Fruits, Vegetables and the Greenhouse at the End of August

The work in the greenhouse seems to continue unabated and, as always, we look forward. One of the sweetest flowers and a favorite of many in the spring bulb parade is the white Roman hyacinth. Must order now as it is selling fast and there is not much supply. Fresh and innocent, it blooms from November, its penetrating and captivating aroma makes us think that spring is just around the corner.

Fuchsia cuttings taken now should be grown through the winter. When gloxinias fade, they should be dried gradually and stored undisturbed in their pots at a temperature not lower than 10°C. (50°F). The corms should be allowed to rest for the winter and can be awakened in February. Regal geranium and pelargonium cuttings, young shoots of heather and bush cuttings can also be inserted for rooting.

If you grew sweet corn, then this time of year is the time for the reward. When sweet corn ears show signs of wear and wilting, and the corn exudes a milky substance when gently pressed with a thumbnail, the ear is ready to be harvested. You can hasten the ripening of tomatoes outdoors by untying them and placing them on a bed of straw under hoods. Re-cover peas and beans and water regularly in drought so plants keep harvesting. Go ahead grounding the celery, and if you do all of this it’s a job well done, and another neat weekend!!

In the orchard, early maturing varieties of apples and pears are best picked before they are fully ripe. To test for ripeness, gently lift and twist the fruit, when, if ready for picking, it will separate from the spur. Protect your display fruit from wasps, which are a nuisance to flowering this time of year.

Time to talk about your compost heap. Yard waste should be collected to be interspersed with layers of kitchen scraps, grass clippings, wood ashes and soot, etc. Thick layers of ‘bodge’ should be avoided and ammonia sulfate, or one of the many proprietary products, should be sprayed to hasten decomposition. It is important that another compost heap is started.