In the jungle garden
Last week I was at Berryfields working in the jungle garden. It was voted the viewers' favourite part of the whole garden, and it's really has matured beautifully over the last three years. There's a simple structure of bamboos, tree ferns, trachycarpus and fatsia to set the scene, but each year we add something different. This time I planted an understory using houseplants! It may sound a bit of a gimmick, but actually houseplants are simply plants that can't cope with any cold weather, but will benefit hugely from being taken outdoors for the summer for some fresh air to rejuvenate them and get rid of any pests that may be hanging around. I put in spider plants, mother-in-law's tongue, peace lilies and trailing tradescantias in their pots, but dug them into the ground so they'll be easy to lift and, even though I do say it myself, they look absolutely fantastic. Exotic bedding is the way to go!
On Friday afternoon I went up to the allotment by myself and then went back again on Saturday with Stanley as I'm off up to GW Live tonight where I'll be for the week, so wanted to make sure it would be OK until then. We both got really stuck in and Stanley cut up some pallets to make some new paths, and planted a pumpkin Keith gave me. He dug a huge hole and filled it with plenty of compost. Keith wants to have a competition to grow the largest, but I'm not sure I can be that disciplined and cut off all the others to stimulate strong growth. It may be better to have a few to hollow out for Halloween? Stan's getting really handy and loves it up there too.
I kept focussed as it's easy to try and do too many things at once, so I sowed some more basil, coriander, spring onions, tomatoes and chillies and put some strawberry plants in for the kids. I tied in my peas, as well as mulching over some areas to help keep the moisture in. I reckon my potatoes will be ready soon - can't wait! I've put in loads of work over the last couple of weeks and for the first time feel like I'm in control. Let's hope that by the time I get there next weekend I'm still winning! Joe.
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Help!
I have taken on a new allotment which is very over grown and as large as a tennis court.
I have strimmed down the weeds and only have a small area of brambles to hack at.
What should I do next? Should I rotavate and then level build raided beds and cover these and new paths with weed suppressant covering?
Please help, I am keen to get allotment into good working order by the end of August in readiness for winter/spring.
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On tonight's Gardener's World, Joe complained his broad beans are covered in black fly. Summer Savory grown as a companion plant works pretty well, but if it's a bad infestation, make a tea (handful of the herb infused 5mins in 1pt boiling water pro rata), strain through a pair of tights or a coffee filter, and spray to runoff. Oh, and a bit of the herb in with the beans when you're cooking them greatly enhances the flavour.
Tagetes of any kind are good for getting rid of whitefly and greenfly.
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