health
Summer's here and the time is right to direct sow vegetables in your garden
Starting your crops where you will harvest them avoids transplant shock and can speed growth. Just beware of hungry animals!
TL;DR
- Direct sowing crops where they will be harvested avoids transplant shock and can accelerate growth.
- Suitable crops for direct sowing in early summer include carrots, parsnips, turnips, radishes, beans, courgettes, cucumbers, lettuce, and rocket.
- Lettuce and rocket often have inconsistent germination under cover as temperatures rise, making direct sowing preferable.
- Soil for direct sowing needs a fine tilth, free from large clods, stones, and weeds.
- Timing is crucial; ensure the weather is warm enough for germination and avoid cool, wet conditions or heatwaves.
- Keep the soil consistently moist after sowing to ensure optimal germination.
- Protect direct-sown seeds from hungry animals using netting or branches like holly.