its growing conditions.
Sweep this
It can feel like an impossible job, but do sweep up some
of the fallen autumn leaves as they provide a perfect
place for slugs, snails and fungal spores to hide. You
can then use these piles to make leaf mould or as a
starting point for new compost bins. Of course, we
like to keep our gardens wildlife-friendly, too – so it’s a
good idea to leave a few leaf piles in borders or several
places in the garden for critters to call their home.
Sow this
If you love broad beans, then don’t wait until spring to
start them off. Instead get a crop in soon for a slightly
earlier harvest. You can sow seeds in pots, or in situ,
but the latter is recommended if you’ve got wet or
frozen soil as the seeds can rot if planted straight
into the ground. Overwinter plants in a cold frame or
greenhouse, ready to plant out from late February.
Harvest this
October is right in the middle of apple picking season,
so carry on collecting. It’s easy to tell when your apples
are ready. For a start, the fruits will taste sweet, some
will have fallen on the ground, and most will be a good
size and coloured-up. There’s so many fruits ripe for
picking this month. Pears, medlars, quinces, autumn
raspberries and melons can all be gathered now.
Insta this
There are so many up and coming gardening pages
on Instagram right now. One of these accounts is
@dees_allotment_journey who is cultivating
cucumbers, blackberries, peas and sunflowers on
her wild allotment in London. Since taking over the
growing space in May, Dee has been sharing her
gardening journey, gaining 1,000 followers in the
process! We’re so inspired by Dee’s progress and
can’t wait to see what she grows next!
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November issue on sale
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Sow your bonus seeds Perfect pears

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Have a go at growing this potent, pungent-flavoured plant We round-up our top five favourite beetroot varieties
PLUS
Apples Find out how to restore an overgrown apple tree
DIY Make a smart and simple pallet organiser for garden tools
Mushrooms Kim Stoddart shows us how to grow fungi
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Behind
the
scenes
15 minutes
with...
DANNY
CLARKE
WORDS: Blake Roberts PHOTO: Homebase
Flowers and herbs such as Californian

We catch up with Danny Clarke to find out poppies, marigolds, borage, sage and mint
planted amongst or near the vegetables will
more about the campaign he’s fronting to keep attract beneficial insects such as ladybirds and
hoverflies which will gobble up the aphids, the
the nation gardening post-lockdown insects that are harming your veg garden.
What’s more, leaving a few carrots and
D
anny Clarke is known for making over Why did you want to be involved with cabbages to flower will also bring aphid-eating
other people’s gardens on BBC show this campaign and why is it important? hoverflies to the area. Installing boxes for
The Instant Gardener, and now he’s on I wanted to help gardeners of all abilities solitary bees so they eat up pests is another
a mission to boost biodiversity by encouraging learn about biodiversity and how they can great way to bring wildlife to your patch and
all gardeners to play their part. We caught support it, no matter the size of their outdoor act as pest-control for your veggies.
up to find out more about how everyone can space. There are loads of really simple things
have an impact on nature in their outdoor you can do that can have a direct, positive As per Homebase’s own stats, 322
spaces, whatever their size. impact on the bugs, bees, birds and wildlife million more plants were planted in
in your local environment. It’s so important 2020 than the year before, what would
Tell us a little about the that we help these species your advice be to new people as we
Great British Green Up thrive and given all of the return to a ‘new normal’ that might
campaign that you’re What might gardens, courtyards and mean less time to garden?
currently working on balconies combined make I’d recommend little and often. You don’t need
with Homebase. feel like a small up a space larger than the to spend hours at a time in the garden tending
As a result of lockdown, Lake District, what might feel to your plants, flowers and trees, but spending
many people have been
change for you like a small change for you a bit of time each day, or every other day,
spending more time in their
gardens and outdoor spaces
contributes to one contributes to a big impact
on the environment for years
tending to your garden will help keep your
plants in tip-top shape – and will give you a bit
with 64 per cent of Brits big impact on the to come. of well-deserved ‘me’ time!
stating they have planted
more in lockdown than they environment for What small tweaks can How have you been spending your
did last year. Given there veg growers make to time in lockdown? What has your
were so many restrictions years to come ensure their plots are lockdown garden looked like this year?
in place, many people good for local wildlife After the initial shock, I learned to embrace
did so as an activity with which to occupy and biodiversity? It can seem the two lockdown by using it as an opportunity to go
themselves, however what we didn’t realise are at odds with one another. on lots of walks. I went on many true voyages
at the time was the positive impact we were While it can sometimes seem that way, the of discovery as I found beautiful wooded areas
collectively having on biodiversity. The Great two definitely don’t have to be at odds if you’re near my home that offered me peace and
British Green Up is Homebase’s call on the smart about what you place and where! For tranquillity. It was also a great chance to be a
nation to keep up the good work and continue example, a small pond will attract wildlife such bit nosey and look into people’s front gardens
gardening for the benefit of biodiversity and as frogs and birds into your vegetable garden for inspiration – it’s surprising how much you
the environment around us. and they are a great form of pest control. see on foot that would be missed in the car!

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LOW-MAINTENANCE GROWING EXCLUSIVE

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