March 2010
| Welcome to the GardenAction newsletter. | MARCH 2010 |
| ASPARAGUS
Asparagus require very litlle attention other than keeping the bed weed free. But they do appreciate a sprinkling of long lasting fertisliser in early spring. A handful or two of bonemeal or similar per square metre (yard) lightly worked into the soil will help them as they start to grow. Click here for more information on growing asparagus. BRUSSELS SPROUTS
CARROTS Early varieties of carrots such as Rocket and Nantes can be sown outside from late March onwards. If you can provide protection, such as a poly-tunnel or cloche, the seeds can be sown at the end of February. Carrot seed is very small making them hard to sow in the correct
amounts (see page link below for why this is important). Pelleted carrot
seed is the answer, they are easy to handle and easy to sow. Remember to
spread the sowing over a couple of months so that you have a constant
supply rather than a glut all at one time. LETTUCE
PEAS Early varieties of Peas can be sown outside from mid March onwards, but they can be sown four weeks earlier if you provide cloche or poly -tunnel protection. In order to prolong the cropping season, sow the seeds over a period of time and sow a couple of different varieties (first early, second early and maincrop varieties are readily available). Click on the page link below for recommended varieties. Finally,
remember that fully grown pea plants can cast quite a shadow over
smaller vegetables so bear this in mind when deciding where to sow. FRENCH BEANS
RADISH
TOMATOES
ONIONS
RUNNER BEANS
MAINCROP and NEW POTATOES
SWEET CORN
SUMMER CAULIFLOWER
SPRING CABBAGE
BROCCOLI / CALABRESE
STRAWBERRIES
If you didn't manage to prepare the ground last month for your new strawberries, do so now. Choose an area in full sun which will not be shaded by other crops. Click here for easy to follow instructions. PEACHES
BAY TREE
SAGE
PARSLEY
GARLIC
CHIVES
MARJORAM / OREGANO
THYME
PROPAGATING FUCHSIAS If you want lots of fuchsias for free, now is the time to take cuttings and grow them on indoors. It's simplicity itself requiring a sharp knife, some pots and potting compost. Click on the link below for step by step instructions with lots of explanatory pictures. This year why not try growing a standard fuchsia - these would cost
£20 or so for a good specemin from a nursey, but click on the link
below and we'll show you how to grow standard fuchsias for virtually
nothing. They really make the most spectacular centre pieces in a flower
bed. But you definitely need to start now to grow a good height standard
for this summer. |
This Month's Recipe
Ever wondered what to do with all those cooking apples you have over or that your friends offer you? Well, practice now how to make apple crumble and you'll know exactly what to do with them later this year. This recipe has step by step instructions and lots of pictures. I
guarantee it's been cooked by me and rated as very tasty by all the
family. OREGANO / MARJORAM
Oregano means Joy of the Mountain. The name Origanum is derived from two
Greek words, oros, meaning mountain, and ganos, meaning joy. It refers
to the attractive appearance and scent these plants give to the Greek
hillsides on which they grow. The Greeks used to encourage the growth of
oregano on their grazing lands because it made the meat from their goats
and sheep more tender and tastier.
Among the Greeks, if Marjoram grew on a grave, it showed the happiness of the departed, and among both the Greeks and Romans, it was the custom to crown young couples with Marjoram. Legend has it that oregano and marjoram were created by the Greek goddess Venus who touched the plant to give it its delicious scent and flavour. For those who like a good British pint of beer, it is interesting to note that the continentals used to put the tops of oregano into table beer, to give it an aromatic flavour and preserve it. Before the introduction of hops they were nearly as much in demand for ale-brewing as the ground ivy or wood sage. |
