14th MARCH
2016
Spring has certainly
‘sprung’ and the grass is definitely ‘on the rise’ (mainly in the form of
vigorous weeds currently). The morning temperatures are still around zero, but
the clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine ensure that the early frost has gone
within the first hour of the day. Still not warm enough to plant out any frost
tender plants, but no excuse not to have rows of onions, leeks, beetroot, cabbage
and lettuce enriching the Kitchen Garden.
Seed sowing has
progressed at an astonishing pace, with the services of the Lidl greenhouse ensuring
the low morning temperatures are not felt within. As all the seeds are started
in pots, enclosed within a plastic bag, which acts as Double Glazing, the high
day temperatures in the full sun allow the pots to remain above freezing at all
times. (Found this not to be the case with conventional flat seed trays, even
when plastic covered, as the greater surface area dissipates the heat very
quickly at night).
The further advantage of plant pot sowing is the reduction
in unwanted seedlings from larger seed pans on germination. (75mm diameter pot
uses twenty seeds, giving ten to fifteen seedlings. Square seed tray, 150mm x
200mm, uses 100 plus seeds giving 50 to 75 seedlings, so most are given away
unless you are growing to feed the ‘5000’).
Currently it is the
minimum 15 degree germination seeds which are sown. Most should show through
within 14 to 21 days (if not start again
as most seeds rot if left longer in damp compost). The 20 degree minimum group
should be left until April for the best results.
So, have seeded
Cucumbers, Courgettes, Tomatoes, Peppers, Aubergines, Runners Beans ( but not
French Beans – sow seed into ground in April for best results),Lettuce, Thyme,
Basil and, for the flower garden, Lobelia and Petunias (might seem early but if
not in now it will be summer before they bloom profusely). Have taken Spring
cuttings just now from the over-wintered Geraniums. (Old plants now ready to
for cut back. Replant in fresh compost and a good feed). Fuchsia cuttings also
taken from those plants are now growing away strongly in the outside tubs.
(Fuchsias are amazingly hardy and seem to stand the hardest of Portuguese
frosts with impunity – but not the ‘Australian Giants’).
Last year’s Green pepper
plants (California Wonder) have survived the winter and, having been cut back,
are already growing strongly. This is also the case with a number of Chilli
plants, Piri Piri, Paper Lantern, and Cherry Bomb, all of which are looking very healthy. (The advantage is
that Chilli and Pepper seed sown now will produce first crop in late July for
peppers, and September for Chillis; last year’s Pepper plants will start
producing a crop in June and the Chillis will be well formed by July). The
second year’s crop is usually much larger when plants are over wintered as the
root system is well formed and drives the plant forward.
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| Last year's pepper and chilli plants pruned and ready for the coming season |
The blossom on the Nectarines
is certainly trying for a special crop this year. Seems that the frost got the
Damascus Apricot (so might say ‘good bye’ to the trees this year, after trying
hard for last seven years without one Apricot). However, the Almond blossom
seems to have ‘set’ so might have a small crop this year. First Plum blossom
has appeared. It’s always the yellow plum, first followed by red, green and
purple. Had a magnificent crop last year, so low expectations this season (plums
tend to have a three year cycle between exceptional crops). Peach blossom in
bud but no flowers yet (but this could change in the next few days if the
sunshine continues). Cherry trees are poised for their spectacular display, but
Pear and Apples playing it ‘Cool’.
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| Nectarine blossom is always stunning, especially against the clear blue sky! |
The Jasmine is truly
sensational. The flowers are prolific and the scent most exotic and very
‘heady’.
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| Wish you could smell the wonderful scent of the jasmine |
Hellebores are in flower. Whenever they bloom it always seems the
wrong time of year. The Clematis Armandii "Apple Blossom" has surprised us early this year.
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| Shy little Hellebores - a favourite of the HG |
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| Cleamatis Armandii "Apple Blossom" |
The tubs of Tulips are heralding a colourful spring on the
‘coffee’ terrace. (Much to the HG’s delight).
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| All the tulips - they speak for themselves! |
Planted some red onion
sets yesterday. Actually, much prefer seeded plants as often get the sets in
upside down which does not impress the Head Gardener. Must have got them in
correctly this time as there goes the Bell announcing ‘Coffee’
must dash
see you soon.
Stuart.
