John's Gardening Diary 23/04/20

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Frost every morning this week so the fleece is working hard. Even although there is a 5 on our part of the Scotland map, you can be sure if the forecaster says frost in Highland glens, there will be rime on the grass in Giffordtown.

Main crop potatoes planted, varieties Rooster, Maris Piper, King Edward and Golden Wonder. Apart from Rooster which is a relatively new variety the others are old varieties, not the highest yielding but quality on the plate. I like to give them plenty room (drills 3ft apart and tubers 2ft apart) to allow tubers to swell to a decent size.

Also planted out the indoor Cyclamen which will be in resting mode outside before being lifted and potted in September ready for a winter show in the house.

The lawnmower is now down to lowest cutting height and is being employed at weekly intervals, so the treadmill begins. It is not a chore, however, on these sunny afternoons where the mower makes a good job and the result is pleasing to look at.

Pea, Hurst’s Green Shaft sown. This pea grows to about 4ft high and requires adequate staking, but the grower is rewarded with an abundant crop of big, well filled pods.