We still have a selection of vegetables available for purchase in the Garden Centre. Our range of vegetables will be available again to purchase online from spring 2012.
AUBERGINE
Soil & Site: Outdoors - well-drained fertile soil essential. Pot culture: multi-purpose compost in a 9 ins (23cm) pot, or establish two plants to a cropping bag. A sunny, sheltered spot is best.
Spacing: Allow 24 ins (60cm) between plants.
Special tips: Remove growing tip once plant reaches 12 ins (30cm) high to induce bushiness and more crop. Keep plants moist but not sodden. Liquid feed (a tomato feed will be fine) as soon as the first fruit is formed on the plant.
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BEAN, RUNNER
Soil & Site: Beans do best in well-prepared, rich soil which is free-draining, but nearly every soil will produce a good crop.
Spacing: 9 ins (23cm) between plants and 18 ins (45cm) apart in rows, preferably set against a support structure of bean sticks or netting.
Special tip: Watch out for slugs early on and hoe regularly to keep weeds down. Mulch around your plants to maintain a good moisture balance and mist spray flowers to help them set properly, especially in really hot weather. |
BRUSSEL SPROUT
Soil & Site: A well-improved and fertile yet firm soil is essential for firm 'button' sprouts. A sunny site sheltered from high winds is the ideal.
Spacing: Allow 2.5ft (75cm) between plants and the rows.
Special tips: Protect young plants from birds as they are susceptible to damage. Earth up stems in the autumn to help stabilise the plants and stake tall varieties as necessary. |
CABBAGES
Soil & Site: Well compacted soil is essential for cabbage - avoid working in too much organic matter prior to planting otherwise the crop becomes too leafy and heartless. Aim to grow your crop in a sunny, yet sheltered spot.
Spacing: Allow 12 ins (30cm) space all ways around compact varieties and 18 ins (45cm) for standard varieties.
Special tips: Plant seedlings firmly and always water in thoroughly. A week prior to planting sprinkle Growmore fertiliser over the area the cabbage are going to be planted, apart from spring cabbage as these must be grown much more slowly in a sheltered position. |
CAULIFLOWER
Soil & Site: Well-consolidated soil is essential for cauliflower - avoid working in too much organic matter prior to planting otherwise the crop becomes a sea of tiny 'button' heads. Aim to grow your crop in a sunny, yet sheltered spot.
Spacing: Allow 2ft (60cm) between plants and rows.
Special tip: Good soil preparation is the key to a successful crop and keep the water flowing in dry spells so the plants do not receive a check to growth. An occasional liquid feeding (Phostrogen or Miracle-Gro) mid-term as the crop develops will help the 'flower' development. |
CELERY
Soil & Site: Work the soil the best you can adding compost and manure to help moisture retention. A few days before planting, work in some Growmore fertiliser into the surface of the bed or trench. The trench should contain well-rotted manure, compost and a layer of soil to allow the plant to develop correctly.
Spacing: The prepared trench should be 15 ins (41cm) wide and space the plants 9 ins (23cm) apart.
Special tip: You'll find this crop is both thirsty and hungry so add liquid soluble fertiliser, such as Phostrogen to the watering can regularly to help the crop along. It is essential that you lift your self-blanching celery before the main frosts arrive. |
CHILLI PEPPER
Soil & Site: Outdoors - well-drained fertile soil essential. Pot culture: multi-purpose compost in 9in (23cm) pot, or two plants to a cropping bag. A sunny, sheltered spot is best.
Spacing: In borders, allow 18in (45cm) between plants.
Special tips: Keep plants moist but not sodden. Liquid feed (a tomato feed will be fine) as soon as the first fruit is formed on the plant. A mature green pepper will turn red in approx three weeks under glass. Warning: after handling chilli seed or plants always wash hands thoroughly. |
COURGETTE
Soil & Site: The soil must be well drained, rich in compost and/or well-rotted manure. A sunny, warm spot is essential - must be away from cold winds.
Spacing: Allow 24 ins (60cm) between bush varieties and 48 ins (1.2m) between trailing varieties.
Special tips: Water copiously around the plant, not over them. As soon as the fruits start to swell commence high potassium feeding every 14 days to encourage the fruits to swell. |
CUCUMBER - INDOOR
Soil & Site: Grow in pots (one per pot) using loam-based John Innes No.3 in a 9in (23cm) pot, or plant two plants to a cropping bag.
Special tips: Warmth is essential for Femspot and Mini Petita. Aim for a temperature of 60F/16C. Water little and often - never allow the compost to become sodden. Train plant stems vertically using canes or wires, removing the main tip once it reaches the roof of the greenhouse. Feed developing fruits every 10-14 days with a high potash fertiliser. Don't allow fruits to grow too large, regular cutting of smaller fruits will encourage further fruit to develop. |
CUCUMBER - OUTDOOR
Soil & Site: A well-drained soil with plenty of garden compost is essential for this crop. Create planting 'pockets' with good compost - much easier than improving the whole planting area for this crop. Location wise, a sunny spot protected from strong winds is essential.
Spacing: Allow 18 ins (45cm) between plants.
Special tips: Pinch growing point out at 6-7 leaves to encourage side-shoots to carry more fruit. Water around rather than on the plant to avoid scorching of foliage and fungal disease. As soon as the first fruits have started to grow, commence high potassium feeding every 10-14 days. Don't allow fruits to grow too large, regular cutting of smaller fruits will encourage further fruit to develop. |
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