National Vegetable Society Meeting

National Vegetable Society

We had a great meeting tonight at our local District Association, usually we have a talk, often with a slideshow, on a specific topic. Tonight’s meeting was more general about growing vegetables with some interesting discussion about the pros and cons of organic gardening versus chemicals.

As our speaker, Mr D Hampsey , FNVS pointed out, even if you use chemicals on your vegetables you at least know what you have used. The commercial pressure on farmers forces many of them into using chemicals that may well be legal but are hardly good for you.

He was very much in favour of using Maxicrop a seaweed extract to promote growth and also mixing John Innes with peat based compost for final potting on of brassicas so that the roots don”t get too pampered before planting out.

Another tip – for sandy soils, add cow manure but for clay add horse. Our vegetables take a lot out of the ground and we need to give something back. The aim should be about twelve pounds of manure or good compost per square yard every four years to keep the soil fertile.

If you?re in our area, why not pop along to the meeting ? you don?t have to be a member. Full details on the website.