Page 11 - ALG 1 2018 html5 version

GENERAL
During May the weather can suddenly revert to winter. Ensure that you have any protective eece or cloches ready to cover vulnerable seedlings and transplants in the open and under glass. Begin to earth up potatoes especially if a frost is forecast.
The rst broods of aphids arrive this month. Inspect plant regularly and have any controls ready to use. Look out for signs of natural predators such as ladybirds to get on top of any infestations.
Keep hoeing at every opportunity. Continue to clear away and collect all spent crops from the plot. Good time to start a new compost heap.
OUTSIDE
Sow – French and runner beans, chicory, endive, kale, peas, sweetcorn, Savoy and winter cabbage. Start to make successional sowings of beetroot, carrots, lettuce and radish.
Plant – Brussels sprouts, French beans – climbing and dwarf, leeks, sweetcorn, potatoes.
Fruit – Spray soft fruit against aphids. Put straw under strawberry fruits. Spray top fruit to control aphids and mildew.
GREENHOUSE
On sunny days the temperature inside a greenhouse can soar. Paint the glass with shading
or put up some form of sun blinds. Open vents and doors will only
dry out the air. It is important to damp down at every opportunity to reduce the heat stress on plants. Continue to side shoot earlier planted tomatoes and start feeding them when the rst owers open.
HARVEST
MAY
Specialist plant nursery / sales Venue/room hire available Garden tours available on request Educational events
16 Unique detached gardens with delightful brick built summerhouses
Please see the website for opening hours...
www.hillclosegardens.com
01926 493339
Hill Close Gardens Trust, Bread and Meat Close, Warwick CV34 6HF
From the plot: asparagus, beetroot, broad beans, carrots, chive, early peas, lettuce, radish, spinach, spring cabbage, spring onions, sprouting broccoli.
Photo: www.thinkvegetables.co.uk
Regular
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