Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2018 i Kitchen Garden

Soil preparation will be on many gardeners’ minds this month. So in this issue I take a look at digging tools and what to look for when buying a new fork or spade to make an arduous job as easy as possible. While on the topic of winter workouts, Ben Vanheems encourages you to give your fruit trees and bushes some timely treatment so that they hit the ground running when the new season arrives. Rob Smith suggests some cracking fruit and veg for small gardens, while K G ’s Tony Flanagan offers his top tips for growing winter radish, and fruit expert David Patch takes a look at colourful crab apples. Should the weather keep you indoors we have some delicious recipes for home-baked bread, plus some more ideas…

■ Grey mould attacks many plants and it thrives in a wet and poorly ventilated environment. Remove any affected leaves and ventilate when possible on calm days. It’s better to have a slightly cooler greenhouse with fewer disease issues. ■ Clean and tidy inside the greenhouse. This helps to set things up for next year and carries fewer pest and disease problems into the coming months. ■ Fill a barrel with water inside the greenhouse. This helps raise temperatures a little as it warms and it also provides a water source at the same temperature as the plants. ■ Don’t put tomato haulms and fallen fruits on the compost heap. They can carry fungal spores, and seeds may germinate when you use the compost. ■ Strawberry pots can move back…

Lottie's tips Jean said: “Encouraging my granddaughter in the garden started very early. Lottie is enthusiastic and loves planting seeds. This year we took an idea from Pinterest and planted tomatoes in lemonade bottles, (pictured below) and then planted them out into orange B&Q buckets. We grew ‘Yellow Delight’ (which is her favourite colour) and ‘Gardener’s Delight’, both with excellent results. MAKE A SELF-WATERING POT Take a plastic drinks bottle and cut the top third off and cut down the bottom if too tall. Make a hole in the lid and through this push a wick made of plaited string. Now pop this into the base with the lid down and string draping onto the bottom. The bottom is filled with water which will feed up the wick into the…

SICKLY AUBERGINES I wondered if you could help me with the sudden demise of my aubergine plants? They are in a polytunnel and were doing extremely well. This morning the leaves are mottled and drooping, others are yellow and shrivelled. They have been watered and fed with seaweed extract and well ventilated. So I am at a loss as to what is causing the problem. It was very sudden. The other five are not showing signs of damage but I wondered if I needed to remove the sick-looking ones? Shiv Panchalingam, Reading Bob Flowerdew, Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time panellist BOB SAYS: On reading this I thought it would be red spider mite as the commonest problem but pictures indicate a wilt, probably verticillium wilt or just possibly a fusarium…

SAVE YOUR SEEDS Buying seeds can be expensive so why not save them? On the Garden Organic website, there is a comprehensive guide which has been produced by the Heritage Seed Library. The individual sections cover the importance of saving seed, basic botany, seed storage and advice on how to manage the seeds of individual veg, from broad beans to tomatoes. If you’re saving seed, it will need to be from open-pollinated plants, rather than F1 hybrids. The former, if you like, are ‘pedigree’ varieties whereas F1s are cross-bred. For more information visit: gardenorganic.org.uk/seed-saving-guidelines andwww.gardenorganic.org.uk/hsl EARTHWORM WATCH We all know that earthworms are essential to healthy soil, so why not contribute to current scientific research? You can find out about the different kinds of earthworms and how they contribute to the…

I do have a cousin who helps out when he’s able to. He had an allotment of his own some 30 years ago and so his experience was very helpful when I took on the plot. He played a big part in helping me to clear plots and still helps out with plot maintenance. He has a passion for growing flowers and this has rubbed off on me and influenced how I’ve developed the allotment. I deal with most of the sowing and planting out and take care of four large greenhouses.…

I love this time of year as the allotment has a vast array of produce as the late summer crops ease into the autumn. It is that perfect time to think of pickles and chutneys, so that all the season’s hard work does not go to waste and you have some delicious treats in the cupboard as the winter nights draw in. There are two pickles I grew up on and I can’t live without a jar or two of them in the cupboard all year round: a sharp, spicy mustard piccalilli and a traditional sweet and rich ploughman’s pickle. I will pre-warn you that while both of these recipes are easy to make, you need the patience of a saint to let them mature for a couple of months…

HOW TO ENTER We are looking for the UK’s most passionate fruit and veggie grower and now veg plots are starting to look bountiful 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. ■ Six pictures of your plot. Aim for one overall shot and then some pictures of smaller…

The idea of trying to raise both kids and veg sounds almost like mission impossible. Children have a knack of occupying every scrap of our time and energy and you may feel like you could barely keep a cactus alive, let alone a whole veg patch. Yet by keeping things simple, it is possible to grow your own and have a family. Firstly, get children involved. At the very least, when you’re all outdoors together you can get on while they play – or ideally, help! Better still, they’ll grow up knowing where food comes from and hopefully enjoying it too. Because as any parent who’s ever uttered the words ‘eat your veg or there’s no pudding,’ knows, kids can be notoriously suspicious of unfamiliar, strange looking (green) food. But…

STEP 1: Old tights make ideal grease bands. The slight stretch makes them great at clinging on to the bark. Tie a pair around the trunk about 45cm (18in) above ground level. STEP 2: Stretch out the tights to widen the band so it’s at least 10cm (4in) deep. If the band sags at any point against the trunk, tie it flush using string. STEP 3: Now smear petroleum jelly on to the tights. Add lots and smear it all over to ensure good coverage. Check and reapply later in winter if necessary.…

SEEDS OF ITALY Our first ever autumn/ winter catalogue is bursting with seasonal flower and vegetable bulbs, ingredients, Italian hand tools and pruners, recipes, which seeds to sow now for winter/ spring harvest, Roman scented kitchen candles and so much more. Contact us on 0208 427 5020 or by email at grow@italianingredients.com  to order your paper or digital copy. Franchi seeds 1783, because you reap what you sow. Vegan and Slow Food UK approved. TWO WESTS & ELLIOTT A must for every keen gardener, the Two Wests & Elliott new catalogue is packed full of gardening goodies! You’ll find everything you need for your garden and greenhouse and with many items designed and manufactured in their Derbyshire workshop, you have the option to have items made to your…

BEETROOT BREAD Baking bread by hand is a lovely sensory experience, but add a splash of hot pink and (see previous page) it’s a feast for the eyes! MAKES IKG LOAF Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour ■ 500g/17½oz strong stoneground white flour, plus extra for dusting ■ 1 tbsp rye flakes, or jumbo oats ■ 1 tbsp poppy seeds ■ 1 tsp fast action dry yeast ■ 1 tsp salt ■ 250g/9oz fresh beetroot 1. In a medium pan, place the whole beetroot and bring to the boil, cook for 30 minutes until tender. Once cooked, pour the pink cooking water into a jug, and reserve 260ml (9fl oz). When the beetroot is cool enough to handle, peel then grate before setting aside. 2. In a large…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED ■ Five pots; any size will do but we used 3 x 20cm (8in), 1 x 30cm (12in) and 1 x 28cm (11in) bowl for the base. All were terracotta as we liked the natural look and wanted to reduce plastic as far as possible, but plastic will do if you have them ■ Some ballast, such as decorative stone or gravel ■ A strong stake, preferably metal such as reinforcing bar (for this we used a re-purposed growing bag support ■ A small pot to act as a support (optional). We used a 9cm (3½in) square pot for this, but any plastic/terracotta pot will do ■ Spirit level ■ Club hammer ■ Compost ■ Your selection of herbs, or strawberries, about eight plants in all BUILDING…

PLANT VIRUS-FREE RASPBERRY CANES STEP 1: Raspberry canes can be planted anytime through the dormant season, but if planted now they have the rest of the autumn to establish a strong root system. Come next spring, they will have produced stronger plants. Prepare the ground by working in plenty of well-rotted organic matter, such as manure or garden compost, and then dig out a planting trench approximately 20-30cm (8-12in) deep. STEP 2: Autumn and summer fruiting varieties are planted in the same way. If starting from scratch, buy virus-free plants from a reputable grower. If you already have established plants that are healthy and you want to plant another row, carefully lift some of the new canes with a good root system. Trim the long growth down to around 30cm…

■ Chard grown for winter use occasionally runs to seed because of a check in growth. Any plants that have produced a tall flower stalk need grubbing out. ■ Young broad bean plants can be planted out into a permanent position in a sheltered part of the garden. Water them in to settle the roots, but don’t cover with cloches as they need to be grown hard. ■ Garlic cloves can be planted out on to the garden in well-drained soil. Plant the cloves around 5cm (2in) deep and 15cm (6in) apart. ■ The tall ferny stems on asparagus can be cut down to ground level when they have turned yellow and are starting to collapse. ■ Rake out autumn leaves from below fruit bushes to expose the ground and…

Send us your tips and pictures and if your letter is published you will get a £10 Dobies voucher. If you are lucky enough to have yours chosen as our Star Letter you will get a £25 voucher. Your voucher will be sent out with a Dobies catalogue and you can choose to spend your winnings on a fabulous range of seeds, young plants and gardening sundries. You can get hold of a copy of the catalogue now by phoning 0844 701 7625 or go online to www.dobies.co.uk You can reach us by letter, email or via our Facebook page: FACEBOOK.COM/KITCHENGARDENMAG Email your letters to tflanagan@mortons.co.uk  or post to Letters, Kitchen Garden, Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR…

My daughter always tells me to grow ‘proper flowers’ by which she means ones that are relatively tall with ‘in your face’ blooms as it were. Nothing understated. One that fits perfectly into this category is Zinnia elegans, which grows to about 30-100cm (12-39in) – depending on variety – and produces blooms just bursting with colour. There are several species of zinnia – some with much smaller flowers and low growing – but Zinnia elegans is one that will create an immediate sense of summer to any garden or veg patch, is super as a cut flower, and pollinators love it! And even within the Zinnia elegans spectrum, there is a range of flowerhead formations, including single, semi-double and double (in cactus and pompom forms like dahlias). SOWING Zinnias are…

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.…

Find out how to use a grease band on fruit trees, courtesy of KG editor, Steve Ott. http://bit.ly/greaseband TWITTER SUMMER IN AUTUMN JAS @JAS53851080 It appears to be November outside so bringing summer inside with a warming gnocchi bake using chard from the GH and garlic from the #allotment FACEBOOK FAVES BONFIRE NIGHT CHECK D&A Sanders Pet Care Specialists Yaxley If you or someone you know is having a bonfire, please make sure you check it before lighting as bonfires are perfect living conditions for hedgehogs.…

I’m in deepest Devon at Rosemoor, the smallest of the RHS gardens. It’s set in a valley and the terraces of Great Torrington look over us from the hill. Pete Adams, head of edibles, is showing me around the fruit and vegetables grown by his team. While every garden has a purpose, it’s only the great gardens that have clear and beneficial purposes. Pete is to the point, very precise about what the fruit and vegetable section is about. On the one hand, there is the decorative function, to look good for the visitors who regularly seek out the place. And it is also there to educate and inform. These two purposes inform gardening practice which in turn informs how the gardens look to the visitors. The fruit and vegetable…

“Buy the best you can afford – given good care you should get years of service from your chosen spade or fork” HANDLES There are several types of handle commonly used on digging forks and spades – the D-type handle and the T-type and these may be made from wood, metal or plastic. You may also see some tools fitted with plain long straight handles. The D-shaped handle (with or without a soft grip) is probably the most popular in the UK with the T-type and long straight more widely used on the continent and in the US. However, which you choose really comes down to personal preference. SHAFT The shaft of the tool may be made from metal (aluminium is popular for its light weight) often with various coatings…

1 ST  PRIZE VALUE £921 ■ Mountfield Mower worth £329 ■ Set of 3 Harrod Trumpet Wire Rust Obelisks value £242 ■ WOLF-Garten tools worth £250 ■ Two Wests & Elliott vouchers value £100 2 ND  PRIZE VALUE £744  ■ Mountfield Mower worth £329 ■ Harrod Decorative Wall Trellis (and brackets) with ball finials value £165.45 ■ WOLF-Garten tools worth £150 ■ Two Wests & Elliott vouchers worth £100 3 RD  PRIZE VALUE £638  ■ Mountfield Mower worth £329 ■ Harrod Vintage Round Wire Obelisk in natural rust, ideal for climbing plants. Value £109 ■ WOLF-Garten tools worth £100 ■ Two Wests & Elliott vouchers worth £100…

Send the above together with your photographs to:- Kitchen Garden Passionate Plotter Competition, Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR or email your pictures and answers to erawlings@mortons.co.uk Photocopies of the above form are permitted. We regret that photographs cannot be returned. DATA: Protection of your personal data is important to Mortons. Your data will be stored securely and only be used for the purpose of processing and publishing the competition and notifying the winners. Data will then be destroyed. There are no cash alternatives available. Terms and conditions apply. To view the privacy policy of MMG Ltd (publisher of Kitchen Garden) please visit www.mortonsmediagroup.com/privacy. Please tick if you are you happy to receive information about: Magazine subscriptions / Merchandise / Shows ❑ Third Parties ❑…

MR FOTHERGILL’S Choose from the UK’s largest range of vegetable and flower seeds and enjoy savings of up to 20%. The family owned and run seed business offers you more than 1700 varieties including a new range of RHS-endorsed AGM winners. For 2019 Mr Fothergill’s experts are proud to be supporting Children in Need, offering two special varieties with a donation of 25p from each packet sold. All seed orders come with two FREE packets and p&p is FREE on orders over £50. Call 0845 371 0518 today to request your FREE catalogue or visit mr-fothergills.co.uk KINGS SEEDS Kings Seeds brings you the best possible choices for 2019. This year once again we have introduced many new varieties, all chosen for their outstanding garden performance. Today’s catalogue, compared…

TIES: Loosen ties on established trees to accommodate swelling trunks and to stop them from rubbing. Frayed ties may need to be replaced. STAKES: Strong winds and frosts can loosen stakes and newly planted trees. Check and firm back into place if necessary. Replace rotten stakes. WIRE: Wires used for training fruit will need to be replaced if they’ve come away from their supports or have broken or rusted. Replace with galvanised wire.…

For many of us who strive to ‘grow our own’, the beauty of a plant often takes a back seat to usefulness. We care less about what a tree looks like, instead obsessing over flavour, cooking qualities and cropping times. However, the kitchen garden has always been a place where aesthetics are at least as important as taste – think of Victorian walled gardens with immaculate espalier fruit trees along the walls, or French-style potagers with box edging and symmetrical paths giving form and structure to a productive area of the garden. While there is an undeniable beauty to a row of ‘Cavolo Nero’ kale in late winter, leaves glistening with frost, there are plenty of plants which combine more classical good looks with a useful crop – none more…

CURRANT COLLECTION Our collection contains 1 bare root plant each of: ■ ‘BEN CONNAN’: This excellent and reliable blackcurrant tolerates frost and resists mildew to produce a heavy crop of really large, juicy berries with an outstanding flavour. Packed full of goodness, the fruit is ready to pick from mid-July. ■ ‘ROVADA’: This is the latest and best redcurrant available, cropping from mid-July through to August. An established bush of ‘Rovada’ will yield up to 2.5kg/6lb of juicy berries each year, presented on long strigs. An ingredient of the classic summer pudding, redcurrants are versatile and delicious. ■ ‘BLANKA’: The highest yielding for all whitecurrants, Blanka gives up to 2kg/4.5lb of deliciously sweet berries per bush. Delightfully different in a fresh fruit salad and a welcome change in summer puddings.…

■ Water your plants thoroughly before planting – preferably the day before ■ Also water the display in as soon as possible after planting ■ If you wish, you could add a layer of fine grit to the surface of each pot for decoration, but also to act as a mulch to reduce watering ■ Your herbs can be harvested, leaves or shoots removed as required through the autumn and winter and the following spring. Vigorous plants such as mints will need to be lifted and divided every few years to keep the plants healthy and naturally larger-growing plants, such as bay, moved on to larger containers or planted in the ground. Strawberries should crop well for two to three years before they require replacing. ■ Of course, you could…

APPLE DISPLAY OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 4. RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate, Yorkshire. Display, apple identification and advice from the Northern Fruit Group. 10am-4pm. 01423 565418 www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr THE ULTIMATE ORCHARD NOVEMBER 1. Perch Hill Farm, Brightling, Burwash, Kent. How to set up your own unique and unusual orchard whatever size your garden; day course with Mark Diacono. 10.30am-3.30pm. 0345 092 0283 www.sarahraven.com PRUNING FRUIT TREES NOVEMBER 6. Barnsdale Gardens, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland. How to prune and train a wide range of fruit trees. 10am-12.30pm. Book on 01572 813200, www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk YEAR ROUND VEG NOVEMBER 12 Perch Hill Farm, Brightling, Burwash, Kent. How to use time and space most effectively; day course with Sarah Raven. 10.30am-3.30pm. 0345 092 0283 www.sarahraven.com For a full list of shows, festivals, events and courses this month…

DELUXE BIRD FEEDER 1 IN 8 With seven feeding stations and a water bowl, the open construction of this bird feeder enables direct access to the food. Includes a range of features to accommodate different types of bird food. SUTTONS SEEDS www.suttons.co.uk TEL: 0844 326 2200 PRODUCT CODE: 590084 PRICE: £29.99 KG VERDICT If you want something all singing and all dancing, this is the one! You can provide a super range of food, including fat balls, seeds, peanuts, fruit, raisins and much more. The roof unfolds so you can access the inside stations easily. Quality Effectiveness Value for money GENEVA FEEDING HOUSE This white Geneva bird feeder will hold almost 1kg of bird food and features a sturdy hanging cord. The roof has a generous overhang to keep the…

TURNIP, CARAWAY & CROUTON HASH Simple food is often times the most satisfying food. This uncomplicated meal is homely and easy to knock up in a flash – and it only uses one dish! SERVES 2 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 35-40 minutes ■ 400g/14oz turnip, diced ■ 200g/7oz potatoes, diced ■ 2 slices of stale bread, ripped into chunks ■ 2 tbsp olive oil ■ Salt and pepper to taste ■ 1 tsp caraway seeds ■ 2-4 eggs 1. Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/ gas 5. 2. Toss the turnips and potatoes in the olive oil, and place in a roasting tin. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle over the caraway seeds. 3. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. 4. Give everything a good stir…

I suffer from aircraft distractions as my plot is more or less between Duxford and Cambridge Airports so we see lots of different planes. In the past month I have seen a Dragon Rapide, the French version of the Red Arrows. We also have footpaths either side of the plots and they are a favourite haunt of joggers who, depending on age, fitness level and tightness of Lycra, can provide lots of passing scenery for everyone. Sally Wright, Cambs My cat rushing out to ambush me when I’m not expecting it is quite exciting, but the thing that really gets on my nerves is the man across the road that uses an extremely noisy, smelly petrol strimmer to cut a large lawn. Plumpudding, S Yorks I often stop to watch…

WASH GROWING FRAMES As you do your autumn tidy up, make sure growing frames such as those used to protect carrots and brassicas are gathered together for the winter. If they are a bit grubby, give them a wash down and keep them where they won’t blow around over winter. CHECK STORED POTATOES Check maincrop potatoes that are being stored. It’s important to make sure that the potatoes and hessian or paper sacks they are being stored in are all dry, to prevent rots developing. If there is some dampness, dry them out, re-bag and keep them cool. PREVENT BROWN ROT Brown rot has been a problem this year in many gardens, on apples, pears and plums. To help reduce it next year, have a good tidy up around your…

A NEW GREENHOUSE: SECURING POLYTHENE Polythene-covered greenhouses come in many designs. Some edges are buried to weight the polythene down; others have metal rails running between poles concreted into the ground. There are ways to wind polythene around a shaft and ways to grip it tight between two rails. Then there are clip systems that are easy to fit and easy to replace. Take a look at what you want to buy. Does the system leave a gap at the base? If so, can draughts blow in and can pests gain access? Is the system one that needs professional help or can you tackle the job yourself? And how many years do the manufacturers say the cover will last? Add on a few years and if you only replace every…

■ ‘MOLOTOV MIX’: These are available as single or double blooms, growing to 60cm (2ft) and offering lots of colour for flower arrangements.(www.suttons.co.uk) ■ ‘QUEEN RED LIME’: With double flower heads, the outer petals are pale red which fade to lime green towards the deep maroon centre. Grows to 75cm (30in).(www.chilternseeds.co.uk) ■ ‘SUNSHINE MIX’: Large, vibrant, dahlia-like flowers with dark green foliage, growing to 50cm (20in) tall.(www.thompson-morgan.com).…

BEAN WEEVIL The signs are U-shaped notches on the leaf edges on young pea and bean plants in spring. Only terminal in severe cases – usually the plant outgrows the problem. HOW TO CONTROL: Cover seedlings or young plants with fleece, or plant out when more established so they are more able to withstand the damage. BLACKFLY Black aphids will flock to the growing tip of plants in great numbers, causing growth to be weakened. HOW TO CONTROL: Pinch out the growing tip by about 5cm (2in) when pods start to set. Otherwise spray pests with an organic insecticide such as Bug Clear. CHOCOLATE SPOT This is a fungal disease where small brown spots appear on the leaves. In serious cases, it can weaken the overall health of the plant.…

PETE ADAMS Head of edibles at Rosemoor, pictured against a ‘Kidd’s Orange’ in the orchard. Gardening has always been part of his life. When he moved to the West Country with his family from Bradford at the age of 12, he started his own garden and sold the produce from the side of the road. He studied a BSc in Horticulture at Duchy College and then worked at Tresco Valley garden. Favourite apple: ‘Discovery’. MIRIAM PETRYS One of the horticulturalists at the garden. Started out as a volunteer at Rosemoor and moved on from there. Working with the team at Rosemoor is “like being a member of the family”, she said. Favourite apple: ‘Laxton’s Epicure’. ALEX PAINES Started work in a garden centre and found that he wanted to grow…

There is an allotment course at RHS Rosemoor. The idea behind this is for people to gain the skills and experience to make a success of their own allotments. For the last few years Pete has been running the course at RHS Rosemoor. The course lasts from February until September and the students are given a plot, seeds, compost and a pair of boots. Pete runs sessions on planting, pricking out and growing on and the students have access to the polytunnels in the gardens. It’s been a great success with students from the age of 18 to 76 enjoying the experience.…

■ Always warm up the muscles with some gentle bending and stretching exercises before a session with the spade to avoid strains ■ Set achievable goals and stick to them. You have the whole winter to get the job done! ■ If taking on a neglected plot, cultivate it in small areas, covering the rest against weeds with soil membrane until you get around to them ■ Take regular breaks ■ Drink plenty of water while undertaking strenuous exercise ■ Avoid eating for an hour or so before heavy work such as digging ■ Put a part of your plot down to no-dig (more on this next month) to reduce the strain and/or consider more longterm perennial crops For advice on no-dig gardening visit our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2PFNULs…

MOUNTFIELD Mountfield has been one of the UK’s leading lawnmower manufacturers for more than 50 years and its lawnmowers, lawn tractors and garden care products all share a reputation for outstanding quality and reliability. The Mountfield team have maintained their position as a leading lawnmower manufacturer by continually developing their products, with investment and innovation ensuring that only the best combination of performance and value for money is offered. In recent years, best-selling garden tractors, lawn riders, roller mowers and a range of class leading 48-volt garden tools have been launched. The innovations have continued with new 80-volt cordless lawnmowers. www.mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk HARROD HORTICULTURAL This company has been producing top quality garden products for 60 years and is innovative in bringing new designs on to the market. It offers an excellent…

WONKY Veg HOW TO ENTER 1 Send us a photograph of your wonky veg including your name, address and email address on the coupon on these pages. 2 The wonky veg does not have to have been grown this year. If you have a picture of misshapen produce that you’ve grown previously, you can still send us the picture. 3 We are looking for naturally occurring wonky/odd-shaped fruit or veg. Two or more veg entwined with each other can be sent in and classed as one entry. 4 We need high-res images so check that digital pictures are at least 400KB or larger. kids’ veggie Art HOW TO ENTER 1 The competition is for under-16s only. 2 Use at least one fruit or vegetable in your artwork. More used will…

Things have quietened down to a crawl in my garden, and I’m betting it’s the same in yours. Autumn comes as a relief after a growing season spent zipping about to keep up with the weeding, watering and, of course, harvesting. Among the crops that give so generously are the many types of fruit trees and bushes, along with cane fruits such as raspberries, blackberries and their hybrids. And when you work on a weight-picked-to-time-invested ratio, fruits are incredibly fruitful indeed! Year after year they bear their sweet rewards, and all they ask in return is a very modest effort from you – feeding the soil, removing weeds, keeping pests in check and mulching to keep their roots comfortable. These selfless staples magnify your efforts tenfold, promising a sensational haul…

■ ‘APRIL CROSS’: This mooli type with its white, cylindrical roots can grow up to 12in (30cm) long! Crisp and crunchy with a mild flavour.(www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk) ■ ‘BLACK SPANISH ROUND’: This round, heirloom variety, also known as ‘Noir Gros Rond d’Hiver’, has dark skin and a snowy-white flesh – fairly hot.(www.chilternseeds.co.uk) ■ ‘GREEN LUOBO’: Originating in northern China, this mild heirloom variety has bright green flesh and a green/white skin. (www.realseeds.co.uk) ■ ‘RED FLESH’: Very mild, so goes well sliced up and added to salads.(www.realseeds.co.uk)…

STRAWBERRY ALBION FRUIT PLANTS Nothing beats the flavour of freshly picked strawberries and some say that ‘Albion’ is the tastiest everbearing strawberry to become available to the home gardener! ‘Albion’ was bred in California and this delicious strawberry can fruit from June to October in several flushes. The fruit is large, dark red, juicy and above all, full of mouth-watering flavour! All that a strawberry should be in fact. A heavy cropper, up to 450g/1lb per plant, Albion is a super variety which also has excellent disease resistance. 10 standard runners.…

DT BROWN & CO tel 0845 371 0532 www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk SAMUEL DOBIE AND SON tel 0844 701 7625 www.dobies.co.uk MR FOTHERGILL’S SEEDS tel 0845 371 0518 www.mr-fothergills.co.uk JUNGLE SEEDS tel 01491 614765 www.jungleseeds.co.uk EW KING & CO tel 01376 570000 www.kingsseeds.com SE MARSHALL & CO tel 0844 557 6700 www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk MEDWYN’S SEEDS tel 01248 714851 www.medwynsofanglesey.co.uk MOREVEG tel 01823 681302 www.moreveg.co.uk THE ORGANIC GARDENING CATALOGUE tel 01932 878570, www.organiccatalogue.com PLANTS OF DISTINCTION tel 01449 721720 www.plantsofdistinction.co.uk THE REAL SEED CATALOGUE (Vida Verde) tel 01239 821107 www.realseeds.co.uk W ROBINSON & SON LTD tel 01524 791210 www.mammothonion.co.uk SARAH RAVEN tel 0845 092 0283 www.sarahraven.com SEEDS OF ITALY tel 0208 427 5020 www.seedsofitaly.com SHELLEY SEEDS tel 01244 317165 SIMPSON’S SEEDS tel 01985 845004 simpsonsseeds.co.uk SUFFOLK HERBS tel 01376 572456 www.suffolkherbs.com SUTTONS tel 0844 922…