The Preserver's Year

Possession

I am thinking about planting a plum tree in our garden. Does anyone know where is a good place to buy one at a reasonable price, and how long it would take before fruiting?

Sunnyday

I recieved one for a Christmas pressie two years ago

I've searched high and low for the email to check where it was from but i must have deleted it - sorry

IIRC its a dwarf variety and will fruit in the 3rd or 4th year so hopefully next year for plums if we're lucky.

I was going to keep it in a huge pot but in the end i gave in and planted it in the ground and it looks very happy indeed.

Sorry to be a bit vague - i'll have a hunt around and if i find the delivery note i'll post the details.

SD

Possession

Thanks SD that's very helpful.
I am far from green-fingered so a bit nervous but I have a little bit of space (and I do mean little!) and have always wanted a fruit tree or two. The space certainly isn't in full sun all the time though, will have to look up if that matters for a plum.

Sunnyday wrote: »

I recieved one for a Christmas pressie two years ago

I've searched high and low for the email to check where it was from but i must have deleted it - sorry

IIRC its a dwarf variety and will fruit in the 3rd or 4th year so hopefully next year for plums if we're lucky.

I was going to keep it in a huge pot but in the end i gave in and planted it in the ground and it looks very happy indeed.

Sorry to be a bit vague - i'll have a hunt around and if i find the delivery note i'll post the details.

SD

Sunnyday

Possession wrote: »

Thanks SD that's very helpful.
I am far from green-fingered so a bit nervous but I have a little bit of space (and I do mean little!) and have always wanted a fruit tree or two. The space certainly isn't in full sun all the time though, will have to look up if that matters for a plum.

My garden is small and overcrowded as i try to grow as much as i can - not always successfully lol

I plonked the plum in a corner that has a fence on two sides and is open on the other two, it gets the afternoon sun but is shaded in the mornings, its next to a washing pole and if it needs it i can fasten it to it for some support. IIRC it was supposed to be staked but seems fine as it is

SD

EDIT - I'm not 100% as i still can't find the original details but i think mine is this one.

Possession

Thankyou I'm bookmarking that and will ask for it for xmas (or an IOU for it!)

Sunnyday wrote: »

My garden is small and overcrowded as i try to grow as much as i can - not always successfully lol

I plonked the plum in a corner that has a fence on two sides and is open on the other two, it gets the afternoon sun but is shaded in the mornings, its next to a washing pole and if it needs it i can fasten it to it for some support. IIRC it was supposed to be staked but seems fine as it is

SD

EDIT - I'm not 100% as i still can't find the original details but i think mine is this one.

jumblejack

Help needed.

I made cherry jelly that is setting too hard:eek:

It is still very hot in the jar but is getting very solid.

Is there anything I can do with it! I feel like I'm going to end up with a lump of cherry boiled sweet!

:eek:

My rose petal jelly worked like a dream. I think I need a thermometer for future attempts

Floss

Well, my kitchen has been a jelly factory for the past 24 hours....I made a big batch of liquid with 3.5kg of bramleys and 3 lemons, then left it to strain overnight. Then I shared it into 4 pans, with the sugar & set it to boil while I chopped up last summers chillies that had been dried, mint, sage and pulled rosemary leaves off the stems. Then I added one flavour to each pan, simmered for 20 minutes, turned off the heat & let it stand and then poured it into my jars (of varying sizes!). I now have 2 BIG jars of chilli jelly, 7 of rosemary, 5 of sage and 8 of mint

Sunnyday

jumblejack wrote: »

Help needed.

I made cherry jelly that is setting too hard:eek:

It is still very hot in the jar but is getting very solid.

Is there anything I can do with it! I feel like I'm going to end up with a lump of cherry boiled sweet!

:eek:

My rose petal jelly worked like a dream. I think I need a thermometer for future attempts

A couple of years ago i made strawberry jam that ended up like concrete I nuked it n the microwave for a few seconds before using it - just enough to allow a knife to pass through it, if you don't have a microwave stand the jar in a bowl of hot water to loosen it up.
It will still taste great but be a bu@@er to get out of the jar

SD

Stillstruggling

For the First time ever i have just made Mixed Berry Jam....fingers crossed that when it is opened up it tastes ok.
I put slightly less sugar in than recipe stated but it still appears to be a little bit sweet.

Possession

Does anyone make pickled pears?
I fancy making this recipe for xmas hampers and I am wondering if it must be made in kilner jars or whether the big ragu type jars with lids would be OK.
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1302/pickled-pears