Advice on carrots, raised beds and tomato feed
Post categories: basil,Ìýcarrot,Ìýchantenay carrot,Ìýcompanion planting,Ìýcourgette,Ìýfrench bean,Ìýlettuce,Ìýquestion,Ìýsalad leaves,Ìýsoil and compost
| 09:23 UK time, Friday, 30 July 2010
Gareth Austin, gardening expert with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Foyle, answers your questions about later sowings of carrots, what to grow in a shady raised bed and using tomato feed. If you have advice to share about growing the Dig In veg, you can add your comments at the bottom of this entry.
Chris Harries from Bideford asks: I planted carrot seeds in a tub on 24 April 2010 and eventually foliage appeared. They don't seem to be developing beneath the soil. Same thing happened last year both in tub and direct in garden. Soil is clay so I expected more success in a pot. What am I doing wrong?
Answer: Hi Chris, if I was you I'd try later sowings of carrots, as the most common pest which you'll have problems with 'The Carrot Root Fly' is more active in early summer. This little pest sucks the sap of the carrots causing them to grow stunted and indeed in many cases, die off completely! Later sowings can be more successful, as the root fly is 'off duty' by then. The root fly is attracted by the smell of the carrots so try companion planting with French marigolds, or regularly apply some spent coffee powder on the soil at the base of the foliage.
Pete from South Croydon asks: Hello folks, I've got a raised bed on the side of my garden which although south-facing, doesn't get an enormous amount of direct sun due to its position and trees casting shade. My question is what fruit/veg/herb can you recommend to grow in this type of environment?
Answer: Hey Pete, interesting one this. I've the exact same problem with one of the schools I work with. In this bed we grow rhubarb, spinach, radish, cabbage and parsley to great results. Of course, mind the plants don't go dry as a result of being shaded, so regular watering is vital. Prior to planting be sure to work in plenty or organic matter, such as farmyard manure, this will help to retain moisture within the soil. Fruit you'll struggle for, however blueberries will tolerate a light bit of shade in my experience. Generally speaking veg and fruit will crop higher yields when grown in full sun, but drought and scorch can be a real problem. So maybe, just maybe, you have the perfect spot!
Steph from London asks: Hi, I have some tomato feed left over from last year and was wondering if it could be used to feed any of the Dig In veg? If so which ones and do you have any tips on dilution and frequency of feeding?
Answer: Hi Steph, no problem, fire away! Tomato food which has been stored properly in its original container will be perfect still. I'd use weekly on the basil and salad, fortnightly when cropping the French beans, not at all on the carrots and fortnightly on the courgettes. Dosage wise its tricky, different manufacturers vary in strength but with many it's a capful in 9 litres of water.
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