WITH the average summer getting warmer and longer than in previous years, this is a good time to try growing plants that have long been regarded as difficult, such as grapes.
Introduced by the Romans
Not that growing grapes in the UK is new. It is thought the Romans introduced vines into Britain and by the time of the Domesday Book there were 42 recorded vineyards. When Henry VIII took the throne in 1509, there were more than 100 (of which 11 supplied the royal household), but production suffered in the 17th century when wet weather brought damaging fungal diseases.
UK’s improved terroir
Since then, production has gradually increased in the UK. Now, big French wine companies are buying and developing neglected fruit orchards in Kent and land along the South Coast of England because the weather in France has become too unpredictable, with hard, late frost in spring and dry summers. The sunny, chalky South Downs are an almost identical terroir (soil and environment) to areas in France. Not that grape growing is limited to the south: we recently had correspondence from a gardener in Elgin, about 450 miles north of London, showing us pictures of his very productive grapevine.
Natural predation
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 15, 2022-Ausgabe von Amateur Gardening.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 15, 2022-Ausgabe von Amateur Gardening.
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To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters