MAY
Leek transplanting
Transplanting leeks depends how far advanced they are. Ideally they need to be about as thick as a pencil before you embark on this stage. Make a shallow trench about 4 inches deep using a hoe. Using a dibber form holes as deep as the dibber will allow at 4 inch intervals along the bottom of the shallow trench. Take the leeks individually and drop one leek into each of the prepared holes. Do not worry if most of the leek disappears as long as there is some showing above the soil. Do not back fill the holes with soil. Instead pour a little water into each hole which will wash some loose soil over the roots. That’s it. There is nothing to do except wait. A little general fertiliser can be spread along the row but avoid direct contact with the growing plants.
Tomato side shooting
Ignoring the tumbling varieties that are grown in hanging baskets, most people grow tomatoes in grow bags or large containers either in a cold greenhouse, a sheltered spot or at home against a sunny south facing wall. Train the main stem up a strong cane tying in every 20cm. Pinch out all side shoots that appear between the main stem and fruit bearing growth or the main leaves.
Runner Beans and French Beans
Whilst you can sow both of these beans directly into soil during this month, because both of these plants are very sensitive to the slightest frost, it is better to sow into seed trays and start them in the greenhouse. They can then be transplanting out in mid/late June as soon as the bean breaks the surface of the soil.
At this time of year plot holders often find that they have far too many plants for their own use. If you do then leave them on the tables outside the main greenhouse or on the seat outside the clubhouse. Plants appearing on these tables/seats are available for you to help yourself.
Transplanting leeks depends how far advanced they are. Ideally they need to be about as thick as a pencil before you embark on this stage. Make a shallow trench about 4 inches deep using a hoe. Using a dibber form holes as deep as the dibber will allow at 4 inch intervals along the bottom of the shallow trench. Take the leeks individually and drop one leek into each of the prepared holes. Do not worry if most of the leek disappears as long as there is some showing above the soil. Do not back fill the holes with soil. Instead pour a little water into each hole which will wash some loose soil over the roots. That’s it. There is nothing to do except wait. A little general fertiliser can be spread along the row but avoid direct contact with the growing plants.
Tomato side shooting
Ignoring the tumbling varieties that are grown in hanging baskets, most people grow tomatoes in grow bags or large containers either in a cold greenhouse, a sheltered spot or at home against a sunny south facing wall. Train the main stem up a strong cane tying in every 20cm. Pinch out all side shoots that appear between the main stem and fruit bearing growth or the main leaves.
Runner Beans and French Beans
Whilst you can sow both of these beans directly into soil during this month, because both of these plants are very sensitive to the slightest frost, it is better to sow into seed trays and start them in the greenhouse. They can then be transplanting out in mid/late June as soon as the bean breaks the surface of the soil.
At this time of year plot holders often find that they have far too many plants for their own use. If you do then leave them on the tables outside the main greenhouse or on the seat outside the clubhouse. Plants appearing on these tables/seats are available for you to help yourself.