Veg to plant in April and things to do.

Lotus-eater

mountainviews wrote: »

Just read this message, I planted a row a carrot seeds last week in my garden and I have never heard of chitting carrots? hope mine survive not being chitted

They don't need it, don't worry.

Jesthar

Lotus-eater wrote: »

They don't need it, don't worry.

Yup I'm only trying it because I have limited growing space and don't want to waste space on dud seeds. Still plenty of time to chuck 'em in the ground if it doesn't work :rotfl:

ginvzt

Since I couldn't paint the living room last night (the *** plumber decided to be helpful and arrived to do the job later in the afternoon and stayed until 10pm!!!!), I tried to keep myself busy in the garden.

So, I have sown some peas (Kelvedon wonder and Douve Provence) and climbing runner beans, one row of each in the raised bed (ok, it is a short row with the view to add some more later on).
I planted my white potatoes in the potato bags (2 bags, 3 potatoes in each).
I have sown some extra beetroot - trying them out in the modules.
I have sown some gherkin seeds (Piccolo di Parigi)

I have noticed that my first courgette seed is coming through - these are climbing ones, Tromboncino d'Albenga. I have sown 6 so far, I might add a few more. The thing is, we love courgette flowers as well, so don't think that all the flowers will be left to develop the fruits! I am contemplating adding a few 'standard' green stick courgettes, but will keep it for a while. When do you think is the latest I can sow them?

Lotus-eater

ginvzt wrote: »

I am contemplating adding a few 'standard' green stick courgettes, but will keep it for a while. When do you think is the latest I can sow them?

You can sow them up to the start of July I would have thought, but at the start of June for a decent crop.

I wouldn't be sowing runners outside yet, but maybe your garden is warmer than average.

ginvzt

Lotus-eater wrote: »

I wouldn't be sowing runners outside yet, but maybe your garden is warmer than average.

No, it is not - but I had itchy fingers!!!

Any

mountainviews wrote: »

Just read this message, I planted a row a carrot seeds last week in my garden and I have never heard of chitting carrots? hope mine survive not being chitted

They don't need it. I only done it so I can put them into their final place knowing which ones are to come up. Saving me thinning them up afterwards.

Lotus-eater - I have moved them into their pot/bed now, no need for tweezers I found out:D Fortunately I have little fingers and could pick them up.

Not sure I will do it again though..

moneymabel

Is it too early still to plant runner beans to start growing inside? I'm in the south west btw? thanks

Lotus-eater

moneymabel wrote: »

Is it too early still to plant runner beans to start growing inside? I'm in the south west btw? thanks

As always, it depends on what your local weather is like and what the weather will be like in May..... you don't know? join the club with the rest of us.

I would think it must be getting close for you. I do my beans about mid to late April and I'm Midlands area.

moneymabel

Thankyou, yep damn my lack of psychic ability! Will give it a week or two then I think just in case :-)

Lotus-eater

I know everyone is so worried about not being too late, but in reality, later sown and put out plants often catch up or even overtake the earlier sown plants.
It is better to start a plant off at the right time and keep it growing at the correct rate, properly, then put it out in good weather, than get it ready too early and hold it back, it will never thank you for it.

Many people sow 2 or even 3 of the same crops, to make sure they have one at the correct stage, ready to go out when the weather is ready.

With beans and cucurbits this is essential, as they grow so quickly. The beans all get mangled up and the curbits rapidly outgrow their pots becoming less and less decent plants.