Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2017 i Kitchen Garden

October can be a great month weather-wise – let’s hope so, as there is plenty to be getting on with in the garden! I really enjoy the autumn, for as much as I love growing my crops, by this time of year many are looking past their best and there is a feeling that it would be nice to wipe the slate clean in preparation for the new season ahead. So in this issue you’ll find all the latest info on harvesting and storing kit plus all the tools you’ll need to get your plot into great shape. Of course, there are still plenty of crops to sow and plant now, as a glance at our monthly jobs pages will show. We also have six pages of essential advice on…

THIS MONTH’S EXPERT PANEL: STAR QUESTION WINS £25 VOUCHER BLACKFLY ON BEANS What is the best way to deal with blackfly on beans without using chemicals? I’ve tried growing broad and runner beans for years, and without fail every year they get infested with blackfly. I try to tackle them using a hose to forcefully remove them, or soapy water, or just by squishing them. It’s so time consuming. I love my home-grown beans but they’re really not worth the amount of time I put in trying to keep them blackfly free! Katherine Davis, Hampshire ANDREW SAYS: Blackfly lay their eggs on shrubs in the autumn. These hatch out early in the year and move to succulent young plants to feed on throughout the summer, such as broad beans, runner…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED ▪ Coil of 12mm (0.5in)-diameter alkathene pipe ▪ Lengths of rebar at least 30cm (12in) long ▪ Cable ties ▪ Strong, clear polythene to fit ▪ Pipe insulation or similar soft material ▪ Spring clamps or pegs ▪ Hacksaw STEP 1. Home-made tunnel cloches almost universally start with alkathene piping like this. It comes as a coil from any DIY store or builders’ merchants and will provide numerous sturdy hoops at a very reasonable cost. STEP 2. Start by hammering in the lengths of rebar at equal intervals along the edge of the bed. Space them about 90cm (3ft) apart on both sides. About 15cm (6in) of rebar should be left above ground. STEP 3. Use a hacksaw to cut the alkathene piping into sections to create…

HONEY BOAT STUFFED WITH WILD MUSHROOMS AND HERBS 1. Simply prepare a cupful of bulgur wheat (follow packet instructions) with chicken stock. 2. Mix in chopped fresh parsley, oregano, paprika, salt/pepper and 1tsp of lemon juice. 3. Chop some wild mushrooms, celery and green beans and then mix into the bulgur wheat. 4. Cut your ‘Honey Boat’ squash in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds. 5. Fill the squash with the bulgur wheat mix, cover with foil and bake in a 180C/350F oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is soft and cooked. 6. Don’t forget, the skin on ‘Honey Boat’ squash is edible and goes nice and chewy like an oven-cooked baked potato. ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS Roasted pumpkin seeds can be a tasty addition to a range…

If you don’t wish to enter your whole plot why not enter just a container? Send us a picture of a pot or group of containers growing veg, fruit or herbs and you could win a special prize of a Hozelock Sensor Controller and Easy Drip Universal Kit. We will be looking for creative use of containers and planting material plus the quality of the produce. You can send us a picture of one pot of veg, fruit or herbs or several pots together planted up. As long as there is at least one fruit/veg or herb plant visible in the group of containers, flowers could also be included. Send us pictures of quirky containers planted up with fruit and veg too. BEST PATIO CONTAINER PRIZE Wins a Hozelock Sensor…

When it comes to what you can grow on your plot, and for that matter, what you can’t, few things are as important as soil. Of course, to a certain extent, you’re stuck with what Mother Nature has given you. But understanding your soil’s pH will ensure that you grow crops that will make the most of the soil you create. Soil pH indicates how acidic or alkaline your soil is and has important implications for plant health and growth. Soil pH impacts beneficial fungi and bacteria in the soil and influences whether or not essential minerals are available for uptake by plant roots. THE pH SCALE All pH is measured on a logarithmic scale from zero (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline) with 7 being neutral. Soils are considered…

Rekha’s allotment is located on the West Harrow site, the largest site in the borough of Harrow, with 150 10-pole plots (20x120ft) on the ‘large’ site and 48 on the ‘small’ site opposite the station. Despite being in the hustle and bustle of London, the allotment site is so situated you could be mistaken for it being out in the countryside. In the near distance you can see St Mary’s Church at Harrow on the Hill, much frequented by the 19th-century Romantic poet Lord Byron, who attended Harrow School. Her plot is accessible by a long drive that runs alongside the plots. In Harrow each plot costs £60 a year and this includes access to water taps on site during the growing season. Access to free manure is not possible,…

GRASS SHEARS The new 18v UM603D Grass Shear G-Series will be everyone’s favourite – fast, powerful and handy – and is now available with a hedge trimmer attachment that has a toolless blade change. The shear has a double blade action; a cutting width of 160mm, and three-stage cutting height adjustment from 15–25mm for really fine trimming such as topiary. With an ergonomically designed soft grip handle, and light in weight at just 1.5kg, user comfort is guaranteed while low noise emissions for ‘Sunday morning quiet time’ will keep neighbours happy. This model is compatible only with a Makita G-Series battery, and is available as a body-only option with hedge trimmer attachment. The Makita range of outdoor maintenance and grounds care tools continues to expand with tools and innovative systems…

JULIE MOORE In this issue biodynamic gardener Julie explains why the lime levels in your soil are so important for crop health and good yields. She also offers some simple advice on how to adjust pH levels for optimum growth. MARTIN FISH Gardening broadcaster and author Martin brings us his usual round-up of jobs to do on the plot this month from his wonderful Yorkshire garden. As you’ll see, although the autumn is upon us, there is still lots to do! JOYCE RUSSELL KG regular Joyce can be relied upon to bring us some clever practical projects that anyone can attempt. She turns her attention to hybrid berries this month with a simple but clever and cheap way for supporting canes. DAVID BEZ David is a leading chef, author and…

October may start out on the coattails of summer, but it seldom ends without a warning of colder and wilder weather to come. Frosts outdoors won’t reach into the protection of the greenhouse, but temperatures will drop as combined mass of soil, and structure starts ool down. Some ender plants, like cucumbers and courgettes, are unlikely to last beyond the end of the month; tomatoes and peppers may crop until the year end if disease is controlled and the weather is kind. FABULOUS FRUIT CURRANTS Currant bushes grow well outdoors and will usually yield a good crop from mid-June to July. The best reasons to grow these undercover are to get earlier fruits and to provide protection against pests, diseases and inclement weather. Redcurrants are a favourite snack for birds…

Our Star Question winner will receive vouchers worth £25; the writers of all other questions printed will receive a £10 voucher. They can be redeemed against any products in the latest Mr Fothergill’s catalogue, which will be sent out with the vouchers so you can choose from the massive range of quality products including seeds and garden equipment. To receive a free catalogue, call 08453 710518 or visit www.mr-fothergills.co.uk Email questions to tflanagan@ mortons.co.uk or post to Question Time, Kitchen Garden, Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR Please include your full address on letters and emails. We do not publish full addresses.…

PUMPKINS WITH TEETH This is a super little video on pumpkin carving – great ideas, easy to follow and simple to do. http://bit.ly/2uE63C0 TWITTER PEPPER POWER AllotmentInspiration @ Allotmentinsp Home-grown peppers are a reason in themselves for owning a greenhouse. FACEBOOK FAVES NO PRESSURE THEN... Outdoor gadgets: “Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are.” – Alfred Austin RECYCLE KITCHEN WASTE Gardeners know that you can’t just take from the soil without giving something back, so recycling our fruit and vegetable waste is what most of us do. There are lots of compost bins of various kinds on the market, available from a range of retailers. For Great Green Systems, recycling kitchen waste is something of a speciality. The company’s range of products includes composters, food waste…

Tunnel cloches that are covered with fleece or polythene will need to be properly secured against the wind. It’s frustrating to wake up after a storm to find your cover splayed against the fence or, worse still, caught up in a neighbour’s tree! Here are a few options to secure your cover firmly into place. STONES: Use large, smooth stones or bricks at regular intervals along the edge of the cover. If your garden is particularly windy space the stones closer. SOIL: The simplest option is to bury the sides of the cover into the soil, or to pile soil on in mounds. This takes more effort but is a very effective way to keep covers from getting airborne. STAPLES: Buy purpose-sold staples to pierce and hold down your cover.…

ARE YOU A PASSIONATE PLOTTER? Enter our competition and win some great prizes YOU COULD WIN The WOLF-Garten RR2500 Bypass Secateurs are perfect for cutting fresh, lush new growth up to 22mm diameter and are ideally suited for medium sized hands. The soft grip handle has and easy to use central safety catch and the blade has a non-stick coating delivering a clean cut. Matching RS2500 Anvil Secateurs also available. First place winner will receive a Harrod Metal Raised Bed in Heritage Green or Anthracite Grey (pictured below left). The second place winner will receive two Tall Circular Rust Plant Supports. The third prize winner will receive a Harrod Lichen Green finish Lobster Pot Plant Support (pictured left). This traditional style grow-through plant support is ideal for supporting all types…

WOLF-GARTEN The WOLF-Garten gardening tool collection offers the total solution for soil and cultivation, lawn care, tree and shrub care and general garden maintenance. The WOLF-Garten philosophy is to provide gardening tools and machinery of premium quality and performance. Its garden tool range includes the multi-change® system which is lightweight and comfortable to use, so whatever the job you are tackling in the garden, WOLF-Garten can provide the right tool for the job. www.wolfgarten-tools.co.uk tel 01869 363674. THE ORGANIC GARDENING CATALOGUE Only good things for your garden…The Organic Gardening Catalogue brings you an exciting collection of seeds and supplies, all assured suitable for organic gardening and delivered direct to your home. Choose from an extensive range of more than 500 organic seed varieties, seed potatoes, onion sets and garlic, as…

COURGETTE CAKE INGREDIENTS: ▪ 240g softened butter ▪ 150g golden caster sugar ▪ 150g soft brown sugar ▪ 3 eggs ▪ 120ml milk ▪ 1tbsp vanilla extract ▪ 350g self raising flour ▪ 1tsp baking powder ▪ 5tbsp cocoa powder ▪ 350g peeled and finely grated organic courgettes METHOD: 1. Grease and line a rectangular cake tin (20cm x 30cm). 2. Cream butter and sugar until light and airy. 3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking lightly between each egg. 4. Now add the milk and vanilla and whisk a little. 5. Sift in dry ingredients and fold into the egg mixture. 6. Gently add the grated courgette and fold until courgette is evenly mixed in. 7. Bake in a moderate oven of 180C for 30 to 40 minutes.…

WORTH OVER £1875 WINTER GARDEN WONDERLANDS 15 FAMILY TICKETS FIVE FOR EACH VENUE Be one of the first to visit the fabulous Christmas trails at Kew, Blenheim Palace or Dunham Massey. We’re offering you the chance to win a family ticket for two adults and two children to the opening night of one of three magical Christmas trails in glorious garden settings. ‘Christmas at Kew’ in Richmond, Surrey (www.kew.org/christmas) is now in its fifth year. The 2017 Christmas trail at The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew boasts more than one million twinkling lights. Step into an enchanted world as you walk beneath tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour. Marvel at the Palm House Pond as it springs to life with brightly coloured criss-crossing laser beams, jets of light that dance in…

DAMSON ALMOND CRUMBLE Crumbles make some of the best puddings – not only are they easy to make, they are so accommodating in terms of the fillings you can use. If you are short of plums, pop some berries in and you can also experiment with the crust. I like adding a handful of pecan nuts for some crunch. SERVES 6 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes FOR THE FILLING ▪ Butter, for greasing ▪ 12 large ripe damsons or plums, stones removed, chopped ▪ 1 apple, cored, peeled, chopped ▪ ½ lemon, juice only ▪ 160g/5½oz soft brown sugar ▪ ½ tsp almond essence FOR THE CRUMBLE ▪ 175g/6oz plain flour, sifted ▪ 50g/2oz almond flour ▪ 50g/2oz sugar ▪ 50g/2oz muscovado sugar ▪ 100g/3½oz butter, chilled,…

10 MINUTE JOBS HOE WEEDS Although it’s now autumn, some weeds will make a last attempt to grow and produce seed before winter sets in. To prevent them from establishing and seeding, on dry days use a Dutch hoe and chop off any seedlings at soil level while they are small. BUY GARLIC BULBS There is still plenty of time to buy bulbs of garlic for autumn planting from local garden centres or specialist growers. Choose varieties that are suitable for growing in our climate and as soon as they are delivered unpack them in preparation for planting. GATHER UP NETTING Gather together netting and fleece that has been used to protect plants over the summer and give it a wash or brush down before folding and storing for use…

YOUNG GARDENER WINS TOP PRIZE A green-fingered 10-yearold from Fife has been named Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Young School Gardener of the Year 2017. Fraser White, who attends Dairsie Primary School near St Andrews, battled against hundreds of other youngsters from across the UK to bring the coveted national title home to Scotland. The annual competition is aimed at unearthing the next generation of star gardeners and Fraser was nominated for the award by his teacher, who described him as ‘a walking advert for the good gardening can do for a person’. Fraser’s prizes for being crowned RHS Young School Gardener of the Year include an engraved hand trowel trophy, framed certificate and the opportunity to spend the day working with RHS gardeners. His school will receive a Baby Grand…

Courgettes are all the same, right? Long, thin, green things that arrive in abundance and taste of very little. Well, no! I love them and we have no trouble in using up our harvest. True, they do taste of very little if overcooked, but to me boiling a home-grown courgette is just wrong – much better to make them into a delicious soup, stuff them, use them in a gratin or turn them into vegetable spaghetti with a spiraliser (see our video at http://bit.ly/2uVnm11) – or how about a deliciously moist cake? There is a great range of varieties too, from the usual long green types to yellow, pale green, ribbed and round. I’ve tried a range this year from ‘Long Green Bush’ (seeds free with KG this spring) to…

DISEASED FRUIT Diseased fruit lying on the ground can carry over infection, such as brown rot, to the next year so these should be gathered up and destroyed or consigned to the green bin for professional composting. HUNGRY PIGEONS Cover newly planted spring cabbages with bird netting otherwise the pigeons will decimate them. Keep it tight so that smaller birds won't become entangled. UPROOTED ONION BULBS Birds are fond of lifting newly planted onions and garlic bulbs. Cover with netting initially or replant any that have been lifted straight away. Cut off any wispy tops.…

▪ LETTUCE ‘WINTER DENSITY’ OR ‘VALDOR’: These are dependable winter-hardy lettuces to use as a base for the following more unusual flavours. ▪ WINTER PURSLANE, CLAYTONIA OR MINER’S LETTUCE: This forms a rosette of mild, succulent leaves. The white flowers that the plant produces in late winter make a pretty addition to any salad. ▪ MUSTARD ‘RED FRILLS’: For texture, colour and flavour. Grows outside with a little fleece protection and will recover even after a frost. ▪ CHRYSANTHEMUM GREENS OR CHOP SUEY GREENS: These have an unusual aromatic flavour. A few leaves can lift a salad. ▪ SORREL: Adds a lemon zing to any salad mix. Best used while the leaves are small. ▪ OXALIS TRIANGULARIS: We grow this as a houseplant during the winter months. The purple shamrock-shaped…

Pumpkins and winter squash have been around in one form or another for thousands of years, be it the stereotypical orange pumpkin that is carved at Halloween, or the small oblong squash which tastes just like a sweet potato. So, when is a pumpkin a winter squash? Or is it a gourd and where do courgettes fit in?The world of cucurbita (the family that all of the above belong to), can be a minefield. Therefore, I’ve tried to simplify which belongs to what and why. There are four main species of pumpkin/ squash. These are Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita argyrosperma. To make it a little simpler, let’s reduce Cucurbita to the letter C. ▪ C.pepo includes all summer squash/courgettes, spaghetti squash, and field (Halloween) pumpkins. They…

I really like simple food that’s full of flavour and as natural as can be. That’s why I try to process the ingredients as little as possible. I investigated many culinary traditions to find their comfort food classics, looking for inspiration for dishes that are balanced and nutritious, something that can fill you without killing energy, something that can keep you sharp and energised but still give you that comforting, feel-good experience. Back at the Discovery Channel, I remember my friend Elle wondering if I could serve what she called ‘wet hot salads’, which I thought was a funny and quite bizarre idea at the time. But when I started this project, Elle’s idea came back to me again and again. Initially I called them saladsoups, but the name didn’t…

1ST PRIZE VALUE £958 ⋆ Harrod Horticultural products ⋆ 250 WOLF-Garten tools ⋆ 150 voucher for The Organic Gardening Catalogue plus The Chase 3-Step Organic Plant Nutrition Programme (1 litre each of SM3, SM4 and SM5). RRP £33.85. ⋆ 150-Greenhouse Sensation Vitopod propagator ⋆ 125 Dobies vouchers 2ND PRIZE VALUE £551 ⋆150 Harrod Horticultural products ⋆ 150 WOLF-Garten tools ⋆ 100 voucher for The Organic Gardening Catalogue plus The Chase 3-Step Organic Plant Nutrition Programme (1 litre each of SM3, SM4 and SM5). RRP £33.85. ⋆ 42.90-Greenhouse Sensation Quadgrow ⋆ 75 Dobies vouchers 3RD PRIZE VALUE £366 ⋆100 Harrod Horticultural products ⋆ 100 WOLF-Garten tools ⋆ 50 voucher for The Organic Gardening Catalogue plus The Chase 3-Step Organic Plant Nutrition Programme (1 litre each of SM3, SM4 and SM5). RRP…

HOW TO ENTER We are looking for the UK’s most passionate fruit and veggie grower and now veg plots are starting to fill up with tasty crops it is the perfect time to take some photographs and enter our competition. So if you love your plot then share it with us and other KG readers. Simply send us a few photos of your plot and you could win some great prizes – and your plot will also be featured in a future issue of Kitchen Garden. SEND US: ▪ One photograph of yourself (preferably taken on your plot. Others who help you on your plot can also be in the picture but please state who is pictured.) ▪ 6 pictures of your plot (aim for one overall shot and then…

KEEPING TABS ON TEMPERATURE This Digital Indoor-Outdoor Thermometer with Alarm has an LCD Digital display which shows indoor and outdoor temperatures in degrees C or F. The alarm will sound when temperatures exceed those that have been set. Use as free-standing or hang from a wall. PRICE: £17.99 www.twowests.co.uk CLEAN THE DECKS Made from acetic acid, Ecofective Decking Cleaner can be used to remove dirt and moss from patio flags, decking, conservatories (glass or plastic), roofs (felt or slate) and outside walls (both painted and unpainted). Safe to use around pets, wildlife and ponds. No scrubbing needed. PRICE GUIDE: £7.99 www.ecofective.uk.com SUSSEX TRUGS Invented by Thomas Smith in 1829, Sussex Trugs continues his tradition of making good quality baskets. There are lots of shapes/sizes to choose from their Royal Sussex…

BETTER BRED FRUIT Swiss fruit breeder Lubera is well known for its unique varieties, which have enabled the home gardener to enjoy growing all sorts of fruits with ease. This year Lubera has introduced many stunning new varieties, including two additions to its compactgrowing ‘Lowberry’ range: raspberry ‘Little Sweet Sister’ and blackcurrant ‘Little Black Sugar’. There’s also the fantastic dwarf apple ‘Maloni Gullivers’, which fits perfectly on any terrace or balcony. Lubera also has an extensive range of citrus fruit, including oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits. See the full Lubera range on its UK website at www.lubera.co.uk To save 10% on all Lubera products, enter code ‘KitchGard2017LU’ into the search box at lubera.co.uk or quote the code when ordering on 0845 527 Offer valid until August 31, 2018. AUTUMN-PLANTING ASPARAGUS…

My favourite time is when it’s really quiet on the lotty and I’ve spent a couple of hours digging. I sit in the middle of it (literally on the ground!), drink my flask of soup, listen to the birds, sit back and feel really proud about what I’ve just achieved, Then I start digging again.... Pawty, Hampshire Walking round and sitting looking are a vital part of gardening, you need to observe to see what is working and what needs fixing. Tigerburnie, Angus by the sea I usually have a wander round when I first arrive, to see what’s been eaten by slugs, blown over by weather or dug up by foxes! Retropants, Middlesex I sat in the shade of the cherry tree this afternoon with the intention of admiring…