Transition month with new harvests and edging towards summer

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Growth of new plants has been slow so far, and that is normal for March. Looking forward, even in April it can be slow. If the weather stays cool, don’t worry and keep slug habitat low.
Seedlings need time to grow roots before they can make many leaves. Hence the difference between slow growth of new plantings, compared to rapid growth of overwintered cabbage, broccoli, garlic and onions. Their root systems are already extensive.
Likewise the perennial rhubarb and asparagus. Especially rhubarb, well suited to this damp climate.
Filmed and edited by Edward Dowding 27th March 2024 in Somerset UK.
Temperate oceanic, zone 8 climate.
Ask for us to show your no dig garden!
www.charlesdowding.co.uk/no-d...
Music by Rory Dinwoodie, IG: rorydinwoodiemusic
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Perennial veg - rhubarb Timperley Early, no need to force
01:27 Asparagus, when to harvest
02:37 Purple sprouting broccoli, Claret variety
03:34 Overwintered veg to harvest now, incl. spring onions
04:17 In the greenhouse - ideas for sowing now
04:44 My sowing calendar
05:19 Sowing cucurbits, eg cucumbers - need warmth and light
05:50 Sowing melons and chard
06:09 Warmth for germination - my hotbed, or a heat mat
06:37 Planting potatoes - three types
08:31 Transplanting in April, cold-resistant plants
09:00 Transplant shock
09:39 Succeeding with small transplants
09:47 Managing slugs and snails, and having plants ready in case!
11:17 Using covers - fleece (different grades), and mesh
12:47 Garlic - no need to worry about yellow leaves
13:34 Keeping on top of weeds
13:50 Making compost - my 3 bay system
14:22 Frost - be aware
Where to buy my recommended products www.charlesdowding.co.uk/stor...
My web bookshop www.charlesdowding.co.uk/stor...
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#april #nodig #nodiggardening #potatoes #healthyfood

[@helenmitchell1631]

Thank you so much for all your work - truly inspiring - I have a garden in Liguria and our season is March to December as it is so mild and frost free - but your calendar advice is invaluable ..the locals plant by the moon here - and every gardener tells me exactly what day to do what chore - even when to cut your hair - and there is a day here when one goes to the woods to cut trees as it’s the day when the trees sing - and the day when Stradivarius would cut wood for his violins - marvellous stuff

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great Helen. I'm reassured to hear that your neighbours are so much in contact with nature. In this part of the UK, it's definitely less common. I'm delighted you find the Calendar useful even in Liguria.

[@sualleron3001]

Still very wet, with hail and storms in SW France! Thank goodness for no-dig...at least I can work in my garden....when all the neighbours are losing their wellies in the sodden clay 😊😂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow! I remember the French boulbène clay and the joy of no dig there

[@smas3256]

California coast is getting unusual rain and Mainland Mexico is getting none.

[@sualleron3001]

@CharlesDowding1nodig part of my garden is on boulbene...the other part lovely orange and grey clay...lucky me! Actually, with your way of gardening, it works well! I just have to wade out to the veg patches, once there it's fine! 🤣

[@MattNostrebor]

Thankfully here in Corsica we are well underway.

[@turtle2212]

Every year I am worried to be too late or too early. It is so helpful to see your garden progress and this time in your video the tiny tomatoes in you greenhouse in the same stage than mine. YESSSSS! I am on time, Dankeschön 😊 Sir Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear!

[@greenwoodfarms7920]

💚

[@Nakijead2]

As I am watching your video, looking out my window on my 3 acres in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada, zone 4b, I see hope. Hope that tomorrow it will finally be a sunny 7C. Hope that the snow will finally be gone this week. Hope that I can venture into my garden and look for the tiniest indication that soon we will be able to plant or the tiniest indication that some green, any green will be visible. But alas there is not one single hint of green growth anywhere. But you my friend, Charles, have glorious growth of vegetables that we will not see for at least 4 months. I pine for what you have and that is the privilege to grow what you are growing right now. I am gob smacked of the green you have and I thank you for sharing the videos you do because it gives me hope.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That does sound frustrating. I'm happy that these views can give you hope and I guess that things will grow very fast for you in May and June 🌱

[@africanmumsworld254]

Hear in Kenya we two seasons. We are now planting. Like your content

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's awesome! I was once in Kitale and loved to see how everything grew so fast

[@yvonnejackson1696]

This is my third year of no dig. This year my compost was splendid, my veggies were outstanding and weeding was much easier. I think part of the reason is that as my veggies get better and the trimmings go in the compost the compost gets better then the garden gets better. This gets funner every year. BTW the cat is such a ham.❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is awesome Yvonne, lovely to hear

[@mikeob9502]

Sounds very much like you're leaving the garden in better shape every year than you found it, i.e., regenerated. Good on you.

[@metubewot]

Love your channel Charles. I live Gretna Green SW Scotland. Our last frost date is second week of August. Just kidding, but the end of May is a likely date. You have helped me a lot. I'm 73, and managed fine before I found you, but am better now. Thanks.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is awesome! Late May is better than August!

[@joanneburslem4330]

That's interesting I'm Midlands UK and always use my birthday of 15 may as a safe date for ni more frost

[@bernadette6211]

I learned recently if you are moving snails to gently push down on their shell so they get a chance to withdraw into their shell otherwise you really damage their bodies. I move them to a wildlife area. There's something magical about their beautiful spiral shells. Thankyou for such a beautiful video ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Amazing thanks

[@RK-me3wd]

3rd year of no dig in the appalachian mountains of Pennsylvania. Its been a mild winter. Very little frost heaving of the ground with no dig. Great recipes in the no dig cook book.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear, thanks

[@moirad6579]

Just ordered your NO DIG GARDENING book which i have been wanting for a really long time... very excited and can't wait until it arrives. I appreciate all you do and TRULY would not have a garden had it not been for you, your videos ... and no dig gardening of course 🇨🇦😊🎉❤🥰🇨🇦

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Awesome! Thank you Moira

[@ronaldmccranor87]

O by the way Charles, my wife who is a retired university lecturer says you are a very good natural teacher.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks 😀

[@JVSwailesBoudicca]

Your kitchen garden looks stunning on the drone shot. If I had Asparagus I would be eating it as I picked.... I love it raw, it tastes like fresh peas. Thank you for a great video - really interesting .

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks and yes, I like it raw!

[@joydavis4087]

Great video as always Mr. Dowding. Thank you. Hoping we have a long spring here, so I can get everything done.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and fingers crossed! Sometimes slow is good

[@tinkeringinthailand8147]

I always smile at the difference between my time of year as opposed to the time of year in the UK. I am harvesting carrots and beetroot (Just) 😆Thanks for a great seasonal update, love it 🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing your tropical abilities :)

[@craigdawson7632]

English auto subtitles popped up. For one of the most english chaps on the tube 🤣 American owned you tube 🤯 Really cooled off down here in the far south of NZ. Still harvesting 👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Interesting! The subtitles is uploading best ones tomorrow! Hope autumn is not too cold for you

[@smas3256]

Nature is awesome. Your garden plans are great and your seedlings are beyond words. Charles. Be blessed this growing season and looking forward.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you and to you also 🌱

[@mariacurley2502]

So happy that I can start sowing melons! Especially mini varieties giving enough time for them to ripen here in the UK.🍉🍈😋

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@onamactavish9352]

I noticed my 3rd year asparagus just poking through the soil yesterday, super excited to soon be picking a few spears. Still quite cold here on the Isle of Man but things are happening in the garden. Thank you Charles for all these videos you make, they are inspirational and very valuable content.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear and you are very welcome 🌱

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

I would so love a garden next to my house 🤣 This rain just 😮‍💨

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes it's terrible, and I wish you the adjacent garden 💚

[@joshuahoyer1279]

I was just binging other episodes and somehow missed that this came in. So exciting to see these come up!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad 🙂

[@Jorduan100]

We found out about pidgeon damage to our purple brocolli the hard way this year! Lesson learned! - good inspiration and reminder about slugs, I was out with the torch and tongs straight after watching it sorting them out, cheers!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😮!

[@shaunamoose7809]

Ordered my calender, looking forward to using it. My plot is a law unto itself, it's a very exposed site on the NY moors so at this time of year it's always at least month behind my friends sheltered gardens 5 miles away at a lower altitude in the town. Your channel always keeps me hopeful about whats to come.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and I wish you well Shauna, hope for a good May

[@6732Louise]

Definitely a time to keep on top of weeds Charles, they got ahead of me last year so I’m on the alert this year!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🙌

[@madelineduffin1352]

i wish we had signs of spring here in Calgary, Ab. Still lots of snow on the ground and cold. Cant wait to get in the garden.

[@Andronia784]

Super excited for this year's season and I definitely know a lot more that I did two years ago. Sun is shining ☀️ which is unusual for our weather but it beats the downpour of snow we had two evenings ago 😱 it was panic stations all round, but the recently planted out seedlings survived it.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad they survived Anne and enjoy the sun 🌞

[@robertdomzalski7342]

Fantastic video. Inspirential as usual. My garlic is looks exactly like yours and I was worried, but not anymore. Thank you so much Mr. Dowdings

[@yvonnejackson1696]

Absolutely. I feel so much better about my garlic now.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad 🙂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Yvonne

[@MamaZeeto_623]

Fabulous - so helpful you are a soul 🙏💜

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@bethsands7665]

Great advice and nice garden video. Slugs, snails and cutworms are the worst as they kill young seedlings easily. I use cornmeal around the bed edges to kill slugs and cutworms and beer traps here and there to kill snails.

[@GARDENER42]

I planted 10 asparagus crowns last year & grew another 10 from seed. Looking forward to a FEW spears this year. I grew kalettes/flower sprouts last year & had reasonable crops over winter, then in this past two weeks, all the 'sprouts' have started growing like mad & the bigger leaves are actually delicious! April is always the most exciting but worrying time of year due to possible frosts, so it keeps me on my toes! Plenty of broccoli & spinach to harvest right now & overwintered broad beans are suddenly taking off, with some already in flower (worryingly early IMO...).

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great, and I am amazed by the bean towers, which usually come to nothing at this stage, is better

[@savvybites1844]

What a lovely man. I like listen to him explain things. I have started my noDig garden because of his and another lady’s knowledge shared. Best thing gardening-wise I have done.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you for your kind words and this is great to hear 🌱

[@cozyhomemakingvibes]

Charles, thank you so much for the list of things to sow in April! That’s so helpful and thoughtful! 🙏🏻💚🌱☀️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Casey. Plenty more to sow now even before May 😀

[@zacmitty7851]

You're wonderful, Charles!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Very Kind, thank you Zac

[@suttonsplash14]

Legend!

[@carolineholland4178]

Thank you Charles. Crazy weather here in Devon. I drove home from work in Plymouth in what seemed like a blizzard a few nights ago with the snow settling fast. 9 hours later I drove back to work in strong wind, rain and hail. Today has been a mix of warm, balmy sunny moment's mixed with hail and extremely heavy rain. It seem's that we have had all four seasons mixed up into the past few days. Some how, I managed to take a moment to harvest some rhubarb and purple sprouting yesterday. I'm on a slope towards the bottom of a field. I kept the wooden edging to my beds. The run off from the field was bypassing my beds but the grass paths in between were like streams of run off from the field above. Maybe wood chip would be better on the paths. As for the beastly slugs, I find that a good trap is a few slices of cheep white bread under a plank attracts the critters so that they can be collected and disposed of. Looking forward to lot's of flowers this year. Flowers and vegetables are the best of friends.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That sounds intense, and I'm glad above all that your soil is not washing away. Maybe in your case, woodchips are not such a good idea as they float with water until quite rotten. That's a nice tip for slugs!

[@DaraRich]

The slug trap is indeed working 👍🏼. We also sadly have plenty of them. Sounds the wooden edges are the better option in your situation 🤔

[@manuelrojas4483]

Saber adelantarte o retrasar el cultivo de ciertas hortalizas es una ventaja tremenda.He probado con calabacín hace ya casi un mes y voy viendo resultados en mi pequeño huerto.Con el tiempo vas conociendo mejor lo que puedes plantar con mejores resultados.Es cuestión de tiempo.Saludos desde Tenerife!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Me encanta escuchar esto Manuel, y yo ni siquiera he sembrado el mío todavía, ¡así que me encanta el sonido de tu clima!

[@deborahjane68]

Love watching your Channel. You have a lovely voice, Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Take care.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome Deborah

[@bewoodford2807]

Thank you Charles for a fantastic video. I always find your videos so interesting, relevant and easy to follow. Your advice is invaluable. Thank you again. happy gardening 🙂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you, I am glad 🙂

[@waynesell3681]

Happy my peppers are starting to pop today! Indoors with grow lights. Planning on using my chicken house for some plants under cover. No chickens now storage for garden supplies and tools.. looking forward to April!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds good Wayne

[@waynesell3681]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig thank you thank you!

[@Gwendy1171]

This was a great message for April. It’s starting to get warm here in Switzerland but still also chilly so most of my work lies in front of me. Thank you for this. Great video. I am just about to set potatoes for the first time, let’s hope I do my grandfather proud - he had a great garden way back.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am sure you will Gwendoline 🌱

[@idaborglund]

Lovely 🤗 we still have at least 30cm of snow here in the middle (although it’s called the north) of Sweden. Longing for spring and the snow is melting fast these last days!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow! Wishing you an even faster melt! I can imagine the longing for green.

[@robdegoyim4023]

Love a bit of edging in the garden

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

A satisfying job!

[@strappazzonanne9862]

Idem, j'ai fait des semis d'asperges (graines récupérées sur les plants de mon voisin), 2ème année j'ai pu les goûter. Aujourd'hui 5 ans après elles donnent très bien !

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

C'est bien encouragant!

[@donnacharm9383]

Just started sow some cucumber and the sweet peas are flowering your garden is so beautiful 🎉

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you Donna

[@Warrior-In-the-Garden]

Just a glimpse of my asparagus peeking out today. Hoping to harvest a bit this year. That rhubarb is gorgeous. I have tried and failed several times but might give it one more try.

[@mojavebohemian814]

thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You're welcome

[@DaraRich]

We here in South Germany had a lot of rain and some minor hailstorms recently. Some of my plants are already out in the coldframe and the greenhouse, but it‘s really time to get ahead with planting out first little plants and get as much weeding done as possible. When mid april will be there it can really get a little hectic with a bunch of seedlings to care for, first plantings under cover and more so in may with the warmth loving plants. Thank you for the look into your garden once again, Charles!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure 💚

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

Chock full of vital info ! Thank you!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful 💚

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig 💚

[@adamschaafsma5839]

Very interesting time of year for us here in Mississippi. It's 28C today in the sun and will probably be 5C tonight. Heavy swings.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow!

[@bertibear1300]

Hail here in Cornwall.Very late start, onion sets from October are just not doing much.Everything is soaked all the time.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It's still early at least and, here's to some sunshine

[@jillachen7217]

Thank you Charles! Always envious of your long growing season! ❤ from Baudette Minnesota USA

[@luisagarcia3961]

Boa noite Charles Feliz Páscoa obrigado pelo vídeo adorável ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Obrigado!

[@craigmetcalfe1749]

Hey Charles! Have you ever tried the "Three Sisters" approach to gardening? I am going to plant corn in a 3 by 3 matrix, then plant yellow zucchini and then plant beans to crawl up the stalk of the corn. It is an ancient Indian technique which optimizes space and that I have used successfully before? Do you ever eat the stuffed zucchini flowers? It is a much loved Italian dish. I have also planted fingerling potatoes and noticed that they have already sprouted. Stay safe and happy as you always seem to be!! Cheers!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Morning Craig, yes, all well here thanks and for the three sisters, you need a hot enough summer for the corn, squash and beans to have time to dry, because the three sisters is for dry harvests, and here is not hot enough in summer. Yes those flowers are so nice stuffed :)

[@agarsorchids7708]

Thanks for sharing! Love your calico cat❤ This year spring is 3-4 weeks earlier where I live and already drought is threatening… It will be a very interesting year, that is for sure!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow! I hope it works out. We have excess water...

[@stevendowden2579]

enjoyable video charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad you enjoyed it Steven

[@franksinatra1070]

Looking good Charles! I'm picking a lot of spinach, endive and arugula for my salads lately. They did very well over-wintering this year and provided small harvests in the dead of winter. I only purchased lettuce maybe a half dozen times over the winter so I'm close to my goal of garden salads all year around with the help of a little plastic of course. Brassicas are going in now among other things like onions and radishes and lettuce. Will be putting potatoes in shortly with plastic nearby if we get a frost threat after they emerge. It's been cold lately here but should warm up by the second week of April if the long range is correct. Happy spring!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers and that is impressive, plus the garden greens are so much better for you

[@robertcotrell9810]

My forecast is inching away from frosts, and I'm so excited! I tried a rye cover crop in a bed. I got a grape and raspberry plant this year. It's been raining for a solid week

[@user-sn9ig9vl5p]

Cold, Windy, and SNOW here a week ago in Iowa. Last year was one of the worst drought years on record. Hopefully this summer is much better

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds super difficult!

[@anneonimus7204]

Great and helpful advice once again Charles, thank you. My tatties are chitting in Scotland and I'm going to compare no dig, containers and a dug border, just to compare looking forward to the results. We be just had a hailstorm so will hold off planting for another week I think !!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Have fun with that, sounds interesting

[@shirleyn4677]

Oh, yes. It all looks beautiful. I’m trying to beat the heat that they say will come this summer in Texas.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fingers crossed for you. They don't know though!

[@pamalajjohnson9576]

Yes I find all purple plants are hardyier and stronger, enjoying my leeks in the hunger gap my seed onion from walla walla onions are beautiful green onions from last fall. My parsley and cilantro harvesting to dry for seasoning from last fall.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Superb!

[@gardenonthemoors]

Wow you had a great harvest for this time of year! Would love to have the space for PSB 🙂

[@mikeedward3161]

Thanking you so much for your help you give in this video. Here in southeast Berkshire we had rain again today, whilst I tried to beat it coming by taking cuttings from my rosemary herb plant but I and my cat got wet. I would like your take on what I have done is to lay straw down on top of areas that I have planted potatoes in hope to stop weeds but also in helping to feed the earth. Maureen

[@mikeedward3161]

Hi I meant to add that the type of straw I have used is Barley straw, as I was thinking that barley straw is used to also clean ponds and I was thinking along the lines that if it can help with that, then where we have had a great deal of rain water among our earth area's that could become rather poorly, but we just canot see this then by adding the barley hay will add some benefits along with cutting out light to possible weeds, acting as a mulch. What do you think of this please? Regards, Maureen

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hello Maureen Those are all great thoughts for the Earth. I'm not sure though about using straw for potato mulch, because of the number of slugs which will accumulate underneath it, and I fear you will suffer some damage to the potatoes as they develop, especially if it continues to be so wet.

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Another delightful episode I cannot believe you have Asparugus showing already!! I live not too far from the fens and I associate Asparugus with early May. I too have not that crowns are slower than seed-grown Asparagus.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, v interesting!

[@ronaldmccranor87]

Thank you Charles Just started 'no dig' up here on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides. Mildish but cold salty winds. Not sure if your timings would be the same as up here though what's your advice? Thanks again finding your videos very helpful.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good luck in the winds and def. start later, maybe by six weeks, then same from mid-May

[@garydenner6253]

An absolutely fantastic video again Charlie! You inspire me so much every time to get back out to the garden & say to myself.... what would charles do here? More cat shots too please 😊 Gary, 7th generation 1st fleet convict 🇦🇺

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Go for it Gary, lovely to see your comment

[@christopherburman3340]

Snails / slugs: get some ducks. Otherwise, heatwave in South Africa has abatted. Winter veg finally planted. Purple sprouting looks yum.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good to hear

[@dovinhgarden05]

Phương pháp trồng khoai tây rất ok❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@marychristmas4911]

I'm in the north of Scotland, it's 2 degrees and feels like a long time before we're going to edge into summer, I'm still waiting for spring 😞

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I hope it comes to you soon Mary

[@patcharlesworth8321]

Celeriac work well to interplant with garlic in June as well:)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great tip!

[@dafyddrhobert2414]

Rhubarb Timperly Early is struggling here. Spring onions and asparagus have rotted. Purple sprouting has finished. Various veg seeds have been sown under cover twice already and will have to be done again. Temperatures under cover have ranged from 1C to 35C and the weather is possibly the worst I've encountered. Take yesterday, 6cm of snow followed by sunny weather which led to 37mm of rain in the afternoon. Temperatures are on a rollercoaster due to the weather in the Cambrian Mountains. It's now colder at night than during most of the winter.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh dear that sounds bad for you. I hope the slow rise in temperature brings strong growth.

[@lilybruggeman5796]

Hello from Belgium and thank you very much for another beautiful and educational video. I have a small garden myself, so I try to grow as much as possible in a small area, which is sometimes quite a challenge. There are also chickens that help me with the maintenance of weeds and fertilization, but it is also a very humid garden with snails. My seedbeds are 25 cm high, each with a plastic cover (otherwise the chickens will eat everything) like a greenhouse, but the snails still get into them. I have already hesitated about putting a pair of ducks for the snails. but I have kept eggshells for a whole year, which I now crush into small pieces and spread in my seedbeds as a test. I wonder if this will help, if not, I will add a pair of ducks next year.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is quite an ecosystem, Lily, and good luck with the lurking snails! For me, I would not want chickens anywhere near my garden soil, because of all the digging they do!

[@lilybruggeman5796]

They cannot enter the vegetable beds if something is growing in them, only around the beds. They keep it weed-free for eggs :) But as soon as a bed is empty and I don't put anything else in it, they can start digging to keep the soil loose and fertilize it, although most of the manure ends up in the compost bin.@@CharlesDowding1nodig

[@myslicechannel]

Very encouraging video, thank you. I am a bit worried about my garlic as not much of it is showing yet. Am just east of Inverness so hoping it will still come yet.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Best of luck! I am sure it will grow fast now the days are so long for you

[@myslicechannel]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I hope so! A little tip I've been using this year for my seeds as I don't have heat mats, I've been using hot water bottles and hand warmers! Germination rate has been terrific 🙂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Amazing!

[@nicholassawyer799]

Thank you for the great viewing!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome Nicholas

[@alex--.--]

Hi Charles, I watch this video while returning from my garden and it's an amazing coincidence that you talk about rhubarb at the very start. Mine is at its second year and it has a huge flower stalk, I wanted to ask you what should I do with it? I love rhubarb, I was looking forward to making it grow and harwesting it, but the flower seems to take all of the plant's energy. Is this the end of life or is there something I can do? I love your channel, I just discovered that my neighbor is a huge fan of yours and she applied your no-dig method as well, it's coming along perfectly! She says hi!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for this nice feedback, Alex and say hello to your neighbour! I am sorry to hear about your rhubarb because it might be a variety that is inclined to do that for some reason and you need to remove/cut out the flower stalks as soon as you ever seen one. Make sure they are fully moist as well, lots of old manure or compost mulch is good.

[@djroshmathew]

❤❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@MrCobbsalad]

With all the spraying from above polytunnels are going to be essential, no sun in Scotland just the now familiar white sky. We are all in trouble unless this stops

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm amazed how plants are coping!

[@MamaZeeto_623]

Charles can I ask you if you have any advice for dettering cats from using my beds as a litter tray? Hopefully you or any of your lovely followers can help ? Thank you so much for your incredible work guiding us avid growers 🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I put up with it because I have a large garden and only one cat. However you could use bird netting to deter them. That worked for me when I had two cats.

[@MamaZeeto_623]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig thank you yes I will do that 🙏

[@jamiemittermuller6470]

I have loads of jobs to do this month. Got plenty of things to growing in plugs almost ready to go out. Potato will be going out soon, been hearing potatoes described as determinate and indeterminate which influence how you plant them! I am being more selective in what I grow.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes, that's a new description for me as well. Have a great April!

[@pavana2810]

Hi Charles. Happy spring ! I’m eating lentil soup with sorrel. The sorrel was outside all winter, no protection. It’s so yummy, a lemony spinach. It seems quite carefree. Do you plant and sell it? Also, your scallions look delicious. From Chinese food I know that seared or grilled scallions are transformed and super rich and yummy. Luv from NY 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for the info, and yes I grow sorrel for my salad mix plus to eat as you describe, in omelettes too.

[@rubyquinonez5966]

mintie is all start mister charly

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes she is in great health and feeling springlike!

[@robertevans8024]

Hi Charles ! In October, before the first frost/freeze, In Philadelphia PA, I planted a bunch of garlic cloves from bulbs i got at my local supermarket, just to see what would happen, because my wife wanted me to grow garlic for her. I'm assuming it's the soft neck variety.... Anyway, the plants are growing beautifully ! I mulched them with straw and gave them some espoma organic fertilizer for vegetables. I sometimes give them a fish fertilizer as well. It's been about five months and I put my finger down the side of one of the biggest plants. I can feel that there hasn't been any bulb formation yet. It just goes straight down like a green onion or leek. When do you think the bulbs will start forming ? I read it could take as long as nine months to fully mature and I was expecting to harvest the garlic around July, after the foliage starts to turn brown about 3/4 of the way, at least. It's only been growing for five months. Am I expecting bulbs to start forming way too early ???🤔👨🏻‍🌾🧄🧄🧄 Thanks for your time and consideration. Loving everything you do ! 🕊️🙏🏻🥰💯

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That's nice to hear Robert. It's all correct that no bulb formation happens until roughly late May, and if they are soft neck, without any hard stalk, then you should be harvesting before the end of June, and before leaves go too yellow, because that would indicate some rotting of skin around the cloves below. Have a look around solstice time.

[@GardenProverbz]

Sir Charles would you not say that plastic placed over areas with the compost underneath are also good slug habitats. That is my main worry

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes for sure. That's why I would not use plastic before planting lettuce or cabbage in the spring for example. Whereas plantings in late spring when it's warmer and drier, of squash plants for example, are in my experience less vulnerable. Also potatoes oddly enough do not suffer more slug damage under plastic, maybe because it's hotter when they are developing.

[@GardenProverbz]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig ahhh great tip thank you ☺️

[@tara981]

🙏 Liebe Grüße aus der Eifel 🐉

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@DaraRich]

Hallo Tara, immer wieder schön zu lesen, dass es noch mehr Dowding- Fans in Deutschland gibt😊. Viele Grüße aus der Tübinger Ecke 😀

[@sunitashastry5270]

Good video, esp about weeding early in the season. All the thugs get going v fast .

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Sunita

[@mojavebohemian814]

hello kitty!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😸

[@tedbastwock3810]

What a fantastic video. Really love these month to do vid. Your place looks amazing!!! Charles, what gauge of wire do you use for your row covers? Thanks!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Ted and it's 4mm diameter, not sure how that translates to gauge

[@tedbastwock3810]

@@CharlesDowding1nodigThanks, Charles! 4mm is close to 6 gauge and 5/32". 4mm is pretty stout, good to know, thanks!

[@emkn1479]

We don’t usually deal with slugs, but we’ve had a good bit of rain and combined with the mulch and row covers I put on the beds, I’m having so many problems this year! I’ve sown radishes three times now…the first two, they germinated and then simply disappeared. I think I know who’s to blame 😒 I’m trying DE after the next rain.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Interesting feedback and good luck with the DE

[@daved2403]

Thanks for the video! What did you mean by "forcing" the rhubarb?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Forcing means growing something in darkness, and the new leaves are sweeter. In this case there were also many snails inside the pot!

[@RLRIX]

Please tell us what you use for your garden hoops?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

4mm wire, high tensile and galvanised, also straightened

[@tbaucells1]

Could you say what “thermal” row cover you use? It looks like sturdier stuff than the non-woven paper like offerings in most outlets.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes stronger and it's either 25gsm or 30gsm fleece as here gardening-naturally.link/jOZjJ

[@carolewarner101]

In your garden calendar you suggest when to sow various veggies either indoors or out in the garden, but you don't mention when it's safe to transplant those things sown under cover out into the garden...or I've missed it somehow. Suggestions about this? Recommended specific book/s for this information? Many thanks!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes, in the space available it would result in massive congestion and confusion. You can find these details in many of my books and especially Skills www.charlesdowding.co.uk/product/skills-for-growing-2

[@thecsslife]

Started my first no-dig beds last autumn and have broad beans, peas and beetroot growing really well at the moment. I have much less weeds than I usually do, but I've noticed a lot of couch grass poking through. What's the best way of getting rid of them long term?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great but stay on top of that couch grass by regular removal, using a trowel, to ease out the long and white new shoots. That keeps tiring out the parent root below which eventually gives up, maybe in September

[@twinkletoes4236]

Do the stone provide habitat for slugs? I guess you feel it's a reasonable pay off for thier ease of use?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

In my experience, they do not, partly because they are not used for long periods, and the garden here has a low population of slugs. Thanks to no dig, and all the other tips I give about keeping numbers low.

[@kimvanderlaan5962]

Which thickness of wire do you use for the hoops please? Do you cut them yourself?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I buy them recut and straightened, 4mm high tensile wire, galvanised

[@mikevincent8728]

Thanks Charles, great video as always! Just out of curiosity, your tunnel hoops are fantastic, where did you get them from?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You can find them here Mike www.charlesdowding.co.uk/store/gardening-products

[@mikevincent8728]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Fantastic, thank you!

[@redeyechi]

Excellent video packed with useful tips as always Charles :) I'm so excited for this year of growing and experimenting! Just out of curiosity is that a Amelanchier (Serviceberry) I noticed at the end of the video? 14:52 Cheers good sir

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fantastic, and yes it is

[@redeyechi]

Excellent cheers, I am growing some Amelanchier cuttings from a tree I found on my foraging walkabouts and will also be keeping an eye on them in the meantime so as to hopefully get to try some of the very intriguing berries before the birds get them all this year :) Thanks

[@hugsyangel20001]

Great video. I have fleece covers lying on top of my Calabrese/lettuce/spinach transplants. At what point do you take these off? Presumably I need to switch to hoops at some point so they have room to grow?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and it's not so much about room to grow as heat under the fleece, especially for lettuce. Usually I find that after about 20th April, if the weather is warming a lot, it's good to remove the fleece. In the case of brassicas, it might be worth replacing it with mesh, which is cooler, and excludes insects.

[@hugsyangel20001]

Great - that’s really helpful!

[@ollyeccles]

Everything I’ve seen online says the average last frost date (Bath) is Mar. 21 - Mar. 31, what’s your experience on this? Is it worth a gamble putting a few things out to get a head start?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Seems early! I say not worth doing an early planting because the likely weather for April, in UK at least, is cold rain.

[@lolakatkin]

I am wondering what you think about soil blocking. I have just started using soil blocks rather than having masses of plastic seed trays. Would love to have your thoughts.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I find that it takes longer to prepare them compared to filling trays, with all the mixing of wet compost. Then I find it difficult to source trays which fit all the blocks with no gaps at the edges. That means I need more space for propagation, so it's inefficient in that sense. Apart from that, they work well! But once you have trays that last for a very long time, I'm not convinced.

[@carolinethomson1297]

I have 3 rhubarb crowns still in large pots and growing on well before planting out. Should I rub them off stems (like I'd do with young fruit trees' blossom) to encourage stronger root season? Thank you George

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Rhubarb self prunes, and I would leave all those stems on, and get them in the ground. As soon as you can, they are in full growth at the moment, or want to be.

[@carolinethomson1297]

@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you very much Charles.

[@jez770]

Hi Charles, for me April is the month of Horsetail - I have been trying your bindweed methods for 3 years with it, to no avail at all. Can you talk a bit about it, because so many UK allotments have it, and the vast majority will dig to remove it. I have resorted to deep hoeing (maybe 3 inches deep) which I hate doing...

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh dear, and I wish I could help, but I have no horsetail here and without some demo it' hard to demo. You are on the right track, I'm sure! Good luck.