organic vegetable gardening courses, growing tips and homegrown recipes.
Some plants prefer to start life directly in the soil. Others are happy to be moved from being sown in pots. There are benefits and risks for both approaches. I start some beans and corn in pots over heat in September or October. When I transplant them into the garden, I plant them in a grid at about 30cm spacing in both directions. I sow some bean … [Read more...]
Even if you think you can sow seeds successfully, coming to a workshop makes sure you actually get it done. I provide all the equipment and give you a whole range of seeds to choose from that you otherwise wouldn't try. You also get an easy system that sets you up for a full edible garden the whole summer. $29 per person for a 90 minute practical … [Read more...]
The transformation of a seed to a plant is a true wonder of nature. The fresh food garden course includes more information about sowing seeds or you could try a Spring seed sowing session. Here are some tips if you want to start some seeds of your own in pots. Sowing in pots enables you to sow earlier in the season than outside. Some plants … [Read more...]
Some seeds need steady, warm temperatures to germinate quickly. Daytime things may be fine, but at night they'll suffer if it's too cold in a greenhouse, outside or even on a draughty windowsill. The King Seeds catalogue gives very good information about the temperature seeds need to germinate. Tomato seeds and corn will germinate in less than a … [Read more...]
Peas need temperatures of at least 10 degrees C to germinate. There are lots of different varieties to try - tall and dwarf, snow peas and sugar snaps (round like a shelling-pea but with tender, edible pods). Here are some tips for success with peas. If you want more help and advice with vegetable garden, come on the fresh food garden course. … [Read more...]
The Kings Seeds catalogue is here. You can browse and order on line but there's nothing to beat planning the next season's garden from the comfort of your armchair. This year's catalogue includes some inspiring photography from Kings Seeds' customers, including this photo of sweet peas on the cover by Bridgit Anderson. If you've looked after your … [Read more...]
Seeds keep well for at least a couple of years, often much longer. They need a cool, consistent temperature and above all, need to be dry. Seal them in an airtight container (not a tin or cardboard box) and add some silica gel dessicant. Don't let the packets get damp. I have a plastic index card system in a plastic food storage box where I keep … [Read more...]
Following my recent foray into pie-making, I noticed a book about the history of the pie. I might try it as I'm ready to move on from a string of illuminating English memoirs. I've nearly finished pruning the fruit trees and everything that doesn't move is mulched - including the rhubarb, broad beans and garlic. I've sown some carrot, turnip and … [Read more...]
We had a gorgeous day for our fresh food garden course. Most people who come on the course don't have much vegetable gardening experience. Those who do, still leave inspired and motivated. The last course before Christmas is next Sunday (7th December) - still time to get things growing this season. There's another course on Saturday 17th January … [Read more...]
