Grant Douglas's Garden Diary

Week 13: first week of April

Now is the time of year when gardeners' conversations seem to focus a lot on the attributes of Green Tomato Chutney. Make the most of the last of the Summer crops by keeping their needs met. Fortunately tonight's rain will take care of the water.

I don't mean to nag about it but don't forget to keep planting your Brassicas and Lettuces, etc for Winter/Spring harvesting. Choose the recommended varieties and they will do well for you.

Some people start sowing Red Onions at this time of year. I personally think it is a bit too early, and these early sowings will bolt off to seed in the Spring.

Keep sowing cover crops on vacant ground, unless you will be needing it soon for planting crops. Better to have vacant ground that may be needed within the next six weeks prepared now, as a prolonged spell of wet weather may prevent you doing it when it is needed.

Saturday before last I heard an interesting discussion on Kim Hill's show with a Genetic researcher talking about the advantages of genetically engineered crops for Organic Growers (her husband was a leading Californian Organic grower). I thought she made some very interesting points, if you listened to it with an open mind. I think it's worth checking out on the Radio NZ Website if you didn't hear her. (Food for thought)

Nothing new in the planting or sowing side this week - just don't forget to keep at it.

Yah! Daylight saving has finished and we don't need a torch for a few weeks on our morning walk.

Sowing or Planting this week:
Brocoflower
Cabbage (Winter - I use Wintercross)
Cauliflower - Snowmarch - Winter variety (5 Mths).
Celery - to grow fast use heaps of Horse Manure. Plants only
Lettuce - Loose-leaf Fancy and Hearting (Triumph)
Silverbeet and Perpetual Spinach
Spinach
Spring Onions
Sprouting Broccoli

Sow Direct:
Chinese Greens
Corn Salad
Mescalin Mix
Rocket
Radish

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