Page 18 - ALG Issue 2 2019

seasonal jobs to do...
June is often one of the first months when one can start to see the rewards of where early sowings have been made, and young carrots, beetroot, lettuce etc. can be harvested. However, even though the weather may be improving, nights can still turn chilly, and in some regions late frosts may still prevail, so it is always worth edging on the side of caution and have some protection for tender crops on hand. Also, with the temperatures rising through the day, an increase in pests on the plot may result in damage to young shoots and new growths. Therefore, a careful watch should
be made for the first signs of aphids, remedied at the very first signs as populations of such pests can increase at an alarming rate if left unchecked.
June
As the weather begins to warm up, be ready to irrigate crops
The first thinning of such crops as carrots, beetroot etc. should be undertaken; however, it is always better to learn to sow seeds not too thickly, as thinning is wasteful until the thinnings are large enough to take to the kitchen as young tender crops.
As the weather begins to warm up, be ready to irrigate crops before they begin to suffer, especially young seedlings and tender transplants. Mornings or evenings are generally the best times to water, without the heat of the sun evaporating all of your hard work. Mulching down with
July
July is generally a busy time on the allotment despite the fact that the bulk of the sowing and planting should be completed by now. Often one of the hottest months, young crops should be kept well-watered as necessary, utilising cooler mornings or evenings rather than the peak of the day when the temperatures are at the highest.
I prefer evening watering, as the plants then have the cooler nights to get the most out of the water given, as morning watering will soon have the heat of the day on them and much will start to evaporate before the
plants can make full use of it. Plants mulched previously will require much less watering, saving the gardener time for other jobs. As always, keep the hoe on the move through the plot as young weeds will soon wilt if hoed off in the sun.
Early potatoes can be lifted as required and a quick maturing crop can be planted straightaway in the vacant soil, but keep a watchful eye over all potato crops for the first signs of blight. This will show itself in the form of black blotches on the foliage, and at the
first signs all of the top growth should
As always, keep the hoe on the move through the plot as young weeds will soon wilt if hoed off in the sun
August is the month when one can begin to really reap the rewards of
all the hard work throughout the first two-thirds of the season. However, bountiful harvests can also bring problems within itself, mostly what
to do with large quantities of crops! Therefore, allotment holders are advised to become well versed with all forms of storage; freezing, pickling, bottling, drying and so on, so that the harvest does not go to waste and so that it can still be enjoyed through the harsher months. So, it is wise to be ready with paper sacks, jars, bottles etc. as soon as crops are ready.
It is still prudent to keep well ahead with all of the regular jobs such as hoeing, feeding and watering in dry spells. Evenings will start to draw in
August
Evenings
will start to draw in slightly
slightly and the cooler damper nights can bring rots and fungal infections to ripening fruits. Greenhouses will benefit from a little air overnight, and as soon as morning temperatures lift then getting houses fully ventilated to rid the house of excessive condensation is advised.
Clear any spent crops as soon as the last harvest is made, composting
all clean and disease-free material. Then lightly cultivate the vacant soil and either mulch down with garden
18 Allotment and Leisure Gardener