Johnplotman's Journal

Last Post 4 days 17 hours ago

Organic growing benefits for vegetables..

28 May 2010 10:43:31

Cabbage [Brassicas] saved from frost earlier in the year.[The few lucky to survive]]

On a lovely bright morning with plenty of sunshine earlier hopefully that sun will return soon.A little on the cool side now.Last night was not only cool but wet into the early hours.Let the rain fall when we really need it,with temperatures up well and the nights staying warmer.Had the usual check in the garden just before 7 am and after last nights weather,no problems.Collected up the papers,coats,covers etc from the potato ridges.Plants need minding just as we do.Sunshine we need you fast to warm the night time temperatures along with all day.

Growing organically.

Growing organically helps cut out pests and diseases in places with your vegetable garden.Just as we all can get the flu,so can they in their own way of growing.The use of crop rotation is vital for veg garden and by no means a minor part of gardening but a major one,just as healthy soil is also vital.To grow plants every year in the same area is just another way of asking pests and diseases in to pay a visit.Differett with some areas like Rhubarb etc who are ok and wont need to be moved.With Peas especially these are the boys that supply the most feed to the ground for the next crop.Atmospheric nitrogen is supplied from them to the ground.Other Legumes are similar but the Peas especially are the winners.Roots [Carrots Beetroot etc] will be moved on to ground that was manured the previous year.Leave them with a fresh supply for the year you plant them and expect plenty off small carrots growing from the one stalk,but the complete carrot then heading for the compost heap.Not what the gardener needs.

Plans for this evening on return will be to attack the grass as early as possible.Nothing fully decided in the vegetable garden for tomorrow until later on.

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Noelfitz 28 May 2010 12:11:25

John,

Looking at your garden before 7 am? I am trying not to feel guilty.

But congratulations on your great work, it shows in your garden.

Pat 28 May 2010 13:26:27

Thats great advice as usual, John. Thanks. I wish I had left a patch to grow carrots as the soil is very sandy and I would probably get lovely straight carrots. What about the soil for potatoes. Does that need changing.?

Periwinkle 28 May 2010 14:20:32

John, what a very interesting journal. Full of good advice for us all and not just veg growers. Ever thought of setting up classes for beginner veg growers? Im sure there would be a demand. I know someone who does it near here and it is a great success.

unagrant 28 May 2010 16:05:01

John as always great advise

LNolan 28 May 2010 18:40:42

Great advice again John. You're constantly teaching us by passing on your knowledge and I for one am grateful. Its great to be learning from someone who knows so much.

Lìga 28 May 2010 23:38:11

Rain???I need rain too,one nice warm,light,all nights rain...So dry for new planted plants,they don't have deep roots yet,and have to watch them all time.

Johnplotman 29 May 2010 09:47:20

Thanks Noel.

Johnplotman 29 May 2010 09:55:47

The one vegetable that needs rotating Pat,almost above all the rest are the Potatoes [thanks].The garden pest Wireworms [Agriotes spp] if left in the same area will double,treble etc as years go on.When the food source is removed they will eventually disappear.Potatoes are a feast alone for them in the same area all the time,and plenty of trouble will be caused by them,if allowed do so.

Johnplotman 29 May 2010 09:59:46

Thank you Periwinkle.Here in the evenings or at the weekend i enjoy my nieces and nephews trying to get into garden.At the minute 5 are involved.Maybe some more another time.

Johnplotman 29 May 2010 10:01:59

Thanks Una.

Johnplotman 29 May 2010 10:09:02

Youre welcome Liam.Im picking up some great advice myself,thanks.Their is always something new with gardening.Different ways of how jobs are done,what is used etc.As i mentioned to some other journals at one stage,we are all in that same garden boat.Thank you again.

Johnplotman 29 May 2010 10:11:01

That is for sure Liga.A vital stage for young plants,especially with this type of weather.

rosburke 29 May 2010 21:30:00

John, should you feed potatoes?

Johnplotman 29 May 2010 22:47:41

In early winter if the ground has been dug and treated with a moderate amount of well rotted manure or compost all should be fine.If you did not get to do so already then rake in General Purpose Fert about 10-14 days before planting.Above all veg here Rosburke,Potatoes [Solanum tuberosum] are given top priority.Time is vital for them.

Periwinkle 29 May 2010 23:12:48

Your nieces and nephews will benifit much by working along side you and observing how you do things. Much of my garden knowledge I picked up unconsiously from observation. Keep it up! They might never tell you but they will be grateful for it some day.