大象传媒

The summer rushes along with sunny days helping Tomatoes ripen after the very unseasonable cool nights of June and July which prevented early growth making Tomatoes rather late. I have picked my first outdoor Tomatoes of the season and I have to say they were worth waiting for as they are very sweet and juicy. At times, especially in a year like this I ask myself, is it worth spending all that time, money and energy on raising my own crops, its when I munch into produce fresh form the garden that I know I did the right thing.

In spite of the unusual conditions the Pears are the very healthy and heavy and the Apple crop is one of the best in many years. Hardy shrubs and, especially the Roses, just loved the cooler days in the middle of the year. They have given so much colour and perfume that if you have considered using Roses in your garden and not done so, you have surely been persuaded that at least half a dozen plants must take pride of place in a sunny spot.

PLANT OF THE WEEK:
VERBASCUM is a good alternative if you want a change from Hollyhocks or Lupins. These magnificent tall border perennials stand out in any border and provide colour throughout summer and will seed profusely making new plants year after year.

My favourites are Verbascum "Buttercup" which is a bright yellow type, Verbascum "Clementine" which has bright apricot blooms and Verbascum "Blue Lagoon", a new variety I saw at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this year.

TOPICAL TIPS:
Prepare area's for grass seed sowing as September is the very best month to sow grass seed. Once the area is selected then spray the weeds with a Glyphosphate weedkiller and leave it to do its job by killing the weeds right down to the root system. If the weed infestation is heavy then another application will be necessary some three to four weeks later. Once the weeds have died down, rake off the debris and lightly fork over the soil surface and firm. In September water the ground and spread the grass seed which should germinate some three weeks later.

Remove rotten fruit from Apple and Pear trees to ensure the crop stays healthy as its fungal diseases like brown rot which will quickly destroy a healthy crop.

Prepare the ground by single digging and plant up with late variety Potatoes. There are many available so just choose which is best for you and plant them as soon as you can. If you have a small garden and the space is limited, then Potatoes will grow just as well in containers. If planted now you could be eating your own spuds on Christmas day.

Happy Gardening.