Author: Jon Allbutt

THE TATSFIELD GARDENER IN SEPTEMBER The much reported ‘record’ high temperatures in July and August did not reflect our weather in Tatsfield. A lot of Tatsfield gardeners are asking me why their tomatoes are not ripening; my view is that with night time temperatures in single figures in August, disappointing levels of sunshine and only…

THE TATSFIELD GARDENER IN JULY-AUGUST As I write, we are now over 30 days without significant rainfall and the medium term forecast remains largely dry with only light showers possible. The lack of spring frosts has been good for fruit set with a good show of fruitlets on my Bramley and Howgate Wonder (huge apples!), but…

THE TATSFIELD GARDENER IN MAY After a long period of very wet and cold weather, the end of April saw our soggy soil start to dry out and the weather turned milder. The message for all Tatsfield gardeners is “Don’t panic!”, be patient. It may be a bit late but preparation for sowing and planting…

THE TATSFIELD GARDENER IN JUNE Although it has not been great weather for being out and about, it is excellent growing weather and the high rainfall will top up our reserves and bodes well for the summer months. This month should be drier and warmer, maybe even hot! My rainwater harvesting system – a pair…

THE TATSFIELD GARDENER IN APRIL There seems to be a pattern emerging for our local weather, the winter is starting later and the long term forecast for April suggests that the cold weather may come and go with brief periods of cold frosty weather in the first half of the month. Perhaps I am wrong…

THE TATSFIELD GARDENER IN MARCH As I write these notes (mid February) I have been watching bumble bees and butterflies in the garden drawn there by the lovely scent of my winter flowering shrubs mentioned in my last notes. I have noticed also that the pansies and violas are now making strong growth and lots…

THE TATSFIELD GARDENER IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY A happy new gardening year to all Tatsfield gardeners, I am sure we are all wondering what challenges await us! Do you remember our super Tatsfield in Bloom project Tatsfield is Buzzing that won us another gold medal in 2017? We planted a bed full of bee friendly pollinating perennial…

THE TATSFIELD GARDENER IN DECEMBER The rainfall in November has been a bit above average and will need to stay that way if we are to replenish our deep underground aquifers before next spring. Despite the rainfall, the percolation through the chalk into the aquifers will take many months. It is about this time that…