Despite the weather not being as warm or sunny as it should be this time of year, this doesn’t stop gardeners carrying out various tasks.
According to the experts at Barnsdale Gardens, this includes sowing swede, planting onions, planting summer containers and looking out for carrot root flies.
They explained: “As swede is a type of brassica, it should be sown in the same plot as cabbages, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, and other brassicas.
“Shallow drills should be made, and the seeds should be sown late to combat mildew.
“The rows should be spaced about 45cm apart. After germination, thin the plants so that they are 30cm apart in the row, giving them enough space to grow into large swedes.”
It’s also time to transplant the sweet and chilli peppers into their final pots in the greenhouse.
Unlike tomatoes or cucumbers, they don’t require as large a pot, so you can use smaller ones at two litres.
The pros said: “At Barnsdale multi-purpose compost is mixed with pelleted chicken manure to create a nutrient-rich environment for the plants.
“Additionally, their feeding is supplemented throughout the growing season with liquid feed.”
With the arrival of new shoots and leaves, pests tend to appear in large numbers, seeking to feed and spread infections.
Therefore, it’s important to “be vigilant” against any trouble and keep an eye on vulnerable plants and flowers.
The gardening experts noted: “At Barnsdale, the team have to keep an eye on the plants such as lupins and roses, which are prone to greenfly and blackspot, respectively.
“These are dealt with promptly by crushing the greenfly with fingers and removing any leaves that show signs of blackspot at an early stage before it has a chance to spread.
“Carrot fly is a pest that can ruin an entire crop by burrowing into and through the roots. It’s best to prevent an infestation rather than deal with it after it has happened.
“A physical barrier like horticultural fleece or fine netting such as environmesh is the most effective method to keep carrot flies away.
“Cover the entire crop and seal the edges and ends to prevent the flies from getting in. The carrots will be protected as long as the barrier stays on.
“If using enviromesh, make sure it is held above the crop to prevent the flies from laying eggs through the holes. The first attack usually occurs towards the end of the month, so it’s best to apply the protection early to ensure perfect carrots.”
