The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 10 Spring 2014 | Page 22

In the veggie garden this spring By Andy Roberts It’s going to be hot, dry and dusty this summer. Of course it is, it’s always like that before the rains. The difference this year is that it’s also going to be an el Niño year, which means the chances of drought are higher and what rainfall there is will be very patchy. Here are some tips in stretching that precious water: • • • • • • • • Mulch using thatching grass, vlei grass, maize stalks, leaves, or even plastic sheeting. This will save lots of water from surface evaporation. Water each plant rather than the whole bed. Less frequent (weekly) heavy waterings are more efficient than frequent light ones. Heavier waterings encourage the plant roots to go deep where there is naturally more moisture, which is less affected by wetting/drying cycles near the surface. Use nursery-bought seedlings where possible – so you don’t waste water on seed that fails to germinate. Plant seedlings at least 2cm deep i.e. the soil should cover the seedling plug by this amount. Ensure good soil contact with the plug and water just around each seedling. You will most likely need to water every 2 days for the first week, every 3 days for the second week and then weekly thereafter, depending on the weather. Keep the beds well weeded – weeds are just competition for your vegetables, plundering nutrients and water. Grass pathways look great but are expensive on water. Consider replacing them with gravel or brick or just leave them bare. If you can find it, a 20% shade-cloth will dramatically reduce your water consumption. Make mini shade-cloth tunnels with reeds or heavy gauge wire. Mulch! What to plant Watch out for aphids on your cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli, and powdery mildew on the cucurbits. September Direct sow beans, cucurbits, maize, sweet corn. Use nursery grown seedlings for cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, Swiss chard, celery, rape, tomatoes and brinjal. October and November As for September What are cucurbits? A variety of mostly climbing or trailing plants of the family Cucurbitaceae, which includes the squash, pumpkin, cucumber and watermelon. 22 Plant frost sensitive veggies Remember all those frost sensitive veggies and fruit (a squash is a fruit!) can now be planted. Sweet corn can be planted now – plant as many as you think you can consume, as too few may not produce enough pollen to get the cobs filled. Emerald seedlings offers a wide range of vegetable seedlings. Emerald Seedlings, Alpes Rd, Teviotdale Vegetable seedlings office 0772 326 446 [email protected]