His Garden Tips For June 2005

 

Plants and Shrubs on Patios , are inclined to dry out. I water liberally once or twice a week.

The Asparagus bed will be watered, not allowing it to dry out.

When watering the seed bed , I water along the side of the rows. Letting the water soak into the rows this way the seedlings are not washed out.

I have found that watering liberally once or twice a week, is more advantageous, than a little every day.

I continue to use the Dutch hoe before weeds appear. Not only does this operation, tend keep the garden reasonably

Free of weeds, and lets air into the soil.

The grape vine.

Now that the rod has made spurs, it is raised to the horizontal position.

Above the flower bunch can be seen on the spur, against the green leaves in the back ground.

Above I am pruning back, leaving 4 leaves beyond the flower bunch . Shoots appearing between the rod and flower bunch , I usually remove . If left , the fruit may be smaller . As I have said many times on this site. The above is a rule of thumb that I follow.

I have limited space in the garden. Brussels Sprouts ,Curly  Kale and Broccoli, will be sown in seed trays, and placed in the Grow House. By the time the plants are potted up, and ready to plant out, I should have room in the garden.

A tray of hanging basket Tomato seed has been sown, and placed in the Grow House.

While the seeds germinate, the Grow House will be closed. When seedlings appear, the Grow House will be opened a little each day. After 4 or 5 days, it will be left open all day, and closed at night.

At all times, I will make sure the seedlings do not become damp. To avoid this problem, I will wipe the top and sides of the Grow House regularly, to remove condensation. A sheet of newspaper will be placed over the seedlings at night.

Early this year I mentioned pruning apple trees. Saying that once I had decided, witch I considered to be the fruit bud I pruned off all buds above.

A short line of Little Gem Lettuce, Spring Onions and Radish will be sown. In a well prepared seedbed. Followed by fresh sowings at fortnightly or three weekly intervals.

Towards the end of the month, another short line of Runner Beans will be sown. Also Broad Beans. For methods followed, see May 2005 Runner Beans. February 2005 Broad Beans.

One could use the wigwam method. I dig a hole, about 12 inches deep by about 2 feet in diameter. Mix compost and manure with the soil as I fill in. Place canes approx. four inches inside the circle, at intervals of 8 inches or so. Sow one or two Beans to a cane. Tie the canes at the top. It is surprising how little space is needed.

Peas sown in May are up, are not doing well.

Potatoes planted in May are now up , and earthed up for the first time. As plants grow, I expect to draw the soil up once more.

If one does not have time to mow the Lawn. I find the clipping the edges, tidies things up.

I will cease cutting Asparagus, the second or third week of this month. Allowing the fern to grow. A dressing of Derris dust will be applied, to combat the asparagus beetle.     

If you have any Gardening Queries or wish for any advice directly concerning your garden, then please send a stamped, addressed envelope, together with a cheque or postal order made for £5.50 made out to A. Corbin to –

Five Chimneys

Pilley Street

Pilley

Lymington, Hampshire SO41 5QG

United Kingdom

Any unanswered queries will have their cheques/postal orders returned