FLORENCE FENNEL

 

Soil Preparation 

• In early September, start preparing the soil of your raised bed or plot by pulling up weeds and any dead old plants.
• Give it a dig over and break up any big clumps of soil and remove stones. (If your soil is heavy or sticky clay, go here)
• Mix in sheep manure or compost mix to give the soil a boost in nutrients. 

 

Planting the Seed

• In later September, create a shallow trench, 3cm deep
• Place 3 seeds together every 20cm apart along the trench, giving 30cm between rows.
• Water seeds morning and night every day for 10 days. After that, water just to keep the soil moist or daily during dry spells. 
• Seedlings will emerge in 7-10 days

 

More Tips

• Fennel can grow up to 50cm high so choose a spot with plenty of space and lots of sunshine!
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Once the fennel is 10cm tall, thin the rows and leave the strongest seedling at each position.
• Fennel bulbs can be harvested at any size, with the smallest being most tender.