24 June 2026 – WHGAA – Weekly Newsletter

Dear Member,

🌱 Plot Updates

This week I planted yet more runner beans — I sowed far too many, but still found the space! With that, the plot should be full… but of course it never quite works like that. A quick look around and suddenly the broad beans, peas and carrots are all ready to harvest. That means an evening of blanching and freezing once we get home.

🧺 Making Space & Planning Ahead

As the broad beans will soon be cleared, I’ve sown four large pots of carrots which will be planted out for a late harvest. The onions are also nearly ready, and once lifted, that area will take the squash, pumpkins and a few dwarf French beans.

🌿 What to Sow Now

This is the time of year to look closely at your plot and make the most of any space that’s about to open up. Good options to sow now include carrots, turnips, beetroot, fennel and spring onions.

🥕 What’s Gone Well

Last August I sowed Senshyu onion seeds — August is the only month you can sow them — and with a bit of winter care they’ve grown brilliantly and are now ready to harvest. In the raised beds I’ve got strong crops of carrots, beetroot and more onions, and the self‑blanching celery is coming on nicely too.

🐦 And What Hasn’t

We all have our challenges: parsnips failed to germinate twice, carrots were over‑sown, potatoes caught the frost, and a few peas were eaten by pigeons despite being netted. A quick adjustment solved it, but it’s all part of the learning curve.

🔍 Reviewing Your Plot

Take a moment to assess your own plot — what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what you might do differently next year. The same applies to your flower borders; some plants simply prefer certain positions.

🌾 Still Time to Sow

There’s still a good window to sow directly outdoors: carrots, parsnips and dwarf French beans. You can inter‑sow these between crops that will finish within four to six weeks. Parsnips are slow to emerge, so watering nearby lettuce helps keep the soil moist for their first roots.

💧 Watering Wisely

The best time to water in summer is early morning between 6am and 10am. If you miss that, after 6pm is the next best option. Cooler temperatures mean less evaporation and deeper water penetration. Potted plants may need watering twice a day in hot spells.

🎁 Plants for Sale

I have just one Squash ‘Hunter’ and one Squash ‘Crown Prince’ left. If you’d like either, please email me. Between the 1,500 plants I grew and the generous donations from members, we have raised £500 for Willen Hospice. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed.

🛍️ Round It Up

You can still support Willen Hospice by rounding up your purchase at the till. We also have a few limited‑edition tote bags left at £3.99, with £1 donated to the Hospice.