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This week, weather conditions have become quite settled, although with daytime temperatures still remaining below the seasonal average for mid-July.
Daytime temperatures were in the 17-20oC range, well below the historical average of 23oC. Night-time temperatures climbed gradually during the week from a low of 90C to reach the historical average of 14oC, by Friday. Rainfall occurred overnight between Wednesday and Thursday but amounted to slightly less than 2 mm, continuing the pattern of drying conditions. Winds have been gentle.
Pea ‘Half pint’ (syn. ‘Tom-Thumb’) sown in Planter 1 has continued to germinate well. Twenty-five seedlings having emerged from the 30 seeds sown which gives a germination rate of just over 80%. Those seeds sown at shallower depth (unsurprisingly) emerged sooner, are slightly more advanced and possibly have a slightly higher germination rate. The method of sowing at two depths is most useful for early sowings (which are at risk of frost damage). The plant training system has also been successful, protecting all but one seedling from damage by blackbirds.
The quartet of herb root trainers outplanted in Planter 2 have continued to establish well, with Dill ‘Dukat’ growing most rapidly (albeit vertically!) The growing tips will be removed during the coming week to encourage plants to spread laterally. Parsley ‘Afrodite’ and Coriander ‘Confetti’ have rapidly infilled the gaps between the rootrainers and both their condition and colour is excellent. Basil ‘British’ is the weakest of the four herbs and has a slightly mottled yellow appearance and black spotting - both of which are indicative of the early stages of downy mildew. In addition, there is some evidence of flea beetle attack. While Basil ‘British’ has been bred (Tozier Seeds) to deal with British conditions, the available evidence indicates it remains very marginal for outdoor planting. The cooler conditions in the last two weeks will not have helped but it may well yet improve if temperatures rise!
In Planter 3, Hearting Lettuce ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Amaze’ have both continued to grow well and have largely infilled the gaps created by the second thinning. Little ‘Gem’ continues to be faster growing than ‘Amaze’. The difference between the small number of Little Gem that germinated from the initial sowing and those from the re-sowing remains clear cut. Those from the initial sowing are beginning to heart up. The Chard ‘Bright Lights’ continues to grow well and the condition of leaves remains excellent, notwithstanding the one plant that has now bolted! It will be removed once fully picked. The leaves are extremely versatile and a small number are picked two-three times a week, making a useful addition to risotto. There is no requirement to remove stalks from the intermediate sized leaves which are now being picked. Picking is essential to prevent crowding of the Hearting lettuce ‘Amaze’ alongside.
Picking of Carrot ‘Sweet Imperator Mix F1’, Spring Onion ‘North Holland Blood Red’ and Beetroot ‘Chioggia’ in Planter 4 has continued. Further picking indicates that the proportion of white coloured carrots in the Carrot ‘Sweet Imperator Mix F1 is greater than that of others and that these are also the largest in size. Ironically, orange carrots are the fewest in number and also the smallest. Purple and yellow carrots are intermediate between the two. The purple carrots in the mix appear to be slightly different from ‘Purple haze’ with the carrots having only a small orange core. All the carrots have remained entirely free of damage and decay. The carrots are extremely tender and have been grated and eaten raw with an orange dressing.
Beetroot ‘Chioggia’ have been picked two or three at a time and these are very consistent in size. These have cut on a mandolin and lightly pickled, revealing marked differences in the pattern of colouration and the proportion of white and red flesh. However, there is no discernible difference in taste or texture.
Spring Onion ‘North Blood Red Holland’ have been picked 6 or 8 at a time. These have been cut in section and griddled until caramelised, then added to a cheese tart where they look and taste great. The onions which remain in the planter have increased in girth rapidly with the larger bulbs now exceeding 15mm in diameter.
While the individual rows provide only small numbers of Carrot ‘Sweet Imperator Mix F1, Spring Onion ‘North Holland Blood Red’ and Beetroot ‘Chioggia’ this somehow works in the systems favour – helping to avoid gluts, waste and not taking the produce for granted (which can all sometimes occur when growing on a larger scale). The limited quantity of crops available somehow demands that the absolute most is made of what you do grow in dishes where the vegetable concerned is the ‘star’ of the show. We’d definitely say that knowing what recipes you’d like to try when your grow your own enhances the experience of growing it!