In the garden
Welcome to all our readers and gardeners
Autumn jobs
What a summer it's been! Here in East Anglia, it’s been one of the hottest on record. Some harvests have produced a much smaller yield, and in Europe wildfires and drought have affected crop production.
There is no better time to start growing your own vegetables, either on an allotment, in your own garden or by joining a community garden, which are becoming very popular, particularly with tenants who live in apartments.
This is also a good idea for those with no gardening experience, because help is usually available from like-minded people. There are social events too.
If this isn’t an option, then indoor tomatoes, herbs and window box salad can be grown easily on a kitchen windowsill.
Saving water
Water conservation is a very serious issue and it has been in the news almost on a daily basis. Water butts are one of the best and easiest way ways to save water and they are easily installed, fixed into the outdoor drainpipe. If you already have a water butt, think about connecting another to it, to take advantage of the overflow when the first butt is full. Having water available in the garden is useful and time saving. Rainwater is better for plants!
Don't be disheartened if you've not had a good harvest this year. Here's my tale of woe: runner beans shrivelled! Raspberries shrivelled! Potatoes and carrots smaller than usual! The best harvests were the outdoor tomatoes, garlic and shallots/onions.
Spring bulb planting
I use a mixture of potting compost, coir (coconut husk fibre) ground soil and manure to plant my spring bulbs. In the bottom of my pots I place scrunched up old plastic seed cells that are no longer usable. This method provides good drainage and lighter pots, which are much easier to move around.
I plant 5 or 6 bulbs, depending on the size of the pot. I use new bulbs each year. I take the old ones to my allotment and plant them around the
Sow some wildflowers
A growing number of gardeners are sowing wildflowers and autumn is a good time to sow cornflowers and poppies. A mixed packet of cornfield flowers will work well, as the seeds need a spell of cold weather to germinate. Scatter the seeds and gently trample into the ground. Then leave alone and let nature do the work.
Sow veg for spring
The next three months are the time for sowing winter broad beans, garlic and shallots. Letting the ground rest, dressed with manure and covered, makes for easy digging next spring.
Top tip!
- Let houseplants rest - water less and if necessary move them to a cooler spot in the house.
- Don’t forget the sales for new tools and all things connected with gardening!