Find out what to
plant this month


Vege basket


Steep Sites


As bare land becomes more scarce steep gardens are becoming more common. Here are some ideas on how to successfully develop these sites.
To make use of as much of the site as possible terrace using small retaining walls or rocks (remember that any wall over 1 metre requires engineering advice). Use local rocks if possible as this will give a more natural effect.
To ensure plants do not dry out, plant them in hollows dug into the slope. These hollows will collect rainfall. A deep mulch around each plant will keep it moist and help prevent soil erosion.
It is often better to lay lawn turf, as lawn seed can be washed away. If necessary secure turf in position with pegs until established.
Chicken wire pegged across site can help to hold soil and mulch in place. Plants can be planted through it.
Green garden » veges » mini greenhouses

Cheating the Seasons


If you live in a cool climate, why not become a season-cheating gardener and get the jump on your neighbours by employing cold frames in your vegie patch? These devices are easily made, often out of recycled materials. They trap the heat from the winter sun and provide a cosy micro-climate for the plants. Inside the cold frame it can be spring, while outside it is still winter. For example, an early crop of beans can be started in early spring, followed by sweet corn when the weather has warmed slightly and finally tomatoes somewhat later.

Other small scale devices include large plastic bottles with the bottom cut off, old car or house windows suspended on bricks or sheets of corrugated plastic - anything to accumulate extra heat around the plants. Bear in mind that many of these devices will accumulate more heat than is good for the plants, at least some of the time. The solution is to provide adequate ventilation during the hottest part of the day, closing them up as the day cools to retain heat overnight. Polythene tunnels may only last one or two seasons as the ultraviolet light from the sun will breakdown the polythene. You can purchase specialist greenhouse plastic film (for about three times the price) which is guaranteed to last at least five years. recycled plastic bottles as mini glasshouses

To create a more even soil temperature between day and night, place rocks or cans (painted black) filled with water, inside the tunnel. The rocks or water filled can will release heat during the night. Water containers are best, as they retain twice as much heat as rocks, per unit of volume.

Remember to check moisture levels often as rainfall may not reach plants under cold frames.

Plastic roofing sheets used as mini grow tunnels. The surrounding stones act as heat sinks, releasing heat at night.
plastic roofing sheets as mini glasshouses