We’re answering some of the biggest questions from the plot in April
What’s the best way to thin new seedlings?
Thinning seedlings is a key job on the plot. As those new shoots pop through they’re bound to spark optimism in any keen gardener, so you may not want to pull any out, but doing so lets the best plants flourish.
If you don’t thin seedlings correctly, you’ll be left with small, unimpressive vegetables when it comes time to harvesting. Each crop has its own specific requirements, so be sure to do your research.
Be careful you don’t thin your seedlings too early. It’s worth waiting until there is a little bit of growth – on many crops this is signified by the first ‘true’ leaf, which looks like the parent plant. It’s worth being patient, so you can be sure your seedlings are robust enough to be moved without snapping stalks and roots, as if this happens the seedlings will need to be composted.
In most cases, it’s best to loosen the soil under small seedlings so they come out with little or no resistance. Then lift them out by one leaf, not by the stalk.
You don’t need to throw thinnings away – plenty of them make great microgreens which are lovely additions to salads and sandwiches,
How can I make the most of my lavender plants?
Not only is lavender a beautiful addition to your plot, it’s also a functional companion plant and when it comes to harvesting your lavender, it has plenty of uses.
If you grow a mixture of both French and English lavender, you can see flowers from late April, right through to late October. Aim to harvest these blooms at their peak and tie them into bunches before leaving them to dry.
The simplest use for these bundles is to hang them up decoratively – you’ll appreciate their distinctive aroma around the house.
Note, some varieties like ‘Hildcote’ will also produce a second crop of flowers after the initial harvest.
When it comes to cooking, lavender is best used in desserts, but can be used in some savoury dishes too. Really, some sweetness is best to balance out the flavour, making it and ideal addition to sponges and scones.
You can also use your lavender in herbal infusions, or boiled up to produce essential oils. Whatever use you find for your lavender, it’s a great plant to have on the plot.
Is it too cold to grow melons in the UK?
Melons require relatively high temperatures that sometimes present difficulties for growers in the UK and Ir
