Early June is a good time to plant out the members of the Cucurbit family; these are the squashes, courgettes, pumpkins and marrows.
To give you rich pickings of these versatile vegetables they need very rich, moisture retaining ground.
Terry's Tip: Dig a large hole and fill it with a copious amount of compost and well rotted manure. The soil is then put back on top and because you have a surplus it will form a mound. It is the perfect place to plant these vegetables; on top of the mound. That allows free drainage and stops the end of the forming crops from getting end rot!
Start preparing next years compost heap now by collecting all your bulk green waste coming from the plot and kitchen. Layer this green waste about 5 inches deep then cover with straw and horse manure. Build up these alternating layers all summer long and then cover all winter with a black polythene sheet to keep the heat in. When uncovered in the springtime you will find a rich black gold to spread over the plot.
Terry'sTip: For even better compost add pigeon or chicken manure to create heat!
Add a controlled-release fertiliser and water-retaining gel to the compost now and it will make feeding and watering easier during dry spells.
TIP: Adding a layer of topping, such as mini chipped bark or slate will help keep that valuable moisture in.
Now's a good time to mulch beds and borders before shrubs get too large. Spread bark, compost or leaf mould over the soil surface; taking care to avoid emerging bulbs such as snowdrops or crocus
TIP: Why not use chipped bark instead for a neater, safer way to mulch, keeping the ground and therefore the roots beneath, warm and snug. Such warmth provides an ideal start for bare-rooted plants such as hedging. We have a great variety of native British hedging, which will encourage wildlife whilst providing a decorative barrier!
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