If push comes to shove...?

valk_scot

Lotus-eater wrote: »

You do what you are happy with and I'd never chastise someone for doing what they wanted, I just like to give the other side as well, so people know both ways of looking at it.

I absolutely agree! If it works for you, don't change it.

I did work for the Scottish Dept of Agriculture for some years in their Seed Potato Scheme however, so I know a bit about potato diseases and their life cycles. I probably know a bit too much about them for the average gardener tbh, and that's what makes me extra cautious.

cootambear

I am a fan of sci fi, particularily post apocalyptic novels, believe it or not!
One of my favourites is this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Grass-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141190175

without spoiling too much, it deals with the effects of a virus that infects all grain crops. It is a gripping novel. As I said before, I think the chances of world wide famine are vanishingly small, akin to worrying about that other sci fi stalwart, aggressive alien invasion.

But I do think the novel debunks the one of the postulated outcomes of such a world famine, a `return` to the mythical `rural idyll`. (darling buds of may, the good life being recent examples).

Its a classic book, if you buy it you won`t be disappointed.

RAS

valk_scot wrote: »

I grow Bocking 14...I've had it for 10 years and I've had one single plant grow outside the bed, far enough away to make me think it was self seeded. Almost sterile, I think.

I would agree with the almost, as I either have some self-seeded plants or very small sections have rooted randomly.

Given the new EU rules, not sure about putting this, but the other great thing with comfrey is that it is brilliant on sprains. Twice I have done the same ankle badly (absolutely black) and the first time the Dr was convinced it was broken. Wrapping it in bandages soaked in comfrey "tea" enabled me to get on my feet and walk.

I now always use it in these situations.

Sally_A

@ r.a.i.n.b.o.w and quantities to grow - The Vegetable Expert by D G Hessayon gives a guide on yield per plant.

I've also started off Quantities to Grow against certain veg on another forum - here's a cut and paste of Runner Beans.

Quantities to Grow: Runner Beans

by Sally A » 28 Oct 2010, 12:16
Impossible to answer Depends on how much you like them, but even then with a good harvest, you will get "beaned out".

To feed 3 or 4 people, I tend to aim for 30 plants. I'll sow 36, and hope for a minimum of 24. This will give me a huge pile with Sunday Lunch, some for midweek, and spares too.

So 7 or 8 plants per person.

These do need to be picked every other day at least when they are in full swing - they will keep in the fridge, and are freezable.

I find the preparation tedious, but still grow them as their taste is fab. If you can't be faffed with the slicing - maybe go for French Beans.

Will PM you the link to the forum if you like.

r.a.i.n.b.o.w

Sally_A wrote: »

@ r.a.i.n.b.o.w and quantities to grow - The Vegetable Expert by D G Hessayon gives a guide on yield per plant.

I've also started off Quantities to Grow against certain veg on another forum - here's a cut and paste of Runner Beans.

Quantities to Grow: Runner Beans

by Sally A » 28 Oct 2010, 12:16
Impossible to answer Depends on how much you like them, but even then with a good harvest, you will get "beaned out".

To feed 3 or 4 people, I tend to aim for 30 plants. I'll sow 36, and hope for a minimum of 24. This will give me a huge pile with Sunday Lunch, some for midweek, and spares too.

So 7 or 8 plants per person.

These do need to be picked every other day at least when they are in full swing - they will keep in the fridge, and are freezable.

I find the preparation tedious, but still grow them as their taste is fab. If you can't be faffed with the slicing - maybe go for French Beans.

Will PM you the link to the forum if you like.

Ooh, yes please :j

ETA - you've got the link in this post via the blue text

RAS

I actually grow fewer runners, as I do not have the time to process a lot of stuff when they are in full production. I read somewhere 2-3 plants per person, and find that 3 plants gives me enough to offer a few to neighboors and 4 is too much even for that. Given that I pick them very small be "normal" standards - mainly about 8 inches/20 cms - you will find that 7-8 plants gives you a lot for the freezer.

Sally_A

Oops when I hovered over the blue writing when posting it didn't link.

Hope I've not broken a forum commandment:A

RAS

Sally_A wrote: »

Oops when I hovered over the blue writing when posting it didn't link.

Hope I've not broken a forum commandment:A

That is absolutely fine Sally. Actually it is regarded as better than copying the previous post if it was on another forum; to do with copyright belonging to the other forum.

[Deleted User]

I was intending to grow 4 runners so that is reassuring. I need to work out more quantities so that I don`t have far too many plants, in any case I`ll be using the same packs of seeds for years to come

RAS

kittie

Look up books by mel bartholomew - Square foot Gardening and Jeavons, how to grow more vegetables than...

There is a basic leaflet on numbers in square feet here http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/growyourown/Activities/A59.pdf