Hello from Northumberland

[Chickbob]

Hello - joined a few forums in the hope of discovering local knowledge on what varieties thrive oop North. Originally from Nottinghamshire but started growing veg in London 2005. Moved to Northumberland 2008 and have had no luck with either sweetcorn, chillies or squashes - despite growing lush beautiful plants with healthy foliage...just no fruits for my labour so to speak.

ANy help from any fellow gardeners North of Newcastle south of Berwick appreciated.

Thanks.

[Husker]

Hi Chickbob, and welcome to a great gardening site.

[airconednightmare]

hey and welcome, you have come to the right place for advice

squash and sweetcorn can be grown that far north outside, i've managed it in scotland whereas chillies will need some protection

if you have some pictures of the plants that will help folk to help you?

[stupo74]

Hi Chickbob,
"Welcome" to the forum Glad to have you onboard
cheers stupo.

[Thomas W]

Welcome Chickbob!

Originally Posted by Chickbob

... Moved to Northumberland 2008 and have had no luck with either sweetcorn, chillies or squashes - despite growing lush beautiful plants with healthy foliage...just no fruits for my labour so to speak ...

Usually I get very good results with squashes and I'm 100 km to the north of you (although in Denmark). I have had problems with rotting fruit but I believe that was because of too much water late at night instead of early in the morning. Nothing special about my soil for squashes - just the same as the rest of the garden.
Sweetcorn... I have almost given up on those . I think it's important to start the plants indoors to give them a head-start due to the low amount of sun and heat. At least when you do small scale - there are lots of corn fields around here every year with high yield. Hmm.

Originally Posted by airconednightmare

... squash and sweetcorn can be grown that far north outside, i've managed it in scotland whereas chillies will need some protection ...

Yes - it's a good idea to grow chillies in a greenhouse. It can be done beneath a fenced off south-facing wall too.