Beef & Hidden-Veg Bolognese Batch

Tomatoes

• Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outside after all danger of frost has passed.
• Plant in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Provide sturdy stakes or cages for support as plants grow and fruit develops.

Courgette

• Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, or start indoors 3-4 weeks prior for an earlier harvest.
• Plant in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of space, as plants can spread widely.
• Ensure consistent watering, especially once fruits begin to form, to prevent cracking and encourage growth.

Carrots

• Sow seeds directly into finely prepared, stone-free soil after the last frost or when soil can be worked.
• Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart to allow roots to develop properly and prevent overcrowding.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage straight roots and prevent splitting.

Oregano

• Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, as it thrives in drier conditions once established.
• Can be grown from seed, cuttings, or small plants, and is suitable for containers.
• Prune regularly by snipping sprigs to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody.

• Hand-pick larger pests like tomato hornworms or squash bugs and drop them into soapy water.

• Use row covers early in the season to protect young courgette and carrot plants from flying insects like cucumber beetles and carrot flies.

• Plant marigolds or other strong-smelling herbs nearby to deter various pests from carrots and other vegetables.

• Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to control aphid populations on tender new growth.

Tomatoes

• Harvest when fruits are fully coloured, firm, and easily detach from the vine with a slight twist.
• Pick regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit throughout the season.

Courgette

• Harvest when fruits are young and tender, typically 6-8 inches long, before they become seedy and tough.
• Check plants daily during peak season as courgettes grow very quickly and can become enormous overnight.

Carrots

• Gently loosen soil around the top of the root to check size; harvest when roots are a good usable diameter, usually 1 inch or more.
• Pull carefully to avoid breaking the taproot, and harvest before the soil gets too dry and hard.

Oregano

• Snip sprigs as needed once the plant is established, ideally before it flowers for the best flavour.
• Cut back up to a third of the plant at a time to promote new growth and maintain its shape.