IN THE GREENHOUSE

IN THE GREENHOUSE

- MARTIN FISH

WHAT TO DO IN SEPTEMBER

• If you have part packets of seeds such as radish, brassicas, beetroot and chard, sow in the soil or pots and use the seedlings as microgreens in salads.

• Continue to feed all fruiting plants such as peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes with a weekly high-potash feed to help the fruits develop and ripen.

• Sow pak choi and spinach directly into the soil border for an autumn crop of leafy veg.

• Cucumbers can be given a boost of a high-nitrogen feed to promote a final flush of growth and fruits.

• Pot a few strawberry runners into larger pots to grow for an early crop next year.

HARVEST RIPE TOMATOES

Tomatoes are in full production now and plants growing under cover will be producing plenty of delicious fruits. The combination of sunshine and warmth is just what the plants need and to get the best flavour out of tomatoes it’s best to let them ripen fully on the plants before picking.

Although we are now in the latter part of the growing season, tomatoes – like many other crops under cover – should carry on growing for several more weeks. To ensure tomatoes keep ripening into October, harvest regularly and keep up the weekly high-potash tomato feed. Gradually remove old leaves as the trusses ripen to increase airflow and, at night, close doors and vents to keep the air warm.

HARVEST GREENHOUSE GRAPES