Things I've learnt this year!

Well as this was my first proper year at gardening I thought I'd remind myself of a few things that hopefully I will do next year!

• Label everything and use an indelible pen!
• Remember when things are due to be cropped
• Potatoes and pumpkins start small and swallow space!
• Leave space around your veggie patch - weeds attack from the outside!
• Don't plant lots of the same strain of tomatoes! Now faced with a glut of Gardeners Delight!

I'm sure there is more as I go along but those are what leap to mind at the present time!

MrM

 

The day you stop learning is the day you stop gardening Mr M!

 

I'd class this as my first 'full' gardening year, because I've taken on a few other gardens that I tend to, and it's the first year I grew stuff from seeds.

So, what I've learnt this year...

• Always open the plastic greenhouse 'door' when hot weather is predicted
• Don't put bird seeds which germinate where squirrels can get to

sure there's more, but can't think of any right now!

Good thread, btw.

 

From several years experience and a barrow-load of mistakes :-

"..for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. - "Don't sow more than you really use/give away, unless you are happy filling the compost heap.

Even in a cool British summer more plants are killed in greenhouses by over heating than by cold. A bit of cool just means toms and cucs develop later but they still develop.

Successional sowings of the faster growing crops can be a pain in the rear to do but if you want a supply of tasty, tender veg this is the way to do it.

 

The most important thing I've learnt this year?

Those things which should self-seed, steadfastly refuse to do so .... until you go and buy them as plants or seeds :DOH:

 

I also realise that "Less is More". Really tried to squeeze too much in without having the space, knowledge or time to look after it properly.

Gardening is obviously a marathon not a sprint so next year I hope that I will grow a little more efficiently.

The theory is fewer crops grown better = better yields :yess:

MrM

 

Don't grow courgettes unless you really like them..
Don't grow too many runner beans..
Don't grow pumpkins unless you have lots of space..

Do try and do succesive sowings (not managed it yet though!)
Do just grow what you like to eat

No need to sow calendula, borage and sunflowers each year as they self seed everywhere

And keep on top of the weeds!!

Good thread MrM

 

I read that as 'inedible pen' ... hehe

I've learnt

• Dont be afraid to rip a healthy plant out if it's wrong for where it is / the garden / you just happened to inherit it with the garden
• Use less weedkiller
• Use the watering can more
• This garden needs more colour in late summer !
• Composting is fun
• The names of lots of things I used to just refer to as "yellow plant" (etc)

 

Don't let the DIY inside dominate my gardening time next spring and summer like it has this year. I've really missed out. :(

Note to self.........DIY in the winter, housework when it rains!

 

Change out of your slippers if you get the urge to do any planting or watering. Dirty, wet slippers aren't very nice to wear.......

 

I have that problem catztail. But they are sooooo comfortable!

 

Till they get wet and dirty anyway......

 

Exactly....why do we do it? i go through so many pairs of slippers ...you wouldn't believe it...and every time i buy a new pair i promise myself i wont go in the garden in them....but it never works,i also have the same problem with dressing gowns!!!!!!:D

 

Don't try to grow Red Mullet beans or Yard Long Beans unless you live in Spain in a sheltered location.