INTHE GREENHOUSE
Pictures by Ben Russell
SOW & PLANT IN JULY
■ Start sowing for winter crops this month. More can be sown until October, but July sowings ensure some plentiful autumn, winter and early spring harvests.
■ Sow Swiss chard, spring cabbage, Florence fennel and parsley, in pots, or deep trays, and plant out when other crops clear.
■ Sow spinach, pak choi, beetroot, oriental leaves and winter turnips in drills in situ.
Top tip
WATER TO SUIT EACH PLANT
Damp down paths on hot days to help lower temperatures. Cucumbers, melons, courgettes and pumpkins all like a spray over the leaves as well. Don’t wet leaves on peppers, tomatoes, beans and aubergines unless plants show signs of red spider mite.
WITH JOYCE RUSSELL
TIPS FROM A SMALL GREENHOUSE
■ Nip out the tops of tomato plants when they reach the roof and four or five trusses are set. Remove lower leaves too and make sure fruits dangle away from the walls.