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we bought seeds from you last year which produced lovely tasting vegetables.
l g, hampshire
We're now beginning to wonder if this is the worse growing year there ever has been? June continued the previous month's pattern of cold, wet and windy - and July has started no different. Here on the nursery we have struggled more with the low temperatures and high winds rather than the lack of sunshine, as crops such as Squashes have been literally blown out of the ground and Sweetcorn has just sat there waiting for some warm weather.
But we mustn't get despondent! Things may be late but crops are managing to produce a harvest - so earlier efforts are proving worthwhile. And this really is the joy of gardening (ornamental or edible) - working with nature even when you think it is working against you!
Here on the nursery we continue to play catch up as the weather prevents 'straight' days outside; under glass and in our tunnels the story is a different matter as conditions are more controllable and predictable. If this weather pattern is set to continue for the next few years protected growing space has to be the number one item on everyone's shopping list!
At home, the lateness of the season means there is still time to plant many vegetable plants - and so we have extended our production of many items to match this. If we do get an 'Indian Summer late plantings will mean you'll be in for feasting later.
Similarly now is also a great time for filling the ornamental borders with items from our Pretty Perennials and Fuchsia sections. If you're struggling with underperforming summer bedding this year a visit to a garden or two with perennial borders will soon persuade you just how much more resilient perennials are, and how well they perform even in a bad year - and all for a one time purchase and planting!
And finally, with the weather as it is, now is also a great time for planting fruit trees and soft fruits; the warmer soil temperatures will ensure a rapid establishment whilst the wet conditions will take the pressure off watering.
So it isn't all doom and gloom after all!