Vegetables

Not a true spinach, New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia expansa) is invaluable for gardens that dry out in late summer.

Allow 60cm between each plant and sow in groups of two or three seeds, thinning later. This plant prefers a hot, dry, sunny situation. Growth is rapid and, when plants begin to spread, the growing tips should be nipped out so lots of leafy shoot tips will grow. Cut these frequently and always cook before eating.

Celery can be planted during the next three or four weeks. The old method of digging a trench and filling it with compost or manure mixed with soil before planting has much to recommend it, but celery will grow well in any good soil. Keep the plants well watered to prevent them running to seed.

Outdoor cucumbers need rich, moist soil. Raised beds are best if the soil is heavy. This does not need to be sophisticated. Make a flattopped heap, starting with a couple of sacks of horse manure to a depth of 15cm to 20cm, then wellrotted lawn clippings or compost and a layer of soil. A heap about 30cm high is sufficient.

Sow seeds in groups of three at 60cm intervals along the middle of the bed. Covering with a minicloche — a plastic softdrink bottle with the top removed is ideal — will speed germination and shelter seedlings from cold winds. Once they are growing, remove the covers and control growth of side shoots by cutting them off, one leaf beyond a fruit.

Cucumber plants need regular watering. After rain, feed fruiting plants with weak liquid manure.

Gardens benefit from regular hoeing, especially as ground starts to dry after heavy rain at this time of year. Stirring soil thoroughly allows air and sun to enter and keeps weeds down. It also reduces the amount of water required, as the loose soil acts as mulch, reducing evaporation of moisture in the soil.