Plant

Thứ 4, 25/12/2024

Deeper roots, better carrots

Given the right conditions, a carrot’s extensive fine feeder roots can reach 3m into the soil. It’s important to know this, as it will change the way you treat

Plant

Getting watermelons ready for the market

To obtain high prices on the market, a watermelon grower has to produce fruit that looks good as well as tastes delicious.

The strange history of the butternut

Butternut belongs to the species Cucurbita moschata. Our regular pumpkins are C. maxima; gems and marrows are C. pepo.

Common watermelon fungal diseases

Watermelons are generally grown in fairly dry climates as this reduces the risk of diseases considerably.

Watermelon weeding & watering

Weed control depends on a farmer’s particular situation. For example, where weeds are rife, a weedkiller may be needed.

Planting watermelon seeds and seedlings

Success with watermelons, as with most fruit and vegetables, begins with getting the basics right.

How to sow salad seeds in guttering

You can never have enough salad in summer, but sowing directly into the soil takes up valuable space in the garden.

Give your watermelons the correct nutrient mix

There are several important considerations when planning a fertiliser programme for your watermelon crop.

An early start to the watermelon season

Watermelons command a higher price earlier in the season. Because of this, you might want to choose a variety that’s ready sooner, even if it’s lower-yielding.

Growing watermelons – part 1

Watermelons are a warm season crop, but can be started in winter in areas where conditions are milder.

Herbs and diversified farming: how to do it

Allée Bleue started growing and selling herbs on a small-scale in 2000, but driven by high consumer demand the estate is flourishing.

Some lesser cucurbit pests & diseases

There are two species of leaf miner that can cause a problem – Liriomyza huidobrensis and L. trifolii. The former prefers temperate climates, the latter warmer