September Growing Guide

Overwintering onions

Senshyu Yellow are Japanese overwintering onions, and whilst you can buy them as seeds and sow them in August, buying sets are a much easier approach. Create shallow drills around one inch deep and when planting the onion, ensure the tips are only just visible, and be sure to leave around three to four inches between each onion.

If you don’t plant them deep enough birds will likely pull them up thinking the tips are worms. Another variety of an overwintering onion set to try would be electric, a beautiful shiny deep red onion. You will be able to harvest these the following year from May to July.

Trying elephant garlic on for size

After making your decision be sure to find a good stockist for bulbs. I like to buy mine from “The Garlic Farm” on the Isle of Wight: www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk. They have all the knowledge about garlic, so they also provide you with great tips advice, and some amazing products! This year I’ve ventured for a variety I haven’t grown before – elephant garlic – botanically named Allium Ampeloprasum.

It has a much milder /sweeter taste, and the size of the bulb can grow up to 10cm in diameter. Planting garlic is very similar to onions as they are from the same family “Allium”. Plant each clove around an inch below the surface – no need to peel the cloves before planting and make sure the pointy end is facing up. Leave a few inches between each clove. If you have also opted for elephant garlic make sure to leave a little extra room between each clove.

{image source: gardenersworld.com}

A trusty Cornish shovel

I’ve opted for Felcos – I have both model six & two meaning, I have a bigger pair for some larger cuts if needed. Secateurs need cleaning often plus a sharpen so included with this I have some methylated spirit to ensure I clean away any potential diseases after pruning, and a sharpening stone to make sure the blade stays nice and sharp, making use much easier. You also need a little bit of oil to help avoid corrosion.

Next on my list is a trusty Cornish shovel – this is a shovel with an extra-long straight handle which promotes leverage. It was designed for the use in dense clay soils that you would typically find in Cornish gardens. I use this for any shifting jobs such as mulching or wood chipping paths, as the design really helps. This is also used at Heligan during the long winter months for double digging.

{image source: cornishcabbageplants.com}

Buying into great brands

I get my hand tool Niwaki, which means “garden tree”. It’s a Japanese influenced brand from London. It makes not only sturdy tools but they’re also aesthetically pleasing. I have a large range of hand tools from this company and use them daily. My most used tool from Niwaki would be my “Hori Hori” which translate as “dig dig”. It’s a Japanese designed trowel but can be used for so many jobs, weeding, bulb planting and cutting.

Whilst gloves may not be classed as a tool, they are a huge help! You can get an array of different types, materials, colours. but what’s best? This all depends on the job you want to complete – plus which season! I have summer gloves which are lightweight for those hot summer days, and winter gloves that have a comfy fleece lining! An absolute luxury in the gardening world in winter. Also, waterproof gloves, these seem to be my most worn in the winter months. I’ve trialled a few brands such as Niwaki, Engelbert Strauss, Kent & Stowe being a few, but I feel the size is the most important factor. Once you have found your size then it’s all down to the job you intend to carry out.