In the garden this week: Mulches and carrots

Much of a mulchness Who knows which way the weather will go this summer, but a mulch seals in moisture if it's hot and dry, and keeps down weeds if it's wet, so it's win-win. Apply at least a couple of inches of composted wood chips or rough compost after the ground has had a good soaking, to keep annual weeds at bay. Leave rougher areas unmulched: the decline in solitary bees has been blamed on their inability to find holes in the ground in mulched garden borders. A roasting winter Sow carrots now for roots to steam and roast through autumn and winter. Choose a variety that is big, robust and suited to overwintering, such as 'Autumn King 2' or 'Artemis' (from Nicky's Nursery ). Sow thinly; the deeper and better prepared the soil, the longer and more impressive the carrots. Thin out to leave enough space for each root to develop, and eat the thinnings.