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<p>Towards the end of the growing season I try to compile a list of lessons learned however it is more and more difficult to do this with any certainty because the weather is becoming unpredictable. This year we had a long spell of dry, warm weather in June followed by a wet and cool July into August then September has started with a very warm, dry spell. Plants and insects are confused, as am I.</p>
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<p>The veg plot has had its winners and losers and much to learn for next year.</p>
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<p>Firstly I need to change my online seed merchant. Several of the seeds I bought from Seekay were not as requested - beetroot wasn't Boltardy and the cucumbers were a thick skinned outdoor variety. I'm researching where best to buy seeds for 2024 - currently <a href="https://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/">Mr Fothergill's</a> is my favoured outlet. </p>
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<p>Secondly I shouldn't plant the runner beans near to the greenhouse because they shade it too much.</p>
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<p>Other lessons for 2024 are as follows: spinach isn't worth the effort; Lima beans grow but the pods don't have any beans in them; grow climbing French beans (Cobra) rather than the dwarf variety; sow carrots straight into the ground rather than tubs and mix with coriander seeds to avoid carrot root fly; try tumbling tom tomatoes outside; check the variety of onions (Hercules) because my onion harvest gets worse year by year; and finally dig-in more compost.</p>
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<p>The flower tubs dotted around the house are changed a few times a year to keep them fresh and looking attractive. I'm pleased with the way they look at the moment.</p>
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<p>The corner plot is my garden nemesis because it rarely looks attractive however it is improving and with Helene's help I've got on top of the weeds and started to move things around to fill the gaps.</p>
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<p>It is an area shaded by the mature Ash, Horse Chestnut, Lime trees and the recently planted Alder. The trees also suck out the moisture from the soil.</p>
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<p>All of the trees in my garden have TPOs (Tree protection order) which means I have to apply for planning permission before I can do anything to them. The Ash tree on the left and the Beech tree on the right have not been looking good for several years. The Beech is definitely diseased whereas the Ash doesn't have enough leaves on it to sustain it. </p>
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<p>I've now been granted permission to have them felled which is likely to take place at the end of October. I will have to replace them and will probably choose a couple of small Hornbeams.</p>
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