THE Prepping thread - a new beginning :)

GreyQueen

Karmacat wrote: »

Question people always used to talk about cutting back bulb foliage - I never have, but I'm starting to want to. I have bluebells that surround the compost bin. They're very nice, but they're over now (sorry Mar!) can I just cut them down, while leaving the bulbs in situ of course, and chuck the foliage in the compost bin? I can't reach the bin at all right now and when things are settled, I might well try to move it.

The foliage needs to be left to die back so the nutrients in the leaves can be re-absorbed into the bulb. If you cut the leaves off, you deprive the bulb of their goodness and it may not flower, or will flower badly, the following year. Even the habit that some folk have of tying up messy daffodil leaves while they die back is not recommended nowadays. HTH.

Karmacat

I had a suspicion that was the case, GQ, thanks. It helps in the sense that accurate information always helps :rotfl: but its not *convenient* information, if you know what I mean :rotfl:

I'll carry on with the letting-them-die-back-naturally ... and later in the year, I'm definitely going to move the compost bin. Or find one that actually works.

juliettet

GQ, do the bulbs need to be in compost? Can I dry out on the ground?

ivyleaf

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

Don't know yet.

First one was a blood test for kidney function, after they doubled the dose of my blood pressure medication.

Second one was an Ultrasound examination of my shoulder, which has found a small, partial thickness, tear of a tendon/ligament.

So sorry about the shoulder, it must be very painful.. the same thing happened to a friend; when they told her she had a torn ligament in her shoulder she said "But how on earth did that happen?" to which the reply was "We don't know, it's just one of those things that happens sometimes!"

GreyQueen

juliettet wrote: »

GQ, do the bulbs need to be in compost? Can I dry out on the ground?

Hmm, I'm slightly confused by the question, is this because you have bulbs that are/ were in pots?

The bulbs will go dormant for several months, so they should be all right whether you leave them in compost or lie them around nekkid (so to speak). I'd have them underground by September, tho.

[Deleted User]

We're doing a boot fair as sellers this weekend and I am going through all our possessions to root out the things we've just been hanging on to but haven't used in umpteen years. I've been through my prepping gear too and am shedding the stove top coffee percolator and some half moon saucepans with lids. If anyone would like either of them PM me and I'll pop them in the post for you, if not I'll try to sell them at the boot fair. If I cull the book collection too I'll post any titles I'm shedding here so if anyone wants them do the same thing.

Karmacat

Thats a kind thing, Mrs LW - I'm okay for stuff, but I'll keep a look out for what books you post up, and work out a way to send postage money.

[Deleted User]

It's hens teeth rare to find like minded pals Karma, happy to do it!

Your Brick Oven building it and baking in it by Russell Jeavons.
Home Poultry Keeping an Invest in Living publication
Making and Using Dried Foods by Phyllis Hobson
Preserving Food without Freezing or Canning by The Gardeners and Farmers of Terre Vivante.

All offered from my downstairs book case.

GreyQueen

Manya true word spoken in jest: http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/environment/cat-goes-outside-to-commit-atrocities-20180411147075

ivyleaf

I loved that, GQ, especially the way the cat's [STRIKE]owner[/STRIKE] slave talked