The Star
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Thursday October 5 2017
37
Editorial supplied by www.gardener.kiwi
is most satisfying It is one crop that will cope with dry periods; however, the better the soil and the more water they get, the larger the harvest. Jerusalem artichokes are a root crop that often can’t be found in the garden centres, so look for them at farmers’ markets or in the organic shops. The knobbly looking bits of root will quickly shoot once planted. The stems are tall – well over head height – so plant them near the back of the vegetable patch. A plant can reach 1.5-2m. SPINACH This supercharged green has to be one of the easiest crops to grow; either sow seeds or, to speed up the process by a month, plant out healthy seedlings now. To get the best out of the crop, plant it in an area that receives full sun, and ensure it has rich, fertile soil by blending in plenty of compost, sheep pellets, and possibly vegetable food prior to planting. The compost and manure will lock much-needed moisture into the soil. PARSNIP Parsnip is my ultimate winter vegetable. This is one crop you
have to grow from seed, as you will not find it in punnets or seedling bundles. Always buy new seed each year, as the seed doesn’t stay viable for long once the packet is opened. The soil needs to be prepared in the same way you would for carrots. Make a shallow groove in your prepared row and sprinkle a seed or two every few centimetres, taking care not to sow too thickly. Lightly cover the row with soil, then water in with boiling water to help stimulate germination. Seedlings pop up in three to four weeks. ONIONS Red, white, brown and pickling onions can all go in now, and, from my experience, starting with seedlings will give you a longer growing season. Much like the other crops, they also need loose, friable soil in order to thrive. Seed germinates readily, but is not overly fast. Allow a hand space between each plant, except for pickling onions, which need only 5cm. As the young, hair-like seedlings are fragile, try not to plant them out in the middle of a hot day, as they can easily wilt – later in the afternoon is ideal.
As they do not take up much space, a popular way to grow them in is a grid pattern, which you can achieve simply by making a series of holes in the soil in said pattern and dropping a seedling in each one. Then, rather than firming them in with your finger, use a watering can and water them in, which will secure the soil around the seedling without damaging its delicate stem. LETTUCE Arm yourself with loads of lettuce seedlings this month, and poke them in anywhere you have a gap in the garden – their shallow root system means they can, and will, grow almost anywhere. In the vege patch, allow two hand spaces, or 15-20cm, between plants. They thrive in rich, moisture-retentive soils, so mix in the usual additions like compost, peat or manure before planting. Definitely put nets over young plants at this time of year, as birds are still looking for anything fresh, sweet and juicy, and be vigilant with slug and snail bait too, as soft lettuce leaves are a favourite with them.
Orchid Show
Canterbury Mineral and Lapidary Club Rooms 110 Waltham Road, Christchurch Saturday 7th October 10am - 4pm Sunday 8th October 10am - 4pm
• Beautiful displays • Sales tables and potting demonstrations
FEATURING TUCKERS ORCHID NURSERY WITH A LARGE RANGE OF PLANTS FOR SALE Admission $5 Refreshments available
now bigger than ever growing with you
SprIng Is here – It’S Sow Time how to get the best results from seeds and seedlings
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EASY: Harvest carrots throughout the season.
HARDY: Beetroot can be transplanted while it is growing.