Vol 9: Growing Winter Vegetables

Winter Vegetables

1.       For those of you who think fresh and organic home-grown vegetables are only for those short summer months, you are wrong! Here is a guide to help you maintain your vegetable garden throughout the harsh winter weather and get the most out of it!

2.       Frost is one of the main killers of plants during the winter, having raised beds will help to protect your plants from ground frost, also try covering them with a clear plastic sheet overnight to defend against harsh winter nights and possible snowfall but do not forget to uncover them to allow the flow of oxygen.

3.       Where you put your vegetable garden is the key to keeping the plant success rate up! Somewhere out of the icy northern wind and south facing for sunlight is optimal, if you are unable to do so then ensure that you are able to cover your plants during the coldest months.

4.       Do your research to choose what plants will be best suited, things like broccoli, peas and parsnips are usually successful winter crops. Make sure that you chose plants that are more resilient to cold weather to ensure a more fulfilling produce.

5.       A green house is ideal for plants that will struggle to survive tough winter weather, heating your green house is an even better way to ensure success your crop succeeds.

6.       Crops have different maturity dates, try and time your planting with the weather. For example if the first frost usually arrives towards the end of November crops that require longer to develop should be planted in August to avoid the produce being killed off.

7.       Throughout the winter you can also grow things like herbs inside, having a small herb garden on your window sill is a great way to get fresh herbs that add depth to any dish, keeping plants in the sunlight along with regular watering is the key.

8.       One of the newest trends that is easy and perfect for city goers with limited outdoor space are vegetable pots. By growing vegetables in individual pots means that pots can then be brought inside during the toughest weather. They are also easier to maintain in terms of watering, feeding and weeding and take up minimal space.

Growing winter vegetables can be challenging however it is a great way to get out and about in winter and support yourself when money can be tight around the Christmas period! It also ensures that you and your family are able to eat healthily when it matters the most, to stop the likelihood of coughs and sneezes and are perfect for that Christmas roast!

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Vol 8: Typical Garden Problems

Garden Set Backs

There are a number of things that can put a dampener on your garden; weeds, pests and disease are just some of them. Don’t let garden nuisances put you off gardening this year!

Here are a few tips on how to keep your garden looking prim and proper all year round!

1. Ants can be a nuisance, although they do not cause damage to plants and often protect root systems by attacking invaders however they are seen as a pest. I will never forget my brother sitting on top of an ants nest as a child, it wasn’t pretty (literally ants in his pants)!Specialised ant killers are available that focus and getting rid of the whole colony rather than only ants that come into contact, to leave you to enjoy your garden all to yourself!

2. Slugs and snails; every gardeners worst nightmare! Not only do they eat your plants and leave a trail of slime, they can also cause lung worm if eaten by dogs and even manage to sneak their way into your home! Slug pellets are a good way to solve the problem, although if you have small children or dogs it is not recommended. Slugs hide under the surface of the soil during the day so using a diluted metaldehyde solution will target both surface and underground slugs and snails to help protect your valuable plants.

3. There are many different
types of diseases that affect various plants in different ways. If you see changes or discolouration to the leaves or flowers research symptoms online to find a cure.

4. Grey mould is one of the most common types of fungus; it affects all plants and is not easily treated. Avoid contamination by disposing of all affected plants and ventilate areas well. Fungicide can also be used.

5. Downy Mildew is also a common problem in plants; this disease has become more resilient due to milder winter temperatures caused by global warming. This causes discolouration to leaves and can also be treated with a suitable fungicide.

6. Honey Fungus is one of the most lethal diseases that attacks the roots of plants. It is cause by spores from honey coloured mushrooms. There is no real cure for this fungus and it is recommended that the plant is removed along with the entire root system to be destroyed. Prevention is the key by keeping your garden hygiene up to scratch.

7. Weeds are the obvious pest in any garden (See Vol:3), ensure your garden is weeded regularly to lessen the load and prevent them taking up valuable plant nutrients.

8. A good way to get rid of green fly is too mix a small amount of mild washing up liquid with vinegar and water and water your plants with it. This should keep the green fly and other pests away.

Problems in your garden are inevitable so it is important to keep on top to ensure that they do not take over! This I some of the key successes to a beautiful healthy garden.


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