Preparedness for when

Frugalsod

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

Checking - so you'd use a food processor, rather than a Vitamix then? As I have the choice of which to use - errrm...has to admit to not having ever used my food processor yet...ahem:o

Do you have the link to that infographic?

I cannot find the infographic. After trying both the food processor is probably the better option. Todays batch is far smoother, which makes spreading easier. You do not need much groundnut oil to lubricate it, and you could probably go without. You will need a flexible spatula to get it all out as well.

alfsmum

MtSM if it's any help, we use the Vitamix for peanut butter making and don't add any oil or anything else come to that. It isn't that difficult to get out of the machine either! Just pour the nuts in and pulse, tamping occasionally, until you reach the desired consistency.

moneyistooshorttomention

Looks like its get earplugs at the ready and experiment with both then. Just joking re earplugs for the Vitamix - though I do walk out of the room when its going, courtesy of it being so loud (reminded of that yesterday - when I used it for making some sweet potato brownies - yep...you probably recognise the cookbook that came from then...they were nice...).

GreyQueen

Morning all.

MTSTM, if you think you have/ may have intruders onto your garden, areas of cleared and regularly-raked soil (or as we call 'em in the trade 'sand traps') are invaluable. The side of my shed with the window and the rear of the shed are normally maintained thusly, as we frequently have villains around robbing our sheds, and it's interesting to see who has been about and the Polis have even been up to photo the footprints.

Presently, due to being very busy with other parts of the allotment which are actually growing veg, these areas have been let go, and the nettles and brambles from the derelict plots over the back have intruded into the 3ft gap around the shed. Whilst these have excellent villian-repelling quantities, they cannot be left as they will prevent the wood-treatment process and the stuff around the bottom of the shed needs to be removed so I can access my second water butt. A chore for another day, as I was weeding last night for an hour before going to friends and it's archery tonight.

Like thriftwzard, I have experienced plants eaten down to nubbins or completely disappearing overnight and the culprits were snails and slugs. I've also has birds uproot things. I have long term plans for a pedestal bird-bath as this can be used by them for drinking (too many cats, particularly the Grey Ghost, a lithe and dangerous-looking hunting tom, for me to want to have a pan of water on the ground for them). Sometimes, birds are after moisture when they attack your greenery.

Oh, and Wilk0 have a 3- for 2 deal on their own brand veggie seeds, which meant my 3 pkts of beetroot cost £1.60 this week, if anyone's after seeds and has one of these stores available.

happydays89

Our poly tunnel is like a jungle,all the toms,peppers and strawberries are going wild.This is the first year we have had very little damage from slugs,they usually eat everything.This year we have discovered we have a FROG living in the tunnel so this might be the reason for very little slug damage.

thriftwizard

Frogs, toads & hedgehogs are all great allies in the anti-mollusc war. We've had some success with beer traps too, this spring; excellent for catching the young ones, who apparently do the worst damage. happydays89, I envy you that polytunnel! I soooo want to live somewhere with room for one, and a small orchard... dreaming on!

moneyistooshorttomention

There must be frogs somewhere in the vicinity - as I recently spotted a tiny one hopping across a pavement in front of me nearby (a pavement by one of the more-used roads at that).

I know very little re frogs - do I have to have a pond here to attract them? or are there other ways/settings they would be happy with?

alfsmum

MTSM I know what you mean about the Vitamix - I shall be making some tomato and pepper soup later - and shutting the door on it! It is great for soups though and helps me use up lots of odds and ends.

Interesting to read that you like the sweet potato brownies - I have seen views at both ends of the spectrum and wasn't sure whether to try them as I hate wasting ingredients.

alfsmum

As regards plants being eaten, I collect bags of the free coffee grounds when I am passing our local Waitr@se and scatter these around tender plants - it seems to help keep the bugs off and is good for the soil. If you don't have a handy Waitr@se, some independent shops are happy to get rid of the grounds too.

Karmacat

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

There must be frogs somewhere in the vicinity - as I recently spotted a tiny one hopping across a pavement in front of me nearby (a pavement by one of the more-used roads at that).

I know very little re frogs - do I have to have a pond here to attract them? or are there other ways/settings they would be happy with?

I have quite a large frog living in my garden - no pond here, and I don't even know where the nearest pond is! So they don't absolutely **need** water - but I do have a two foot diameter plant saucer full of water out there, sort of an imitation bird bath.