We know how rewarding it is to grow and harvest your own fruit and vegetables, not to mention the physical and mental benefits! Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an allotment owner, or simply want to give “growing your own” a go in your own outdoor space, now is the perfect time to get started.
April Showers Bring May Flowers…and Harvests Later On!
Have you decided what seeds to plant this year?
Veg seeds that can be directly sown outside now are beetroot, carrots, leeks, radishes, turnips and peas.
You can also plant seeds in pots indoors or in the green house, such as courgettes, tomatoes, pumpkins, broad beans and squash, then transfer them to the garden when they’re established and there’s little risk of frost.
Many fruits and vegetables need to be pollinated by insects so also think about what flowers you can plant to encourage pollinators; you can plant wildflowers, poppies, sweet peas and perennials now.
Towards the end of the month you can plant out first early seed potatoes.
Before you Plant!
Ideally add some well-rotted manure or compost to the soil a few weeks before you plan to plant your vegetables. To prepare an area for sowing, first remove any weeds then fork over the soil to loosen and break up any large lumps of soil and remove any large stones. Then rake the soil smooth with a steel rake before planting.
We recommend 6X Natural Fibrous Fertiliser, a traditional chicken fertiliser that’s 100% natural, it contains all the nutrients and trace elements plants and crops require, the fibrous, organic content conditions the soil while it feeds the plants. Simply sprinkle 35 g/m2 (1 oz per square yard), and thoroughly rake in.
If you’re going to plant your seeds in the greenhouse, it’s a good idea to wash down all of the glass and sweep the benches and floor to allow in more light and protect against pests and disease. It’s also a good idea to wash out previously used pots or seed trays or cold frames.
Veg Packs are Ready to go!
If you’re short on space or simply don’t have the time to grow your own vegetables, we currently have a wide variety of veg packs and soft fruit available in poly one, including chard, radishes, runner beans, leeks, cabbages, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and much more!
