St Cuthbert Hospice’s award-winning gardens span over 5½ acres and a team of 20 dedicated volunteer gardeners meticulously maintain them year-round, creating a perfect harmony of green shrubs, colourful flowers, trees, fruit, and trails to explore.
The Victorian Greenhouse and allotment are also filled with many growing plants, fruits, and vegetables. And let’s not forget about our busy honey bees tucked away in a hive on the edge of the gardens! Spring is the ideal time to plant seeds for a variety of produce, from juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweetcorn to peas, potatoes, and carrots.
Top Tips and Tricks:
Tomatoes
If you’re looking to grow Garden Pearls tomatoes, then March would be the best time. But don’t worry if you’re running a bit late, as tomatoes tend to flourish in warm weather and can quickly catch up.
Sweetcorn
Are you interested in growing sweetcorn? Consider planting in April for the best results. Grouping your corn plants together can encourage more efficient pollination and promote optimal growth.
Potatoes
For longer lasting potatoes, as they start to flower, make sure to give them a good water. It is also wise to cut the leaves down to about ground level too. This helps harden the skin and ensures the potatoes last longer.
Carrots
When it comes to avoiding carrot flies, there’s a simple trick that’s worth trying out. Place your carrots in elevated boxes that are at least 18 inches above the ground. According to popular belief, the carrot flies won’t be able to reach them.
At the Hospice, we strive for sustainability and are always on the lookout for new ways to help protect the planet. This year, some of the Christmas Trees we collected as part of our Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme were made into mulch to line flower and veg beds. An unusual and successful way to prevent weeds and it keeps the birds at bay!
We take pride in providing the freshest produce to the Catering Team for our patients and guests, but we also offer a way for the public to contribute. Drop by our Veg Shop, and for a small charitable donation, purchase some home-grown and locally sourced fruits and vegetables. The shop is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 11am-3pm. You’ll find it located to the left of the Victorian Greenhouse.
If you happen to stop by, please leave your thoughts and comments in our visitors’ book. We appreciate hearing from all of our guests
Save the date: National Garden Scheme Open Gardens Day 28th July 2024.
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