unite Leisure
n By Phil Saunders
OVER TO THE KIDS
The longest day is behind us but there are months of summer ahead full of colour, fresh garden produce and relaxing days.
Be prepared for hotter and drier periods by making sure you have good access to water sources like taps and water containers. Ensure everything works and there are little or no leaks. Hoses need particular attention.
Automated watering can be a great help. Off the shelf irrigation systems are available and generally good but sometimes a little over complicated. Simpler solutions such as soak hoses can be combined with a water timer and installed at modest cost.
Water in the early morning and thoroughly soak the soil or compost. Avoid evening as it can encourage slugs and snails that feed at night and love humid conditions. Holidays and lengthy times away are a headache for gardeners. Before leaving here are a few things to be done. Thoroughly deadhead roses and hanging baskets.
Mow the lawn but just tip the grass. Longer grass conserves more moisture and stays greener. Remove weeds by hand or hoe as much as you can. Apply mulches to keep down weed, conserve water and feed the soil.
Successional sowing of vegetables like carrot, lettuce, radish and dwarf beans is an excellent way of maximising your space. Stagger sowings over several weeks depending on your needs. This season I tried an old variety of endive/ chicory called Sugar Loaf. It has been excellent and surprisingly resistant to slug damage. The taste is milder than other endive leaves and an excellent alternative to lettuce. It can also be sown and planted in late summer to early autumn.
The soil is ultimately what makes our gardens grow. Culture the soil and you go a long way towards providing the fertility needed for healthy plants. Making and using compost to add to soil is essential. If you are not already doing so then begin composting straight away. It’s also possible to buy in good compost and well-rotted farmyard manure. Make sure you get advice or recommendation for what you are buying as you could be importing problems such as nuisance weeds.
Most children love being outdoors and many enjoy gardening too. Encourage them as much as you can. Give over a space where they can experiment with growing their own plants.
Making a miniature garden in a suitable container such as a seed tray or larger pot fascinates children. Summer is a perfect time to set up this little challenge.
37 uniteLANDWORKER Spring 2024
Clifford Harper
Getty Images
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