|
|
|
|
Growing Guide - Exotic and Unusual |
|
Artichokes
Globe Artichokes (not to be confused with Jerusalem Artichokes) are perennials so will stay in your garden for a number of years so think of the plants as a long term proposition – they do look stunning when in bloom so besides being great to eat are also a good architectural edible plant.
Plant your seedlings firmly in a 3 inch hole approximately 36inches apart. Water thoroughly. Artichokes don’t like a heavy clay soil as they need good drainage.
Don’t harvest your crop in the first year but allow them to develop for the following year.
Aubergine
Can be planted outdoors but really does need glass protection.
If you do plant your seedlings outdoors they will normally need to be raised under cloches. Space seedlings 24 inches apart in well drained soil. A sheltered sunny location is essential.
In the greenhouse seedlings can be grown on in 9inch pots filled with compost or put into grow bags.
Swede
These brassicas like a light fertile loam but will grow on most soils. In areas of heavy rainfall plant your seedlings on ridges to help with drainage. Otherwise plant on flat ground which has been well worked and consolidated.
Space your seedlings approximately 12 inches (30cm) apart each way.
Water in seedlings after planting and water during periods of dry weather.
Celeriac
Likes a fertile moisture retentive soil. Plant your seedlings aproiximatley 12 inches(30cm) apart in rows 18 inches (45cm) wide. Water in after planting. Clear away any emerging weeds regularly. Remove any side shoots that appear. When hoeing draw soil away from the plants rather than earthing them up as you would for celery.
Water thoroughly in periods of dry weather and keep plants mulched.
Celery
This plant requires a lot of effort . It loves deep fertile soil that is very moist but not boggy! Plenty of organic matter is essential. It prefers acid to alkaline conditions, so never give it lime. Plant seedlings 12 inches (30cm) apart in trenches with manure underneath. Soak plants well with water. As the plants develop cut off the side shoots and hold plants in a tight bunch and earth them up. Make sure that only the tops of the leaves are above the new ridges making sure to always keep the ground moist.
Squashes and Pumpkins
Like a sunny and sheltered location. Spacing will depend upon variety and in the case of pumpkins how big you are trying to grow them ! In general though , bush types should be planted about 5ft (1.5m) apart and trailing types 6ft (2m) apart.
Watch out for slugs!
Keep the soil moist by watering around the base of the plants but not over the leaves. As with courgettes these plants will benefit from a mulching film around the base of the plant. Once fruits begin to swell feed with an organic fertiliser - Click here for gardening Equipment. Limit pumpkins to two fruits per plant.
Radishes
Radishes can be sown in between your other growing plants or wherever space is available. They require a good seed bed and a reasonable amount of moisture to establish themselves properly. As they germinate and grow so quickly we recommend you sow seeds a little and often in order to ensure a long seasonal supply. Thin the plants to approximately 2 inches (5cm) apart depending upon variety and size requirements. Larger spacings will be required for winter varieties.
The roots look really good and add bite and flavour to a summer salad.
Peppers
Peppers are related to the tomato and require similar growing conditions. Generally they are more suited to greenhouse production. They can be grown in 9 -12 inch pots of compost or in grow bags depending upon the variety. Support the plants whilst they are growing. As the summer sun intensifies shading may be required.
Fruit setting – don’t feed the plants with lots of nitrogen and do not let them dry out – this should help prevent blossom and pod drop. |
|
|
|
 |
|
Value - £0.00
List
all seedlings and plant kits
