Fact Sheet 42
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THE GARDENERS DIARY
WEEK 42
17th July 2005
THE DIARY
THE GREENHOUSE: Give attention to vines
Bunches of grapes should be developing nicely. Remember not have more than two bunches of grapes per lateral. After the second bunch of grapes has set count two leaves and then trim. This will send all the goodness into the fruit. On each bunch trim out the small, underdeveloped fruit to help produce a well shaped bunch of grapes. These small fruitlets are best removed using a sharp pair of scissors. Another tip is to water regularly and evenly. If you give your vine irregular amounts of water then your fruit will split. If you don't water enough then you'll end up with a bunch of raisins or sultanas.
FRUIT & VEG: Start feeding peppers and aubergines
Capsicums and Egg plants now need to be fed regularly. Feed every two weeks with a high potash feed. Also as the fruit develop (6-10 fruit per plant) remember to water often and evenly. If you don't do this you may end up with your crop either splitting or developing blossom-end rot. LAWN CARE: Use your trimmings as a mulch! With the lawn producing plenty of cuttings, it can seem impossible on where to place them to be able to compost them down. If the compost heap is overflowing then cuttings can make an excellent mulch for the vegetable plot especially around the base of runner beans. These cuttings will help suppress weed growth and help to keep the soil below moist and deter it from drying out. Remember to water before placing the grass cuttings around your crops for the best effect. PEST PROBLEM OF THE WEEK: Drought Not so much as a pest but a cultural problem. With some of us returning from holidays we come back to find some plants showing signs of distress. Leaves, flowers and stems wilting and signs of poor growth and stunting. If not dealt with growth will become shrivelled and brown. Try not to flood distressed plants as the sudden mass of moisture may cause splitting or cause fruits to crack. Water the plant gradually and remove badly distressed parts of the plant to encourage some new healthy growth. If you think you're plant has snuffed it then before you remove it to the compost bin or the incinerator scratch the bark to see if it is still green underneath, if it is then your prize plant may have a fighting chance. To deter this from occurring, mulch around your borders, try and keep plants well watered and do not rely on rainfall. Listen to The Gardener's Diary with Luke Ashmead on BBC Three Counties Radio every Sunday afternoon at 2.00pm Contact The Gardener's Diary Here BBC Three Counties Radio 94.7, 98, 103.8, 95.5 and 104.5FM | 
