Gardening for me is therapeutic and enjoyable. I always look forward to getting out into the garden to weed, plant ,water and so.
Getting my hands into the soil and feeling the earth is heavenly.
Over the years, I have learned and adapted methods of caring for the soil.
Thanks to my Mum for showing me ways to care for the plants etc as I was growing up. All the family have plots to care for and maintain. And to my elderly neighbour, who is always there to assist and advice me on gardening and even giving me vegetables, seeds to plant. Her generosity is heartwarming.
I must not forget to thank the Kensington and Chelsea gardeners who are always there to answer my questions on gardening and their assistance in maintaining the garden. And their newsletter.
Soil
can be helped along with a light forking to break down any compaction. To
improve yields in the new season add a layer of compost or well rotted manure
to the surface of your plot ensuring that you remove any weeds
first. Winter weather and worm activity will help incorporate this organic
matter and improve water retention in dry periods
Remember
tender seedlings benefit from hardening off - this means getting your plants
used to being outside this takes about ten days). Move them
outside to a sheltered spot during the day and acclimatise gradually to cooler
conditions. Ensure they are protected from frost or sharp changes in
temperature until hardened off.What
to plant by mid-May: Tender salad crops, courgettes, sweetcorn,
cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, aubergines, chillies, outdoor melons, peppers.
Soft herbs such as coriander. These can be started off indoors on a
windowsill or in a mini-propagator.
When planting seeds indoors, for the best results use fresh seed compost and not some soil from your plots as it may contain weed seeds. Don't forget to water but not too much, as damp seeds might rot.
Remember to keep weeds at bay this will stop the pests from hiding, and also give your newly planted seedlings a good start.
If
you have a bright spot indoors why not start-off some tomato plants in small
pots. Sow seeds in small pots and cover with a clear plastic bag until seeds
germinate then remove the bag to allow seedlings to harden off. Do
remember though it is really important not to over crowd plots with tomato
plants when you come to plant them out! Overcrowding can lead to tomato
blight later in the season which will not only affect your plants but
invariably everyone else's too. A maximum of three plants per plot is
quite sufficient. More tips on caring for tomato plants will be given
later in the season