Growing Gherkins at Home: Tips and Tricks from Monty Don
As a pickling enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to grow my favorite ingredients at home. Recently, I stumbled upon Monty Don’s expert advice on growing gherkins, and I was inspired to share my own experience with you.
Gherkins: The Small but Mighty Cucumber
Gherkins are essentially small cucumbers with warty skins, perfect for pickling. Monty Don, a renowned gardening expert, loves pickled gherkins and hopes to grow a lot of them from just one plant. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a crunchy, tangy snack right from their own backyard?
Rich Compost for a Bountiful Harvest
To grow gherkins, you’ll need rich compost. Monty recommends mixing peat-free compost with sifted garden compost and a bit of grit for drainage. But here’s a surprising tip: don’t put the rich compost straight into the pot. Instead, add a layer of neat garden compost at the bottom. This will act as a sponge, holding moisture for the gherkins, which love lots of water.
Supporting Your Gherkin Plant
Gherkin plants can grow up to six feet tall, so you’ll need to provide support. Monty suggests using three six-foot canes tied at the top to train the gherkin up. As the plant grows, it will attach itself to the canes with its tendrils, and you’ll be harvesting those delicious little fruits in no time.
Heat and Water: The Key to Success
Gherkins love heat, so if you have a greenhouse, use it! If not, don’t worry – you can still grow them outside. Just remember to keep the soil well-watered. The more water, the better, really. With proper care, you can expect to harvest your gherkins in about two to three weeks.
Gherkin plant supported by canes
Tips and Tricks from Monty Don
- Use a rich potting mix with peat-free compost, sifted garden compost, and grit for drainage.
- Add a layer of neat garden compost at the bottom of the pot to act as a sponge.
- Provide support for the gherkin plant using three six-foot canes tied at the top.
- Keep the soil well-watered, as gherkins love lots of water.
- Harvest your gherkins regularly to encourage the plant to produce more.
With these simple tips and a bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying your homegrown gherkins in no time. Happy gardening!
