Squash Harvest

Hello Everyone,

We had some glum news from last week regarding plants we have growing in the polytunnels. It was noted that a few newly planted Brassicas were becoming quite limp and dying off. Very often this is not unusual as transplant shock can do this. It was also quite warm so it was thought these beds may require some extra watering. Two days passed and a few more plants were struggling. On closer inspection tiny maggots were seen on the roots. We had a Cabbage Root Fly invasion.  Once they have arrived and attacked the plant there is little to do but remove the dead plant and place them inside a bag for the bin. They should not be placed into the compost bin.

Luckily we had just received a delivery of Nematodes through the post so these were watered into the Brassica beds. Nematodes are microscopic roundworms which will demolish off all the creatures we do not want. We actually buy them on line for the Carrots and Parsnips as they also help prevent Carrot Root Fly.

Both of these flies really are never seen but they lay eggs at the base of Brassicas or the root vegetables. The eggs become maggots which feed off the actual Carrot or Parsnip or the roots of a Brassica making the vegetable of no use at all. I have to say I did have a sleepless night when we discovered the attack as it is not something we are used to. Very disappointing, but also happy that we reacted to it quickly.

As I was seeding for the overwintering crops I did actually sow more Kale as it is still (just) a good time to do this. Fortunately we do have plenty of Brassicas - Spring Greens, Cauliflowers, Calabrese, Cavolonero and Kales in the outside growing beds. Hopefully we have salvaged the undercover plants, particularly the Kohlrabi which was looking amazing. Fingers crossed.

As I mentioned, the overwintering seeds have been sown. These are things like Mustard Greens, Mustard Frills, Chinese Cabbages, Lettuces, Rocket, Spinach, Endive, Oriental Leaves and Chicory. These assorted leaves and hearts will make interesting additions to meals during the late Winter and early Spring of next year. It is good to see that already tiny seedlings are popping up in lots of the trays already. They are germinating in under ten days.

I am hoping those who received a Gardener’s Box last week are enjoying the Winter Squash. We have begun to harvest these jewels from the ground. They will be placed inside the greenhouse to cure. Just as we cured the Onions, the Squash will also be dried so as to increase the keeping quality of this vegetable. We think it will take a number of hours to bring all the Squash into the cool, dry conditions of the greenhouse. There are lots and lots ready for some hearty soups and roasted veg.

We enjoyed the company of another group of gardeners last Sunday. Nine ladies and one gentleman arrived to hear how we grow at Hexhamshire Organics. All were gardeners wanting to learn but the husband and wife team who arrived didn’t really know what we were about as they had been given the places as a gift from their son…great idea. All sent kind messages of appreciation and three have already booked on one of our half day courses…’Grow Better Vegetables’.

Well I am off to pick more Squash and top and tail more Onions .

Till next week,

Take care,

Ann