Kitchen Garden October 2022

Just a short time ago I watched as the thermometer hit 39C in the shade. Scary stuff and nature’s way of telling us we had better start taking care of our planet now… or else. But while the rest of the plot struggled, there were a few crops that lapped up the sunshine such as aubergines, peppers and tomatoes. My onions promptly dried and were stored and it was also perfect for the subject of one of our main features this month – shelling peas and beans. In fact, the heat ripened the pods so quickly I had to rush out and gather them before they burst and spilled their seeds over the soil. Our garden visit this month also has links to climate change – the new RHS Wisley…

CURE SQUASHES October gives us the first real taste of autumn, and with it a celebration of that most hearty family of vegetables, the squashes. Courgettes are nearly done for the season, so why not leave a few to grow into full-sized marrows? They’re fantastic stuffed – split lengthways and hollowed out into boats for your favourite filling, or as scooped-out slices. Eat them up within a few weeks of cutting. Winter squashes and pumpkins will store for months so long as they are cured after harvesting. Cut them off with at least 10cm (4in) of stem and bring fruits indoors if anything but a light frost threatens. Never carry fruits by the stem because if it snaps off, you’re inviting disease. Finish curing on a sunny windowsill or in…

Are you a subscriber? Visit: www.mudketeersco.uk WISE WORDS “Garden as though you will live forever” (William Kent, 18th century landscape designer) BERRIES, BEANS AND BROCCOLI Despite the heat it seems to have been a good year for some fruits, such as wild blackberries (Steve has been on several foraging expeditions for those) and blueberries. This potted bush is around eight years old and Steve moves it close to the house every year as the berries ripen to keep them safe from hungry blackbirds. That doesn’t stop the unseemly human scrabble for berries come breakfast time in the Ott household of course. Tony has been using the spare trellis in his back garden to grow his favourite snake: the ever reliable climbing French bean ‘Cobra’. He grew four of them in…

Hi! I’m Belle and I’m here every month to share lots of fun activities for you to do at home, on your own or with your family Do you like getting your hands messy and growing beautiful flowers? If so, I think you will love making these seed bombs! If you choose wildflower seeds, they will be brilliant for wildlife over the spring and summer, or you could use lettuce or herb seeds and wait until spring to throw them. You will need: ■ 5 parts compost ■ 3 parts clay – either powdered or natural soft clay ■ 1 packet of seeds of your choice – wildflower seeds would be great for the butterflies and bees next spring! ■ Water ■ Bowl What to do: 1. If you are…

RHS FESTIVAL OF FLAVOURS This autumn the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is celebrating both, with a world food bonanza at all five of its gardens as part of the new RHS Festival of Flavours (from 30 September, 2022). The event will bring together growers and chefs, communities and schools, families, foodies and gardeners of all ages and backgrounds. The RHS will also be sharing new advice and inspiration online so anyone can get involved at home, in communities or in schools. The RHS Festival of Flavours takes place at RHS Gardens on the following dates: • RHS Garden Bridgewater (Salford), 30 September – 2 October • RHS Garden Hyde Hall (Chelmsford), 30 September – 2 October • RHS Garden Rosemoor (Devon), 1 – 2 October • RHS Garden Wisley (Guildford),…

HERB AMBASSADOR As an enthusiastic grower, user and public speaker on herbs, I am pleased to say that I am one of the newly appointed Herb Society Ambassadors, helping to keep our herbal heritage alive. The aim is to raise awareness about the society and increase public interest in the history and horticulture of herbs, together with their use in cooking, medicine and well-being. I represent the society at the talks and workshops that I give, with the view of gaining new members. The first of my herb talks concentrates on growing, harvesting and preserving herbs, the second on their uses in cookery, health, beauty and well-being. Further information is available via my website www.aspoonfulofherbs.co.uk and www.herbsociety.org.uk Lynda Warren, Wiltshire POLLINATOR SAVER We have a large polytunnel and greenhouse in…