June's fantastic new harvests, exciting flavours and possibilities to replant

June offers fantastic new harvests, exciting flavours. As harvests finish, that means beds coming empty and opportunities to replant. Keep raising transplants.
Filmed 5th June by Edward Dowding and edited by him. At Homeacres 51N UK, officially zone 8 but zone 5b in summer.
Key harvests include garlic despite rust + interplant
Courgettes, pick small & no worry about grey + watering
Peas diff. types need diff support, poor pollination so far, keep for seed also.
Like any plants finishing, remove them asap to have clear space for replanting, with no new compost needed in summer
Carrots, thin for early harvests & interplant eg Brussels, kale and mesh cover
New sowings beetroot, swedes, French bean, celery, carrots outside and parsnips
Do not sow spinach, turnips, salad rocket, mizuna, pak choi, fennel
Value of undercover space, and the hotbed soon being moved out
Potatoes need compost on top to prevent greening
Have transplants ready such as cabbages after broad beans - also to follow peas, salad onions, early cabbage, spinach, turnips eg half of Homeacres is replanted through summer
Pest protection, mesh helps so much especially on brassica plantings
Herb cuttings
Prune stone fruit
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Managing weeds
00:56 When to harvest garlic
01:37 Interplanting between garlic -multisown beetroot
02:05 When to harvest courgettes
03:33 Discolouration on courgette leaves - no need to worry
03:57 Watering courgette plants
04:20 Peas - podding and snap
05:35 Peas for seed, plus mangetout and yellow-podded
06:04 Clearing peas after final harvest
06:37 A bed of carrots despite many slugs! Thinning, and eating the tops
07:38 Succession planting - Brussels sprouts as carrots are finishing
07:57 Edging
08:23 June sowings I recommend
09:11 And those I don’t recommend
09:51 In the greenhouse - the benefits of an under cover space
10:28 Potatoes, mounding up
11:29 Pests in summer, how to manage - and having spare plants ready
12:42 Using covers to mitigate damage
12:59 Using Bacillus thuringiensis against caterpillars
13:09 Broad beans, and succession planting
13:59 Taking cuttings of herbs - thyme and rosemary
15:25 Pruning fruit trees
You can join this channel by paying a monthly fee, to support our work with helping gardeners grow better, and to receive monthly videos made only for members:
/ @charlesdowding1nodig
#june #nodig #nodiggardening #growyourownfood #healthyfood

[@crystalbond8474]

The cat is an absolute cutey xx

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚 Minty

[@raysouth1952]

We’re in the southern hemisphere and moving into winter so it’s a joy to see your flourishing early summer garden.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and I hope winter is ok with you

[@Sue-ec6un]

Gardening is an adventure full of experiments, successes and failures...all completely worth every drop of experience! Every year something new pops up to force me to adjust. Thanks for all the good advice Charles. God Bless You.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Well said Sue, yes always adjusting!

[@heathershaffer6148]

Minty is such a pretty girl and so careful walking through the delicate plants! Though I did see her plop her little bottom onto a carrot

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and through fleece!!

[@waynesell3681]

Minty such a good helper!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@garydenner6253]

That cat, trying to steal your limelight lol. Minty ❤'s carrots!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I know!!

[@George-hk7yv]

Just wanted to share an experience from last year relating to using grass clippings to mulch potatoes. Seemed a great idea last year until I realised that it was ideal habitat for voles who spent the summer happily chowing down my potatoes! Didn't leave me much but lesson learnt, won't be doing that again here.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing this George. It's always good to hear the other side and shows how what works for one person, is not a universal solution.

[@George-hk7yv]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig No problem 😊 for what it's worth this year I'm composting the clippings with saved leaves from the autumn, and then applying. I think the finer texture won't give the voles the same opportunity to burrow underneath the thatch. We shall see!

[@smas3256]

Hi Charles. After listening and learning so much from you and all your encouragement I said to MYSELF, CALM DOWN. Our garden is now a joy to work in. It rained throughout our winter. Record rain for that year. Zone 6b. To my surprise we have more Butterflies, Dragonflies, Damselflies and more bees. Apologies for the CALM DOWN I wrote in a reply to someones comment. I was referring to how I used to be so disapointed and worried.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice to hear and thanks!!

[@GrandmomZoo]

Thank you Charles! I dehydrate my carrot tops and use them in soups all the time. ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great 🙂

[@livus3787]

Whaaat, courgettes alreadyy?? 🤯😍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am amazed!

[@ekcs3941]

@@CharlesDowding1nodigwhat miracle did you work on those 😂 mine haven’t grown at all due to the cold air. And that’s in London 😩🫠

[@bryphi77]

The wind is evil... If I was a sailor it would be great, but as gardener... I HATE IT!

[@exscapegoatpowerfulhealer9685]

Your timber greenhouse is fantastic with all the benches. I love it & the " Minty ❤" is by far the cream of the crop with her affection ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 🐈

[@karltraunmuller7048]

I planted a lot of Hokkaidos this year, reckoning I would loose about half of them to slugs from previous experience, but the slugs haven't shown much interest in them, and I think it has to do with the fact they were grown from home saved seed. Generally, I see much less pest damage, more vigour, and more resilience with plants grown from home saved seed.

[@banzy3]

I'm in the west of France and the weather is terrible this year. Almost nothing but grey skies, rain and cool temperatures, it's the worst I've experienced in the past 12 years. Just to add, Charles, I follow Olivier Puech, it was fun to recently discover that you appeared on his channel about half a year back.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm sorry you have that experience as well and hope that your plants can grow nonetheless. Loving intent certainly makes a difference. And Olivier is great, I'm glad you found that

[@StayPrimal]

We had such weird weather here in Québec. In end april when I was supposed to plant my cold loving plant, the temperature was 20-25 degree celcius, full sunshine for the whole month of may, felt like mid july. Then when early june came and I was supposed to plant my heat loving plant, temperature dropped to 3 degree at night, 15 degree during the day, heavy thunderstorms and heavy showers on a regular basis lol. Da heck ... Everything is growing beautifully tho, I worried too much.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It's similar here now, and it's great you had May heat

[@ekcs3941]

Interesting parallels with the June weather our June is turning out to be pretty 👎🏽

[@kevinbleakley5069]

Absolute shitshow in northern France this year. We're still dropping below 10°C at night, one week before summer. Very difficult to get stuff growing, slug paradise on top of that! Finally my peas have flowers, one week before summer lol

[@ekcs3941]

@@kevinbleakley5069 sounds like what we are dealing with

[@StayPrimal]

@@kevinbleakley5069 It will be 3 degree celcius next night here in Quebec. I'm so annoyed, I planted dozens of tomato plants.

[@GARDENER42]

Struggling to reach 13°C here in Cumbria & forecast to remain much the same. I need some garlic, so will lift a couple tomorrow & see how it's doing (planted last October). I've been using grass clippings on my potatoes for several years now, with no slug issues (I now plant in 30 litre tubs & do the same). Thanks to you, I'm getting much better at ensuring I have follow on plants for successional crops.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good luck with the weather, that is bad for June. Than ks for grass tip

[@warriorbeta]

Wow what a resource to stumble upon! I can't wait to put this information to use. I have been struggling so far with rotating crops but I love the techniques you use to maximize empty garlic and carrot space

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Brody 🙂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@sherylwhited7380]

I’m always amazed by the differences in sowing/transplanting and then harvesting times across zone 8. I’m in North Central TX and we are still benefiting from one of the wettest springs on record; however, the heat is now ratcheting up so I suspect our summer will be more typical. I am planting & harvesting two months ahead of you - we ate our last sugar snap peas in April and shelling peas were already dry on the vines in early May. Thanks for this video!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wow so different. I reckon that my climate is, in summer, closer to 5b!

[@renatamcstay]

It looks amazing! Thank you for the reminders new poinys to remember and the veiw of growth! Just separated garlic cloves for sowing on our winter solstice! Stafted onions last month to plant inbetween the garlics later. Lots of seed processing from last growing season happening here! Looking forward to spring! New tunnelhouse is full of greens currently!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great Renata!

[@cozyhomemakingvibes]

I love this video. I love the monthly jobs. It’s soo educational. Thank you so much. 💚🌱

[@tedbastwock3810]

Yes I love them too!! If I'm not mistaken the original title of this video included both June and July ... but Charles, please give us a full 12 !!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So glad!

[@flandrinelextensionniste6490]

Your lupines are glorious!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Flandrin

[@darrenwalker905]

Thank you, Charles. Always an inspiration!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome Darren

[@timflatus]

My new hoe got delivered this morning. I sowed far too many turnips in the spring and some are starting to bolt, so today's dinner I'm eating while watching this features homegrown turnips, rocket and basil. Absolutely delicious! Thank you so much.

[@K.Ishana]

I have WAY too many turnips too. I'm giving them away an still have too many. 😅

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is exciting Tim!

[@Bfamreef]

Experiencing difficulties due to weather here myself. It has been in the upper 90 to low 100 degrees and little rain. Normally we are well into the rainy season here in FL but we have had little. My one high note is my Everglades tomatoes are doing amazing. But the rest of the garden is suffering due to the heat. Best of luck with the weather for you.

[@dwdconrad]

Remember, this will be one of the coldest summers of the rest of your life.

[@szczypi0rek]

​@@dwdconradhow do you know that?

[@ravmok846]

I need the heat in the UK here... bad May hopefully June will be better

[@marking-time-gardens]

Thank you for all of the great tips and information! Appreciate your videos very much! Blessings on your growing season! 🌻🐛Carolyn in Ohio 🌿💚

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear Carolyn

[@johnwilton3496]

Thank You Charles.

[@darrenwilkinson4348]

Charles this weather has affected the plant growth so much…in Northumberland..but thankfully having a polytunnel has been a blessing.. I’m constantly experimenting to see what works or not….

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes polytuinnels! Hope it warms for you

[@smas3256]

Thank you Charles. We are happy. Beets, carrots, 17 tomato plants different varieties for canning and eating. Hubby built two climbing structures. One for peas, no flowers yet and one for pole stringless greenbeans not yet up. First time we are growing potatoes from seed potatoes for longer storage. Garlic, onions, cucumbers and zucchini, basil, Marygolds. More beets and carrots will be planted next week. Our backyard garden is small so in the front near house under overhang are tomatoes and peppers just in case of downpours. Much love from our home to yours Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That sounds wonderful! Thanks for all your lovely comments, and I don't know your name?

[@olefosshaug5565]

Watching this video 11pm and suddenly remember I have to sow Tanja cucumber for the beds(crossing fingers) and beets. My own bed can wait 😆 Thanks again Charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Amazing!!

[@doras.allotment]

Hi Charles, I’ve been using grass clippings on my potatoes both at home in tubs and in the ground at the allotment and they’ve been doing grand - the best yet! Slugs have been deterred and they are everywhere else it seems!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Amazing Dora!

[@joshlovegood9392]

another delightful video Charles. Thank you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lorainemcguire5795]

Thanks charles another great video jam packed with such useful advice, so much yet to learn but taking it all in ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Loraine

[@KOLLEKZIYA_FASOLI]

💚💚💚Thank you very much Charles! As always, this is magical.💚💚💚

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome 🌱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful, thanks

[@glosterdog]

Great video Charles! Your growing times has improved my gardening so much 👍🏻💪🏻

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear 🙂

[@luisagarcia3961]

Obrigado Charles ❤

[@Constantinului]

Beautiful ! Thank you, brother Charles !

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you and you are welcome

[@therightpearplot]

I pulled all our garlic due to the severe rust. No green at all. Still grateful to have 100 bulbs. Last year zero bulbs because of the ALM.

[@yvonnejackson1696]

I’m having the same problem. My garlic was almost ready to start dividing into cloves when they all died. All I can say is they got further along than the last time I tried them.

[@simonhughes9418]

Same here. Absolutely decimated by rust. Not a single bulb has split so a total right off.

[@therightpearplot]

@@simonhughes9418 oh no, we have a few that don’t look like they have split, will still use them though. Probably chop them up and freeze them. Others are drying so hopefully enough to last till next year. Hope you can manage to salvage some, such a shame to wait so long and lose the lot.

[@glassbackdiy3949]

Good show, cheers Charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome

[@greenfingers359]

Lovely to see what is growing and you're such an inspiration. Unfortunately, some of my second early potatoes have been attacked by rodents on my allotment plot. Any tips?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Maria, and I wish I could help. If it's mice you could try setting a mouse trap but that's a longshot.

[@trish3580]

Such abundance! Sadly for us here in BC Canada it's been cool and wet. My zucchini are 1 inch high and only 2 carrots are sprouting from 4 sowings! Without a proper greenhouse starts are in the house which isn't best for anyone-plants or me...yet ever the optimist I'll start planting as much as I can this week as the sun has shown up and plans to stay :) Thank you for the inspiration!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh good finally, great to be optimistic

[@tinad6812]

Beautiful garden

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Tina

[@bigtomatoplantslover6205]

What a lovely Garden Like it My friend thank you for good sharing 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@pamelalittlechild2923]

Here in Hampshire Ive literally had to restart everything over this last month because it has been so wet, hence the huge amount of slugs that have eaten well, I'm just about to plant out all the peas and beans for the second time with slug pubs everywhere

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Maddening and well done

[@maclagor]

The growth in my garden seems so tiny in comparison; courgettes are at two small leaves, beans, peas, beetroot all tiny and only transplanted as of the end of May because of such poor weather. 'Spring' was so wet and cold here (SW UK), yet somehow, a mere couple of hundred miles away, where I thought it had been colder and wetter, Charles found a window and is at cropping stage already. My garden looks like everything has gone in way too late and watching this makes me quite disheartened to be honest - I put in so much effort to get the situation right this year, and am miles away from a crop.

[@smas3256]

One thing we can't control is the weather. . Here in USA having no rain in most parts of my state. City water with chem are the norm. We have to get a 2nd rain barrel. Fortunately we dug a goldfish pond 15, probably closer to 20 years before even putting in a veggie garden and now using water from there. In our mid 70's staying active and very happy even with the ups and downs of success. Charles's no dig video and teachings encouraged us not to give it up 3 years ago. I used to worry about mildew and everything. CALM DOWN. I search the web for what to plant to to attract benificial insects. Even hornets and wasps pollenate and eat caterpillars, aphids, grasshoppers, leaf beetles, flies, and spiders.

[@robinbennett3531]

never too late!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sorry to see this. It's my job to be spot on and show possibilities. It can still turn around for you except the nights are now way colder than May!! Sow beetroot now and broccoli, cauliflower

[@isabelrankin6721]

Don't be downhearted. Mr Dowding has paid help and grows on a commercial basis. You cannot compare this to the average gardener. Enjoy your gardening.

[@joannacampbell4696]

You’re not alone. My plants are all tiny too, barely growing. I sympathise with your disappointment.

[@GreenEarthGardener]

I love you cat 🐈 Charles - and this video is ace - a great update. I’ve missed so many sowing dates due to poor weather. Would love to sow some peas 🫛 😢. Thank you for your generous guidance I’d love to come visit sometime in the future.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I hope you keep sowing! Maybe see you here :)

[@user-yl4ce1fq2p]

Thank you Charles 💚

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome

[@sunitashastry5270]

Enjoyed the video. Learned a lot about every vegetable you covered.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Sunita

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terrydunn8504]

Watching your posts for a while now and I have concluded that your zone* is about a month ahead of mine. That makes me happy because I might be able to transpose the dates in your calendar of planting.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Best of luck Terry

[@markirish7599]

Fantastic video

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark 🙂

[@annagilda1]

My poor garden this year. It has been so cold in Ireland, my seedlings were still tiny, even though theyd been in the ground for weeks. No growth at all. And then... a pine martin came and ate every single plant i had sewn. 😢 oh well, ill be more prepared next year.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh flip!!

[@angelad.8944]

I just got my hands on some greengage trees. I am sooo excited. I also got some black plum but I don't really know a variety but that is ok with me. Free trees are free trees, lol 😅

[@lezleyneill]

Really impressive growingCharles 👏 Another inspiring video and something to aspire to! I wish I had started everything earlier, even a few weeks and/or used fleece... But my beds weren't ready!! My mistake😬 and still playing catch up..In the North of Ireland here, it's been wet and mostly cold at nights with some really warm days thrown in but not many. All my sowings are much smaller than they should be for this time of the year. Having most success this year with potatoes, they seem really happy! I have celery, beets, cabbage and broccoli in and the are much smaller than they should be, but not giving up and hoping for some sunshine to help them on their way🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It sounds like you're doing alright, Lezley, good luck catching up and it's a good year so far here for potatoes, but many things could happen before harvest. Almost a frost last night!

[@frankbarnwell____]

As always a tasty, nutritious, beautiful video of your garden. Beans and tomatoes growing well now. Cucumbers, melons and squash... not so well. Same way I've planted, a pile of compost, warm enough, and almost no germination. Got more seeds today, but different place.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Frank, may the resow be better!

[@tedbastwock3810]

I loved the tidbit at the end about the fruit trees. Fruit trees is something I know very little about, would love to know more about, but the vast information online is varied and vast, and frankly often built around chem ag.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Ted, yes indeed

[@ralphwinter6421]

Nice one Charles, gud vid...

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank's Ralph 🙂

[@jeanettebot193]

I am experimenting with winter rye as a green manure and at the same time as a support for my pies. It works really well.

[@ChristianMomof2]

Thank you, Charles! No Dig is my most handy book of all my gardening books for quick reference. Growing garlic first time this year and didn't get to plant it in the fall. I heard a tip to put it in the fridge for a few weeks (I think I had it in around 8 weeks). It seems to be growing well. It's hardneck and I'm in Canada. We'll see how it does! Love the herb-cuttings idea! I hadn't thought of it. I lost some of my thyme this year as well and ended up moving what was left in a large pot. I use a lot of thyme so I need to grow more. Thank you for all that you share! Still hoping to see your modular trays selling here and I would also love to buy a dibber as well. Hope you find a supplier by next spring 🙂!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Christian, nice to hear. The herb-cutting idea was Edward's suggestion to include in the video, he is now growing herbs in London.

[@ChristianMomof2]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Tell him I said, thank you! I already started the cuttings. I started adding herbs last growing season. Everything has its own learning curve! Especially for someone like me that had never gardened before until about 6 years ago. Learning something new every year and all that you share through videos and your books is most helpful. Thank you again, Marie

[@PanicattheDiscourse]

Kitty stole the show Charles 😸

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀 yes, and she is Minty

[@jonanderson4280]

Since last year the weather has been strange here in Kilimanjaro. We've had so much rains since fall of 2023 that locals say it hasn't been that way since late 70s. However, unfortunately it stopped raining in May when most crops were flowering and there's fear that farmers won't harvest enough maize (corn) this year. Corn is a staple food here in east Africa, together with beans and bananas.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That sounds amazing and very unfortunate, thank you for sharing. I hope the harvest is good despite that, somehow.

[@kooltube100]

I never thin my carrots to begin with, I let them grow for a good while and then pull them up as you shown. It's great to get a tiny carrot harvest within the hungry gap, would be one of my earliest harvests if it weren't for my overwintered jalepeno peppers.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great tip!

[@kooltube100]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig thanks charles your a great inspiration and after inspiring me to garden in the first place, you got me to experiment and leaving carrots to grow a bit was my first experiment :)

[@azamshakoor3098]

Truly inspiring to watch your videos sirji 👍👌🇮🇳

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah nice thanks

[@samanthahoos9827]

I top dress my beds in the autumn and spring which seems to make for fluffier bed soil. The garlic pulled out beautifully! I’m starting a new bed with fresh soil with plans to start carrots in it first since I don’t have any starts ready to go out yet.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great Samantha

[@carolinesemple2298]

I see you have a sight supervisor (the cat) that’s the title mine gets when I’m doing things outside. Everything looks like there coming along great. Hope you get an abundant harvest

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Caroline

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Caroline, and she's keeping me straight! I was just encouraging her to chase a rabbit!

[@carolinesemple2298]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig oh mine wouldn’t need encouragement she’d be off like a shot 😂

[@karensumpter7752]

Minty is a supurrvisor

[@carolinesemple2298]

@@karensumpter7752 I think they secretly all are 😆

[@kushscentedbeard3098]

I've had the strangest spring. Mostly overcast and wet but then the occasional 3 days of 75-80f weather then back to 45-55 the next day lol

[@freefolkofthenuminousoccid9054]

After many months moving dozens and dozens of bags of mulch and bark to form beds and paths.. I’m planting tomorrow. My allotment is full of bindweed, couch grass, and now mares tale and three ant hills.. but it crops everything that touches it. I hope it goes well.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great!

[@turtle2212]

Every year seems different. While melons did not even want to germinate, my potatoes are so tall that it worries me why a bit. My tomatoes are doing extremely well despite the cool weather. However, besides apples, basically all my fruit trees were damaged by the frosty nights after warm weather. Moths are eating my beetroots and swiss chard. Lettuce and peas are wonderful. All in all, some plants are always thriving😊.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Amazing!

[@davidwootton5830]

Hey Charles. Love watching your updates but the growth I’m seeing is nothing compared to what you are showing. That beetroot growth within 1 month is phenomenal. I’ve done three sowings since late February and non of them have grown to even half the size of those plants were! My courgettes consist of 3 to 4 small leaves and some of those leaves are turning yellow. My carrot top growth is tiny and hasn’t really advanced at all in the past 2 to 3 weeks. This was a second sowing as my first sowing completely failed to germinate.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So sorry to see this David, possibly compost quality. Also I had fleece over the courgettes for three weeks, plus watch out for the 5 sticks short

[@TheDhammaHub]

In terms of edging: I like to use a standard hoe to loosen the roots a bit before using the grass shears. I am usually much quicker like that and can avoid using the half-moon thingy you used in another video!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing!

[@odette8905]

Wonderful, despite the geoengineered weather!

[@thecsslife]

Your courgette plants are huge. Mine are tiny and pale green, using no-dig beds with horse manure mulched last October.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Mine had fleece over in May, maybe was the difference

[@steveday4797]

I've pretty much given up on my garden again this year. Foxes have dug up every one of my raised bed. Just concentrating on tomatoes and peppers. I may try a few things in pots and and put them high enough where they can't be got at

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So frustrating Steve!

[@gerryheynes5082]

Same problem on my allotment site, but to counter it we use temporary horizontal mesh over newly planted areas, hoops and netting while they get established and upright mesh/netting around crops that will be damaged by being pushed over, such as sweet corn. The foxes leave most things alone once they get established, it seems to be the newly prepared and planted soil they like best. You could try some of these methods on your raised beds and I wish you luck.

[@steveday4797]

@gerryheynes5082 thanks for the information 👍

[@siriusowl]

I also thin the apples on my apple trees in June and also do a little summer pruning of excess new growth on my apples. My apple trees are either espalier or very dwarf, no taller than seven feet, so this is quite easy to do.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good points

[@SallyJGlendinning]

Hi ! Have been told that B. thuringiensis is only available for commercial growers !!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It's a totally ridiculous situation, we've been stitched up by corporations. You can, however buy it under the name Box hedge caterpillar killer, because Bt is the active ingredient in that

[@freesaxon6835]

Your produce is sickeningly good, how dare you flaunt it in such a manner to us peasants

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🍽!!

[@freesaxon6835]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig 😆

[@sheelaghomalley5459]

Has been very dry for the last couple of weeks in Co Wicklow, Ireland. Between a herd of cattle spending the night in my field and hot, dry weather, I am at the end of my tether. Would welcome some rain to help with all the new sowing I've had to do. 😢

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That sounds painful Sheelagh! The rain will come!

[@jennablorezone8Band9A]

I totally use carrot tops as a pesto. People in America look at me like I’m nuts (and I’m fine with that) 😂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Often a good sign 😂

[@nickzivs]

“…Courgette harvest.” Meanwhile in Ontario is so cold and damp that I’m afraid we could see powdery mildew by mid June. Brutal start to the growing season … but the cool weather crops are loving it alongside the rhubarb. Cucurbits, nightshades, and beans? Not so much.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow! I have fleece over some outdoor squash and cucumber, they are not happy, is colder now than when we filmed

[@Jeff-st9km]

As always, so much great information. And inspiration!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@sarahbee27]

I’m just watching the cat 🐈

[@franksinatra1070]

Always a pleasure watching your videos Charles. I'm growing a winter squash for the first time this year and have a question. The variety is goldern hubbard and its a climber. I have them going up a trellis and they are going crazy. They are growing tall and bushy very quickly. Should I prune similar to the way I prune out the suckers on cucumbers to encourage one primary stem to grow or let them continue to bush out? Thanks!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That sounds amazing, and I've not grown squash up a trellis so I'm not sure. You have a nice problem!

[@MamaZeeto_623]

Thank you for your advice- it’s so far been a tough start here in the midlands. The cold is certainly having an impact but your advice to keep sowing and having back ups is hopefully the key. Im relatively new to growing but have seen a huge impact on courgettes winter squash and beans. I think under cover is the way forward as this Geo Engineering isn’t going to stop. The nettles dandelions comfrey are stalwarts and they are incredibly nutritious - so if no beans , it’s nettle soup Love and light to you and all your followers 🙏💜

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Mama, yes it's challenging!

[@tinad6812]

Yes, I agree. Under cover is the only way for success going forward.

[@Jxstise]

The amount of ads on this video is wild

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's boring, and it's because it has many viewers

[@jsbadger]

Always appreciate the knowledge and experiences shared, Charles. Would you have any talking points on adjustments to ones calender in comparing to yours, or a direction or resources to look into?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes scroll down this page for climatic variations www.charlesdowding.co.uk/resources/sowing-timeline

[@jsbadger]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig you are a blessing. Thank you.

[@myslicechannel]

I still can't get my courgettes out yet. It's too cold for them. We had hail 2 days ago (north of Scotland)

[@Panda-or2cs]

Hi Charles, I’m new to gardening so this year I’m trying some simple vegetables, with no dig after I discovered your channel! Like you I lost my carrots that I sowed in March, so I tried again mid April. They have all come up but the growth has been incredibly lacklustre. About two or three leaves per plant. They are tiny, less than hand height and have grown very little in the past 3 weeks. Any idea why?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is odd, I can only think it's compost's lack of quality perhaps immature city compost. I hope growth improves for you

[@dafyddrhobert2414]

Many in Ceredigion, including myself, have had no success germinating beans particularly runner this year. Brussels sprouts have completely failed too. I am now using indoor sowings once again as the growhouse has proved to be not at all good for germination this year. May was a disaster with only 5% germination in the growhouse. Daytime temperatures with the glass completely open typically reached 30C and nighttime temperatures hovered around 5C. Many transplanted seedlings have been eaten, not by slugs and snails but by mice. Last winter has been too warm to kill off many such pests.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh Dafydd I am so sorry to see this. I can only hope things improve from now. There's approximately 60% of the season still to grow in.

[@DanFree7]

Hi Charles. If you mow the grass once a week, do you occasionally apply lawn fertiliser or not at all? Do you scarify the lawn or do you sometimes have to reseed? (Love your videos and the garden!)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Dan and I never do either. There is clover in the grass, dandelions etc to keep it green. Foot traffic reduces moss!

[@Coolbreeze-RQ]

Hi Charles , your videos are my ultimate guide. ❤ the zucchini’s, but my plants growing tip was eaten off by slugs, will they grow back?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and wow that is maddening. I'm afraid the answer is likely not

[@Coolbreeze-RQ]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig thank you, I have some beans to plug in the gap then.

[@soniadentoonder5457]

Hi Charles. Can you tell me de differents to what is summer, autumn and winter cabbage? Great from the Netherlands.

[@soniadentoonder5457]

I mean greetings.😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sowing dates for summer cabbage are mid February to end March, for autumn cabbage from May to early June, for winter cabbage late June, and for spring cabbage, late August. Check the variety description, because they are all bred to grow at different times, for harvests at the end of those times.

[@jaynetanner3757]

Great tips, (oops i already planted spinach ) But I noticed you didn't cover your peas, I grew peas for the first time last year and they were all infested with tiny grubs.... how do you protect yours from pests ?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Jayne. If I sow peas later, they do get grubs inside and that's why they're all cropping now from early sowing

[@truth3358]

Charles have you a video on which seeds you use

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZrVYn2VeMuIb7M

[@chrisgartenn]

Charles, what would you recommend as a soil mix for large containers eg 50L +. I used compost but over time it sinks down too much. I want to try no dig in large pots.Would something like top soil mixed with compost & coconut coir work? With a top up of compost every year. Thanks

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I would not add soil because that does not lose volume and that means less chance to add more on top. It's your call, obviously, but the sinkage diminishes every year and over time you will reach a more stable volume with just small additions needed every year. And much richer ingredients in the container compared to if you had added soil.

[@RealDarkBlade]

Think the garlic is the only thing I DIDN'T have issues with this year

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice work!!

[@izzywizzy2361]

I have more mangetouts than I know what to do with from saved seed. My potatoes are doing brilliantly as is the lettuce, it is sadly not the same with all my warmth loving veg, who don’t like this cool weather at all, especially the cold nights, I hope the weather warms up soon!😢

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Well done for having some bright spots! I'm beginning to wonder if my winter squash will give a harvest this year like now, at 5 pm it's 13.8°C 57°F, and according to all the forecast, it should be 17°C. They are consistently giving out numbers that are too high.

[@deanwatt]

Worried about slugs in your grass clippings around your potatoes? How about a little experiment, dump some grass clippings in a couple of random spots around your yard, wait a few weeks and then check for slugs? I wonder if they really would shelter there?

[@StayPrimal]

Charles I am panicking a little. Next night it will be 3 degree celcius here in Quebec. The worst is this year I focussed on planting a lot of tomatoes. So I am very worried for them. I will cover them with fleece but .... You probably had this experience before, how will my tomato plants react to this? Thank you.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fleece it's an excellent idea for covering them. And I would not worry, like in the last six mornings, we've had four of 4° or less, and one was 3.1°C, with ice on my car. Happily, no ground frost and my outdoor tomato plants were today looking remarkably strong. They tolerate cold better than cucumber

[@StayPrimal]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you so much Charles. Sorry about your hard weather in your area, its been going on for so long, must be stressful.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Improving finally!

[@joetheox1202]

I suffered from the garlic rust pretty bad last year but so far this year I haven't seen a spot, same strain I grow every year 🤷

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is amazing!!

[@estherevans9844]

I finally got an allotment plot 😊, I want to do no dig the soil that is on the plot is clay which I believe is a good start, however the ground is so unlevel, what would you suggest before laying cardboard ontop of the unlevel ground please? 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's a very good question. I recommend using a spade to scrape off soil where it's higher and put that soil where it's lower/ You are not digging, but you are doing some soil work to get it level. Then start laying cardboard, compost et cetera

[@jamiemittermuller6470]

Struggling to get things growing in the garden this year- like you said it’s been cold and cloudy even struggled to get lettuce going, one lots bolted:(. Has any of your fruit trees reflowered? My apple tree flowering again which is unusual

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Actually no!

[@jamiemittermuller6470]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig ok thanks,it’s never done it before, I’ve had for over 5 years. Hopefully more delicious apple in autumn.

[@diarmuidodonnabhain9668]

Charles I am fan for many years.. Can I ask your opinion on compost tea please good or bad?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and the question more is whether it's worthwhile! If your soil is already very fertile from using compost, you could spend your time better doing other things. It's good stuff, more useful for large areas of poor soil which need microbes

[@diarmuidodonnabhain9668]

Thank you for the reply. Yes my garden is very fertile thanks to your teachings. I have added activated charcoal to this pile and I'll do a soil test before and a year after it's been on the beds. I am in Ireland and lots of slugs here too this year. Blackbird is my big trouble maker and rabbits first year coming to the carrots and I have a lurcher wrong house for them she will eventually get them and I can't stop her.