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Steve’s
Handy Hints Page
July 2006
The allotments
on all sites look better than they have for sometime, lots of
effort and hard work by plot holders in the spring has given
the all sites a productive and tidy look, with good and varied
crops on all plots.
July and
August are the months when we should enjoy the fruit and vegetables
we have nurtured over the last few months. This is a time to
relax and ensure we get the maximum from our crops. There are
3 important things to do: hoe regularly to keep down weeds and
freshen up the soil; Pick crops regularly while young to maximise
the cropping period, and water well during dry spells.
Watering
Tips
Watering
is time consuming and laborious so make the best use of your
water. The general response to watering is that plants produce
leafy growth. This is fine for leafy vegetables but not what
you need for Peas and Beans, they are best kept on the dry side
until they flower, then a thorough watering will provide more
flower making for Peas and Beans.
Young plants
need sufficient water until the root system is established.
Vegetables grown for their leaves should never be allowed to
dry out. Courgettes and marrows are quick growing over a short
season and need plenty of water at all times.
When watering
make sure it is thorough, at least 2 gallons per square yard.
The water must soak down to lower levels to ensure deep rooting.
Water brassicas at the base, avoid getting the leaves wet as
this will encourage fungal diseases. For plants sensitive
to cold, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, peppers
always use water from a butt which is warm.
Seeds -
always water the drill first before sowing. Watering from above
forms a hard crust or cap over the seeds making it difficult
for them to push through.
Transplants
- these are an exception to the general watering rule and should
be watered little and often until established. This can be twice
a day during hot spells.
Tip of the
month
Make sure
you enter local flower shows, i.e. the Ilsington Flower Show
held on the 15th July. The Show needs your support so read the
schedule carefully noting the number of items required i.e.
4 potatoes, etc and any instructions on preparation and presentation.
For
the Handy Hints archive click here.
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