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'This is the month of weeds
Kex, charlock, thistle . . .
Spurry, pimpernel, quitch . . .
Making for trouble.
This is the month of weeds.' |
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Before Roman holidays were popularised in
these islands August was Weodmonath—the month of weeds. Nature probably
realised that harvest would fully occupy man's attention at this time of the
year, and cunningly contrived for most of the wickedest weeds to shed their
seeds. The Romans just helped things along by encouraging everyone who was
not helping with the harvest, to sit in the sun—to take a holiday. And very
pleasant too—when these islands held but a handful of people, but holidays
are not for the gardeners in a population of 48 million people on an island
in a world short of food and short of ships to carry it. So—first of
all—keep the hoe going. What feeds a weed will feed a cabbage to feed you.
Even if there were no weeds there would still be plenty
to do in the garden, for this is the time of gathering the fruits of labour.
And careful harvesting is just as important as careful sowing and careful
growing. |
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Dwarf, French and runner beans require frequent
picking or they will grow tough and stringy. If you have more than you and
your friends can eat now, remember that they can be easily salted down for
winter use. Regular picking of runner beans helps to make a longer fruiting
season. But do not pick any beans from the plants you may have selected for
seed.
Pull and use early beet. If left in the ground too long
the roots will become woody and stringy. Any early-sown carrots that remain
should be used up quickly. Summer turnips are ready to use, and marrows and
tomatoes should be gathered as they ripen. Onions are important enough to
have a section to themselves (see page 4). |
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