potatoes potatoes potatoes!

smithyjules

deannatrois - thats such a nice thing to hear. I was a Nursery Nurse before having my DD and have cared for a few younger children with varying degrees of ASD and really found that (and this goes for all children often) getting outside in the fresh air in a space that isn't bound by the usual rules and is relaxed and good fun is so soothing. It's also really rewarding for the children to see how productive their efforts are, and an ideal opportunity to thank then for their help when it may not usually be offered willingly.

Orange_King

I agree smithyjules - I too have a 14 yr old with behavioural probs (ADHD related) but he does help me quite a bit in the garden and is able to concentrate extremely well on some mundane tasks. Strange I know, but he must get some sense of satisfaction. Of course his favourite task is to gather in the goodies at the end of the season but it is worth it as the time he spends helping is time that would otherwise have been wasted or used to torment his younger brother.

smithyjules

Orange_King wrote: »

Of course his favourite task is to gather in the goodies at the end of the season but it is worth it as the time he spends helping is time that would otherwise have been wasted or used to torment his younger brother.

I hope the same goes with my DD and my DS (due for delivery anytime!!), fingers, toes and eyes crossed!

[Deleted User]

They had the big excitement of seeing the sweetcorn plants (which were very dry and I couldn't see them composting) go up in smoke today. Well worth the effort of collecting them (the pile was about 6ft by 6ft). It only took half an hour to burn tho lol, but they were both transfixed for that half an hour lol. Quietest I've known them for a long time ha ha!

smithyjules

Glad i started this thread am getting lots of tips for keeping the children entertained lol!!

forgotmyname

I have planted potato peelings and they grow fine.

They are doing really well, Only did it to see if it would actually get any potatoes.

I was watering them tonight & uncovered one, Didnt feel very big so i chuck a few
handfuls of compost in the bag, Green garden bags from £1 shop.

Noticed one plant didnt look very good, Starting to droop, I pulled it out & spotted tons
of ants.

I really hate ants, They seem to kill everything. Totally destroyed a rhubarb plant.

[Deleted User]

With me its slugs. I've weed control fabriced the beds in the front garden and I suspect the damp soil underneath is a breeding ground for slugs so I will be putting slug pellets under each length I take up when planting. I must say tho.., the fabric definitely controlls the weeds.., I hardly have to do any and it only takes a few minutes once or twice a season. Its a bit of a pain planting stuff tho.

soul619

forgotmyname wrote: »

I have planted potato peelings and they grow fine.

They are doing really well, Only did it to see if it would actually get any potatoes.

I was watering them tonight & uncovered one, Didnt feel very big so i chuck a few
handfuls of compost in the bag, Green garden bags from £1 shop.

Noticed one plant didnt look very good, Starting to droop, I pulled it out & spotted tons
of ants.

I really hate ants, They seem to kill everything. Totally destroyed a rhubarb plant.

i have ants everywere too! put some semolina down and i do seem to have less now

rosie383

If you are still looking for seed potatoes, it's worth having a look in the shops. I got some 1/2 price in Wilkos the other day and they were nicely chitted with strong little chits on them. I was very happy. They are now happily planted in my allotment ( well I was happy, not sure if the spuds were :rotfl:).

smithyjules

Rosie - will have to have a look out when i go into town tomorrow.

to all those with bug issues - i look forward to joining the club!:eek: So far we've only planted one row of potatoes as I can't do very much and Hubby works lots so we've yet to meet any critters!