Grant Douglas's Garden Diary

Week 32: Second week of August

I even managed to get a little bit done in the vege garden, but despite our soil being sandy, and well-drained, it was still very wet. Those people who have well-drained raised beds are the lucky ones at the moment, but those of you with more challenging soil, can get a head start by sowing seedlings for planting out when the soil does dry out.

You will know that each week we give you a list which is titled "Sowing and Planting". This is because all the varieties listed here can be transplanted, even though we may not normally do so. Such things as Beetroot, Broad Beans, Sprouted Garlic Cloves, Peas, Snow Peas, Red Onions - all can be grown on in punnets, if necessary, because your ground is not ready. I once saw up North, the Warehouse selling carrot seedlings. What a commercial rip-off! These definitely can't be transplanted and this is why we have a separate "Sow Direct" list. Some things are marginal to transplant eg Corriander, Rocket, and are far more inclined to go to seed if they are transplanted.

This week I have sown the first of the Tomatoes, Peppers, Egg Plants for early protected outside growing. Also the first sowing of Basil for either Greenhouse or Windowsill production.

If you are growing all your seedlings and are using some heat to help their germination, remember that Lettuce prefers to germinate at a much cooler temperature than most other vegetables. Also at this time of year if you are wanting a hearting Lettuce, change over from Triumph to Webbs Wonderful or Great Lakes.

I have noticed a few aphids in my Greenhouse on Tomato seedlings, so will have to deal to them. It can be quite difficult to see them at this time of year as they are very small, but the tell-tale signs are curling under of the leaves, and a fine white debris (their old skins) on the soil surface beneath them. Also watch for them on your young Pepper and Egg Plants. Deal with them in whatever method you prefer, whether its soapy water, a strong jet of water, finger and thumb or Pyrethrum.

Sowing or Planting this week:
Tomatoes, Peppers, Chillie's, Egg Plant (for Greenhouse or early sheltered Outside)
Basil (for Greenhouse or Windowsill)
Beetroot - possibly too early for direct sowing but can be sown in containers for planting out shortly.
Broad Beans (I am trying a new variety for me this year called Imperial Green, where the beans stay green, even after cooking) Standard Variety - Exhibition Longpod
Brocolli Spouting (Marathon Variety - sow now in punnets)
Cabbage (Spring or Summer varieties - sow now in punnets)
Cauliflower (Frieda - Summer variety - sow now in punnets)
Garlic
Lettuce (Loose-leaf Fancy and Hearting - outside now, or in containers. Protect when very young.)
Peas (I choose Easy-peasy variety)
Potatoes (Plant a few sprouted ones in warmer areas or in cooler areas put them in trays for sprouting)
Red Onions - protect soil surface from heavy rains (Heard the other day about the use of carpet underfelt - sounds like good idea. Just get it off as soon as germination takes place)
Shallots
Silverbeet and Perpetual Spinach - these may go to seed in late Spring but will give you a small harvest if you are low on these veges in your garden
Snow Peas (Snap Peas)
Spinach (winter varieties eg. Hybrid No.7) - not outside now, but in containers as above

Sow Direct:
Carrots (In warmer areas only - I find Topweight a good early variety)
Corn Salad
Mescalin Mix
Rocket
Radish

Preparation of beds for Strawberries and Asparagus.

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