Pumpkins, squashes and courgettes
This month after weeding the squash/pumpkin borders I topped up the existing surface woodchip, with another mulch layer of woodchip, compost, and leaf mould (to help suppress weeds and retain moisture).
- I planted the pumpkins and squashes 4 feet apart in groups of 3-4 plants. The groups were labelled using a 3ft stake, (for ease of identification later – when the plants have swamped the border!). We grow marigolds (Calendula) around the border to attract beneficial insects, and sweet corn in one section, because the pumpkin leaves will shade out the weeds.
- I dug in an upturned pot on the slope above each plant – for watering, till the plants have established – and added a few organic slug pellets to deter these pests.
- I planted some more squash on another border in a similar way, and the courgettes on a mixed vegetable border.
Pumpkin varieties included: ‘Jack o’ Lantern, and ‘Small Sugar’ Squash varieties included: ‘Hubbard Blue Ballet’ and ‘Sweet Dumpling’
Potato border update
The gardeners, Tim & Shelley have been adding grass mowings to the potato borders. This saves on earthing up and retains moisture around the plants. Both the modern and the heritage potato varieties (pre-1950) are looking healthy to date, with no sign of blight.
There is no watering system, so hopefully we will get some rain soon for the main crop varieties. I plan to start lifting the first early potatoes, when the foliage starts to break down, before storing them in the Bothy ready for use.
Harvesting Salads
I have been harvesting salads and herbs on a regular basis for the Restaurant. Lettuce ‘Unrivalled’, lettuce ‘Marvel of Four Seasons’ and cos lettuce ‘Marshall’ (deep red leaves), have all been popular with our visitors.
I have also been thinning the young beetroots (to space out the crop) and adding these to the salads harvest, along with rocket, parsley and red orache (red mountain spinach) – and more recently the broad beans and peas.
Next month I will be lifting the potatoes, and direct sowing various follow on crops, including green manures, and oriental salad leaves.
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