Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Potatoes
Plant 'first earlies' in mid-February for an initial harvest in late April, which then
continues through May. Potatoes are very prone to frost damage, and as they are
also large plants it's not easy to keep them happy through a British winter without
plenty of protection.
Radishes
Radishes grow astonishingly quickly, and February sowings will probably have
already been picked by the time the hungry gap arrives. Keep sowing radish
every few weeks throughout the season for a steady supply.
Rocket
Rocket can be sown in autumn for use over winter, and although these plants
will bolt by early April, they can continue to provide a useful crop (see Chapter 8,
page 128). For younger plants in the hungry gap, make a first sowing in February.
Spinach
If planted the previous September, spinach will overwinter and be ready to pick
from March onwards. It is wonderfully versatile as it can be used either as a
cooked green or raw in salads.
Strawberries
First early strawberries established by the end of the previous summer can begin
fruiting as early as April in sheltered areas, but for most of us May is a more real-
istic prospect. Make sure that you encourage bees into the tunnel by using some
attractive blossom around the tunnel ends, or pollinate the plants by hand as
soon as the first flowers appear (see Chapter 8, page 136).
Turnips
Sown in February, turnips will provide a very welcome crop in April and May.
