GrowSmart Calendar - December

Officially the first of the summer months. Soil is drying out, it's hot and the weather's more stable. Make sure mulching is completed to reduce the need for watering. Some watering may be required now for quickly growing summer crops.

Succession plantings of all summer veges can take place, to continue harvest throughout autumn. See October for plant and sow list here. Early broccoli and cauliflower can be sown for cool season harvest.

Plant of the month - Sweetcorn

These plants like plenty of food in the form of previously well dug in compost and well rotted manure or organic fertiliser. Sow in blocks rather than rows to encourage pollination, Protect germinating seedlings from snails. Sow succesive blocks when the previous plants are around 20cm tall. These plants need regular watering and to be kept mulched to maintain quick growth and fat juicy cobs.

Quick boil cobs in a large saucepan or cut into pieces and put on the BBQ. The kernels are delicious added to all sorts of dishes for a bit of variety.