As promised here is the detail from the Suttons My Garden Diary for April 1914. Most of the vegetable and flower seeds can still be found on our website although perhaps not the exact same varieties. There are however 2 varieties still available today – Runner Bean Prizewinner and Turnip Snowball. Their longevity is down to their quality so in this centenary year why not give them a try?
My Garden Diary – Reminders for April 1914
The garden during this month teems with interest, and it will tax the energies of the most enthusiastic horticulturist to prevent seedlings from starving in pans or boxes. Crowding, especially in the early stage of growth, can only end in disaster.
Follow on with further sowings of Peas, selecting the rich-flavoured handsome varieties of the medium and main crop sections, of which Sutton’s Centenary and Exhibition are types.
With judgment, tender vegetables may now be entrusted to the open ground. On warm borders sow Sutton’s Globe and Blood Red Beet; Superlative and Magnum Bonum Dwarf Beans; late in the month a few rows of Sutton’s Prizewinner Runner Bean. Sow Vegetable Marrows, three seeds in each pot, for planting out in May. Plant out Cauliflowers.
Sow more Celery in warm moist soil; Cabbages, such as Sutton’s All Heart and Favourite; Endive for transplanting to rich soil; flavouring and medicinal Herbs, including Dandelion; Leek, Lettuces, and Onions again; Melon and Tomato for succession; Salsify, Scorzonera, Spinach, and Spinach Beet; Snowball Turnip; and it is now time to get in Sutton’s Late Queen and Satisfaction Broccoli together with Kales and Savoys. Sow Couve Tronchuda, and allow two feet when planted out. Parsley to be thinned while quite small. Plant out Onions which were sown under glass in January.
Towards the end of the month sow Early Gem Carrot as a forward crop and New Red Intermediate for main supply. Plant out Leeks sown under glass in January.
Sow Asparagus seed in drills, and thin early; and plant new beds. Sow Cardoons in pots for planting out in May; sow Globe Artichokes and put in plants at end of month. Plant Sea Kale to ensure forcing roots in autumn, first cutting off the head and subsequently removing all the eyes but one.
Planting of Potatoes to be finished; mound up and protect those which are showing their tops.
Complete the sowing of all kinds of Hardy Annuals, and thin fearlessly in the young stage. Half-hardy Flowers from former sowings to be prepared for transfer to the open. Aster, Stock, Balsam, and many other subjects to be sown for the first time, or in succession to ensure a prolonged display. Cineraria for an early show, Carnation in variety, and the chief sowing of Sutton’s Primula. Plant Gladioli, putting a little sand at the base of each bulb.
In this month and in May, sow both Tall and Dwarf Nasturtiums, including the climbing Tropaeolum canariense.
Early in this month ground prepared for lawns should be sown. After covering the seed with fine soil roll down and keep birds off.
MONTHLY NOTES
1. Fox hunting ends. Last day for holding Annual Parish Meeting.
3. Moon – First Quarter, 7.42 p.m.
6. Quarter Sessions held this week.
7. Old Lady Day.
9. Lady Day Insurances must be paid.
10. Good Friday. Full Moon 1.28 p.m.
12. Easter Sunday.
13. Bank Holiday.
15. Parish Councils to hold their Annual Meeting on or within seven days after this date. New Guardians enter office.
17. Moon – Last Quarter, 7.52 a.m.
23. St. George’s Day.
25. New Moon, 11.22 a.m.
Barometer, 29’752 in.
Rainfall, 1’58 in
Temperature, 47’4 deg. Fahr.
Published By Sutton & Sons, Reading
