The recent warm weather has brought the growing season back on track. The potatoes that were planted earlier have sprouted and have now been earthed up at least twice now. The early varieties are just starting to flower so they have not been too delayed. However the second earlies that I planted are very slow at present. I planted two varieties “British Queen” and “Charlotte” and both varieties have produced little growth. However I also sowed seven Maris Peer potatoes into a container and have earthed these potatoes up twice now. Maris Peer are also a second early and all varieties were planted using the same methods i.e. with organic fertiliser and comfrey.
The seeds I sowed under glass have all been planted out and the brassica’s in particular are producing strong growth. They have been covered with netting to prevent the Cabbage White butterfly laying eggs on them. The caterpillars of the Cabbage White have a voracious appetite and can quickly decimate a brassica crop so crop protection is of great importance, hence the netting. It is better to prevent the Cabbage White laying its eggs on the underside of brassica leaves than trying to remove the caterpillars organically.
The onions. shallots, leeks, broad beans, peas and runner beans have all been planted out and are growing nicely. It is still a little early to plant out runner beans as they are tender but with the recent warm weather they have grown substantially and I had to clear space. The broad beans are well in flower so will start producing pods shortly. I have also planted out pumpkin and courgettes as these also were getting too large for the cold frame. I hope the weather remains kind and the plants don’t suffer.
The carrot seed I had sown directly into the soil have germinated so I will have to protect them from the carrot root fly soon. The carrot root fly does not fly higher than 60cm (2 feet) and does not like windy condition, however I will protect the crop with a fine net and hope that my efforts are rewarded.
