Search - Articles

that they struggle to have enough legroom and I'm sure it makes them more prone to that horrible mealy whitefly that brassicas get so often. It probably means that they don't sprout and shoot as much as they could too, which bothers me a lot as there's nothing

92 per cent of plotters make friends with other plotters and about the same number share tips and advice and swap produce. Most of us get our families involved in some way too whether it's putting them to work on the plot or just getting them to come

' but it doesn't half look pretty. And we're usually inundated with beans, so a few less just makes the crop more manageable for us and our dainty, girlie appetites. We wish!

, it also seems to be less attractive to those pesky caterpillars which makes it a winner all round. It's been easy to grow and germinated readily. And the flavour? Simply fab, perfect with gravy and roasties for those autumnal Sunday lunches.

and watering too often!It's all starting to make me think about next season and what my plot might have to offer. Okay the purple sprouting is underway and I've a few cabbages in the ground but not enough frankly. In my book you just can't have enough cabbages

, warm and cosy at home. The cold reality of the biting, bleak days to come may make them become something that can wait a while!

I am ashamed to admit that I still haven't got all my garlic in. I know the experts say I should have planted it in October or November, but I got a bit distracted by the apple harvest from a neighbour's garden, and spent all my time making jam

and I'm now in the habit of getting them underway as soon as I think the light levels and temperatures are reasonable. It makes for big, strong plants that are ready to go out nice and early at the end of May or early June.This year I'm sticking to tried

organic matter added to them. The richness of manured soil causes the roots to fork, becoming terrifically deformed and a nightmare to prepare for the pot. But they are really good for the kids' 'make an animal from a vegetable' competitions.My root beds

valuable nectar and pollen for visiting insects. During the summer months it's important to take precautions against the sun and heat. I always make sure I wear plenty of sunscreen and take a large bottle of water to drink from. I've started visiting