There is still time to plant peasIt's mid June and mid summer, and our first crops are being harvested, so we have asked allotment writer Caroline Foley, to share some more of her expert tips on 'minding the gaps'. Now over to Caroline:
'In June usually a few patches of bare soil appear where crops have been harvested and others between slow growing vegetables. Take advantage of these gaps with a spot of'catch cropping'. When you have dug up your 'first early' potatoes this month, there will be room for a crop of quick growing peas like 'Early Onward' or 'Kelveden Wonder' to harvest in September. Protect against mice, as they like to run away with the seeds, and pigeons, as they pull young plants straight out of the ground.'
'Carrots 'Early Nantes' and 'Amsterdam Forcing' are great for successional sowing. You will get 'baby' carrots in 10 weeks. As the dreaded carrot fly always travels low and in straight lines so you can coolly outwit it by erecting a barrier about 75cm (2ft 6ins) high around the carrot patch.'
'Another quick gap filler is 'baby' beet (8 - 10 weeks). Try 'Pronto' and 'Kestrel' F1. There is time for another crop of dwarf French beans (10 - 12 weeks). Lettuces enjoy growing under the light shade cast by sweet corn in summer.'
'If you are quick, you can get in another crop of rocket (6 weeks). Stop in August as it bolts in the heat. Try 'Sprint'.'
'I usually grow cut-and-come-again salad mixes in containers with new compost. This cuts out any danger of finding weeds in your salad. An additional bonus is that you can defeat lurking slugs and snails by greasing the outside of the container with Vaseline. A smear of Vicks on the rim is the final touch to put them off completely.'
Our thanks to Caroline, and if anyone else has any news, advice, thoughts, photos, to share, we would be very happy to post them on the blog. Anyone can email me at allan.jenkins@observer.co.uk...
