Friday, 13th May, 2022
The Day’s hand-picked ideas, tips to better grow Vegs, and meet people you should know.
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1
Don’t shock your plants with transplants
"If you’ve ever introduced a plant to your garden, you’re probably aware of just how difficult it can be to transition plants to new homes, and the toll it can take on sensitive greenery. However, transplanting your precious plants may be necessary for their survival. Whether your plant is root bound, needs a soil refresh, or is simply not growing in the ideal spot, giving plants a change of scenery can help them to thrive.
2
Mistakes Gardeners often make
"There is nothing quite like the anticipation of planting and growing your own food. Especially if it is for the first time! The thought of planting a tiny seed and watching it grow up to produce something that can end up on your kitchen table is certainly one that can put a smile on your face. As thrilling as the thought of growing your own fruit and vegetables can be, it can also be extremely disheartening when it all doesn’t exactly go as planned” - Avoid these 7 mistakes I commonly make too!
3
Agriculture’s Water Challenge Is About to Get a Lot Worse
"According to a new study published in the American Geophysical Union journal Earth’s Future, it means a major increase in water scarcity problems. Researchers predict that, by 2050, agricultural water scarcity across the world’s croplands will increase by more than 80 percent.
Researchers predict that shifting precipitation patterns and evaporation due to rising temperatures will cause about 16 percent of global croplands to experience water scarcity due to changes in available green water—or water within the soil” - That’s why it’s good to learn now how to improve your soils, with more organic matters and other techniques to retain moisture.
4
Celery-brate this Weekend
+ What to job: “From Gardener’s World May’s Todo for Fruits & Vegs!
Earth up potatoes, covering the shoots with soil as they appear
Sow sweetcorn in deep pots, so the young plants are ready to transplant into the garden in June
Reduce snail populations by going on regular evening hunts, especially during damp weather
Pick rhubarb stems as they develop, and water plants with liquid feed
Sow batches of salad leaves and stir-fry crops every few weeks to provide continuous pickings
Hang pheromone traps in apple and plum trees from May to July, to control pests
Thin out seedlings from earlier sowings to ensure you get healthy, strong-growing plants
Remove all strawberry runners, so plants put their full energy into fruiting
Keep plenty of fleece handy to protect young seedlings or fruit blossom, if late frosts are forecast.”
+ What to job (more): jobs to do in May
+ What to Watch: "If you haven’t seen it yet, do watch “The Milk System”: '“There's one thing milk stands for - health. It's seen as natural and nutrient-rich. But is it really that healthy? We set out to take a critical look at the milk system. Along the way we'll meet farmers, dairy owners, politicians, lobbyists, NGOs, scientists. The film uncovers surprising truths behind the system. Who profits at whose cost? Does the system have a future and are there alternatives?”
Yet another reason to grow more nutritious Vegs; even if you don’t have a garden.
+ What to Listen: “Have you ever taken the time to consider why you spend time cultivating the garden and exploring the gardens of others? Perhaps not to any great length, but for garden writer Jennifer Jewell, host of Cultivating Place, this question is at the heart of every conversation featured on her podcast”. Add the show to your playlist
+ What to cook: Rhubarb season is right around the corner and before you know it stores will be piled high with the tart and tangy stalks. Learn those Rhubarb recipes! - I have to admit I’m not the best grower of Rhubarb somehow!
5
Never a dill moment
Power to the people: "living “Off the Grid” has become something that homesteading folks have been getting more and more curious about. If you generate your own electricity, it doesn’t have to mean that you are cutting yourself off from the rest of the world. It is simply allowing you some independence and freedom from modern systems. You will be gaining control of how your electricity is produced and where you would like to apply it.” - Given the current economic climate, well worth exploring for your greenhouse?
+ Groundcovers that Prevent Weeding and Mulching, Eventually: "I SO agree with Elizabeth’s “Ode to Mulch,” especially this quote from an expert: “Mulch contributes to weed control by blocking the light that some unwanted species need to germinate. It also forms a barrier that prevents weed seeds from getting a foothold.” There are still more benefits of mulch but let’s stop right there because you know what else has these important weed-prevention qualities? Some groundcovers!”
+ Best expert advice on growing strawberries: "Explore the Best advice collection on which strawberries to grow, how to plant strawberries and Best advice on how to care for strawberries, and how to deal with strawberry pests and diseases.”
6
Turnip the volume
Chelsea Flower Show 2022 Preview – A Garden Sanctuary: “Get a sneak preview and their 5 lessons:
– Rather than being consigned to the back corner of a garden, a studio or summer house can be designed so as to take centre stage, offering outward views in more than one direction.
– Water is a potent ingredient in the recipe for relaxation – moving water even more so. Consider a pond or water feature as an integral part of a garden design, not a separate round or oval blotch in a lawn.
– You don’t need new, fancy plants to create a successful planting scheme. Most of the plants featured in this design have been around a long time and there’s good reason for that – they’re top performers.
– Native and ornamental plants can be best friends if grouped correctly. Because they’re well-adapted, natives tend to be a little more vigorous, so give them space and keep a watch on their neighbours to ensure they’re not engulfed over time.
– Imperfections are beautiful – this is something we all need to get used to as we cease using pesticides to guarantee perfect fruit and veg and turn back towards natural materials. Imperfections are not ugly, they are marks of uniqueness.” — Depressing, I better go redesign my garden now.
+ Don’t be a lemon: “What it takes to keep your citrus trees happy: Seeing young orange and lemon trees in garden centres can lead to fantasies of plucking fruit straight from the branch to use in the kitchen. Unfortunately, reality can kick in quickly, with the tree deteriorating before your eyes as it struggles to adapt to your home’s central heating. But by following a few simple rules, it is possible to keep a citrus tree thriving.”
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Keep Growing-
Anthony - Veg Geek