Page 14 - ALG Issue 3 2020

seasonal jobs to do...
Many maincrops will be coming to fruition this month and suitable storage methods should be prepared. Root crops such as carrots and beetroot shouldbeliftedandinspected,use damaged ones immediately. Twist off topsandallowtherootstodryslightly before packing in layers or in dryish sharpsandorpeat.Dry,cleanpaper sacks can also be used. Maincrop potatoes can now also be lifted and treatedinasimilarway.
As crops are lifted, continue to clear the soil of weeds and lightly fork over; it will pay dividends later. If sown early enough in the month, a hardy over- winteringgreenmanurewillhelpto supress weeds and improve soil. Greenhouseswillneedtobeventilated much later in the day, and closed up
by early evening to trap the warm in and help to finish ripening the last of the tomatoes. Remove shading from the greenhouse to allow in all possible light.
Those of us, who have been unable to gardenearlyintheseason,stillhave time to sow some crops to overwinter andpickinspring.
VEGETABLES
• Inunheatedframes,polytunnelsor cloches, sow hardier types of lettuce, endive, radish or mustard.
• Sow spring cabbage, spinach and turnips for Christmas.
• Sowwintersaladmixes,mizunaor mibuna in a sheltered spot outside.
• Plantoutearlyspringcabbagesinto well prepared but firm soil.
September
Continue to earth up trenching celery, a little at a
• Continuetoearthuptrenchingcelery, a little at a time.
• Sowawinterhardyvarietyof cauliflower.
• Peasandbeans,thathavebeen allowed to set seed, should be lifted now and the seed pods left to fully dry inawarmairyshedorgreenhouse until the pods are fully dry.
time FRUIT
• Earlyapplesandpearsshouldbe
harvested and used straightaway – these early varieties do not store.
October
Colder, damper weather will start to creep in, so take advantage of any fair weather to stay ahead of tasks. Clear away fallen leaves, use to make leaf- mould or add to the general compost heap. Prepare the ground for any
new fruit, thoroughly digging the soil, removingalltracesofperennialweeds and adding whatever organic matter
is available. A good general fertiliser should be raked in and the site allowed tosettlenaturallyforafewweeks beforeplanting. Keepaheadwiththeclearanceofthe plot, remove any spent crops and add
these to the compost heap if they are free from disease. Cultivate the soil, leaving it rough for the winter frosts to break down.
As frosts can start to creep in, have protection ready for any tender crops.
It is often advisable to protect any developinglatecauliflowersbybreaking a few leaves over the curd.
VEGETABLES
• Finishplantingspringcabbage.
• Coverspinachwithfleece.
• Plantgarlic,chooseasuitablevariety:
Caulk Wight or Provence Wight.
• Stakealltallgrowingbrassicacrops with a stout cane. It can also help to draw a little soil up around the bases of such plants, and firm with the heel.
• Asparagusbedsshouldnowbecut back,allweedsremovedandalittle moremulchadded.Well-rotted manure or garden compost is ideal.
November
Shorter days and colder weather can make getting to the plot more difficult, but try and keep ahead with the winter digging,whenconditionsaresuitable. November is a good month for planting new fruit trees, canes and bushes in landthatwaspreparedlastmonth. Ensure that new specimens are properly staked and tied in well against hard winter winds.
Inspect any stored produce regularly, removinganythingthatlookslikeitis going bad before it can spread.
A hardy variety of peas can be sown in ashelteredplaceifyouliveinawarm sheltered location. Broad beans can also be sown now for an early crop, though on plots where the soil is heavy and moisture retentive. These may
be better sown in pots indoors before
hardening off and planting out.
VEGETABLES
• Afterafewgoodhardfrostsbut before the ground is heavily frozen, lift some parsnips and swede to store.
• StarttoharvestBrusselssproutsand kales as they come to maturity. Start picking at the bottom of the stalk on sprouts, and remove any buttons that have blown or not developed properly.
• Protectanymaturingbroccolior cauliflowers by breaking a few leaves over the developing curd.
• Protectthetopsofcelerywithstraw, dry bracken or similar.
14 Allotment and Leisure Gardener