Fact Sheet Ten - Download here THE GARDENERS DIARY
WEEK 10
5 December 2004 THE DIARY Can U Dig it! If there is not frost this week then why not keep cultivating the soil. Areas, which are earmarked for new borders and beds, should be turned over. Do a little at a time and leave the surface rough. That doesn't mean leave it with humps and hollows so it resembles a battlefield. Keep the soil level, breaking lumps down with your spade or fork. On heavier soils it can be worth applying some pelleted hop manure. This will help improve the soil structure making it easier to work and maintain. Keep it DRY in the greenhouse. Reduce watering to a minimum; plants should be kept arid and dry, especially plants which aren't in flower. If you do need to water make sure that you do it mid-morning allowing any excess moisture to dry before nightfall. Keep gathering your Greens. The supply of greens from the vegetable patch should be steadily cropped and used. Brussels, savoys, broccoli, kales, perpetual spinach and your winter crop of leeks should now be ready for harvesting. As soon as areas are clear of crops; dig over and get the area ready for next years harvest. Ensure that the area is manured and prepared for next year ready for the next step of crop rotation because next year in this area you will need to plant your root crops such as beetroot, carrot, potato etc. Keep off the grass! Keep off the lawn especially if the grass is wet or frozen. If you are doing heavy work around the garden then you should run your heavy loads over boards and planks to prevent rutting. 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 98, 103.8, 95.5 and 104.5FM | 
