Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Using microclimates
Once you have planted your seeds it is tempting to think that there is nothing
more to be done except hope, but this is not really true. If cold weather strikes in
autumn while your seedlings are struggling to get going, bring them indoors to a
sunny windowsill, either until it gets warmer or until they grow those vital first
few leaves. There is nothing wrong with keeping them indoors for longer periods,
so long as they get enough light.
Even established plants in the soil beds can be persuaded to alter their harvest
times a little. If the spring is cold and growth is poor, plants that are normally
grown without protection can be given a boost by covering them with a layer of
fleece during the night and removing it in the morning. Conversely, in a warm
spring plants can get ahead of themselves. If so, shading them with a double
layer of fleece from mid-morning to early evening will restrict the amount of light
they receive, thus slowing them down - although you have to watch for signs of
legginess, particularly if conditions are dull. Reduce watering just a little too.
Bolt city
As the sunlight strengthens in March, growth picks up surprisingly quickly - and
before you know what's happening, many plants bolt. With experience you will
learn to recognise the signs, adjust your picking accordingly and have replace-
ment plants waiting in the wings. For salad plants such as lettuce, which turn
bitter as they bolt, the most important response is regular picking to restrict the
amount of leaf, and hence the amount of energy the plant has to work with.
There is a need to be ruthless here - a bed of ten lettuces that gave you just
enough salad in February will give you far more than you need in March. When
this happens, remove a few plants so that the ones that are left will give you just
enough salad from regular pickings. Don't let things get out of hand, or the
whole lot will bolt.
Once turnips begin to bolt they quickly become woody and inedible, but not all
bolting crops are a write-off, so don't rip everything out the moment it begins to
run away from you. Some plants, such as chard and perpetual spinach, remain
good to eat until they have produced seeds, and some, such as coriander and
parsley, become more intense in flavour. Even those that become too bitter or
peppery, such as mizuna, can still be useful, since you can force it to produce
multiple side-shoots by cutting the main stem back to 5cm; the foliage is still too
strong for most people, but the nutty-flavoured flowers make a striking addition
to spring salads.
