Red Lentil Pasta Primavera

Courgette

• Sow seeds directly after the last frost in full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
• Provide ample space, about 90cm between plants, as they grow into large bushes or vines.
• Ensure consistent watering, especially once fruits start to form, to prevent cracking.

Peas

• Plant seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in autumn in mild climates, in full sun.
• Provide a trellis or netting for climbing varieties to support their growth.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and pod development.

Asparagus

• Grow from one-year-old crowns planted in early spring in a permanent bed with full sun and excellent drainage.
• Prepare the bed deeply with plenty of compost, as asparagus can produce for 15-20 years.
• Refrain from harvesting any spears for the first two years to allow the plants to establish strong root systems.

Garlic

• Plant individual cloves, pointed end up, 5-7cm deep and 10-15cm apart in well-drained soil in autumn for a summer harvest.
• Ensure it receives full sun and consistent moisture, especially during bulb formation.
• Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring as growth resumes.

• Hand-pick squash bugs and their eggs from courgette leaves early in the morning.

• Use row covers to protect young pea and courgette plants from early season pests like aphids and cucumber beetles.

• Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphid populations on peas and courgettes.

• Set beer traps or use copper tape barriers to deter slugs and snails from young asparagus and pea shoots.

Courgette

• Pick courgettes when they are young and tender, typically 10-15cm long, for best flavour and texture.
• Harvest frequently to encourage more production; leaving large courgettes on the vine will slow new fruit development.
• Cut the stem cleanly with a knife rather than pulling, to avoid damaging the plant.

Peas

• Harvest shelling peas when pods are plump and bright green, but before they become tough or yellow.
• Pick snap peas and snow peas when pods are still tender and sweet, often before the peas inside are fully developed.
• Harvest regularly to encourage the plant to produce more pods over a longer season.

Asparagus

• In the third year after planting, begin harvesting spears when they are 15-20cm tall and about the thickness of a pencil.
• Snap off spears at ground level rather than cutting, to avoid damaging the crown.
• Stop harvesting when spear thickness significantly decreases, typically by early summer, to allow the plant to store energy for next year.

Garlic

• Harvest when the bottom third to half of the leaves have turned yellow and started to dry, but while several green leaves remain.
• Loosen the soil around the bulbs with a fork before gently pulling them out to avoid bruising.
• Cure garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-4 weeks before storing to improve its shelf life.