Tips on what you can set from seed at this time of year.
When setting anything, make sure that the ground is well prepared. This will make all the difference.
So dig up the soil and aerate / cultivate it. Get it nice and loose, and get some air running through it. Also ensure that there are no weeds in the soil.
Runner Beans:
These are fantastic. Plant then a few inches deep and space them. There is a lovely variety called 'Red Rum'. Keep them well watered and watch out for slugs! You will start to see the fruits of your labour within a month. They are pretty fast, and pretty tasty!
If space is an issue, and you don't want the beans growing along the ground - it’s often a good idea to make a tripod (with the likes of Bamboo sticks etc) and encourage the runner beans to grow upwards along the poles.
Beetroot
This is a great time to sow this vegetable. Beetroot, in recent times, has been recognised for its 'super food' properties. It adds fantastic colours to a summer salad, and an even better taste to a lunchtime sandwich! They grow well at many times of year - So you can set them now and have them ready for September.
Note: they also thrive in the cool temperatures of spring, and will do equally well if set then. Either way, once set, they are usually ready to harvest in less than two months after planting.
Varieties of Beetroot: There is specific one called 'bolt hardy beetroot', which is a personal favourite of mine. They are full of favour, have a beautiful deep colour, and are quick to grow. As the name suggests, they don't run or go to seed too fast.
Top tip: Not alone can you use the 'beet', but you can also use the foliage of the beetroot. It will make a tangy addition to a salad, and go very well with nuts and feta cheese. They are also packed full of nutrition, so it’s a win win!
Carrots
Like beetroot, carrots can be set at various times of year. There is a really nice variety called 'Amsterdam forcing'. You can put them in the ground, and if you time it correctly, you can get a really good ‘short’ sweet carrot. If you leave them for longer, they will grow that bit bigger, but they are at their best when they’re that bit shorter (in my humble opinion!)
