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Vegetable Lessons | |||
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So, this is what I've learnt since 2006 with regard to vegetable growing at
Longfield.
Apple trees - do I need to spray them since glue bands and apple moth traps did not solve all of the problems? Aubergines aren't really worth growing. They produce very little per plant, even when successful, and I don't think they're very special to eat either. Gherkins need a proper climbing frame support. Globe artichokes are related to the thistle and if allowed to
flower their blossoms can measure up to seven inches in diameter and are a
violet-blue colour. Globe artichokes contain an inedible core called the
choke, which must be removed before the heart of the artichoke may be
enjoyed. Grow cape gooseberry plants in small 5 or 6 inch pots to get
smaller plants with more fruit and less foliage. Greenhouse Need a much better support system for cordon tomatoes. Next year construct canes to the roof (preferably strong plastic or metal) with wire across. Don't pack in so much into such a small space. Parsnips are very hard to germinate and grow. I tried both indoor and outdoor germination. It's cheaper to buy them from the supermarket. Pepper plants need a better support system in the potting shed. Need to string some wire across for them to lean against. The cherry plum tree needs protection from aphid attack next season. Grow cherry tomatoes in pots, not in the greenhouse. Brussel sprouts need protection from whitefly & caterpillars and cane supports. Sweetcorn seed must germinate rapidly or it will rot. For best
germination, soak seeds in clean water overnight before sowing in warm
soil (65 degrees). Grublike gray to brown corn earworms feed on sweetcorn silks and kernels. They are larvae of moths that lay eggs in the tips of immature ears. To limit damage, use a squirt bottle to place five to six drops of vegetable oil in the tip of each new ear. For nearly worm-free harvests, add Bacillus thuringiensis (also known as Bt) organic insecticide to the oil. If earworms are minimal, simply break off the blemished tips as you shuck. Varieties with tight husk tips (such as ‘Argent’) often show only modest earworm damage.
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