Gardeners’ World 2022 episode 11

Gardeners’ World 2022 episode 11

Gardeners’ World 2022 episode 11: Monty shows the range of vegetables that can be easily grown in containers if you are short on space, moves ornamental grasses and sows zinnias. Nick Bailey gives us an insight into the bearded iris in Buckinghamshire, and Sue Kent shares an update on the progress of her first ever show garden, destined for the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.


 

 



 

We meet a gardener in Lincolnshire with a passion for tropical plants, and there is another chance to see what Gardeners’ World viewers have been getting up to in their gardens.

 

Gardeners’ World 2022 episode 11

 

Growing radishes

Summer radish need a fertile, moisture holding soil to grow well. They are a quick growing crop only taking about six weeks from sowing to harvesting. Winter radish should not be grown in soil that is too rich; they are best grown as a follow on crop but still within the crop rotation plan.

The spring and summer cultivars have to be harvested and used straight away, the winter cultivars that can either be lifted and used as required or stored in boxes containing damp sand or old potting compost to prevent them from shrivelling. It is better to sow summer radish in short rows about every three weeks to maintain a regular supply of mild, crisp radish.

Summer radish is grown from seed that is sown in short rows between February and the end of May. After this time the temperatures are too high to encourage germination and to produce good quality radish. The earliest sowings have to be made with the protection of a greenhouse or under cloches. The first of the outdoor sowings can be made from mid-March onwards. Delay the unprotected outdoor sowing if the conditions are cold and wet and continue using cloches.

The earliest that the seed for winter radish should be sown is July. Use a Japanese cultivar for this early sowing, the Chinese and Spanish selections will run to seed if they are sown too early in the season. The safest time to sow the seed of winter radish is July in the colder regions and during August in warmer regions. Sow the seed as described below but the seedlings must be thinned to 20cms/8ins apart and then grown on like turnips.

The seed is sown thinly in shallow drills 25mm/1inch deep, watering along the drill with liquid seaweed just before sowing the seed to encourage quick germination and to produce strong, healthy seedlings.

Vegetables in containers

Planting vegetables in containers is a versatile way of growing edible crops in the garden, particularly where space is limited. The following vegetables lend themselves well to container cultivation: Beetroot, Broad beans, Carrots, Dwarf French beans, Herbs, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Rocket, Runner beans, Chillies & Peppers, Salad leaves, Salad onions, Salad turnips, Tomatoes.

Timings vary depending on the crop, but the main growing season is from early spring to autumn. Pots, troughs and grow-bags can all be used to allow gardeners without time or room for a vegetable plot to grow fresh, tasty produce. Container-grown vegetables can be started off in a glasshouse, conservatory or porch for earlier crops.

Smaller containers can result in a lack of moisture and nutrients for plant roots. Aim for containers with a depth and width of at least 45cm (18in), otherwise frequent watering and feeding will be needed.

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