Growing Calendar

Name: Riverside Garden Centre
Address: Clift House Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1RX
Telephone: 0117 966 7535

Plant Type	Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
TIPS × Asparagus - crowns Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Ensure that you buy good quality crowns from a reputable supplier Planting Advice The ground where the crowns are to be planted must be weed-free with no trace of pernicious roots such as Bindweed. Plant crowns 15cm deep/15cm apart on a ridge of rich compost inside a flat trench. Earth up the shoots until the trench is filled Tips Wait until the plants are three years old before harvesting your first crop to avoid weakening the plant/s. Your patience will be rewarded! Allow the foliage to turn yellow in autumn before cutting down What's Needed Rich compost for planting and an annual mulch of well-rotted manure Close Asparagus - crowns
TIPS × Asparagus - seed Ease of Growing - Difficult Planting Advice Sow seeds 5cm deep/2cm apart. Tips Asparagus is much easier to grow using crowns Close Asparagus - seed
TIPS × Aubergines Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Need consistent warmth - 18 to 21C - to germinate Planting Advice Sow seeds 1cm deep/2.5cm apart Tips Best grown under glass - in a large pot or growbag. Pinch out tips when plants are 30cm tall to encourage strong growth and stake. Feed well when the first fruits show What's Needed Propagator; 30cm pots or growbags and compost Close Aubergines
TIPS × Beans - Broad Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Broad Beans germinate readily, but sow a few extra beans to fill in gaps Planting Advice Sow seeds 5cm deep/20cm apart in open ground, or 10 seeds to a large pot and transplant later. Sow in blocks rather than rows to aid self-support Tips Support over-wintered plants with canes against wind damage in spring. Protect young plants with fleece over wire mesh or similar if snow is threatened to avoid crushing of plants What's Needed 1.2m canes for support in exposed spots Close Beans - Broad
TIPS × Beans - French Ease of Growing - Easy Planting Advice Sow seeds 5cm deep/15cm apart in open ground, or 10 seeds to a large pot and transplant later. Plant beans in humus-rich soil Tips Climbing varieties will need supporting - see Runner Beans. Sow dwarf varieties in blocks to aid self-support. Pick young, tender beans on a regular basis to ensure a long cropping period What's Needed 2.4m canes and ties for climbing varieties. Rich compost Close Beans - French
TIPS × Beans - Runner Ease of Growing - Easy Planting Advice Sow seeds 5cm deep/20cm apart in open ground, or 10 seeds to a large pot and transplant later. Plant beans in humus-rich soil Tips Pick young, tender beans on a regular basis to ensure a long cropping period What's Needed 2.4m canes and ties. Rich compost Close Beans - Runner
TIPS × Beet - Leaf (Chard) Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Avoid sowing seed in cold, wet soil. Delay sowing until the soil is warmer Planting Advice Sow seeds 2.5cm deep/10cm apart. Can be sown in pots or modules under glass and transplanted Tips Much easier to grow than Spinach and just as tasty! One sowing produces plants which last can be harvested for many months. Young stems can also be steamed and used in a variety of dishes Close Beet - Leaf (Chard)
TIPS × Beetroot Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Avoid sowing seed in cold, wet soil. Delay sowing until the soil is warmer. Perfect for succession sowing to enjoy young, tender beets over a long period Planting Advice Sow seeds 1cm deep/5cm apart. Can be sown in pots or modules and transplanted Tips Thin plants as and when baby beet are ready to eat so as to allow larger beet to develop. Young leaves are great in salads Close Beetroot
TIPS × Broccoli (Calbrese) Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Germinates well in a seed bed, but use fresh compost/soil each year Planting Advice Sow seeds 1cm deep/15cm apart. Firm soil well around the roots and stem when planting out Tips Susceptible to pigeon damage in exposed sites so cover with netting What's Needed Netting and supports, such as canes Close Broccoli (Calbrese)
TIPS × Broccoli (Sprouting) Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Germinates well in a seed bed, but use fresh compost/soil each year Planting Advice Sow seeds 2cm deep/15cm apart. Firm soil well around the roots and stem when planting out Tips Very susceptible to pigeon damage in exposed sites so cover with netting. Occupies ground for a long time What's Needed 1.8m canes for support; netting Close Broccoli (Sprouting)
TIPS × Brussels Sprouts Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Germinates well in a seed bed, but use fresh compost/soil each year Planting Advice Sow seeds 1.5cm deep/15cm apart. Firm the soil well around young plants when planting out Tips Susceptible to pigeon damage in exposed sites so cover with netting. Stake mature plants in exposed positions. Remove lower leaves to encourage sprouts to develop What's Needed 1.8m canes or similar for support; netting Close Brussels Sprouts
TIPS × Cabbages Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Cabbage seed germinates well in a seed bed, but use fresh compost/soil each year Planting Advice Sow seeds 1.5cm deep/15cm apart. Water the young plants well before planting out and set in a hole with lowest leaves at soil level. Firm the soil well around roots and stem. Collars placed round the plants will deter Cabbage Root Fly Tips Susceptible to pigeon damage in exposed sites so cover with netting. Stake mature plants in exposed positions. Planting different varieties will ensure a crop of cabbages throughout the year What's Needed 1.8m canes or similar for support; netting Close Cabbages
TIPS × Carrots Ease of Growing - Medium Planting Advice Sow seeds 1cm deep/1cm apart. Thin plants late in the day and avoid crushing the foliage as the smell attracts carrot fly. Prefers sandy soil as stones cause 'forking' of roots Tips Covering with fine mesh helps to deter carrot fly. Weed on a regular basis as weeds will crowd out young carrots if left to grow. Carrots are ready for harvesting about 12-16 weeks after sowing. Pick when young for best flavour What's Needed Fine mesh such as 'Enviromesh' Close Carrots
TIPS × Cauliflowers Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Like all brassicas, germinates well in a seed bed, but use fresh compost/soil each year Planting Advice Sow seeds 1cm deep/15cm apart. Water the young plants well before planting out and set in a hole with lowest leaves at soil level. Firm soil well and water in Tips Susceptible to pigeon damage in exposed sites so cover with netting What's Needed 1.8m canes for support; netting Close Cauliflowers
TIPS × Celeriac Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Very fine seed so use sandy compost mixed with vermiculite. Prick out seedlings when barely large enough to handle Planting Advice Sow seeds 0.5cm deep/3cm apart Tips Plants need moisture retentive, humus-rich soil. As the plants mature, remove outer leaves as they droop to encourage the crown to develop Close Celeriac
TIPS × Celery Ease of Growing - Difficult Planting Advice Sow seeds 0.5cm deep/3cm apart. Young plants must be hardened off before planting out Tips Requires a lot of effort to get a good crop. Needs humus-rich soil which retains moisture. As stalks grow, earth up to blanch the stems or choose a self-blanching variety Close Celery
TIPS × Chicory Ease of Growing - Easy Planting Advice Sow seeds 1cm deep/2.5cm apart Tips Thin seedlings of forcing varieties to 15cm apart, thin non-forcing ones to 30cm, and 5cm apart if you wish to pick mini leaves Close Chicory
TIPS × Courgettes & Marrows Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Seeds require warmth to germinate successfully Planting Advice Sow seeds 2.5cm deep/10cm apart in compost-filled 'pockets'. Can also be grown successfully in a growbag. Hungry plants which like rich soil and space - allow 1m between plants in open ground Tips Water round - not over - the plant/s. Feed every 10-14 days with a high potash liquid fertiliser once the first fruits start to develop. Pick courgettes when young to encourage more fruits to develop What's Needed Heated propagator. Well-rotted manure Close Courgettes & Marrows
TIPS × Cucumbers - Indoor Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Need consistent warmth - 18C to 21C - to germinate Planting Advice Sow seeds 2.5cm deep/10cm apart Tips Pinch out growing tip when plants develop 6/7 leaves. Feed every 7 to 10 days with liquid fertiliser. As fruits develop, provide support with net What's Needed Propagator; canes and mesh for support Close Cucumbers - Indoor
TIPS × Cucumbers - Outdoor Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Need consistent warmth - 18C to 21C - to germinate Planting Advice Sow seeds 2.5cm deep/10cm apart Tips Dig plenty of humus-rich compost into the planting area and rake in organic fertiliser prior to sowing. Pinch out growing tip when plants develop 6/7 leaves. Allow plants to trial - or tie up to suitable supports What's Needed Propagator Close Cucumbers - Outdoor
TIPS × Fennel - Bulb or Florence Ease of Growing - Medium Planting Advice Sow seeds 1cm deep/3cm apart Tips Provide plenty of moisture throughout the growing season and mulch to conserve moisture. Earth up round the bulbs as they start to swell Close Fennel - Bulb or Florence
TIPS × Garlic Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Dislikes cold, water-logged soil Planting Advice Plant cloves 5cm deep/18cm apart. Dig in well-rotted manure prior to planting. Cover with fleece to deter birds. Tips Traditionally 'planted on the shortest day - harvested on the longest' Close Garlic
TIPS × Herbs Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Depends on variety Planting Advice Depends on variety Tips Can be grown outdoors or on a sunny window sill Close Herbs
TIPS × Jerusalem Artichokes Ease of Growing - Easy Planting Advice Plant tubers 15cm deep, 30cm apart in rich soil Tips Plants are tall and provide good screening if required What's Needed Canes for support in exposed spots Close Jerusalem Artichokes
TIPS × Kale Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice The seed germinates well in a seed bed, but use fresh compost/soil each year Planting Advice Sow seeds 2cm deep/15cm apart. Firm soil well around the roots and stem when planting out Tips Susceptible to pigeon damage in open sites so cover with netting What's Needed 1.8m canes for support; netting Close Kale
TIPS × Kohl Rabi Ease of Growing - Easy Planting Advice Sow seeds 0.5cm deep/15cm apart. Keep the plants weed free and the soil moist, especially during a drought Tips Cover young plants with mesh or fleece to protect against birds and cabbage root fly Close Kohl Rabi
TIPS × Leeks Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Early sowings can also be made in pots, under glass and transplanted. Leek seed germinates well in a seed bed, but use fresh compost/soil each year Planting Advice Sow seeds 1cm deep/5cm apart. Wait till young leeks are the thickness of a pencil - then plant out into 10cm deep holes and water in well Tips Trim both roots and top growth prior to planting out to encourage growth and deter leek moth What's Needed Dibber to make holes Close Leeks
TIPS × Lettuces Ease of Growing - Easy Planting Advice Sow seed as thinly as possible in small seed trays. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle. Perfect for succession sowing to enjoy a crop over a longer period Tips Use, rather than discard, the small lettuces removed when thinning out What's Needed Seed trays and covers Close Lettuces
TIPS × Onions - salad Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Seed can be grown under glass in small pots and the young plants transplanted in clumps. Perfect for succession sowing to ensure a good crop over a long period Planting Advice Sow seeds 1.5cm deep/1cm apart Tips Use young thinnings whole in salads Close Onions - salad
TIPS × Onions - sets Ease of Growing - Easy Planting Advice Plant with the tip just showing/15cm apart Tips Dislikes being planted in heavy, wet soil. Cover sets with mesh or fleece to deter birds which see the emerging young shoot and enjoy pulling the sets from the ground! Close Onions - sets
TIPS × Pak Choi Ease of Growing - Medium Planting Advice Sow seeds 2cm deep/5cm apart. Thin out to 7.5-10cm for baby leaves, 20cm for semi-mature plants and to 25-30cm for large plants.. Tips Water growing plants well to avoid running to seed (bolting). The thinnings can be eaten Close Pak Choi
TIPS × Parsnips Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Very slow to germinate. Ensure the soil is moist during this time - covering with fleece helps. Try 'chitting' seed on damp kitchen roll prior to planting. Planting Advice Sow 2.5cm deep/5cm apart. Do not attempt to transplant young plants as their roots will not develop Tips Use fresh seed each year. Close Parsnips
TIPS × Peas Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Seed can be grown early under glass in small pots and the young plants transplanted Planting Advice Sow seeds 3cm deep/10cm apart. Water well when the first flowers appear and mulch round the plants to retain moisture in the soil Tips Need support, protection from birds and regular picking to encourage heavy crops. Easiest varieties to grow are sugar snap and mange tout What's Needed Small twiggy branches make good supports for smaller varieties. Netting and supports, such as canes for protection from birds Close Peas
TIPS × Peppers & Chillies Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Need consistent warmth - 18 to 21C - to germinate Planting Advice Sow seeds 0.5cm deep/3cm apart Tips Best grown under glass - in a large pot or growbag. Pinch out tips when plants are 25cm tall to encourage strong growth and fruit buds What's Needed Propagator; 30cm pots or growbag and compost Close Peppers & Chillies
TIPS × Potatoes Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Store seed potatoes in a cool, well-lit spot to allow shoots to develop before planting ('chitting'). Cardboard egg trays are the perfect support for chitting potatoes Planting Advice Plant seed potatoes 15cm deep. Spacing between rows: 1st early varieties = 60cm; main crop = 75cm. Time the planting date so that the threat of frost has passed by the time the first shoots appear. Tips Draw soil up around new growth as it appears ('earthing up') to encourage more tubers to develop, as well as protecting the foliage from late frosts What's Needed Draw hoe or similar tool for earthing up Close Potatoes
TIPS × Radishes Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice One of the fastest germinating vegetables - sometimes sown in the same row as slow germinating varieties (eg parsnip) to act as a marker Planting Advice Sow seeds 0.5cm deep/1cm apart. Perfect for succession sowing to enjoy crops over a long period Tips Like all salad crops, sow on a regular basis throughout spring/summer to enjoy an ongoing supply. Pick and eat when young for best flavour and texture Close Radishes
TIPS × Salad Leaves & Rocket Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Like all salad crops, succession sowing will ensure a plentiful supply of tasty leaves throughout the year Planting Advice Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills and thin out as plants develop Tips Use, rather than discard, the small leaves removed when thinning out Close Salad Leaves & Rocket
TIPS × Shallots Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Can be grown from seed, but much easier to buy as sets for planting in early autumn or spring Planting Advice Plant sets with the tip just showing/15cm apart Tips Water during prolonged dry spells and pick out the flower spike Close Shallots
TIPS × Spinach Ease of Growing - Medium Planting Advice Sow seeds 2cm deep/5cm apart. Thin out plants to 7.5cm, then a few weeks later harvest every other plant Tips Seed can be grown under glass in small pots and transplanted. Runs to seed in dry conditions. Leaf Beet is a far easier to grow than Spinach and just as tasty! Close Spinach
TIPS × Squash & Pumpkins Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Needs constant warmth - 21 to 25C - to germinate Planting Advice Sow seeds 2.5cm deep/10cm apart Tips Pinch out tips of trailing varieties when plants are 60cm long and feed with tomato fertilizer to encourage larger fruits to develop. What's Needed Propagator; well-rotted manure Close Squash & Pumpkins
TIPS × Swedes Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Needs moisture-retentive soil to germinate successfully Planting Advice Sow seeds 2cm deep/10cm apart. Thin plants to 20cm apart Tips Keep seedlings and mature plants moist during dry spells to avoid splitting and corky growth Close Swedes
TIPS × Sweetcorn Ease of Growing - Easy Germination Advice Seed can be grown under glass in small pots and the young plants transplanted Planting Advice Sow seeds 1cm deep/10cm apart. Set plants in blocks, rather than rows, to aid self-support. Needs a sunny spot, sheltered from strong wind Tips Protect ripening cobs from rodents and birds Close Sweetcorn
TIPS × Tomatoes - Indoor Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Need consistent warmth - 18C to 21C - to germinate Planting Advice Sow seeds in small pots. Transplant when seedlings have developed a pair of leaves. Feed with tomato fertiliser when the first fruits form (the 'truss') Tips Best grown in growbags or large pots. Tie plants to tall canes or wind the stem round a well-anchored length of strong twine and pick out side shoots on a regular basis . Bush varieties can be allowed to trail. What's Needed Propagator; growbag/s or pots; 1.2m canes for support Close Tomatoes - Indoor
TIPS × Tomatoes - Outdoor Ease of Growing - Medium Germination Advice Need consistent warmth - 18 to 21C - to germinate Planting Advice Sow seeds in small pots. Transplant when seedlings have developed a pair of leaves. Plant in a sunny spot, ideally against a wall. Tomatoes do well in a growbag or large pot on a sunny patio Tips Feed with tomato fertiliser when first fruits form (the 'truss'). See Indoor Tomatoes for advice about support etc. Tomatoes, especially when grown outdoors, are very susceptible to blight What's Needed Propagator; 1.2m canes for support; growbag/s Close Tomatoes - Outdoor
TIPS × Turnips Ease of Growing - Easy Planting Advice Sow seeds 2cm deep/5cm apart. Thin out plants to 20cm and keep soil moist or roots will be small and woody Tips Best picked and eaten when young as larger turnips develop a bitter flavour. Water well during dry spells to avoid running to seed Close Turnips