Vegetable Gardening in Autumn

March is the best month to plant Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Chinese Cabbage. With the soil still comparatively warm, seedlings will establish themselves quickly, provided of cause that they receive plenty of water. Prepare the garden beds with plenty of rotted compost and Seamungus. Cover with Garden Lime or Dolomite Lime and rake in thoroughly.

When planting seedlings, the technique of “puddling” them in will see that there is water under the roots. Dig the hole , put the plant in the hole, then fill it with water. Once the water has drained away, fill and firm the earth in around the plant and then give it some more water. It is important to watch out for caterpillars of the White Butterfly. They can decimate the young plants. Derris Dust or Mavrik are the 2 most safe treatments.

Seedlings planted in March should produce the relevant results ready for harvest by late June. Further plantings at 4 weekly intervals should produce winter vegetables right through until October. April and May are also the best time to plant Broad Beans Onions, Garlick and Shallots. The latter can be planted quite close together with every second bunch being used at the green onion stage in salads.