P260 CEEFA( 260 Mon 13 Oct 21:13/13 1/4 :. ::. vvvvvvvvvvvvv(((((((((((((((((((((( By CJJFAX's gardening jxpjrt Felicity Brybn This Indian summer means there's lots of time to garden. So the bare soil looks rich and inviting. Don't take your soil for granted — work on it now. Organic humus like manure and compost adds essential nutrients that plants take out. It also improves soil texture so it can breath and act as a reservoir for plants. In sandy soil it retains water and stops nutrients being washed away. MoreP260 CEEFAX 260 Mon 13 Oct 21:24/28 2/4 :. ::. vvvvvvvvvvvvv(((((((((((((((((((((( By CEEFAX's gbrdjnjng expert Felicity Brybn Clay soil is murder to work — but it IS high in nutrients. Also, bjcausj of its texture it is difficult for plants to feed. A soil test kit will tell you how acid or alkaline your soil is. Some plants hate acid, peaty soils and others can't thrive in in alkaline chalky soils. Again, humus will improve the balance. Even in London manure is quite easy to conj bz — ask your neighbours for the names of regular suppliers who deliver. MoreP260 CEEFAX 260 Mon 13 Oct 21:12/05 3/4 :. ::. Q vvvvvvvvvvvvv(((((((((((((((((((((( By CJJFAX's gardjnjng ixpjrt Felicity Brybn Every garden should have at least one compost bin. If you start making a compost now you sould have a good supply for next spring. We built one of bricks with some gaps left for the compost to breathe. Wooden slats will do — or wire mesh around stakes — though these can dry out. Make it about 3ft square and 3ft high. Throw in mowings, kitchen scraps etc, aiming for a balanced mixture. (Avoid woody matter). Manure or Garotta will speed-up djcaz. MoreP260 CEEFAX 260 Mon 13 Oct 21:15/47 4/4 :. ::. vvvvvvvvvvvvv(((((((((((((((((((((( By CJEFAX's gardening expert Felicity Brybn TIPS FOR THE WEEK Try for some broad beans in early June bz planting now. In a bad winter you might lose them but with cloches to help they should do fine. Remove the lower leaves of Brussels Sprouts to avoid rot and let them breath. Dig up potatoes for storing. We are still picking runner beans. But in the next few weeks it's a good idea to take them down leaving roots in the soil to put back some nitrogen. More