Garden produce

mink35

mink35 wrote:

I *think* my chard is coming up but not having grown it before I'm not sure :rolleyes: .

Okay so it was a weed!

Anyone tell me what they look like as seedlings so I know what I'm looking for...

huggermugger

Great thread.....

Allotments are a wonderful place to be; I spend most weekends down on mine with my son - fresh air, good friends, constructive exercise, it's (almost) free *and* you get veg as well! Not to mention the wine and BBQ's we have outside various people's sheds after a hard days graft. :beer: :party: We have recently taken to cooking Sunday morning bacon & eggs on a camping stove... you can find out more on including where to find one on :https://www.allotments-uk.com (and just so you know, most of our allotment holders are women & the old boys are liking it - or maybe just keeping quiet)

Potatoes: are divided into earlies, second earlies & maincrop (aka new and old). Earlies really should be chitted (sprouted) first but maincrop don't have to be. Still plenty of time to plant them.

VG book is the Vegetable Expert - cheap & comprehensive.

We have just been given a greenhouse - they are often in our local paper v. cheap if you collect. Most dismantle pretty easily and transport in an estate car; bit like big Meccano... so am looking forward to some more exotic veg - aubergines, peppers etc Even going to try melon. Foolhardy tho it may be - it's only 29p wasted.

Have found Instore a v. cheap place to buy garden bits - onion sets, netting, organic fertiliser etc all half price of Homebase. (instore mutated from Poundstretcher here)

Finally... v. good site https://www.organicgardening.com

As you may be able to tell - a subject close to my heart!

crana999

MrsMW wrote:

Curry-Queen. Definitely try some plants on your computer desk, I've resorted to moving the printer and have some tomatoes growing merrily by my side. I used to use all the window sills but I can't now because we have blinds.

Oo.. I didn't know they would grow OK inside. what variety do you need to grow etc? I too have no way to grow anything outside, just my windowsill.. which is a bit gloomy, but next year I'm going to be living in a lovely south-facing room :-)

mink35

my chard is definitely coming up now!

Debt_Free_Chick

mink35 wrote:

my chard is definitely coming up now!

Watch it - the birds will have it! Can you cover it with a plastic cloche or garden fleece? Even a fine net will do. Blasted birds had every single one of mine last year so I have erected some major defences this year

Galtizz

Loads of my tomato plants came up yesterday :j and 1 courgette plant and the other one is just poking his little head through. They are in a seed tray. When should I move them to individual pots, or should I leave them in the seed trays for a bit? They are about 1/2 inch tall already, I can't believe they are growing so quickly.

Can't you tell I've never done any proper gardening (from seeds). I'm becoming a big fan though and I'm off out at the weekend to buy some more seeds and some potatoes (they'll be no room in my little garden soon)

mink35

Debt_Free_Chick wrote:

Watch it - the birds will have it! Can you cover it with a plastic cloche or garden fleece? Even a fine net will do. Blasted birds had every single one of mine last year so I have erected some major defences this year

Got all of the above! Will cover tomorrow as it's p'ing down at the moment! Didn't know birds would grab it - mind you we don't get many birds around here cos there's far too many cats!

Loadsabob

I wondered whether anyone already does, or has considered saving seed from their homegrown crops?

I haven't, but will be starting to this year with tomatoes and beans.

I have found some instructions on saving seed from your tomatoes here . Bear in mind that you won't need to use many tomatoes if you're just saving for your own use. It means that you can select seed from the fruits you like best, and get their characteristics again next year.

SO - absolutely back to basics, as once you've started, you won't have to rely on the seed companies year on year! It also means you can save favourite varieties that may be deleted by the seed companies in future years. Also, year on year, your saved seed is supposed to produce plants that have adapted to the unique conditions of your own garden, so I have heard tales of peoples' crops from saved seeds improving year on year!

Be warned that F1 hybrid varieties will not be suitable; their seed won't come true. They're the seeds that big companies seem to favour, as they ensure we have to buy them from them every year !

Some plants are much more complicated to get seed from, so I'm starting with tomatoes, and beans (even easier)...if they turn out okay!

A google search should turn up some further info, and there are some in-depth books on the subject if you get hugely drawn into it...as I am sure I will!

MrsMW

I'm so excited, I've got a baby fig on my tree. It's a very small tree I bought last year and I have it in a pot against a south facing wall as recommended by Monty Don. There's only 6 leaves on but that's enough for a fancy dress costume for myself and hubby.

pandas66

whoooooooooo

You did say baby fig leaves.......for hubby? awwwwwww