Page 9 - FEB2020

Julia’s veggies -Healthy Growing, Healthy Eating

growing period from summer into autumn have had a great start, such
as mealies, beans, butternut and pumpkin. by Julia Farmer
Varieties to grow include: Waltham, Gilda, Sunset, Barbara and Shiba.
Companion plants: Nasturtium, tansy, basil, chives, sweetcorn, radishes
and onions.

When the plants start to send out trailing vines wind them up the tripod. This not only
saves space but makes them easier to harvest and most importantly, helps prevent disease
and pest infestation due to being off the ground, enabling air circulation.
•Unfortunately, all squash are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew, especially if
there is continual wet weather. Jane Griffiths suggests spraying with liquid seaweed foliar
spray to help prevent this disease. You can use an organic fungicide to try to control it but
I usually just remove the plants once the infection starts to spread.
•Another common problem is butternuts being stung by pumpkin fly which attacks all
squashes. The fly ‘stings’ the young fruit and lays its eggs inside. The maggots hatch and
then cause the fruit to go rotten. Practicing crop rotation is the best way I have found to
get rid of this pest. Only plant butternuts again after a year or more.
Autumn Workshops & events

Saturday 15th February -Valentines Market at Sanitas,10am to 3pm
Saturdays, 7th& 14th March – Introduction to Organic Gardening/Farming Workshops
Saturday 28th March – Pop-Up Market at Basilico, 10am to 3pm
Saturday 11th April – Easter market at Sanitas, 10am to 3pm
Saturday 18th April– Autumn Open Farm Event in Notwane, 10am to 4pm
Email: jellyfishfarmer@yahoo.com for more details or to receive our weekly news-
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