Growing Instructions

Here are the growing instructions for some seeds:


Broccoli Romanesco

"Highly attractive head of lime green made up of a mass of small conical shaped florets forming a pointed curd not unlike a green cauliflower. Superb flavour and more tender texture than cauliflower. Matures September to October.

WHEN TO SOW

April and May.

WHERE TO SOW

Sow the seeds thinly in a well prepared seed bed 1cm deep and in rows 15cm apart.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

As the seedlings appear thin to 7cm apart. When they are about 10-15cm tall, transplant to the growing site about 45cm apart, planting them 2cm deeper than in the seed bed. Water well.

MATURITY

First heads should be ready from August.

HANDY TIP

Once the main head has been harvested, the plant will produce small heads over the following weeks.

"

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Beetroot Cheltenham Green Top

"Adrienne T (one of our customers) recommended this Beetroot to us! It has long tapering roots of slightly rough texture, excellent flavour and good for the show bench. WHEN TO SOW April to June WHERE TO SOW Sow thinly direct into the growing site 2cm deep in rows 30cm apart. WHEN TO TRANSPLANT Do not transplant. Instead, thin out seedlings when large enough to handle. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Easy to grow and much more tasty than fresh shop bought beetroot. It should be harvested at the right time when the size of a tennis ball. Sow the seeds thinly from April to June in drills 2cm deep with 30cm between rows. Is a good idea to sow part rows at weekly intervals to get a succession of roots. Some varieties can be sown earlier under cloches. Thin seedings to 10cm between plants, keep weed free and water regularly. Loosen roots with a fork and pull gently, twist off the leaves about 4-5cm form the crown, do not cut or damage rhe skin as this will result in bleeding during cooking with a loss of colour and flavour. Wash in cold water and cook in boling water for 1-2 hours. Rub off the skin when cool."

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Broad Bean Imperial Green Longpod

"Broad Bean Imperial Green Longpod is a best seller. It's a high yielding variety with 5-8 beans per pod. Suitable for freezing. Very goof flavour.

Sow & Harvest Dates:
October-November or March-May. Autumn sowings take approximately 26 weeks to crop, while spring sowings take about 16 weeks.

Companion Plants:
Plant with Potato, Cucumber, Maize, Strawberry, Celery, Summer Savory.

Growing Instructions:
Broad beans are sown outdoors in open ground. Make sure the soil is well dug, and ideally will have been manured the previous Autumn.

In mild areas with a sheltered, well drained site, is possible to sow Broad Beans in the Autumn, for all others it is recommended to sow Broad Beans in March through May.

Sow each bean in 5cm deep drills spaced 20cm apart, in rows 50cm apart. There is no need for thinning Broad Beans."

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Pea Sugar Snap

"Long-stemmed pea 120-180cm tall, heavy yielding variety with pods 8cm in length, resistant to race 1 of Pea Wilt. Very sweet flavoured. Nutritious and filling, can be eaten raw. Sowing & Harvesting: Sow 2cm apart in 2cm drills. Cover with soil. Sow outside in February or March, and harvest from July. The plants are climbing, and pea sticks or a trellis or other support system is required for optimal growth Latin name: Pisum sativum"

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Dwarf French Bean Classic

"Dwarf French Bean Classic is a pencil podded, white seeded type, dark green pods 14cm x 10mm. Has good vigour, coupled with good standing ability and long shelf life.
Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow outdoors May - June, harvest August - September
Growing Instructions:
French beans are sub-tropical in origin and therefore highly susceptible to frost damage. If a late frost does catch seedlings the only option is to remove them and re-sow. Germination rates for all French beans are about 80% therefore sow seeds approximately every 15cm, in 5cm deep pre-watered drills. When the seedlings emerge, thin them out to about 1 every 30cm. A good tip is to sow two seeds in the last position on each row, meaning you have additional seedlings to fill in any gaps. A second tip, is don't pre-soak the beans as this encourages pest attack and reduces germination rates. Dwarf French beans can manage with short bamboo poles or sticks to scramble up. Keep well watered and weeded (both tasks can be reduced by surrounding the plants with an organic mulch). "

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Sweet Pepper Yellow Ringo

"Sweet Pepper Yellow Ringo has good shaped tapered fruit up to 20cm in length. Delicious and decorative raw in salads or cooked with lovely sweet flavour. WHEN TO SOW March to April WHERE TO SOW Can be grown outside but only in sheltered sunny position, best results are obtained in polytunnels or a glasshouse. Fill a 10cm (4in) pot with a multipurpose compost, lightly firm the surface then water with a fine rose. Once the compost has drained for half an hours, sow the seeds onto the surface of the compost, and then lightly cover the seeds with fine grade vermiculite. The pots are the placed into a heated propagator at a minimum temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) Germination ususally takes approximately 10-21 days, but can be erratic.Once the seedlings have germinated prick them out (transplant) into individual 9cm (3.5in) pots and grow on in the greenhouse at a minimum temperature of 10-15C (50-59F). WHAT TO DO NEXT When seedlings are about 5cm tall, prick off individually into small pots or multicell trays. Grow on until 15cm tall before planting into greenhouse border."

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Pepper Sweet Spanish Mixed

"Pepper Sweet Spanish Mixed is a special selection of varieties to give a mixture of colours and shapes. Heavy block shaped fruits with mild flavour.

SOW March and April

HARVEST August onwards

TYPE Summer Vegetable

PLOT Glasshouse or Polytunnel

WHERE TO SOW

Sow thinly in trays, pots or modules at about 22°C, cover finely with compost. Cover with glass or polythene to retain humidity.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Remove cover as soon as seedlings appear. When seedlings are 5cm tall, prick off into individual pots, thin modules to a single seedling per cell. When plants are 15cm tall, transplant to greenhouse border, growbags or large pots. Some support is helpful.

HANDY TIP

Water regularly and spray foliage. Feed in the same way you would tomatoes.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

High in vitamin C and beta carotene (pro-vitamin A).

"

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Chilli Pepper Cayenne Red

"Chilli Pepper Cayenne Red is a hot, pungent pepper with long, thin fruits maturing from green to red. Chilli seeds are sown early in the year, and grown in a poly-tunnel, greenhouse or sunny windowsill. Germinatation takes 10-14 days but can take longer a week or two longer if the gods are not with you! Use a soil based seedand potting-on compost. Good drainage is essential. Warmth is the key to good germination, ideally over 25°, but will germinate above 21°.
Sow & Harvest Dates:
Ideally sow January through April. Matures in 70 days.
Growing Information:
In a small pot, sow several seeds in 5mm drills. When most of the seeds have germinated transfer into a individual larger pots. Once the plant as 5 true leaves either plant in the groud (Poly-tunnel) or in its own 20cm pot. Be careful not to allow temperatures above 35° and try not to let the plant get too dry (avoids blossom-drop and pod-drop.)."

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Pumpkin Hundredweight

"Pumpkin Hundredweight - the traditional Haloweíen pumpkin! Can attain huge weights if grown singly. Oval to round with deep orange flesh. Allow 200cm between plants.

SOW April to May

HARVEST October

TYPE Summer Maincrop

PLOT Outdoor plot

WHERE TO SOW

Sow 2 or 3 seeds into a 9cm pot under glass at 20°C. Late May sowings can be made direct into soil 5cm apart in a cold frame.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

As soon as first true leaves appear, prick off into individual 9cm pots. Gradually harden off before planting in the growing site 60cm apart in late May. Cold frame sowings can be gradually hardened off and transplanted when large enough. Water regularly.

HANDY TIP

As the plant has a trailing habit it needs a lot of space or take out the growing point after 3 or 4 fruits.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

A good source of pro-vitamin A, vitamins B1, C and E.

"

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Rhubarb Victoria

"Very popular maincrop variety. This heavy yielding, long stalked variety is ideal as a good low maintenance crop; easy to grow and well worth the effort. Early sown seeds can produce plants that will crop in the first season, later sowings should be left until the following year before pulling any sticks. Sow the seeds in a seed bed 2cm deep in February and April in rows 30cm apart. Thin seedlings to 15cm apart. Lift the strongest plants with as much soil as possible 4-6 weeks later and plant out in the permanent site allowing 90cm all round. First stems should be ready to harvest from late summer, subsequent years will produce crops from May onwards."

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Sweet Corn (Unusual) Minipop

"Sweet Corn is a normal sugar type. Very tender pericarp makes this an ideal variety for mini sweet corn. Best grown at high density, and harvested when cobs approximately 10cm in length. Produces 5-6 cobs per plant. This variety normally crops after approximately 65 days, and does not require pollination to produce cobs. Sow & Harvest: There are several ways to grow seet corn successfully. Perhaps the easiest is to warm the growund with a cloche from mid April, and then sow the seeds directly in their final place in mid may. Sweetcorn needs soil temperatures above 10C to do well, and preferably above 16C."

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Sweet Corn Earlibird

"Sweet Corn Earlibird is a super sweet type. One of the earliest super sweet varieties currently available. Produces a good yield of high quality cobs. Cobs approximately 20cm in length, with 16 rows of small grains. Sow & Harvest: There are several ways to grow sweet corn successfully. Perhaps the easiest is to warm the ground with a cloche from mid April, and then sow the seeds directly in their final place in mid may. Sweetcorn needs soil temperatures above 10C to do well, and preferably above 16C."

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Radish Mixed

"Radish Mixed contains a mixture of French Breakfast, Scarlet Globe and Sparkler to give a variation in one row.

SOW March to September

HARVEST Roots should be ready for use in 3 or 4 weeks from sowing

TYPE Salad Vegetable

PLOT Outdoor plot

WHERE TO SOW

Sow in short rows or in small clumps about 1cm deep in open ground.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

No need to transplant but thinning out may be necessary if seed was sown thickly.

HANDY TIP

When Radishes mature, leave a few to generate seed pods. These can be picked and added to salads for extra flavour.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Rich in vitamin C and potassium. Contains beneficial sulphur compounds.

"

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Squash Winter Turk's Turban

"Turk's Turban is an delicious, highly attractive, large winter squash with striped orange skin, a striking novelty crop which stores well.

Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow in May after risk of last frost has passed.

Growing Information:
Select a sunny spot well protected from strong winds. Squash are best sown directly into the soil after the risk of last frost has passed. Dig a 20cm deep hole and fill it with a mix of soil and compost, leaving a slight mound. Sow 2 or three seeds a few cm apart in the top of each mound. Sow at a depth of about 1.5cm and be sure to place the seeds on their edge. Germination is improved by placing a cloche over the mound for a few weeks."

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Turnip Purple Top Milan

"Turnip Purple Top Milan is a beautiful smooth, purple-topped variety with white base below soil level. Very popular for fresh market sales; good quality flattish roots.
Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow Feb through June. Harvest May through October.
Growing Information:
Sow seeds thinly either in containers or directly outside in 1cm deep drills. Sow little and often. Thin as necessary to produce baby veg (tastier than large turnips) throughout Spring, Summer."

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Cabbage Red Drumhead

"Cabbage Red Drumhead has solid round heads with crisp hearts of purple red colour. Ideal for pickling and cooking.

SOW March and April or July

HARVEST Spring sowings ready early August. Summer sowings ready October

TYPE Late Summer or Autumn Crop

PLOT Outdoor

WHERE TO SOW

Early sowings in trays or modules under glass at 13°C. Later sowings direct into a seedbed in shallow drills 2cm deep.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Prick off glasshouse seedlings when 5-8cm tall, into trays 5cm apart. Thin module sowings to single plants. Harden off before planting out in the growing site from early May. Thin outdoor sowings to 4-6cm apart as soon as possible, planting in the growing site when 15cm tall to the same spacings as before.

HANDY TIP

A real all round vegetable, traditionally pickled but also makes a fine cooked vegetable, use raw in salads for texture and colour.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Excellent source of pro-vitamin A and vitamins B & C.

"

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Courgette Green Bush

"Courgette Green Bush has a striped fruit with good even stocks. Can be picked early as standard sized courgettes, or left to mature into marrows. Sow: April to early June Harvest: July onwards Courgette Green Bush is happiest when grown on a compost heap. This tells you that when grown in the open , it prefers loose, well drained soil, that has been well dug over. Soil needs to be well manured the previous autumn (more so than with other vegetables). An ideal preparation is to dig out a whole 1 spades depth, and half fill with well rotted compost or even grass cuttings, and then refill with top soil. Each plant needs to be at least 1m from its nearest neighbour. Seeds can be sown outside at the expected date of the last frost. Sow seeds 2cm deep. Tip: If courgettes are not picked early they will develop into marrows."

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Sunflower - Giant Single

"The variety children love to grow. Tall strong stems topped with bright yellow flowers that follow the sun during the day. Height 200 cm plus.
35 Seeds Per Packet

WHEN TO SOW
Late March to early June.

WHERE TO SOW
Direct into weed free flowering site about 2cm deep. Alternatively, you can sow indoors in early spring. Sow seeds 12mm (1/2in deep) in indiviudual pots 7.5cm (3in) at 68-72°F (20-22°C). Germination normally takes between 7-10 days. Once the plant is established, gradually harden off and plant out in early June, when all chances of frost has ceased.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
If sown direct, thin out seedlings to about 30cm apart. Sunflowers do not like transplanting and are short lived if subjected to this process. Prefers a well drained soil in full sun.

MATURITY
July to September.

HANDY TIP
Plants may need staking in exposed areas. When flowers have faded, hang flower heads by strings to feed the birds."

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Pansy - Clear Cyrstals Mixed

"Attractive flower faces in bold solid colours with no traditional blotch make a pleasing change planted in clumps. Height 15 cm.

ber of Seeds: 75
WHEN TO SOW
February to April.

WHERE TO SOW
Prepare a nursery bed and sow thinly 0.5cm deep or into seed trays in a cold frame.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out to 5cm apart. Surplus seedlings can be transplanted into trays in September or the following March, plant in flowering site 20cm apart.

MATURITY
May to November.

HANDY TIP
Regular removal of dead heads encourages new flowers to ensure a continuous display.
"

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Onion Ishikura Bunching

"Onion Ishikura is a vigorous Japanese bunching onion with excellent flavoured long slender white stalks and no bulbing. Sow from March to June, Harvest May to October. RHS Award of Garden Merit
Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow weekly from March to June. Harvest May to October.
Growing Information:
Sow very thinly in 1.5cm deep drills, leaving about 25 cm between rows. Thin seedlings in stages to about 10cm - thinnings to be removed to avoid Onion Fly attack.
Tips: Closer spacing results in smaller onions than larger spacing. Make sure are well dried before storing. Remove dead leaves before storing."

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Carrot Flyaway

"Carrot Flyaway is a second early/maincrop. It is well known for its tolerance of Carrot Root Fly - while not resistant, it is not attractive to the egg laying flies, and the maggots do not grow well on it. Flyaway has good shape, good colour and a smooth skin.

Sow & Harvest: Sow mid April - July, harvest July - October.

Companion Plants: Sow next to Onion White Lisbon which is effective at deterring carrot fly.

Planting Instructions: Dig narrow drills 1cm deep and 12cm apart with rows 30cm apart. Shake some seed into your palm and drop a small pinch into a each drill. Seedlings appear about 15 days later."

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Brussel Sprout Brilliant

"Brussel Sprout Brilliant has excellent disease tolerance and high quality buttons that hold well for an early variety. This is an early cropping variety which can be harvested in September. It's a variety that is often seen on supermarkets shelves!
Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow In April - Harvest In September.
Sow in April in 1cm deep drills with plenty of water. Sow thinly. Seedlings should be transplanted to their final position in mid May (note that transplanted seedlings produce better yield than those left untransplanted). Seedlings should be planted 50cm apart, in soil that has been well dug and left for 2 months to settle."

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Pea Onward

"Pea Onward is an impressive cropper of pods containing 6-8 large peas with fantastic flavour. This variety does well in most gardens throughout the UK and often does not require support. It is a favourite for home freezing.

Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow Mar-May. Harvest Jun-Sep.

Growing Instructions:
Sow seeds in flat-bottomed drills 5cm apart, 5cm deep and with rows 45cm apart."

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Carrot Resistafly F1

"Carrot Resistafly is a new Nantes hybrid variety that is root fly resistant, producing long, well coloured smooth roots. SOW: March to July HARVEST: August to November WHERE TO SOW: Dig narrow drills 1cm deep and 12cm apart with rows 30cm apart. Shake some seed into your palm and drop a small pinch into a each drill. Seedlings appear about 15 to 20 days later. HANDY TIP: The roots can be pulled early and eaten as baby carrots or left for later harvesting."

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Nasturtium - Tall Single Mixed

"Large single flowers on plants that trail down, climb up or spread from side to side. Good for covering sheds, walls or an eyesore. Height up to 200 cm.

WHEN TO SOW
April and May.

WHERE TO SOW
Sow thinly in a weed free flowering site or direct into tubs and hanging baskets about 2cm deep.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
As the seedlings grow, thin out to 25cm apart. The surplus seedlings can be transplanted into prepared tubs and hanging baskets.

MATURITY
June to September.

HANDY TIP
Keep a watchful eye for black fly. They start under the leaves and can swamp a plant."

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Lettuce Saladin

"Lettuce Saladin is probably the Iceberg on the grocerÃes shelf, large well wrapped heads of shiny bright green leaves. Very crisp and stands well at maturity. SOW March to June HARVEST June onwards TYPE Summer Crisphead PLOT Outdoor plot WHERE TO SOW: Early sowings in trays under glass at 13°C. Later sowings direct into the growing site 1cm deep in rows 30cm apart. WHAT TO DO NEXT: Glasshouse seedlings should be pricked off into trays 5cm apart as soon as large enough to handle. Gradually harden off for planting in growing site 25cm apart. Thin outdoor sowings to 25cm apart, thinnings can be transplanted. HANDY TIP: never let lettuce crops dry out. The secret of good growing is a fast growth with no checks from drought or cold. NUTRITIONAL VALUE: A good source of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and vitamin C as well as vitamin K."

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Lettuce All Year Round

"Lettuce All Year Round has medium heads with compact, crisp hearts. Benefits from a long cropping period, slow to bolt, lacks the uniformity of more modern varieties. SOW: mid March - August HARVEST: May - October Planting Instructions: Sow thinly in shallow (6mm deep) drills 25cm apart. A well drained soil but moist soil, with plenty of compost during the previous autumn is best. Companion Plants: Sow next to Carrot, Radish, Strawberry, Cucumber."

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Leek Musselburgh

"Leek Musselburgh is a very popular mid season variety which produces excellent flavour and strong white stems. SOW: March to May HARVEST: November through February WHERE TO SOW: Sow mid March and then in June gently pull the seedlings and gently plant them 20cm apart in 15 cm deep holes which you then fill with water (not soil!). Mound up soil as they mature and harvest in late Autumn."

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Leek Winter Giant

"Leek Winter Giant is a high performing variety with thick medium length shafts with dark green erect foliage. Very good winter hardiness. SOW: March to May HARVEST: from December through April. WHERE TO SOW: Sow thinly in 1.5cm drills and Keep plants well watered, but do not overwater."

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Cabbage Primo

"Cabbage Primo is one of the most popular of this type. Very firm medium size heads of excellent quality and flavour. Can be sown in February under glass. SOW February to May HARVEST June to October TYPE Summer crop vegetable PLOT Outdoor plot WHERE TO SOW: Early sowings in trays or modules under glass at 13°C. Later sowings direct into seed bed in shallow drills 1.5cm deep. WHAT TO DO NEXT: Prick off the glasshouse seedlings when 6-8cm tall into trays 5cm apart. Thin module sowings to single plants. Harden off before planting out in the growing site from early May 30cm (12”) apart. Thin outdoor sowings to 4-6cm (2-3”) apart as soon as possible, planting in the growing site when 15cm tall spaced at 45cm apart. Firm in well and keep well watered in drought conditions. HANDY TIPS: Cabbages like good solid ground. Do not plant into freshly dug ground, so dig the plot well in advance. Do not grow on same ground two years running. NUTRITIONAL VALUES: Excellent source of vitamin C & B. The darkest leaves contain the most nutrients."

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Savoy Best of All

"Savoy Best of All has round flattened heads with large blue green leaves. Solid hearts of good texture and flavour. Harvest begins in August and September. SOW May and early June TYPE Early Winter Crop PLOT Outdoor plot WHERE TO SOW: Sow the seed thinly in a well prepared seed bed in shallow drills 1cm deep in rows 20cm apart. Keep well watered. WHAT TO DO NEXT: Thin the seedlings as they appear to 5cm apart. When the seedlings are about 10-15cm tall, transplant to the growing site 40-45cm apart. Set the young plants 2cm deeper than they were in the seed bed. HANDY TIP: Brassica crops require deep and rich soil for the best results but even poorer soils will crop well, given a good organic feed after transplanting. NUTRITIONAL VALUE: A good source of pro-vitamin A, vitamin C and B."

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Cucumber Telegraph Improved

"Cucumber Telegraph Improved is a reliable, well-established OP variety, which is very often used for plant sales by garden centers. SOW: early May HARVEST: August WHERE TO SOW: Cucumber can be sown indoors in pots of compost, or outdoors in open ground. Our method below describes sowing indoors and then moving outdoors, which is what we advise. Cucumber prefers well sheltered sites, where the soil is not prone to drying out. Cucumber is best sown indoors in 5cm pots in mid April. Sowing 2 seeds 1cm deep, on their edges, and then removing the weaker seedling after germination. Harden off and plant out seedlings end of May or start of June. Leave a minimum of 40cm between plants if they are climbers, or 75 cm if they are trailers. A good tip is stagger the planting out the seedlings over several weeks, to spread out your harvest time 12 to 14 weeks after sowing. Tip: Sow 2 seeds in each drill with the pointed end downwards! Keep well watered."

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Carrot Paris Market Atlas

"Carrot Paris Market Atlas is an improved high quality version of the popular Paris Market type. An early/maincrop variety with superb almost round roots. Excellent colour. Ideal for shallow soils SOW: March - July HARVEST: July - October Companion Plants: Sow next to Onion White Lisbon which is effective at deterring carrot fly. WHERE TO SOW: Dig narrow drills 1cm deep and 12cm apart with rows 30cm apart. Shake some seed into your palm and drop a small pinch into a each drill. Seedlings appear about 15 days later."

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Primrose - Mardigras Mixed

"Dwarf growing plants with bright green leaves and delicate flowers in a lovely range of bold solid colours. Height 15 cm.
30 Seeds Per Packet

WHEN TO SOW
May to July.

WHERE TO SOW
Sow the seeds thinly in trays of good compost. Cover with glass or polythene to retain moisture. Avoid direct sunlight.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
Remove cover as soon as seedlings emerge. When they are about 2cm tall, prick off into trays 5cm apart or individual pots. Grow in a shaded area as sool as possible. Plant in flowering site in September. Keep well watered.

MATURITY
Spring the following year.

HANDY TIP
As the natural habitat is woodland, a sheltered spot that never dries out is prefereable. Can also be used as a pot plant."

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Alyssum - Carpet Of Snow

Dwarf spreading habit with pure white flowers from June to September. Ideal for edging paths. Ht 10cm

WHEN TO SOW
March to early May

WHERE TO SOW
Either in pots or trays under glass at 16°C or directly outside if warm enough

WHEN TO TRANSPLANT
Pirck off or thin out as seedlings grow and plant out from late May onwards.

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Cauliflower All Year Round

"Cauliflower All Year Round is the allotment growers favourite. Large, round, white heads are well protected by dark green leaves and remain in excellent condition for longer than other varieties. SOW: March through May HARVEST: July through late September WHERE TO SOW: First prepare the soil by adding manure or compost during the several months before planting. Sow seeds outdoors in 1cm deep rows. Then seedlings emerge thin out to 10cm apart, and then when the plants have 6 leaves transplant to 60cm apart in their final positions. Alternatively can be sown under glass in Jan - Feb."

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Salvia - Blaze Of Fire
Where To Sow: Sow in pots or trays in a good compost under glass at 18-20ƒC. Cover the seeds lightly with sifted compost. Keep moist.
What To Do Next: When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick off into trays 5cm apart. Grow on and gradually harden off for planting in the flowering site in May 25cm apart.
Handy tip: Pinch out the growing point when plants are about 10cm tall to encourage branching with much more colour.

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Tomato Garden Perle
Where To Sow: In boxes or pots in greenhouses at 20-21°C. Spacing seeds 1cm apart and lightly cover with compost. Cover the container with glass or polythene, after gently watering, to retain humidity.
What To Do Next: As soon as seedling leaves have opened prick off into 10cm pots. Gradually harden off before planting out when all danger of frost has passed. Finally transplant outside into growing position 45cm apart when first truss bloom is showing.
Handy tip: No need to pinch out side shoots. If you have too much fruit for immediate use, just put the surplus into a plastic bag and place in the freezer. They will be excellent for use later in casseroles, etc.


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Chives (Organic Seeds)
Where To Sow: Sow indoors February-April thinly ½in (1cm) deep in clean trays or modules of firm pre watered compost. Keep soil moist at all times. Sow outdoors March-June thinly ½in (1cm) deep in a seed bed or containers. Keep soil moist at all times.
What To Do Next: Indoor sowings should be thinned out to 15cm apart and planted out March-June into the required harvest position 20cm apart. Outdoor sowings should be thinned to 20cm apart as they grow.
Handy tip: Will crop for several years. All parts of the plant are edible. Keep soil moist, plant in sun or part shade.


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Clarkia - Elegans Double Delight
Where To Sow: Sow late March to mid May directly into flowering site.
What To Do Next: Thin out seedlings to 10cm apart as they grow to avoid over-crowding.
Handy tip: Successional sowing will give a supply of cut ?ower material throughout the summer.

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Melon Cantaloupe Charentais
Where To Sow: When planting melons, start by directly adding the seeds to the garden, planning each seeds at least ½ to 1 inch in depth. Create a planting hill for each seed spaced apart around 4 to 6 feet. The best time to plant melons is after the last frost, and should be when the climate is warm. It will take up to three months or more to mature during the summer.
What To Do Next: Make sure the melons are properly fertilized is very important. Then follow up by fertilizing the melons monthly or as needed. Remember not to over water the melons as this will dilute the sweetness of the fruit. For this reason watering every other week during the ripening period is recommended. Stop watering however once you begin harvesting the melons.
Handy tip: The best way to determine the right time to harvest the melons is by the stem. When the melon is ripe the stem can be easily detached from the fruit.

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Parsnip Tender and True
Where To Sow: Sow the seeds thinly, direct into the growing site, 2cm deep in rows 45cm apart. A stone free tilth is preferable.
What To Do Next: Do not transplant seedlings. As soon as seedlings appear they should be gradually thinned until plants are 10cm - 20cm apart. Root size is spacing dependent - for small roots space 10cm apart - for larger roots space up to 20cm apart. Hoe regularly but ensure you do not damage the crown or the root.
Handy tip: As parsnips occupy ground for a long time, grow a quick maturing vegetable like Lettuce or Radish between the rows.


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Pepper Chilli Long Slim
Where To Sow: Sow thinly in trays, pots or modules at about 22°C, cover finely with compost. Cover with glass or polythene to retain humidity.
What To Do Next: Remove cover as soon as seedlings appear. When 5cm tall, prick off into individual pots, thin modules to a single seedling per cell. Transplant to grow bags or large pots when 15cm tall.
Handy tip: The green young fruits are milder in flavour, the heat increases as the red gets brighter.

Pepper Sweet Spanish Mixed
Where To Sow: Sow thinly in trays, pots or modules at about 22°C, cover finely with compost. Cover with glass or polythene to retain humidity.
What To Do Next: Remove cover as soon as seedlings appear. When seedlings are 5cm tall, prick off into individual pots, thin modules to a single seedling per cell. When plants are 15cm tall, transplant to greenhouse border, growbags or large pots. Some support is helpful.
Handy tip: Water regularly and spray foliage. Feed in the same way you would tomatoes.


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Sweet Pepper Hungarian Wax (Organic Seeds)
Where To Sow: Fill a 10cm (4in) pot with a multipurpose compost, lightly firm the surface then water with a fine rose. Once the compost has drained for half an hours, sow the seeds onto the surface of the compost, and then lightly cover the seeds with fine grade vermiculite. The pots are the placed into a heated propagator at a minimum temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) Germination ususally takes approximately 10-21 days, but can be erratic.Once the seedlings have germinated prick them out (transplant) into individual 9cm (3.5in) pots and grow on in the greenhouse at a minimum temperature of 10-15C (50-59F)
What To Do Next: When seedlings are about 5cm tall, prick off individually into small pots of multicell trays. Grow on until 15cm tall before planting into greenhouse border. A long pointed yellow-fruited type.
Handy tip: Water regularly and spray the foliage as it will help set the fruit. Feed the same as tomatoes.


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Turnip Golden Ball
Where To Sow: Sow direct into the growing site 1cm deep in rows 30-40cm apart. March sowings can be started under cloches.
What To Do Next: Do not transplant. As soon as the first rough leaves appear, thin to 8cm apart. If possible leave until the size of a golf ball, and pull alternate roots to maximise the crop.
Handy tip: Can be grown for turnip tops, an alternative to spinach. Sow a little thicker but do not thin, treat as cut and come again crop.


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Courgette Jemmer F1
Where To Sow: Early sowings in pots or trays 2cm under glass at 16°C. May sowings in cold frame or under cloches. Early June sowings direct into the growing site 2cm deep, 2 or 3 seeds in each position 60cm apart.
What To Do Next: Glasshouse and under cover sowings should be gradually hardened off once they have developed the first pair of rough leaves, and transplanted to the growing site in late May 60cm apart. Outdoor sowings should be thinned to one seedling as soon as possible.
Handy tip: Silvery blotches on the leaves of F1 hybrid plants is not a sign of disease but the natural leaf colouring.


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Marrow Long Green Bush
Where To Sow: Sow 2 or 3 seeds into a 9cm pot under glass at 20 °C. Late May sowings can be made direct into soil 5cm apart in cold frame.
What To Do Next: As soon as first true leaves appear, prick off into individual 9cm pots. Gradually harden off before planting in the growing site 60cm apart in late May. Cold Frame sowings can be gradually hardened off and transplanted when large enough. Water regularly.
Handy tip: Marrows and Courgettes prefer a deep humus rich soil for both the goodness and its water retention qualities.


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Sweet Corn Kelvedon Glory F1
Where To Sow: Early sowings under glass at 13°C in modules or peat pots. Later sowings into a seed bed in blocks with 45cm between plants.
What To Do Next: Indoor seedlings should be transplanted when all chance of frost has passed. Do not plant in rows but in blocks to aid the pollination.
Handy tip: Instead of boiling cobs try brushing with melted butter or olive oil and gently cooking on a barbecue, turning frequently –delicious!


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Squash Winter Waltham Butternut
Where To Sow: Select a sunny spot well protected from strong winds. Squash are best sown directly into the soil after the risk of last frost has passed. Dig a 20cm deep hole and fill it with a mix of soil and compost, leaving a slight mound. Sow 2 or three seeds a few cm apart in the top of each mound. Sow at a depth of about 1.5cm and be sure to place the seeds on their edge. Germination is improved by placing a cloche over the mound for a few weeks.
What To Do Next: Thin plants out to 90cm apart. Leave strongest plants to mature watering copiously in dry summers.
Handy tip: The orange flesh stays firm when cooked, and it stores very well too.


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Primrose - Mardigras Mixed
Where To Sow: Sow the seeds thinly in trays of good compost. Cover with glass or polythene to retain moisture. Avoid direct sunlight.
What To Do Next: Remove cover as soon as seedlings emerge. When they are about 2cm tall, prick off into trays 5cm apart or individual pots. Grow in a shaded area as cool as possible. Plant in flowering site 20cm in September. Keep well watered.
Handy tip: As the natural habitat is woodland, a sheltered spot that never dries out is prefereable. Can also be used as a pot plant.


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Swede Marian
Where To Sow: Sow outdoors in shallow drills 2cm deep with 45cm between rows.
What To Do Next: Gradually thin the seedlings to final spacings of 10-15cm. Do not transplant.
Handy tip: Keep well watered, can be stored for late use.


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Swede Ruby
Where To Sow: Sow outdoors in shallow drills 2cm deep with 45cm between rows.
What To Do Next: Gradually thin the seedlings to final spacings of 10-15cm. Do not transplant.
Handy tip: Keep well watered, can be stored for late use.


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SweetPea - Spencer Waved Mixed
Where To Sow: September in flowering site 2cm deep, later in pots five seeds in each, October and November in a cold frame, January in an unheated glasshouse, March in a cold frame, April in flowering site.
What To Do Next: Glasshouse raised seedlings should be hardened off during March. Plant out pot grown seedlings in the flowering site 15cm apart in April. Thin direct sown seedlings to 10cm apart. Pick flowers regularly to encourage new growth.
Handy tip: Provide sturdy support for plants. After a good rain a mature plant will be very heavy.



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Rubbish week

It's been a rubbish week on the allotment this week due to the wet weather, I've been on holiday and the most time I've spent is about 6 hours down on the plot over a couple of days. Things seem to be getting sorted and we can nearly see the light end of the tunnel, if I give it a good few days I will soon have it sorted fingers crossed. All that's to weed is a section about 6ft x 25ft and 10 x 25ft, oh and between the cabbages and sprouts.

Looking at the sprouts by the time I remove all the ones that have blown or bolted, I will have about 1 plant in total with sprouts on. At the moment i have 20+ plants and most of them will go on the compost,all my white cabbages have all been eaten now its just the red ones have made it to the end.

On other notes I've bought myself a little buddy to help me on the allotment,he doesn't do much but keeps me company.


We had a skip dropped at the allotment last week for mainly normal garden waste,most of it was full with weeds and the odd general rubbish. As i throw some weeds into the skip and noticed a few plant pots,so had a quick look at them and most of them are ok so I took them. I had a few go missing a little while ago so I thought these would help me out,I don't normally go in skips but I class it as my little bit of recycling.

Another new toy

Another new toy turned up at the door this morning,a nice little Digging Hoe for my spuds. I got the Digging Hoe to dig some trenches for me to put the potatoes in next year,instead of digging with a spade this might be a little easier I hope. Getting lazy I think.

New trowel

Had to get myself some new trowels and weeding tools,only because I keep snapping the ones I have. Hope these ones last longer than normal cant keep buying them,but will have to anyway so I can weed. Think most of these tools are made for home gardens and not allotments,will have to buy a mini digger if I snap anymore.

Weeding and feed

Under the sheet I have done over half of the weeding,kept sheet down so the soils didn't get wet so I can weed it. My raspberries aren't growing much apart from the odd one,I have some well rotted manure so have put some around each plant to see if that helps.

Quick visit.

I'm on holiday this week and the weather hasn't been that good at all,by the time I got to the plot it started to rain. So any chance of me getting a lot of weeding done went straight out of the window,I got a little weeding done well about half an hours worth. So I decided to remove any tomato plants that was still in the greenhouse,took what toms were left and composted the rest.

I also weeded a section In front of my allotment and planted some bulbs and ivy,the bulbs I got give a few weeks ago and the ivy is from the shed wall at home. If the ivy doesn't grow it's not to bad,at least i will have some flowers to look at of the bulbs grow.

Weeding and leaf mould.

That's another section weeded and sorted,the part I weeded is the place I put the unknown bulbs in. Still have to get some more bulbs or flowers to fill this section,but will buy them over the next few weeks.

I sorted another part of the
Path out today, most of the
Path is barked but needed to be finished. I had bit of bark stored and needed using,so I filled quite a bit up along the fence so it's just around the shed that needs doing.

I had some leafs stored in a corner of the allotment ready to be used,it had rotted down quite a bit so I bagged it up ready to use. So with the space left I filled it up with leafs left by the council,so once this has broken down I will use it next year to improve the soil.

Few little pets

Found a couple of pets while I've been weeding this week,just a little newt and frog.

Another section weeded

That's another section weeded and covered ready for next year,it going to be my new flower bed for next year. I did weed half over the beginning of the week and finished Thursday,didn't dig it over just weeded and covered. What cabbages i had left i either took home or gave away,also weeded another section at bottom of the plot to plant some bulbs I got given. Don't know what type of bulb I given,but will find out later when they grow.

Few hours over the weekend

I managed to get to the allotment over the weekend well about 8 in total,I got a little done which I was chuffed with and just hope I can carry on this week. I Wanted to do loads while I was at the allotment but did a little, but the little was ok for me. I did dig another section over and weeded it ready for winter, also started to weed the new flower bed which I will plant next year. Wanted to weed and cover over then I don't have to worry about it,weeded half of it will do the rest this week and will cover it.








The section I'm weeding for the flower bed next year is the cabbage section I have now, saying that not many white cabbages have grown on this part this year. I have a couple from this patch and have a few small ones to take up,will work around them to weed and cover.Most of them went onto the compost bin this year due to slug and snail attack,I'm happy in what I've took home anyway.

I did noticed on Sunday that the onions I planted a few weeks ago have started to grow,don't know if that early but we have growth.

Not much to report

Not been to the plot much this week due to being a tad busy at work,on the times I had gone it was mainly to check things over. I did how ever get some more bird feeders put up,the birds seem to like the fat ball compared to the seeds but are having the seeds.

I put two on the shed and one in the bush at the back of the shed,I've now moved one from the shed to the bush and its getting used.


I did notice yesterday the birds eating the sunflower seeds from the feeder,think we had a sparrow and blue tit eating the seeds. I tried to take a photo of the birds but kept out of sight most of the time,you can make the birds out in the top feeder.

Sunflowers

I wasted a day on Saturday doing nothing at home when I could of gone to the plot, I did go on Sunday it was a little wet so couldn't do much on the allotment. The sunflowers at the bottom of the allotment had wilted quite a bit, couple of them had snapped of and been eaten.

So I decided I would take them all up and remove the seeds from the heads to feed the birds,I did leave a few heads intact an left around the allotment so the birds can eat. I took all the seeds from the rest of the plants to dry and fill the bird feeders,well have to go and get some more feeders this week.

I covered some of the allotment up with some sheeting to try and dry the ground to weed,all We have had about 3 days of frost this weekend and today so no rain. I will be going to the plot
a few times this week after work i hope,need to get my weeding head on for a few hours.

Bit if this and that.

Had a few hours at the allotment this week and done a little,would of hoped to done a little more but every little helps. I planted my garlic and didn't realise how much I had to plant,once I stripped the garlic apart I must of planted around 40 cloves.Look forward to picking it next year.

I sorted out the bird table that I got given which wouldn't stand up by itself,so I screwed it to the side of the compost bin and put some seeds on it on some trays. If it works ok i will sort some other tables or feeders out for the wildlife.

When I was sorting the bird table out with some seeds which was in the shed,I noticed it had holes in the bag from mice having a field day eating my seeds and loose potatoes.

I didn't do very well with turnips or swedes this year, last year we did ok but this year all of them had been eaten by slugs.

I took home some veg for my dinners and veg stews which is all i'll be taking home because that's all I have left,I got given a few fresh eggs from a chap who has his own chickens. Nice.