Page 29 - ALG Issue 1 2019

Three crops that need a long growing season
Celeriac
Celeriac is high in fibre and a good source of potassium. Easy, but start early to get good sized roots and keep moist. Early sowings can be made in February to
April under glass in trays or modules at 16-18°C. Sow the seed on the surface of moist seed sowing compost and lightly cover to its own depth. Later sowings can be made in pots or trays in a cold frame
or unheated glasshouse. Early sowings should be pricked off into trays 5cm (2”) apart or modules thinned to one seedling as soon as large enough to handle. Harden off before planting in growing site 30cm (12") apart and 30-35cm (12-14”) between the rows. Do not plant until all danger of frost has passed. Remove some outer leaves in July to expose the crown.
Pepper (Capsicum)
The hot varieties, such as Habanero and Tabasco, need a long growing season
– up to 100 days. They can be grown outside but only in a sheltered sunny position; best results are obtained in polytunnels or a glasshouse. Sow seed from February to April on the surface of a free draining compost in pots or trays and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost
or vermiculite and place at a temperature 18-21°C until seeds germinate. Prick out seedings when large enough to handle
into 7cm (3”) pots and grow on under glass. Once plants reach 10cm (4”) high, transplant into growbags or 25cm (10”) pots and grow on under glass. Feed once a week with tomato fertiliser when first fruits have set. To help support the weight of the crop it is best to tie plants to some canes as they grow. Fruits can be harvested whilst still green and will eventually mature further to their final colour but will taste better if allowed to ripen on the plant.
Aubergine
Although usually grown in warmer climates, aubergines can be easily produced in Britain, either raised in a glasshouse or plastic tunnel, in grow bags, in a sheltered sunny spot in a garden or even on a patio in a tub if sheltered from cool winds. Sow seeds under glass at 20°C from January to April. Grow on and plant into growbags or large pots under glass or on the patio. Feed plants as soon as first fruits set, once a week with a high potash tomato food. Harvest from July onwards. Stake plants for extra support.
Information taken from the Kings Seeds catalogue, where you will find a great choice of varieties of these and other allotment crops.
Hybrid Gooseberries
• Worcesterberry is sometimes identified as a hybrid, but actually is a vigorous distinct species – Ribes divaricatum. The fruits are dark and medium-sized with a sharp flavour, good for jam making.
• Jostaberry; this is a hybrid between blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and Worcesterberry. The plants are spineless and the fruit has a fine flavour.
• Gooseberry 'Black Velvet' is a Red Champagne Gooseberry – Worcesterberry hybrid. Dark red fruit with good flavour.
Buy any 3 soft fruit plants and get a 4th free*
Available now
in all RHS Plant
Centres *while stocks last
RHS Gardens
Wisley, Surrey Rosemoor, Devon Hyde Hall, Essex Harlow Carr, Harrogate
RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
Sensational soft fruits for 2019
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