Kitchen Garden Magazine

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Under cover

February is an important month under cover. It’s the time when the new year really picks up and you can start sowing for summer crops. Temperatures may still be low, but there is heat in the sun and the days are lengthening enough to stimulate plant growth. A greenhouse, or polytunnel, puts you one step ahead of those who grow outdoors and the sap should be starting to rise in garden and gardener alike

Sowing tender crops

February may seem a long way off summer, but many of the crops that thrive on sunshine need a long enough growing season to enable them to fruit in July and August. Aubergines and peppers really should be sown this month. You may get away with a March sowing, but I always find that the biggest and best crops come from plants that were sown early. Label different varieties clearly since all tomato, pepper and aubergine seedlings look alike and you don’t want to confuse a cherry variety with a beefsteak one. See page 40 for tips on the best way to sow these crops.

Cucumbers and melons can also be sown in February. These will give very early crops and you could well have cucumbers in early May. The problem with such tall growing plants is that they soon outgrow a propagator and, if you aren’t careful, they will be ready to plant out before temperatures are high enough in an unheated structure. If you can provide a little heat at planting time, in the form of a hot bed or soil warming cables for example, or if you have a heated greenhouse or conservatory, then sow in February. Otherwise it is probably prudent to sow in March and raise plants that won’t be as subject to the vagaries of a late cold snap. They will often catch up.

A few notes on propagation

Tender crops such as tomatoes, all need heat to ensure germination. They also need a fairly constant moisture content in the compost that surrounds them. Water compost lightly and evenly, so it is moist but not soggy. Put trays and pots into plastic bags, or cover with a layer of clear polythene if the tray is too large. Seeds can be germinated in an airing cupboard, on a warm window ledge or in a propagator. Choose a place where the temperature is fairly constant and doesn’t rise above 25C (77F) or fall below 15C (60F). Light is often an aid to good germination and of course this is essential once the seedlings poke through. If light is limited, seedlings will grow leggy and pale.

For much more advice, see this month's issue, available to buy online!

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