Patrick's Polytunnel

               Tomato disaster at Cae'r Delyn! A fast-growing mould has attacked leaves,stems and then fruits. Within two weeks most of my plants have had to be removed, with about  1 in six surving - and healthy  - for now ! Only once before - about 10 years ago have I seen this disease.                Where I have cleared the ground- and in every vacant space - I am watering thoroughly.I shall now sow some small leafy crops for winter use. Lettuce (4 kinds) pak choi, tatsoi, spinach (annual and perpetual) and chard, also mustard, rocket , cress---and radish will all germinate quickly. Use the warmth in the soil and this year's late ration of sunlight to give interesting, fresh, green eating and will wait in the ground for months.                Dare to think of next year and sow a few calabrese seed - with March and April in mind. Some cabbage varieties - Hispi, Spring Hero and Winter Jewel - can reward, next spring, a September or October sowing. Tomato taste! Standard

I'm giving tomato plants lots of care and attention and aiming for good picking in October. Generous feeding now will keep growth strong for a while, and supply the developing fruits. All growing points above head-height are stopped, and all side-shoots above waist height are removed. But one low strong side-shoot on each plant can grow and bear two or three trusses, each shortened to leave the best flowers. Damaged or diseased leaves are removed - but I try to do all cutting when the air is dry, in the hope that mildew spores will fail to establish. Sowing carrots now is a gamble as are beetroot. I'll chance a sowing of 'mange-tout' peas, which could cheer up late October or even November. Lettuce sown now can do well, though firm hearts may not form. Four or five different varieities can mature successively and may well mature into December. Spinach and chard sown now will supply during the shortest days