Seed Addict Subscription – June

HELLO SEED ADDICT

Welcome to your guide for your June seed subscription:

• Sunflower Titan
• Carrot Atomic Red
• Dwarf bean Creso
• Pumpkin Musquee de Provence
• Runner Ban Czar

Sunflower Titan

Sowing info

Sow sunflower seeds into individual pots of peat-free, multi-purpose compost in April. Sow one seed per 7.5cm pot. Push the seed 1.5cm into the compost and water in. Place undercover in a greenhouse or similar. When your plants reach about 30cm tall, plant them out into the garden after all risk of frost has passed. Plants grow quickly, so don’t be tempted to start too early.

Growing info

Sunflowers need sun. They do best in fertile soil in a sheltered spot, but will also do well in containers. However, if you want your sunflower to grow really tall, it’s best to plant it in the ground. Tall sunflowers may need staking, however you can strengthen sunflower stems by brushing your hand regularly across seedlings before they are planted out to simulate wind.

Carrot Atomic Red

Sowing info

Sow carrot seeds thinly where they are to grow at a depth of 1cm. Germination will take 10-20 days. To avoid attracting carrot root fly, don’t thin seedings,instead allow to grow larger and harvest every other carrot to enjoy as baby roots. Carrots dislike soils with too many nutrients, so avoid use of fertilisers and manures. Sandy soils produce the straightest roots.

Growing info

Carrots perform well in containers of at least 30cm depth and raised 60cm off the ground can prevent carrot root fly atttack. Water well to encourage germination. Once germinated, water only when necessary.

Blog – How to Sow and Grow Carrots

Dwarf Bean Creso

Sowing info

Can be sown in position May to early June, if you have no problem with mice or pigeons. Sow at a depth of 5cm. Alternatively, sow Indoors in module trays from April to May. Beans are fast growing, so don’t be tempted to sow too early. Harden off and plant out after all risk of frost has passed. A great filler for mid summer gaps in your veg beds.

Growing info

Grows to a height of 45cm and doesn’t require support. Pick when pods are young and tender to enjoy fresh or leave pods on plant to semi dry to harvest drying beans for storage.

Blog – How to Sow and Grow Beans

Pumpkin Musquee de Provence

Sowing info

Pumpkins are very fast growing so do not be tempted to start too early. Sow seeds 1.5cm deep in small pots filled with peat free compost. Sow the seeds on their side, if laid flat, water can sit on top of the seed and cause it to rot. Keep at a temperature of 20-25C until after germination, which usually takes 7-10 days.

Growing info

Plant out after all risk of frost has passed into a sunny position. Keep well watered to avoid issues with powdery mildew. Small squash are perfect for growing vertically to save space.

Blog – How to Sow and Grow Pumpkins

Runner Bean Czar

Sowing info

Can be sown in position May to early June, if you have no problem with mice or pigeons. Sow at a depth of 5cm. Alternatively, sow Indoors in module trays from April to May. Beans are fast growing, so don’t be tempted to sow to early. Harden off and plant out after all risk of frost has passed. Provide support for these prolific growers.

Growing info

Pick when pods are young and tender to enjoy fresh or leave pods on plant to semi dry to harvest drying beans for storage.

Blog – How to Sow and Grow Beans

Garden jobs to do this June

• Pinch out tomato side shoots – This helps cordon varieties focus their energy on fruiting rather than leafy growth.
• Keep watering and mulching – Especially around thirsty crops like courgettes and beans to retain moisture during dry spells.
• Harvest early crops – Enjoy the first of your salad leaves, broad beans, and new potatoes, and make room for second sowings.