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Grow
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GARDENING ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST
HOW TO GROW
START
GROWING
NOW!
Tomatoes Kale
Savoy cabbage
Winter squash
Fennel Chicory
Kohlrabi Lettuce
Harvest your
BEST EVER
BERRIES
this year
SEE PAGE 79
BUMPER
CROPS!
From plot to plate in 22 days
Step-by-step
RUNNER BEANS
FOR BEGINNERS
Mark
Diaconos
guide to
outside
sowing
Rob
Smiths
favourite
heritage
varieties
Anne
Swithinbanks
top seed
mixes to try
today
Sarah
Ravens
tips on
starting
basil
Plus HOW TO BEAT PESTS SLUGS, SNAILS, CARROT FLY & APHIDS
Welcome
Grow
yourown
GARDENING ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST
EDITORIAL
Editor
Claire Holmes 01206 505 984
claire.holmes@aceville.co.uk
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MANAGING DIRECTOR MATTHEW TUDOR
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR HELEN TUDOR
Happy growing!
Theres plenty to get
cracking with in May
PRIZES WO
N!
H OV
O ER 3,100
WI BEDS, GARDEN VORT
RA
AIS
ISE
I ED
D
UCHERS,
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RE!
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r
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GARDENING
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co.u
uk
k
ADVIC
V E YOU CA
N TRU
RUST
T UK
The
Ks
s best-selling
kitcche
h n garden ma
hen
gaz
azin
inee
STAR
GROWINT
G
NOW!
O Tomatoe
t s O Kale
O Savo
oy
y cabbage
O Winte
err squash
O Fennel
O Chicory
O Kohlr
rab
abi O
OLettuce
Harvest your
BEST EVER
BERRIES
ay is a fantastically
Quick and easy
busy month for
this year
SEE PAGE 79
growers not only
are seedlings springing up
From plot to pl
ate in 22 days
everywhere and young
plants demanding to be
Step-by-step
transplanted, but theres
RUNNER BE
FOR BEGINNANS
also still so much to sow
ERS
for later in the year. The
growing season is certainly cranking up a gear.
All our contributors are clearly feeling
Plus HOW TO
BEAT PESTS
SLUGS, SNAIL
ILS
S,, CARROT FL
inspired by the lengthening days and the
LY
Y & APHIDS
rising temperatures, and the subjects theyre covering this month
highlight this. Anne Swithinbank is starting fennel and growing kale, while
Simon Akeroyd is plaiting a pair of bay trees and Naomi Schillinger is sowing
lettuce and starting pea shoots. Beginner gardeners still getting to grips with growing
terms should turn to page 26 where Mark Diacono shares a simple guide to outside
sowing techniques such as station sowing and drill sowing. More experimental growers
may also be interested in trying the crops he recommends, or other exotic veg featured
elsewhere in the mag such as cardoons.
As well as all the great advice packed within these pages, this month were giving
away a free book called The Essential Allotment Guide by John Harrison (digital issues
excluded) we hope you enjoy it.
Id also like to take this opportunity to announce some changes at Grow Your Own.
Regular readers may have noticed that former editor Lucy Chamberlain left the
magazine a few months ago and Im delighted to say that Im now going to be
stepping into this role, with Laura Hillier joining me as deputy editor. Were really keen
to build on all the good work that has been done before us and I want to make sure
were delivering the content you want. Thats why this month were running a reader
survey to gain your feedback. Please do take the time to fill in the form or visit
growfruitandveg.co.uk/readersurvey and share your thoughts. All those
who do take part will be entered into a prize draw to be in with a
chance of winning one of five Spear and Jackson tool sets each
SUBSCRIBE
worth over 50.
HOW TO GROW
BUMP
CROPSE!R
Ma
Mar
ark
k
Diac
acon
o os
ono
s
guid
uidee to
outs
utsiide
de
sow
win
iing
g
Claire Holmes
Acting Editor Claire Holmes
If youd like
to keep up to
speed with the
latest GYO
news and
developments
as they occur, why not
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find us at @GYOmag
and facebook.com/
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You can also join our
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Rob
Smi
S ths
favo
fav urite
heri
he tage
vari
va eties
Anne
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top seed
mixes to try
today
Sarah
Ravens
tips on
starting
basil
TODAY...
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Contents
Vegetable advice this month:
GYOs advice will help you spring into gear on the plot this May
6 This Month
Catch up with the latest
gardening news and events
12 Celebrate May
The best way to thin out
seedlings for the growing
season ahead, explained
by David Logan
18, 83 Win!
Enter our competitions for your
chance to get your hands on
some fantastic prizes
4
growfruitandveg.co.uk
20 Plot Essentials
Sally Nex covers how to avoid
spindly asparagus and reveals
how to build a carrot fly barrier
26 Sowing Success C
14 78
53 Reader Survey
70 Allotment Noticeboard
GIVEAWAY OF GREAT
GARDEN GOODIES!
48
20
41
34 58
72 Hanging Baskets
These containers save space
and produce tasty veg
98 Wish List
76 Growing Help
84 Garden Organic
Masterclass
Anton Rosenfeld looks at
new pests and diseases
87 Buying a Polytunnel
The first of a new three-part series
from expert Lia Leendertz
90 Under Cover
!
PRIZES
ZES WORTH OVER
O
3,100 RAISED
RA
AISED
IN
DEN VOUCHERS,
VOUCHE
ERS, TOOLS & MORE!
ORE!
MO
W BEDS, GARDEN
May 2015 4.9
4.99
99 growfruitandveg.c
growfruitandveg.co.uk
co.uk
Grow
G
ro
ow
o
w
yourown
yyo
ouro
u o
ow
wn
GARDENING ADV
ADVICE
VICE YOU CAN TRUST
TR
RUST
SMART
GARDENING
46 Smart Gardening News
HOW TO GROW
93 Beekeeping:
Buying a new swarm
START
ST
TART
GROWING
GRO
OWING
NOW!
NO
OW!
O Toma
Tomatoes
atoes O Kale
O Savoy
y cabbage
O Winte
Winter
er squash
O Fenne
Fennel
el O Chicory
O Kohlr
OLettuce
Kohlrabi
rabi O
Harvest your
BEST EVER
BERRIES
P79
this year
BUMPER
CROPS!
From plot to plate in 22 days
SEE PAGE 79
Step-by-step
48 Step-by-Step
P34
RUNNER BEANS
FOR BEGINNERS
P26
P106
Mark
Ma
ark
Diaconos
Diaco
onos
guid
guide
de to
outside
outsside
sowing
sow
wing
Rob
S
Smiths
fa
avourite
favourite
h
heritage
v
varieties
Anne
Swithinbanks
top seed
mixes to try
today
Sarah
Ravens
tips on
starting
basil
P14
P61
Plus HOW TO
T BEAT PESTS
S SLUGS, SNAILS,
SNAIILS, CARROT FLY
FL
LY & APHIDS
C On the cover
growfruitandveg.co.uk
This month...
EU seed regulation
is withdrawn
Good news! The EU has
withdrawn the seed regulations
proposed earlier in the year,
which would have seen
growers prevented from
exchanging seed varieties that
are not registered. This would,
of course, have had a large
impact on heritage seeds and
biodiversity in Europe. The
move has been welcomed by
organisations such as Garden
Organic, which has been
campaigning hard throughout
the course of the regulation
discussions and continues to
do so to ensure that these age
old crops can thrive through
its Heritage Seed Library.
Follow the campaign on
social media by searching
#saveourseeds and for more
information on HSL, turn to
page 106 to hear what Big
Allotment Challenge winner
Rob has to say about being
a seed guardian.
Pest patrol
Homebase Garden
Academy has teamed up
with horticultural charity
Greenfingers, which is
dedicated to providing
support for children who
spend time in hospices
across the country.
Academy students will
have the chance to attend
workshops put on by
Greenfingers, helping
them to learn what the
charity does and how
it benefits these young
people with its specially
designed gardens.
NEWS
in brief
Over
to you
We asked our
facebook followers
what types of
chillies they are
growing and
there are a lot of
hot pepper fans!
Diary
dates
Readers letters
Preventing carrot fly
May 7-10
Malvern Spring Festival.
threecounties.co.uk
May 9, 2015
Home to Roost poultry
course, Tatton Park.
tattonpark.org.uk
May 11, 2015
Beekeeping at River
Cottage, Devon.
rivercottage.net
Punam Farmah
Quite a few
Serrano, Hungarian
Hot Wax, Pettie Belle,
Pumpkin, Apricot,
Bellaforma, Aji
Limon, Raindrop,
Cayenne, as well
as orange and
chocolate habanero.
Jennifer Lynn
Bowring
Nosferatu,
Serrano, Joes Long,
Pinochios Nose, Hot
Cayenne and Hot
Chilli Pepper.
Carolyn Adamson
Anaheim, Purple
Jalapeo and
Demon Red.
Follow us on facebook
at facebook.com/
growyourownmag and
join in with plenty
of discussions on all
different elements of
growing fruit and veg.
Write to us
May 16 June 7,
2015
Chelsea Fringe, countrywide. chelseafringe.com
May 17, 2015
Plant fair, Doddington
Hall. doddingtonhall.com
May 17, 2015
Farmers market,
Hatfield House.
hatfield-house.co.uk
May 23, 2015
Smallholding
for beginners.
humblebynature.com
Top event
this month
Chelsea
Flower Show
Taking place between May
19 and 23, this show is one
of the key events in the
gardeners calendar. Back
again with a wide array of different show gardens,
stalls and experts, this really is a day not to be
missed. For more information and to plan your
trip, visit rhs.org.uk
growfruitandveg.co.uk
IN TOUCH
Keep up with thee latest ne
news,, tips
p and growing
advicee wherever you go
GYO ON FACEBOOK!
Give us a like to join in with our
discussions on a number of gardening
subjects, find out what other growers
have achieved on their plot and get inspired
Digital
issues
only
2.99!
ON TWITTER
Our Twitter page is one of the best ways to connect
with gardeners worldwide with over 19,000 followers.
Let us know what youre growing and well provide
great tips and the latest news stories
DIGITAL ISSUES
If youre a grower on the go, then our GYO app is the
perfect way to access the digital copy of the magazine
for only 2.99. Its available on a range of devices (see
below) and can also be read on a PC simply search
for Grow Your Own at pocketmags.com
IN STORE
GYO WEBSITE
If you want instant access to competitions, or to take
part in our forum that has over 59,000 members,
head to growfruitandveg.co.uk. We provide growing
guides, fresh news and interesting topics for you to
tell us about your experiences on the plot.
Get in touch...
GYO magazine
is available to
buy in major
supermarkets,
including Tesco,
Sainsburys and
Waitrose, as well
as WHSmith,
Wilko and other
independent
newsagents.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Windows Store
PRACTICAL ADVICE
An array of useful gardening information that will inspire you this month
Radishes
Cardoons
Kohlrabi
Page 32
Page 40
Page 23
Runner beans
Savoy cabbage
Winter squash
Page 34
Page 14
Page 24
growfruitandveg.co.uk
GYO VEG
THIS MAY
MAY
JOBS
ON THE
PLOT
OF THE M
M
youre
EgrowingIf these
delicious
TH:
ON
PROB
L
10
LE
PA
R
AG U S B E
growfruitandveg.co.uk
AS
CROPS TO...
SOW
Beetroot
n Broad beans
n Brussels
sprouts
n Cabbages
n Calabrese
n Carrots
n Cauliflower
n Chicory
n Courgettes
n French beans
n Kale
n Kohlrabi
n Leeks
n Lettuces
n Parsnips
n Peas
n Pumpkins
n Radishes
n Runner beans
n Salad leaves
n Spinach
n Sprouting
broccoli
n Sweetcorn
n Swiss chard
n Turnips
n
HARVEST
Asparagus
Beetroot
n Broad beans
n Citrus
n Lettuces
n Peas
n Radishes
n Rhubarb
n Spinach
n Spring
cabbage
n Spring
cauliflower
n Swiss chard
n
n
ER:
V
O
C
R
UNDE
ects can access
Make sure bees and ins
crops.
g
rin
we
any flo
Add greenhouse
shading throug
h the use
of blinds or shad
e paint in prep
aration.
THE CONTAINER
GARDEN
4 Keep on top of watering this
month. Very dry spells can have
long-lasting effects on your crops.
4 If youre growing spinach or
lettuce in pots, thin out your seedlings
as they get larger to prevent
competition. Dont just throw away
these young shoots though they
make a tasty addition to salads.
Give plants en
ough space on
greenhouse stag
to give them th
ing
e best possible
start.
they
tomatoes as
s.
Transplant
er
in
ta
n
co
eir
outg row th
growfruitandveg.co.uk
11
Seedling Masterclass
EXPERT INTERVIEW
SEASONAL ADVICE
PICK
OF VEG
CELEBRATE
GYO
THE CROP
THIS MONTH
MAY
EXPERT
David Logan
is the head gardener
at Doddington Hall,
near Lincoln
So, youve sown your seeds,
watched excitedly as the little
green heads appear and necks
strain up towards the light and
now youve got a pot full of baby
seedlings. But what next? The
young plants are competing with
each other for light, water and
nutrients, and if they get too big
they will become very difficult
to separate. Now is the time to
prick them out.
I prepare my pots first, a tray
at a time filled with a loose mix of
compost with added perlite for
drainage. The tiny roots of
seedlings can be easily
waterlogged, so a loose mix is
ideal for this job. Vermiculite or
perlite are great, but a well-rotted
leaf mould worked through your
compost is another good option.
The next step is to tilt the pot
onto its side and carefully
encourage the mass of seedlings
out with a flat plant label.
Carefully separate a few of these
at a time, trying to handle the
roots as little as possible. Grab
them gently by their leaves and lift
them clear of the mass, dib a hole
in the middle of your pre-prepared
pot (you can use a pen, pencil,
finger or of course, a bought
dibber) and lower the roots down,
gently firming around them. Then
onto the next
Dont forget to give them all a
gentle water when youre done.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Veg gardener anne MAY 15_GYO new size 19/03/2015 15:41 Page 1
THE VEGETABLE
GARDENER
This month, Anne is sowing runner
beans, growing kale and starting
Florence fennel
Anne Swithinbank
GYOs favourite contributor reports
from her Devonshire veg garden
14
growfruitandveg.co.uk
VARIETIES TO TRY
Firestorm: This red-flowered runner and
French bean cross grows and tastes like a
runner but is self-pollinating and crops more
reliably when weather conditions are bad. Ive
found it productive and good. Marshalls
0844 557 6700, marshalls-seeds.co.uk
Celebration: This plants attractive
salmon pink and white flowers are a delight
on the veg plot but this bean is also high
yielding with straight, smooth pods. Kings
Seeds 01376 570 000, kingsseeds.com
White Lady: My dad sets great store by
this white-flowered bean, as he maintains it
sets and delivers better than others during hot
summer spells. The abundant pods deliver
crops over a long period. D.T. Brown 0845
371 0532, dtbrownseeds.co.uk
Veg gardener anne MAY 15_GYO new size 19/03/2015 15:41 Page 2
With their large, dense hearts of crinkled leaves, Savoys are beautiful and tasty
cabbages for autumn and winter. You may have sown some already in March for
an autumn crop, but for a winter harvest early May is a good time to start them.
The old-fashioned method is to sow into drills in a seed bed and when plants
have two or three true leaves, they are transplanted 8cm apart to grow on, to
be set at final spacings of 60cm apart in June or July. These days, many
gardeners prefer to sow in modules and pot them up.
t in May
Crops to sow & plan
I generally sow
w sweetcorn
So
glass and then
into modules under
cm apart
plant in blocks 30-45
ty.
rie
va
to
ing
accord
sowing direct
Sow squashes Worth
a cut off plastic
as long as you pop
er seeds and
bottle mini cloche ov
watch out for slugs.
ers Ridge
Sow outdoor cucumb
d
an have a
cucumbers are easy
lovely flavour.
ult crop to
Sow swedes A diffic
23cm apart in
grow well. Thin to
.
rows 38cm apart
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
ppers and
Plant aubergines, pe
Look out for
ss
tomatoes under gla
in nurseries
healthy young plants
growing bags.
and pot or plant in
growfruitandveg.co.uk
15
Veg gardener anne MAY 15_GYO new size 19/03/2015 15:41 Page 3
Grow samphire
Grow kale
Kale growing
chart
Jan
SOW
HARVEST
SOW
16
HARVEST
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Feb
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
VARIETIES TO TRY
Marsh samphire (Salicornia
europaea) is available as plants from
Victoriana Nursery (01233 740 529,
victoriananursery.co.uk), and seed
from Suttons (0844 922 0606,
suttons.co.uk)
Agretti (Salsola soda) seeds are not
always in stock but try The Real Seed
Catalogue (01239 821 107,
realseeds.co.uk)
Rock samphire (Crithmum
maritimum) can be bought from
Chiltern Seeds (01491 824 675
chilternseeds.co.uk)
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Veg gardener anne MAY 15_GYO new size 19/03/2015 15:42 Page 4
SEED MIXTURES
TO SOW NOW
Tomato artisan bumble bee mix: A
cherry tomato mix of purple, pink and
striped kinds promising heavy crops of
tasty fruits that sit well on the vine in
good order. Grow indoors or (if blight
is no problem) outdoors. Suttons
0844 922 0606, suttons.co.uk
D.T.Browns salad mix: A lovely
sounding loose-leaf mix of Red Salad
Bowl, Green Salad Bowl, Lollo
Rossa, Black Seeded Simpson and
Grand Rapids. D.T. Brown
0845 371 0532, dtbrownseeds.co.uk
Carrot rainbow: You never know
what will come out of the ground
with this exciting mixture of orange,
white, yellow and purple roots.
Suttons 0844 922 0606,
www.suttons.co.uk
Misticanza di Radicchio: This mixed
cutting of radicchios and chicories
consists of 12 varieties for cut-andcome-again treatment but you could
give them more generous spacings for
hearts in autumn. Broadcast sow now
and thin to 13cm apart for summer
pickings or sow in July in rows for
autumn/winter. Seeds of Italy
020 8427 5020, seedsofitaly.com
growfruitandveg.co.uk
17
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN
UP FOR
GRABS!
PRIZ S
WORTEH
1,000!
HOW TO WIN
To be in with a chance of winning a
raised bed, follow the instructions
on page 104, or visit
growfruitandveg.co.uk/competitions
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN
18
growfruitandveg.co.uk
If youre sowing
in dry weather,
water the bottom
of the drill first
and sow your
seeds. Cover
lightly with dry
soil and dont rewater for a
natural mulch.
When harvesting
rhubarb, pull it
carefully away
with your hands
rather than cuttin
g
it with a knife
that way it parts
company with the
crown cleanly,
leaving no stumps.
20
growfruitandveg.co.uk
DONT FORGET:
SET BEER TRAPS FOR SLUGS
In association with
MUST-DO JOBS
HOW TO AVOID...
SPINDLY ASPARAGUS
NEW VARIETY:
Courgette Royal Flush
(Johnsons)
HERITAGE VARIETY:
HUNGARIAN RICE BEAN
This is one of those vegetables thats been around for about 140
years, yet has inexplicably disappeared from wider circulation
despite being scrumptious, easy to grow and pretty, too.
Also known as Duchesse de Chambord, the Hungarian rice
bean is a type of haricot. It gets its common name from its
diminutive size smaller than dwarf French beans, and even better
for growing in containers. Eat its 10cm long pods like mangetout,
or wait and shell out the tiny beans inside to dry and store. They
have great flavour and dont need soaking like other shelling
beans just cook them for 20-25 minutes. (chilternseeds.co.uk)
Build a carrot
fly barrier
Grow soya
beans
If youre looking for a
nutritious and easy new
crop, look no further.
Soya beans are proteinpacked and delicious,
especially eaten green as
edamame steamed
then sprinkled with salt,
sesame seeds and soy
sauce for a spicy,
crunchy snack. You can
also make soya milk by
blending the beans
with water and boiling. Add a
coagulant like gypsum (from home-brew shops) for
home-produced tofu.
Soya beans normally like their summers longer
and hotter than ours, but recently several cultivars
have emerged which do well in the UK including
Black Jet (jungleseeds.co.uk) and the white-seeded
Elena (mr-fothergills.co.uk).
Start the seeds off under cover, as you would for
French beans, and move outside as sturdy young
plants in late April or May, planting about 15cm apart
in double rows. They grow to 60cm and dont need
supporting. Pull up whole plants while the pods are
immature to eat fresh for edamame, or wait till the
leaves have fallen in autumn and pick as required
the pods keep quite well if left on the plant till you
need them.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
21
KOHLRABI
Growing
this crop is a
cinch just start with
well-drained, fertile
soil that has been
worked to a
fine tilth
Start sowing
Growing this crop is a cinch you just
need to start with well-drained, fertile
soil that has been worked to a fine tilth.
For an early harvest, germinate seeds in
February using modular trays placed in
a heated propagator. Once the roots fill
the cells, transplant the seedlings to an
unheated greenhouse or tunnel.
Outdoor crops can be sown directly into
the ground from March to August.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
23
Winter squash
With their fantastic keeping ability, tasty flesh and
huge array of shapes, sizes and colours, winter
squashes are a great addition to any veg plot
First of all, lets talk about the different
squash available to grow. Generally
speaking, there are two types winter squash
and summer squash. Summer squashes, such
as courgettes, pattypan and tromboncino, are
harvested when the fruits are immature, with
thin skins. They need to be eaten quickly and
do not store well. Winter squash, on the
other hand, have thicker skins which means
that their soft flesh can be stored for months.
They are harvested when mature around
October and can be eaten all through the
winter (hence the name).
Part of the reason why winter squash are
so popular is the incredible array of different
varieties to grow. As well as traditional
pumpkin and butternut varieties, there are
also quirky trumpet-shaped types, oblong
and rugby ball-sized squashes, and they
come in colours ranging from dark green
and red to cream and yellow.
24
growfruitandveg.co.uk
The basics
Potential problems
n Slugs:
RHS Top
10
EXPERT
Ian Tocher, a
horticulturist at RHS
Wisley, shares his
top 10 winter squash to try
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6
Once your plants are accustomed to the outside temperatures, plant into a sunny and sheltered
spot. You should have already prepared this area by digging in plenty of organic matter a few
months previous. Generally squashes should be planted around 1m apart although check specific
guides for your variety. Firm them into the ground and give them a light dusting of general
fertiliser. Keep the soil moist and the plants well watered until they are established.
Winter squashes are sprawling plants and you may find you lose sight of your fruit as they
develop. If the weather is wet, you may want to lift your squash off the ground, onto paving slabs
to keep them dry and prevent rotting. Fruits are usually ready to harvest around October. Harvested
squash can keep for an exceptionally long time the secret lies in making sure theyre fully cured
before storing. Eat up any that remain soft by November and keep the rest in a cool place.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
25
Sowing
SUCCESS
growfruitandveg.co.uk
DRILL SOWING
This suits little, tough, easy-to-grow plants
where each seedling produces a single
crop, such as carrots, turnips and celeriac.
n Use a string line to mark out your drill (see
top right). Draw the edge of a hoe or the
corner of a rake through the soil next to it
to create a v-shaped furrow.
n Pour a small amount of seed into one palm,
then use the thumb and forefinger of your
other hand to pinch out some seeds and
sprinkle them finely along the base of the
drill. Picture the eventual size of the carrot
or beetroot and attempt to sow at a spacing
that roughly equates to the room youd like
the plant to have.
n Chances are you wont sow finely enough,
and will have to come along and thin out
those seedlings a few weeks later when they
appear clumped together or just too close.
Be careful not to dislodge those left behind.
CREATING
A STRING LINE
If you are going to be sowing your crops in
rows, it is important to make sure they are
straight you'll fit more in and sacrifice
less space to bare soil, you'll find
it easier to tell what is weed and what is
not, and it just looks better and be easier
to maintain, too.
For this, a string line is a useful tool in
a vegetable garden, and you can create
one simply, with the use of string and two
short pieces of wood bamboo cane is
ideal. Cut a length of string a bit longer
than the row you want to create. Tie one
end of the string to one of the sticks and
the other end to the second stick. Push
one stick in the soil at one end of your
row and the other stick at the opposite
end, creating a line of string in between,
which marks out your row. Wind any
excess string around one of the sticks so
the line is taut. This then acts as a useful
but unobtrusive guide while you are
sowing your seeds.
STATION SOWING
DONT FORGET TO
LABEL YOUR SEEDS!
As you sow beetroot seeds, you will believe that
there is no need to label the row. You have a
photographic memory. You have pored over
catalogues, carefully choosing this heritage seed
and then chosen the perfect spot for it. You are
sure you'll remember the name and location
perfectly. You wont. You will stare baffled at this
very same spot a couple of weeks down the
line, scratching you head at the mysteriously
emerging seedlings, or worse, as you run out
of space you will rake the whole area and sow
again. Label everything. Label when you first
sow. If you pot on from a seed tray into pots,
label again a fresh label for every single pot.
Whenever, wherever
you sow, fine-textured
soil is best
growfruitandveg.co.uk
27
RABBITS
PIGEONS
SLUGS
SNAILS
DEER
www.grazers.co.uk
info@grazers.co.uk
28
growfruitandveg.co.uk
GEESE
BUTTERFLIES CATERPILLARS
Veg Pests & Diseases Qx 2_GYO new size 20/03/2015 10:09 Page 2
Aphids
It is likely that we've all encountered one type
of aphid or another over time. These little sap
suckers cause distorted growth which in turn
weakens the plant. They are usually quite easy
to spot, as the colonies all gather together on
stems and leaves. There are hundreds of aphid
species in the UK, but luckily, there are lots of
different control methods, so even if you do
have an infestation, you can take action!
EXPERT
Jonathan Tebb-Roger
is a director at Grazers
EXPERT
Mike Hedges is managing
director at The Organic
Gardening Catalogue
BEATING PESTS
and DISEASES
Rabbits
These veg patch menaces are a far cry from the cute, fluffy creatures in children's books
and will happily destroy your carefully tended beds. Damage is caused by the rabbits
stripping and eating foliage, stems and even bark as well as digging. They are active
year-round, with most damage being caused overnight.
Tomato blight
This disease affects both the leaves, stems
and fruits of plants from early summer
onwards, and is recognisable by large
brown patches. Blight spreads quickly, so
regularly check your plants and be sure to
remove and destroy any showing the
fungal disease as soon as it is noticed.
EXPERT
Jill Vaughan is a soil
scientist and together
with husband John Overvoorde runs
Delfland Nurseries
growfruitandveg.co.uk
29
Veg Pests & Diseases Qx 2_GYO new size 20/03/2015 10:08 Page 1
EXPERT
Isobel Rae is director
at Ladybird Plant Care
A
Flea beetle
These insects are often found to be the culprits behind small holes in the foliage of brassicas and
other leafy greens. You may actually see the beetles on the plants, but they will tend to make a
dash for it once disturbed. Seedlings are particularly vulnerable to attack, so it can be a good
idea to grow plants on in a protected environment, then transplant them to their final growing
space once they are a little bit larger.
EXPERT
Dr Victoria Wright is
technical advisor at Agralan
Carrot fly
Although they are tiny, these insects
are extremely destructive if given half
a chance to take hold in your carrot
bed. The larvae produced by the little
flies will feast on the roots of your
crop, making them unusable. Look out
for any apparent scarring on the carrot,
which will be brown and run into
tunnels which the maggots have made
to burrow to the centre. These tunnels
can go right through your crops and if
you slice the carrot down the centre,
you will be able to see their path. Once
they have been present in a bed, it is
best not to use it again for a couple
of seasons to prevent repeat attacks.
30
growfruitandveg.co.uk
EXPERT
Julie Brandreth is director
at Gardening Naturally
Time-saving tips
GARDENER
SPEND LESS
TIME Watering
32
growfruitandveg.co.uk
QUICK CROPS
REDUCE WEEDS
If you only have a small amount of free
time, the last thing youll want to do is
spend it pulling dozens of weeds from
your plot. Whilst its unlikely youll
remove this problem completely,
following these simple tips could
dramatically reduce the number of
these undesirable plants.
Lettuce
Most suppliers
will tell you to
grow this salad
leaf until it
forms a firm
heart, but
making your
cuttings early
means that you can enjoy this crop as soon
as 21 days after youve sown the seeds.
Make sure the lettuces are close together
for a cut and come again harvest.
VARIETIES TO TRY
Time-saving tools
Carrots
VARIETIES TO TRY
Radishes
These peppery
little roots will
reach full
maturity
around 22
days after
youve sown
them. However, another option to explore
is growing them as a microgreen. It will
only take a few days for them to
germinate and the seedlings can be used
on salads for an intense, clean flavour.
VARIETIES TO TRY
Cherry
tomatoes
VARIETIES TO TRY
growfruitandveg.co.uk
33
step by step potager apr 15 Qx_GYO new size 19/03/2015 12:02 Page 1
Train the
stems of your
plants to climb up
their support by
gently coaxing
the twines around
the canes
THE YEAR-ROUND
POTAGER:
Runner
beans
34
growfruitandveg.co.uk
step by step potager apr 15 Qx_GYO new size 19/03/2015 12:03 Page 2
BENCHMASTER
This variety showcases deep red
flowers which produce tender pods
that reach up to 40cm. It's
recommended by the RHS
as a perfect
pollinator and
is high yielding.
Use code
430439 to buy
a pack of seeds
for just 1.25
(usually 2.25).
FIRESTORM
This is a truly self pollinating runner
bean and easy to grow. It boasts
attractive scarlet flowers which
produce stringless, sweet tender
beans and sets
well even in
poor weather.
Use code
430438 to buy a
pack of seeds
for just 1.25
(usually 2.25).
PROMOTIONAL OFFER
MOONLIGHT
This white flowering, self pollinating
and high yielding variety has
excellent flavoured pods which are
smooth and
fleshy.
Use code
430437 to buy a
pack of seeds
for just 1.50
(usually 2.50).
HESTIA
This produces beautiful red and
white flowers followed by 18-20cm
slim stringless runner beans on bushy
plants. Early to crop and ideal for
planting in pots
on the patio.
Use code
430431 to buy a
pack of seeds
for just 1.35
(usually 2.35).
10
HOW TO ORDER:
35
Catherine Larner meets two time- and space-strapped gardeners who have
found a way to indulge their growing passion with the help of a kind landowner
36
growfruitandveg.co.uk
A new venture
3
Friends and family are generous in giving
plants or seeds, but sometimes these arent
always what was expected. A friend gave
me some cabbage plants one year, says
Dawn. As they grew, we thought they
looked very funny cabbages. In fact it
turned out that they were Brussels sprouts!
Weve had some surprises.
While having fun and trying out new
things is something the pair advocate,
Dawn says it is wise to consider what you
are planning to grow and the size of your
final crops in relation to your space.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
37
PROMOTION
How to
IMPROVE YOUR
SOIL AND MAXIMISE
YOUR HARVEST
Dont let crops suffer in poor soil. Give them the
right feed and care and youll be rewarded with
high-yielding, healthy, strong plants
growfruitandveg.co.uk
PLANT MAGIC
Salad Magic
Vegetable Magic
Strawberry
Magic
Tomato
Magic
This concentrated
liquid feed is ideal
for tomatoes but
can also be used
with crops such as
aubergines, sweet peppers
and courgettes.
It encourages plants to
grow strongly, develop
robust root systems and
produce more fruit.
About
Chilli Magic
Add a bit of fire to your plot with the use of this chilli and pepper feed.
Specially formulated for use with chillies and peppers grown in pots,
open ground or growbags, this product will deliver an increased amount
of fruit (as compared to plants which are unfed) and helps overall health.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
39
Growing cardoons
YOUR COMPLETE VEG GUIDE MAY
PRACTICAL ADVICE
Edible exotics:
CARDOONS
Mandy Barber from Incredible
Vegetables gives her experienced insight
into growing this unusual crop
40
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Getting Started
You can sow one cardoon seed to a single
pot indoors from as early as February or
sow direct outside from April to June once
the soil has warmed up. They need a final
spacing of about 75 to 90cm and need to
be kept well watered for the first few
months. Mediterranean in heritage, they
love a sunny site in well-drained soil, but
do consider their mature size when
planting and the shade they create. Being
perennials they seem to withstand all that
nature can throw at them and in my
experience suffer few pests. They are also
remarkably hardy and once established
return year after year without any problem.
To encourage good stems for eating
it is good practice to remove the flower
heads as they appear. I tend to grow
some plants for eating and plants for the
bees, allowing them to continue to bloom
well into the autumn this way you get
to see the beauty of cardoons in their full
glory as well as having some for
harvesting in winter.
Expert advice
Ask the
SLUG
AND SNAIL
experts
masterclass
Profile
EXPERT
GYO
TIPS
growfruitandveg.co.uk
41
Profile
EXPERT
Dominica McKevitt is
the head gardener at
Ardgillan Castle and
Gardens in Ireland
EXPERT
42
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Profile
Crop protection
Profile
EXPERT
Growing something
different
Expert advice
Profile
EXPERT
Ideal temperatures
for seedlings
Profile
EXPERT
Lucy Chamberlain is a
fruit grower and gardener
from Essex
Improving
blackcurrant flavour
WRITE TO US AT
Ask the Experts, Grow Your Own, 25 Phoenix
Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex,
C02 8JY
EMAIL
experts@growfruitandveg.co.uk
OR GO ONLINE
Here at Grow Your Own we do our best to send a reply to all
your gardening questions. Unfortunately the huge numbers of
emails and letters we receive mean that a personal response
cannot always be guaranteed.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
43
DISEASE FOCUS:
WHITE
BLISTER
Keep this foliar disease at bay
with a few basic measures
Control methods
Once you have noticed the
infection, it is important to remove
all affected matter and dispose of
it to prevent spread. As with many
things, prevention is better than
cure so when planting your crops
earlier in the season, be sure to give
them adequate space to encourage
air flow, as being situated too close
together can create the perfect
environment for this mould to
thrive and spread.
There are now some varieties
available with a higher resistance
to this disease, so it can be worth
looking into these if you are
concerned about it.
There are currently no chemical
controls on the market
specifically targeting
white blister, so it
will be important
for you to stay
alert and deal
with plants
as soon as
any symptoms
appear.
RHS Image Library
44
growfruitandveg.co.uk
SMART
GARDENING
The only pages modern gardeners
need for brilliant growing
GYO spotlight
46
growfruitandveg.co.uk
SMART
STATISTIC:
Home-grown toms
contain more healthimproving nutrients
than massproduced ones.
Starting up...
HOT NEWS
Home-grown
veg is best!
FIRST UK-CULTIVATED
TRUFFLE HARVESTED
A plant biologist has claimed that the first
truffle to ever be cultivated on UK soil has
been harvested in a field in Leicestershire.
Dr Paul Thomas, who appeared on the TV
programme Dragons Den to ask for help in
funding his project, planted the fungi on 20
different farms and estates six years ago.
And now, he says hes harvested his first 39g
specimen under a holly tree. Wild truffles
were once common in Britain, but are now
very rare, and the majority of those eaten in
the UK are imported
from abroad.
Dr Thomas
discovery has led
him to hope that
his other sites will
also start producing
truffles soon.
GYO must-haves
Solar powered
water butt pump
This new solar pump from
Draper Tools is a great
eco-friendly option for
gardeners. It can be used
to run a hose from
a water butt
or drain a
small pond without mains
power. For details about the pump, which has
an RRP of 148, visit drapertools.com or call
023 8049 4333. The products code is 38241.
Biodegradable
garden ties
Give your tomatoes and
runner beans the
support they need with
this strong and durable
biodegradable garden tie.
Made from elasticated
material it can be used for a
whole host of crops, plants and bushes.
The tie naturally drops off and rots in the
ground after 18-24 months. It is available
from most garden centres and more
information can be found at biostretch.com
Attractive obelisk
HAVE YOU GOT ANY SMART NEWS OR IDEAS TO SHARE? Email smart@growfruitandveg.co.uk
growfruitandveg.co.uk
47
SMART
GARDENING
SMALL SPACES:
Wildlife gardening
in containers
Gardening expert Emma Hardy reveals ways in which you can encourage
wildlife to your garden while still growing plenty of edible produce
TOP TIP
Container plants
can encourage
and provide food
for a whole host
of wildlife
Buy the
book!
48
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Choosing a container
A weighty matter
Moisture
Step by step...
Make a bee-friendly herb tub
Make a bee-friendly pot that will provide
beautiful herbs for the kitchen as well. You
can repurpose anything from an old metal wok
to a metal tin for this project. Pots can be used
for a selection of lavender plants, as shown
right, or a wok can be used for a collection of
thyme plants thyme is quite low-growing
and does not need deep soil, so this type of
container works well.
container such as
a large metal wok
or old tin
n Gravel
n Sand
n Potting compost
n A varied selection
of herb plants
How to do it
Step 1: Drill holes in the base of your container for drainage, and add
Debbie Patterson
How to do it
Step 1: Make holes in the base of the trug
Debbie Patterson
trug or
basket
n Drainage crocks
n Gravel
n Potting compost
n Moisture-retaining
granules
n Sunflower
(Helianthus annuus)
n Alpine strawberry
(Fragaria vesca)
n Cherry tomato
(Lycopersicon
esculentum)
n Pot marigold
(Calendula officinalis)
n Purple basil
(Ocimum basilicum
var. purpurascens
growfruitandveg.co.uk
49
SMART
GARDENING
SMART
TIP:
Remember some
crops are thirstier
than others. Keep
this in mind
when irrigating
GROWING IN
UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER
At this time of year, it can feel like we are at mother
natures mercy but here are some key tips to help
you through the growing season come rain or shine
Gardening in the UK does mean, by default, that you
never know quite what you are going to get when it
comes to growing conditions. In the past 10 years we
50
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Unpredictable weather
Growing tips
Mulching is
key for both
retaining
Late visits from Jack Frost
moisture
Weve all been there those sunny days of spring when
evenings are getting lighter instil a confidence that summer
and offering
is on the horizon and our green fingers start to itch. You
know what comes next... seeds being sown prematurely,
protection
seedlings bursting from modules and trays, and an early
need to be planted on. Then, once the young plants are
against
happily sitting in pots in the garden, a frost strikes. The
green shoots shrivel, and a slightly disheartened gardener
damage
has to start all over again. Although there is no absolutely
water-tight method here, as the weather will do as it
pleases, the best thing to keep in mind is to stick to sowing caused by
dates recommended for each variety. Early crops are
heavy rain
invariably caught up by those started later once days
lengthen and the mercury rises. However, if you really do
need to scratch that growing itch, utilise your containers,
as pots and troughs can be lifted into sheds or
greenhouses over night, and can easily be covered with
horticultural fleece if temperatures threaten to plummet.
Wind damage
Although our fruit and vegetable crops are probably a lot
hardier than the mollycoddlers among us would believe,
we know we need to put some protection in place against
certain elements. Top of most peoples lists are slugs, birds
and frosts and it would also be advisable to add wind to
that list. It is well documented that plants can recover from
certain issues lost leaves can be regrown, new fruits can
growfruitandveg.co.uk
51
WIN!
READER
SURVEY
2015
We want to know more about you! Fill in this reader survey and send
back to us at the address below and you will be automatically entered
into the prize draw and will be in with the chance of winning one of five
Spear and Jackson tool sets worth over 50 each. You can complete the
form online at growfruitandveg.co.uk/readersurvey
WORTH
OVER
250
Are you
Male Female
What is your approximate annual
household income?
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How long have you been growing food?
Less than 12 months
One to two years
Three to nine years
10 to 19 years
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How big is your garden?
I dont have one
I grow on a balcony/in containers
Small (10-40m)
Medium (41-100m)
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Where do you grow veg?
(tick all applicable)
In my garden
On my allotment
In a community or shared garden
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Organic growing
Horticulture as a benefit to lifestyle
Wildlife gardening
Incorporating flowers into an edible space
Community projects
Garden DIY
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JUST MORE
RIGHT
OF
Step-by-step projects
Expert Q&As
Practical projects
News
Self-sufficient lifestyle keeping
chickens and bees and the like
Seasonal recipes
Ordinary growers featured
Problem solving (pests and
diseases, etc)
Growing guides
Celebrity growers
Free seeds
Reader offers
Swithinbank)
The Practical Gardener (Simon Akeroyd)
The Urban Gardener (Naomi Schillinger)
The Fruit Gardener (Lucy Chamberlain)
Garden Organic masterclass
Ask the experts
Seasonal chef
Tried and tested
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SU
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45
- Green
Salad Bowl
Oak leaf lettuce Cocarde
Pak choi F1 Glacier
Mustard Ruby
Streaks
Naomi Schillinger
Urban grower Naomi Schillinger
shares her tips for compact crops
and city gardens
Naomis projects
58
growfruitandveg.co.uk
THE URBAN
GARDENER
Only got a small growing space?
Dont worry this month Naomi
is sowing pea shoots in containers
and highlighting the benefits of
successional sowing with lettuce
TRY GROWING PEA SHOOTS
For a bit of extra crunch in the spring
months, I try to regularly sow pea shoots.
As well as adding texture to dishes, they
have a wonderful pea-like flavour that
combines really well with many other
salad leaves. I started growing these one
year when snails completely demolished
a tray of lettuce seedlings overnight and
I was scratching my head as to a swift
solution to my lack of leaves.
It doesnt matter how much space
you have be it a single pot on a
windowsill, a balcony or a flower border,
you can squeeze some of these tender
shoots into the smallest of spaces. These
gourmet bites are expensive in the shops
(thats if you can find them!) so youll be
saving plenty, too.
Use any left over pea seeds for pea
shoots, or, for a more economic
Urban gardens
LOVELY LETTUCES
I know Ive already written about
growing lettuces in February, but
limiting my sowing to this month is
usually where I fall down in achieving
a fantastic successional crop of salad
leaves. Sow little and often (every few
weeks ideally) should be my mantra, but
as things get busy in spring, I sometimes
forget to sow lettuces again until Ive
eaten the last of my first batch and
then I have to wait weeks before I can
pick leaves again. As I live on salads in
summer, this can feel a little tragic!
So, if youve only sown an early
crop in February or March and nothing
since then (or indeed none at all!), its
definitely worth sowing another batch
now (and again in a few weeks time!) to
keep your home-grown leaves flowing.
In February, I planted my favourite cos
lettuce, Freckles, and although I may
sow a few more seeds now, Im also
going to sow a variety called Lobjoits
for majestic upright bright green
lettuces with lovely crisp leaves.
Cocarde is another favourite of
mine. Its a pointy upright oak leaf
lettuce with very decorative wavy green
leaves, heavily tinted with deep red at
apart, cover roughly with their own
depth of compost, about 1-1.5cm deep
and water in well. If youre growing on
outdoor window sills and balconies, be
sure to keep your shoots well watered,
even when it has rained. Regularly check
to see that compost is moist to keep the
plants growing healthily.
At this time of the year shoots will
be ready to eat in two to three weeks,
depending on the weather as ever.
Pick the shoots just above the lowest leaf
and this will allow the shoots to grow
again and give you another picking in a
few weeks time.
After your second batch has been
harvested, compost everything, and
start again. Keep on sowing every few
weeks in small batches, and youll be
dining on these delectable shoots all
summer long.
59
Expert advice
Garden Chat
SARAH RAVEN
Both zinnias and basil thrive if sown in May. Gardening guru Sarah Raven
reveals how to make sure your plants get off to a good start
May is the month to sow
two of my favourite
plants zinnias and basil.
They both come from
warmer, dryer climates and
find our grey skies and high
levels of rainfall a challenge,
but sown in the next couple
of weeks, they will grow
well. By now, the worst of
the cold nights should be
over and light intensities are
rising by the day. I always
think to myself: 'Dont sow
either until you are happy to
have supper in the garden.'
If its warm enough for you
to be outside in the evening
and into the night, its warm
enough for zinnias and basil
to be out there, too.
Zinnias famously hate
root disturbance, so direct
sow them into freely drained
Pick basil
soil, two or three seeds,
with
scissors,
4-5cm apart at 30cm
cutting
out
whole
spacing. Find them a sunny
sections of a plant
corner and give them plenty
of water, in the morning, not
to a pair of leaves
at night. Theyre particularly
lower down
prone to damping off and
the stem
botrytis from the moment of
germination all the way
through their life cycle. In a
damp, cool year with high air humidity, plants can get a plateau
of mould which sits on the growth tip and rots down into the heart
of the plant. You can use a fungicide such as Bordeaux mixture to
prevent this, but full sun and good drainage at their roots will help.
The same rules apply to basil, which is best sown in the next few
weeks in a sunny spot with a fine tilth and good drainage. Basil likes
its nights mild and its roots moist. Sow it at the same spacing as the
zinnias and then thin out, so you end up with one plant every 30cm
or so. If youre in a part of the country where supper outside is a
once-a-year experience, then opt for the window-ledge, greenhouse
or polytunnel. If you want to keep your plants growing quickly, keep
READER OFFER
For 20% off zinnia and basil seeds, plus many other great varieties for
sowing in May, visit sarahraven.com and quote offer code GYO15MAY.
Terms and conditions apply, visit sarahraven.com/terms-and-conditions
growfruitandveg.co.uk
61
The Practical gardener April 15 Qx_GYO new size 19/03/2015 12:03 Page 1
THE PRACTICAL
GARDENER
Do you want to know how to train any unruly
bay plants in your garden? Simon shows you how
Simon Akeroyd
The plot of National Trust gardener
Simon is always bursting at the seams
I like to maintain good standards in my
garden in south Devon, and Im not
talking about the general appearance of
my vegetable patch. Im referring to those
posh standard bay trees that you see
adorning either side of doorways and
garden gates. They immediately give a
property an increased sense of grandeur,
something seriously lacking in my new
house, and frame entrances beautifully.
But, these established standards are
expensive to buy in garden centres, and I
dont have a budget that will stretch that
far. Thankfully, they are very easy to make
at home and cost next to nothing.
However, I dont just want any old
standard tree. I like something a bit more
quirky, so Im giving mine a twist
literally! Im making a multi-stemmed bay,
and plaiting the stems together. With the
surplus shoots from this project, Im also
drying leaves for cooking, taking cuttings
and making a spiral tree, too.
MINI PROJECTS
62
DRIED BAY
Ive collected up surplus clippings from
making my plaited standards. I could just add
them to the compost heap, but Ive got other
plans. Firstly Im taking a few sprigs into the
kitchen to dry. Im keeping them on their
stems and tying them upside down near
head height so I can easily pinch a few when
cooking to intensify the flavour of meals such
as casseroles, stews or Italian mince dishes.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
SPIRAL BAY
Im creating another type of standard tree.
This one is going to have a spiral stem. Ive
selected a young pliable plant and removed
sideshoots and leaves up the height of the
head. Ive then planted it in a container, and
pushed a bamboo cane next to it. Ive
twisted the stem around the cane and after
a couple of years, it can be removed and Ill
be left with a corkscrew-like stem. Cool!
BAY CUTTINGS
Finally, Im going to use some of the bay
clippings to take cuttings. To do this, select
young shoots that are about 12cm long.
Gently tear them off the main stem to leave
them with a slight heel to aid rooting.
Then strip back the bottom two third of
the leaves, dipped the bottom in hormone
rooting powder and insert the cuttings into
a potting compost.
The Practical gardener April 15 Qx_GYO new size 19/03/2015 12:03 Page 2
STEP 1
Identify a bay plant in your garden which
has produced lots of shoots and dig the
clump out. Alternatively, buy a multi-stem
type from a garden centre. These are usually
easy to find and very cheap.
STEP 2
Separate out the individual stems by cutting
through the rootball with an old pruning
saw or a pair of loppers. You will need to
identify six straight shoots which are of a
similar height for this project.
STEP 3
Place some crocks at the bottom of your
two containers, making sure there are
drainage holes. If there arent any, you will
need to drill some in the bottom of the pot
so your plant doesnt get waterlogged.
STEP 4
Partly fill the container with compost.
Ive used a peat-free medium, suitable for
containers. You can use a multi-purpose
kind although bear in mind this will dry
out quicker in the summer.
STEP 5
Bundle three stems together so that the
base of the individual plants are as close as
possible to each other. Pack compost tightly
around the rootball to just below the rim
of the container.
STEP 6
Use a pair of secateurs to cut back all of
the sideshoots on the plant. Then remove
the foliage along the stem until you reach
the point that you plan on creating the
head of the standard.
STEP 7
Start to plait the bay stems together until
you reach the desired height for the head
of the standard. They may need tying half
way up the trunk to hold them in place.
Secure them at the top using string.
STEP 8
The surface of the soil can be mulched this
helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
I live near the beach so Ive used local sea
shells on mine, but a layer of gravel or
pebbles will suffice.
STEP 9
Cut the head so that it becomes a sphere
shape by pinching or pruning out the tips.
Give the standard a watering, place on
either side of your front door, stand back
and admire your handiwork!
growfruitandveg.co.uk
63
64
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Herbs
Herb growing
for beginners:
OREGANO
Do you want to try your hand at
growing this woody perennial?
Heres how
GYO
TIP!
After
Dry
growfruitandveg.co.uk
65
ON TEST
SOWING
PRODUCTS
Flexibility 5/5
Durability 5/5
Practicality 5/5
SEED SOWER
KINGS SEEDS 3.49
This nice little seed sowing tool has been carefully thought out and
designed. Every detail has been considered the twisting dial has been
given a toothed edge for grip and even the nose of the tool has small
grips on both sides. In addition to this, the dial has been well marked
with numbers and arrows for easy identification when choosing the
correct hole size to match up with the seed you will be dispensing.
When I first used it I was expecting the seed to race out of the dial
into the nose. However there are small ridges that slow down the
speed of the seed allowing you keep good control.
Kings Seeds 01376 570 000, kingsseeds.com
WHERE TO BUY
66
growfruitandveg.co.uk
/5
Flexibility 5
/5
4
Durability
/5
Practicality 5
AUTUMN COLLECTION SEED TAPE
SUTTONS SEEDS 9.99
The seed tape concept is a great idea for beginner growers and a brilliant
way to get children involved in sowing, too. Being pre-made, the tape
has already taken care of the seed spacings for you and guarantees reliable
results. Clearly labelled and easy to use, you cant put a foot wrong.
They really are very convenient if you are struggling for time or need a
boost of confidence as all the brain work has been done for you. Simply,
plant them together in a suitable spot and enjoy a great harvest of veg
come autumn! There are other options available in the range and they
would be well suited for raised veg beds.
Suttons Seeds 0844 922 0606, suttons.co.uk
BEST
BUY
/5
Flexibility 4
/5
Durability 5
/5
Practicality 3
Flexibility
5/5
Durability
5/5
Practicality
5/5
EASY SEEDER
GRO GARDEN PRODUCTS 3.05
What a cracking tool! I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to correct
seed spacings, and this little chap allows you to be exact. The concept of a
syringe crossed with a click dispenser is perfect and works very well
when the button is pressed, a needle pops out of the end and dispenses a
single seed. The tool gives you total control great for sowers like me!
Well-made and solid for its size, it wont let you down. Although it has
been marketed for the veg market, you can use it for flower seeds, too.
Personally I would like to see the range expanded to include products for
small, medium and large seeds.
Gro Garden Products 01282 868 133, grogardenproducts.com
/5
Flexibility 4
/5
Durability 4
/5
5
ty
Practicali
/5
Flexibility 5
/5
Durability 4
/5
Practicality 5
SELF-WATERING PROPAGATOR
HARROD HORTICULTURAL 12.90
Who could resist a propagator that is self-watering? This clever product
utilises a 40-cell design that is very handy, especially as the base tray also
doubles up as a plug pop-out tool. The plug trays are made of polystyrene
which is well known for transferring heat and is forgiving when easing out
plugs. Supplied with a capillary mat that manages water uptake, this
propagator enables you to eliminate the risk of over or under watering
young seedlings at their most delicate stage. As you would expect, the lid
can also be removed to allow for hardening off later in the season. The
build quality is average but sufficient.
Harrod Horticultural 0845 402 5300, harrodhorticultural.com
WINDOWSILL PROPAGATOR
MARSHALLS 14.95
If you are a fan of growing plugs you wont be disappointed with this
product. Too often I find that propagators are overpriced, but not this
time! The kit gives you plenty of options with three different sized trays,
allowing you to have several trays of seed at different stages of growth.
Also supplied are 12 capillary mats for controlled watering, seed compost,
black labels and a waterproof pen. To keep the price down, a compromise
has been made in my opinion as the durability of the product is slightly
weaker than its counterparts but as it is intended for the windowsill, it is
unlikely to get knocked about. For the price I feel you get a great package.
Marshalls 0844 557 6700, marshalls-seeds.co.uk
growfruitandveg.co.uk
67
www.recycleworks.co.uk
Tel: 0800 0320 377
68
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Inspiring stories
INTERVIEW
PLOTS
The growing is great fun but its also the social side
of the plots that is just as important
growfruitandveg.co.uk
69
w
o
r
G
n
w
o
r
u
yo
U CAN TRUST
GARDENING ADVICE YO
DONT MISS
THE CHELSEA
FLOWER SHOW
garden magazine
n
he
tc
ki
g
lin
el
-s
st
be
s
K
The U
The top spot for information and advice about growing on allotment sites
ALLOTMENT SECURITY
EXPERT
Phil Gomersall
is the National
Allotment
Society mentor
for Yorkshire
and Humber
Allotments are a great way to socialise
with other gardeners and share
valuable experience. However, they
lack the benefit of constant
supervision, so there are a few things
to consider in order to protect your
crops and possessions.
Phil says: Allotment sites do suffer
from theft and vandalism especially in
winter when there are not so many
people around. Security has two
70
growfruitandveg.co.uk
OUR FORUM
Allotments
PROTECT NESTIN
G BIRDS
TOP THREE
jobs for May...
n Plant
Ipswich
PLOT SHOWCASE
The Peoples
Community Garden
The Peoples Community Garden aims to
encourage people of all ages to grow fruit
and veg. The Ipswich-based plot was first
started in 2008 on an abandoned corner
of an allotment field, and has now
developed into a fantastic opportunity for
local people to grow a huge range of
produce. The garden is split into six
sections, including growing plots, a
wildlife section, a sensory garden, an
orchard, facilities for gardening lessons
and a picnic area. The public are
encouraged to visit even if theyre not
looking to start gardening everyone is
welcome to view the space and simply
enjoy the social experience. The
organisation also offers therapeutic
horticulture sessions to help those with
mental health issues and physical
disabilities as well as training programmes
for the long-term unemployed. Courses
are provided for anyone interested in
developing skills such as pond building
and permaculture. Jo Whittle, who helps
run The Peoples Community Garden, says:
We all benefit from working together to
protect our environment through
developing and maintaining a wildlife
pond and meadow, a bee garden and
community hives, and we have also been
working with the RSPB on a turtle dove
conservation. There is a whole range of
activities in the gardens for people to get
involved in, so everyone gets a chance to
contribute their unique skills and to
blossom with the gardens.
For details visit activlives.org.uk
GO TO GROWFRUITANDVEG.CO.UK
growfruitandveg.co.uk
71
Ask the
experts
EXPERT
Craig Sams is the executive
chairman of Carbon Gold.
carbongold.com
EXPERT
Sue Sanderson
is Thompson and
Morgans online
horticultural expert
72
growfruitandveg.co.uk
GROWING
SUCCESS
Edible options
Hanging Baskets
catching feature. Chillies will also do well in
these containers varieties such as Ring of
Fire will be happy to grow in this limited space,
whilst still producing beautiful, spicy yields.
Strawberries are an excellent choice, too
grow up to six plants in one basket and theyll
reward you with clusters of red, juicy fruits. Its
also possible to cultivate cut-and-come-again
crops such as lettuce, spinach and chard in this
way. Early carrot varieties that only produce
finger-sized roots are a possible option as they
wont grow too deep.
If you want your basket to look more
traditional, try varieties of edible flowers such
as nasturtium, busy lizzie and fuchsia, which
are not only beautiful, but will also make a
deliciously colourful
addition to summer
salads. Remove any
drooping or dead
petals to keep plants
focused on producing
new buds rather than
seeds their bright
appearance will also
attract pollinators
which will in turn,
benefit your other fruit
and veg plants.
Starting up
EXPERT
own vertical planters
out of guttering. Selfwatering products are
available to save time
and effort, too.
Once you have
chosen your hanging
basket, you will need
to include a liner as a
base we recommend
using a recycled option
such as coir or woolbased material. One
of the most important
things to remember is
to include drainage
holes this allows
water and air to reach the roots for optimal
growth. Pierce through the lining in various
places to allow good drainage. You can also
place a small plastic pot in the centre of the
container and surround it with soil this will
create a sump to collect water which can be
slowly absorbed by the crop.
Its crucial to fill your baskets with the best
quality compost you can afford. This will not
only help to maintain moisture but it will have
a great supply of beneficial nutrients that are
important for healthy growth. If you skimp on
this element, its more likely that your produce
will be lacking.
Continued care
Another
great chilli
variety to
grow in hanging
baskets is
Basket
of Fire
EXPERT
Ken Dawson is the
garden centre manager
at Crowders.
crowders.co.uk
73
NEW
VED
IMPRO
www.ladderallotments.com
74
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Pick of the Crop MAY 15 Qx_GYO new size 19/03/2015 11:51 Page 2
Looking for innovative ways to utilise your growing space? Try these items!
Elegance wall
planter (28.05)
Verti-wall planters
(Two-pack 9.95)
Elegance pot
holder (3.15 each)
75
Growing help
Jane Perrone walks us through the latest
releases to inform and entertain gardeners
Visit Janes personal blog at perrone.blogs.com
Book
Blog
Rooftop allotment
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Website
MORE
RESOURCES
Epic Tomatoes by Craig LeHoullier is
a great book for tomato obsessives with
everything from pests to seed saving
(Storey Publishing, 14.99)
If you prefer scientific approach to
gardening, check out this blog
blogs.extension.org/gardenprofessors
by four US academics,
THE FRUIT
GARDENER
78
growfruitandveg.co.uk
A keen eye
and quick
intervention is
key to thwarting
problems this
month
& DISE
E
AS
Plum moth
PEST
Three gooseberries
to grow:
n Invicta This will form the backbone of
my collection a conventional green-fruited
variety that can be used as a dessert or
culinary crop. Mildew resistance is excellent.
Pomona Fruits 01255 440 410,
pomonafruits.co.uk
n Pax I like everything about this variety
its stems are spine-free, the fruits are red
and can be used for both eating fresh and
in cooking and mildew resistance is high.
Kings Seeds 01376 570 000,
kingsseeds.com
n Hinnonmaki Yellow Im tempted by
this variety because of its flavour, which is
supposed to be apricot-like and honeyed.
Disease resistance is also strong. Ken Muir
01255 830 181, kenmuir.co.uk
growfruitandveg.co.uk
79
DONT FORGET
Avoid drought
Grow an
exotic crop
today!
80
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Thin
raspberries
Both autumn and
summer types have
the ability to throw
up suckers well away
from the main bed,
which can be quite
invasive but also a
treat. Hoik these out,
roots and all, to give
to friends or start a
new bed elsewhere in
our growing space.
Plant melons
These vines offer
delectable harvests. If
you sowed seed last
month, at some point
during May theyll
need planting into
grow bags. Water
these three or four
days before and
move them into the
greenhouse so
plants go into
warm compost.
out gooseberries
Bush fruits set a crop earlier
than trees, and while the
likes of currants and
blueberries dont need thinning, dessert
gooseberries do. Leave one every 5-8cm
of stem, removing the others.
n Pollinate grapes if you insulated
your fig tree with straw, wadding or
other material during the colder
months its now safe to remove it.
Let light and air get to the branches
so that the large leaves can unfurl
and grow unhindered.
n Lean-tos erected over peaches and
nectarines to deter peach leaf curl
fungus can be removed as soon as the
weather warms up. Remove emerging
leaves showing symptoms pronto.
GYO
TIPS
n Thin
82
growfruitandveg.co.uk
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN
UP FOR
GRABS!
Get your hands on some great garden
gear with these brilliant competitions
Agriframes arches
GYO has teamed up with Agriframes to offer
two lucky readers the chance to get their hands
on a round arch from the companys Elegance
range, worth over 220 each. This delicate sage
green structure looks perfect over any door or plot
path, making an attractive entrance or centrepiece
for your growing space. The steel body provides
excellent support for your climbing plants, which in
turn creates a focal point for your garden which is
both decorative and practical. The arch is made from
high quality galvanised steel, meaning it can stand
up to whatever weather is thrown at it and will be a
long-lasting piece of equipment.
WORTH
440!
n Loosely
n Hollowed
WORTH
500!
n The
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN
growfruitandveg.co.uk
83
Garden Organic
Masterclass
...Unwelcome visitors
Identify the new pests
and diseases on the
block with this guide
from Anton Rosenfeld
There is always a risk of new plant pests and
diseases being introduced into this country.
An international trade of fresh produce and
nursery stock provides the perfect vehicle for
associated pests to move around the globe.
Although there is a system of measures in
place to reduce the chance of them being
introduced, it is impossible to eliminate this
risk completely.
With a change in climate seemingly
bringing us milder and wetter winters, this
threat may have increased. Pests or diseases
from warmer areas that would not have
survived our winters now have a better
chance of becoming established.
Here are a selection of more recent
arrivals in the UK. Some of them are already
evident in parts of the country, whilst others
have only been found in a few isolated
incidences but could become a big problem
if allowed to spread.
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Green gardener
ROSEMARY BEETLE Chrysolina americana
This pest is already well established in London and covers the south
east but distribution further north and west is more sporadic. Your
first reaction may be how beautiful it appears with a bright
metallic, multi-coloured, stripy coat of armour that glistens in the
sun. In early summer, the beetle does little damage, but it is later
on in the season when things take a turn for the worse. Once
breeding begins, both adults and larvae feed on the shoots leaving
them dried out and shrivelled. They only have one generation a
year and the larvae are less easy to spot they are a dull grey
colour with white stripes down the side.
On a small scale, it is possible to keep the numbers down to a
manageable level by shaking the bush and collecting the beetles on
newspaper underneath. This is best done as soon as you see them in
early summer, before they start laying eggs and feeding.
Useful contact
Where to buy
85
ICA MASSACRE
PREVENTS BRASS
86
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Polytunnels
PART 1
Polytunnel masterclass
SETTING UP YOUR STRUCTURE
If youre looking to invest in one of these great growing aids, Lia Leendertz has all
the key information to help. Here is part one of her new, three part series
In the year since I first installed my
polytunnel I can safely say that it has
significantly changed my experience of
gardening. For one thing, I sit in the house
staring out at the rain a lot less. I can now
take a chance on the allotment, even in dodgy
weather. I have somewhere to bolt should I be
there when the rain starts, and can even carry
on gardening with the pattering of rain drops
above my head. Ive found there are few
things lovelier.
The polytunnel has also created a
wonderful mini micro climate that makes it
feel like Im gardening in a different part of
the world. All of those crops that just got by
before, that looked unhappy but produced a
few measly prizes for all my (and their) hard
work they all thrive now, looking luxuriant,
plump and delighted by life.
87
Set up
Everything about setting up a polytunnel takes
time. Unless you have a week to spare and a
cast iron back, I would break it into a series
of tasks and take a weekend over each. My
polytunnel was a hand-me-down from my
mums garden. It is worth looking out for
second-hand ones, but bear in mind that while
these may be significantly cheaper than buying
new, they may also come (as mine did) with the
stipulation that you arrive and help dismantle
the thing which is a weekends job in itself.
But Im getting ahead of myself. The first
task should always be to prepare the ground
ready to receive the new polytunnel, which
means making it level. This was a big job on
my plot as the area I had chosen was rough
ground, uncultivated for some time, and my
whole plot is on a slope. If youre siting your
tunnel on an area previously used for garden
beds it may be an easier task. Use a spirit level
and take your time.
My polytunnel came with built in
foundations the poles extend a good 35cm
into the ground and end in square base plates.
This was good as my site is at the top of a
windy hill, but meant digging 2.5m deep holes
in clay soil, which was quite the task. The
structure isnt going anywhere fast though.
You can cement these in but I felt that my
soil was solid enough, and just refilled the
holes with that.
The next job is to assemble the hoops and
slot them into the foundation tubes and then
to fix support struts and finally the ridge pole.
Once everything is in place go around and
tighten nuts and bolts and make sure poles are
perfectly pushed together. Any ill-fitting bits
can make the skin rub and stretch, and this will
shorten its life. Fit the base rail if using one, and
hang the doors. I also applied anti hot spot tape
over the whole structure once it was in place.
GYO RECOMMENDS
88
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Premier Polytunnels
Haygrove Polytunnels
Wonder Tunnel
Five Star Polytunnels
Citadel Polytunnels
Ferryman Polytunnels
Robinson Polytunnels
www.gardenerskitchen.co.uk
growfruitandveg.co.uk
89
UNDER COVER
What to do now in the greenhouse and polytunnel
Words by Sally Nex
MUST-DO JOBS
Keep sheets
of newspaper
handy to thro
w
over seedlings
for light
temporary
shading on ho
t
sunny days
Grow sweet
potatoes in
containers
under cover to
give them the
heat they need
to produce
high yields
90
growfruitandveg.co.uk
more
To grow e mini
s
u
,
s
p
cro
pop-up ses to
u
greenho our
y
extend pace
s
g
in
w
gro
seed
as your fill up
benches
Cove
r
and b yourself
uy in
plug
plants
seam for
less
replac
germin ement of
failure ation
than s rather
resow
ing
Under cover
HOW TO: Plant up grow bags
Grow bags have gone from strength to strength lately and no wonder, as its
hard to think of a more versatile growing method. Inexpensive, easy to handle
and flexible, theyre equally at home in a greenhouse, polytunnel, balcony or
patio. Double them up for extra depth, add a support system and disguise with
attractive wicker or hessian for a planter thats good-looking as well as effective.
THREE TO TRY
Snowball is a startling
white in colour and ready
to harvest in eight to 10
weeks from sowing at
tennis-ball size
(suttons.co.uk)
(mr-fothergills.co.uk)
Manchester Market is
an unusual addition with
white roots topped with
green leaves very hardy
and a good choice for
storing (moreveg.co.uk)
GROW
TOMATOES
UP STRING
SUPPORTS
UNLEASH
BIOCONTROLS
ON
GREENHOUSE
PESTS
91
Bee diary
Buying a swarm:
HOW TO INTRODUCE
A BEE COLONY INTO
YOUR GARDEN
BBKAs Gill Maclean discusses
the options available to anyone
interested in this exciting hobby
If you are thinking about acquiring
your first swarm of honey bees
then you have probably already
discovered what a fascinating
pastime beekeeping is. It requires
you to be reasonably fit, have
somewhere suitable to keep bees
and be able to understand the basics
which will help you realise much
of what happens inside a colony
and how to deal with problems.
Things to consider
Youll need to work out where to keep
your bees. Lots of gardens have room
for hives if they are sited sensibly. If
you havent got enough space it may
be possible to find a suitable location
in someone elses garden, on an
allotment or at a club apiary.
If youre interested in acquiring
bees, there are many theory courses
offered by local beekeepers
associations during the winter months
and practical sessions can then be
started the following April or May.
Attending demonstrations and
n You
n If
93
826826
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for our full range of Mens and Ladies Shoes
94
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Livestock
KEEPING CHICKENS:
Chickens as pets vs
chickens as livestock
Do you keep your hens for their tasty eggs, or
are you rearing them as meat birds? Lorraine
Coverley looks at the key differences
It is believed that the number of backyard
chickens in the UK is around the three
million mark, owned by probably threequarters of a million people. The greater
majority of these do exactly what I do keep
the hens as pets and make use of their eggs.
However, there are many keepers who also
raise birds for their meat, but it seems that as a
nation of animal lovers we wont eat chickens
that we see as pets.
A good proportion of the birds for sale are
breeds like White Leghorn, Araucana, Speckled,
Silkie, Goldline, Buff Orpington, Rhode Island
Red, or bantams, depending on local
preferences. These have one significant similarity
they are all good egg-layers, with some
producing up to around 300 eggs a year. In
other words, buy these chickens and youve just
bought pet hens.
These hybrid varieties are bred to create
birds which are more prolific layers, but theyre
also lively, robust and can be very active, so
they tend not to put any significant weight on.
They are amongst the cheapest varieties to buy
and are perfect for those of us who are only
interested in eggs.
95
STEPS TO A
GORGEOUS
green space
Look after
your lawn
Prune
your hedges
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Keep on top
of weeding
Think ahead
Promotion
EGO Power+ Strimmer RRP 129
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diameter line provides a
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TOP TIP
Nitrogen-rich
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EGOs range of tools are powered by a 56-volt lithuim-ion battery with one battery fitting every tool. Charged in just 30 minutes,
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growfruitandveg.co.uk
97
Mays
Wish List!
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If youre looking for a simple and thoughtful gift for a grower in your life, the
personalised tools from Treat Republic could provide the answer. GYO readers can
claim a 15 per cent discount on the head gardener trug and the trowel and fork set,
which would make valuable additions to your collection. The trowel and fork set are
originally priced at 19.99 and are made from a light-weight wooden handle and
steel, which makes them incredibly durable. The trug is originally priced at 34.99
and is a must-have for the harvesting season its made of pine and measures 30cm
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99
Seasonal chef MAY15 DPS Qx_GYO new size 19/03/2015 12:07 Page 1
RADISH AT A GLANCE
Sow: March September
Harvest: March January
Conditions: Fine, moist soil
in a partially shaded spot
Chef
Seasonal
SERVES FOUR
2 tbsp olive oil
2
tbsp butter
onion, chopped
400g
basmati rice
400g
butternut
squash, diced
800ml
hot chicken
stock
Salt
and pepper
100ml
100g
Greek yogurt
radishes, sliced
100g
roasted
almonds, crushed
Small
bunch of mint,
roughly chopped
Small
bunch of
coriander, roughly
chopped
100
chilli, chopped
growfruitandveg.co.uk
2
3
4
How to harvest
Seasonal chef MAY15 DPS Qx_GYO new size 19/03/2015 12:07 Page 2
Eat seasonally
garlic cloves,
sliced
150g
white
crabmeat
50g
brown
crabmeat
lemons, zested
and juiced
large bunch of
parsley, shredded
Sea
50g
French
breakfast radishes,
very thinly sliced
1
2
3
4
GYO
TIP!
FAE GILFILLAN,
EDITOR OF COOK VEGETARIAN (COOKVEG.CO.UK)
growfruitandveg.co.uk
101
Coming Next Month MAY15 Qx_GYO new size 20/03/2015 12:23 Page 1
6 FREE PACKETS
OF SEEDS WITH
THE JUNE ISSUE!
LOVE ASPARAGUS?
Month
Coming Next
DIVIDING OPINION
growfruitandveg.co.uk
PLUS!
GROWING IN THE SHADE
Greenhouses
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103
Raised Beds
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104
allotment movement.
From only 15 p.a
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Seaweed Fertiliser
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Female
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Maxicrop
Gardening..... Naturally
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01568 611729
Organic Vegetable, Salad, Ornamental & Herb Plants. Mail Order, Nursery Shop & Wholesale
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Bespoke patio fruit cages we can design and cover
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or email your requirements for free Quote.
Not sure how what size cloche or throw-over
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HDPE UV Stabilised Bird netting 20-25mm mesh size available up 20m
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Website Directory
The Franchi family are 7th generation seedsmen based in the Alps. We produce local,
regional varieties with provenance and lost flavour, each one used traditionally for a
specific regional Italian dish.
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105
Behind the scenes with... Qx_GYO new size 20/03/2015 12:10 Page 1
Last word
Rob
Smith
We chat heritage veg with Rob Smith
winner of The Big Allotment
Challenge and seed guardian
growfruitandveg.co.uk
Runner beans
There are a lot of interesting and unusual
bean varieties available to grow that are
totally different to the stringy supermarket
types we are used to seeing.
Cucumbers
One of my favourite veg is the Boothbys
Blonde cucumber I grew on The Big
Allotment Challenge. They are so iconic
and different compared to what you get
in a shop. They have tiny little fat yellow
fruits and when I first started growing
them everyone thought I was growing
melons outside!
How to
Where to buy
Maxicrop is available from most garden
centres including Wyevale. If the Maxicrop
product you want isnt available in your local
garden centre, check the Garden Centre
Group website thegardencentregroup.co.uk
for your nearest store (128 centres in
England and Wales). Or visit
www.capitalgardens.co.uk