Springing into summer against all the odds

POPULAR PEONIES: Making a welcome debut, albeit into a windy world, peonies can give continuity of colour if some later-flowering varieties are included in the mix.

POTTED: A non-porous strawberry planter holds moisture longer than other alternatives.

GAINING TRACTION: Strawberries grown in a tractor tyre have the advantage of drawing on a larger area for moisture and nutriment. These healthy specimens are grown by neighbour Kristi Faulkner.

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Since my last column, conditions for southern gardeners have been a seesaw of extremes.

On Monday a northerly flow brought temperatures in the high 20s coupled with humidity; the day before had a light frost and cold southerly winds, which seem to be a constant presence – unless they are blowing from the northwest. All very tedious.

Staking is definitely proving its worth this season as peas and beans start to climb, likewise sweet peas. This year we planted dwarf broad beans in an attempt to stymie the wind-swept disasters of last season. So far, so good. They are now in full flower and, thanks to some twine around the base of their circular planting, have stood up to what nature has thrown at them. Broccoli is beginning to heart and lettuces likewise. Staggered planting of lettuce seed will ensure continuity rather than oversupply.

Strawberries are starting to fruit, although they could do with a few days of heat to bring them on. Our berries are planted in a concrete pot in a sunny, sheltered position. Readers often tell me that they have varying degrees of success with strawberry planters. One common problem seems to be the speed at which the pots dry out. Anything grown in pots draws on a finite amount of moisture; also, as the berries grow and their roots develop, the competition for water intensifies. Regular watering and feeding is essential.

Growing plants in pots can be demanding. I have groupings of large pots along the drive that need daily watering, especially at the height of summer. This regime is not for everyone, so think twice before you embark on such a project. Plants in pots benefit from mulch and water-retaining crystals can be added to potting mix; even so, during prolonged dry spells plants still need water.

My next-door neighbour grows her strawberries in a tractor tyre, which was filled with excellent culture and well positioned. I watched this exercise with interest and was amazed at the quality and quantity of berries that she harvested. Netting keeps the birds at bay, a necessary precaution against the insatiable appetites of rural blackbirds and starlings.

Irises and peonies are now in flower and, despite the wind, are providing much-appreciated colour. Some flowering annuals are languishing because of lack of heat. I have lost a planting of cosmos to frost and will wait for another week or so before replacing it.

Some early lavenders are beginning to flower but the English varieties are just beginning to spike.

The heritage artichokes and hollyhocks we planted in the glasshouse are now sizeable enough to prick out. On the advice of the seed supplier we have used biodegradable pots to lessen the shock of transplantation.

I'm not quite sure where we are going to position 30 artichokes. I know, we should have thought about that one before we planted the entire packet of seed.

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