Expert help for vegetable growers (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Expert help for vegetable growers

2:50pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News

THOSE in search of the secrets of growing tasty vegetables are being offered the help of an expert.

Chris Baker, head gardener at Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, Richmond, is running a workshop to help people get the best from their vegetable garden - including those starting from scratch.

The workshop will be held in the hall on March 7 and participants will have an opportunity to look around the walled garden to see how the garden produce area is being developed at Kiplin.

Until 2010 the walled garden was laid to grass, but during the last two years, Chris and his team of volunteers have re-laid the paths, restored the dipping pool and brought the garden back to productivity.

Fruit trees, soft fruits, varieties of rhubarb, potatoes, asparagus and an abundance of other vegetables are now grown for use in the hall’s Tea Room and for sale.

Topics covered will include soil testing, planning your vegetable garden, planting for maximum efficiency and yield and when and how to plant.

The workshop takes place between 10am and 3pm and is limited to 25 places. Tickets are £15 per person. Coffee provided, but bring a packed lunch.

Participants should also bring drawing pencils, coloured pencils, a sketch pad, rubber, compass and ruler.

Telephone 01748-818178 or email info@kiplinhall.co.uk. Website www.kiplinhall.co.uk