"No dig" in Pots
Posted by: Veggie - 08-08-2021, 10:22 AM - Replies (15)

IF (big IF) I've understood Charles Dowding's "No Dig" method correctly, he top dresses all his beds with a 2" layer of compost every year.........and that's it - apart from some stuff about cow's horns and stirring of cauldrons. Huh
My Question for the G&G Panel is :-
Would a 2" layer of compost on top of a container of MPC that has been used for growing tomatoes enable you to grow another crop in it next year (I don't mean lettuce but something like cucumbers or carrots)?

For the record, I normally empty the MFBs onto the GH beds and grow salad leaves in that but, every year, I buy bags of compost to fill them for the tomatoes and cukes. 
I know you're going to say "Try it and see" but I'm interested in your thoughts first. Smile

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  Transfering from container to the ground.
Posted by: Broadway - 07-08-2021, 12:07 PM - Replies (2)

Afternoon folks

Most articles I read suggest doing this when the plant is dormant however will I do any harm doing it now?

These are all fairly new plants (just over a year I think) and for whatever reason do not look like they will fruit this year, unless I'm being impatient?

The plants in question are blueberry, blackberry, and gooseberry.

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  Growing potatoes in paper
Posted by: Spec - 05-08-2021, 04:15 PM - Replies (10)

        I posted a while back about a trial I was doing of growing potatoes in paper, I had set up three buckets, one with soil one with seaweed and paper and one with paper I lost the first two I think due to frost but the paper survived, I must admit to neglecting the bucket but decided yesterday to empty it out to see the results, so here's photos of the results
 Not the best crop but still quite surprising both with the results using the growing medium and the fact they were neglected, I did have another bucket out side he greenhouse which again is using newspaper, so will let you know how well it works, I have paid more attention to this oneRolleyes

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  Hanging / Storing Onions
Posted by: Broadway - 05-08-2021, 03:36 PM - Replies (19)

Hi folks

Would you agree with the comment below?

You hang onions initially to let any remaining nutrients in the leaves drain back into the onions. That increases the time they can be stored. (So many people this year have dried theirs on wire mesh with the leaves hanging down below the onions, which allows nothing to drain into the bulbs and weakens the bulb.)

Then, when all the green has gone from the leaves, either plaiting them together or tying them to string to hang in a cool dry place will allow them to be stored for the longest time.

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  Another to be identified if poss please
Posted by: Farendwoman - 05-08-2021, 02:56 PM - Replies (9)

Anyone have any ideas??



Attached Files Thumbnail(s)
       
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  Identity please.- ?Filipendula Palmata
Posted by: Farendwoman - 05-08-2021, 02:54 PM - Replies (3)

I thought it was an astilbe, but it’s much “coarser” and not at all feathery like an astilbe.
Very heavy honey fragrance.



Attached Files Thumbnail(s)
   
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  Subscription Boxes (not G&G).
Posted by: Veggie - 05-08-2021, 02:30 PM - Replies (33)

Has anyone noticed a trend (mainly on FB) of offering regular subscription boxes for all sorts of stuff. Sign up for a half price first box and you find yourself trapped into receiving all manner of overpriced items.
I first spotted them during last year's lockdown, when people couldn't shop easily so companies jumped in to supply the need; a need that they think is still relevant today.

There are several versions of growing veg boxes - some with a few packets of seed, some pots and a block of coir compost - and a similar one with plug plants, pots and compost. The seeds are very basic - radish, cress and lettuce level. Very expensive compared to buying the items yourself.

Today, I saw The Pond Box! Every 2 months they send you some fish food!

There's the Book Subscription - receive 4 random books (that didn't sell well initially) every couple of months.

Then there's the soap/toothpaste/deodorant/beauty stuff. I just want to try one - not sign my life away. How do they know how much deodorant I use when I've no idea how long a stick lasts.
Think I saw a Treats box - some chocolate, biscuits and probably a "Cheer up" card.

Anyway, I'm not envious that I didn't spot a hole in the market, because I've signed up to my own Subscription Box - and its FREE. Smile
Every month, I'll choose a random book from the bookshelf and read it and every week I'll pick a random packet of seeds and sow them. I'm going to save a fortune.  Cool

If you spot any other subscription boxes that I can save money on (by not buying) please let me know.Wink

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  Raised beds
Posted by: Roitelet - 04-08-2021, 10:17 PM - Replies (14)

Personally I don’t grow in raised beds. However a couple of my friends do. The beds were filled with bought compost from the garden center. The first year all went well but the following year things didn’t grow well. I think that the compost lacks enough nutrients for healthy plants.  What is the best way to rectify this ? The work would be done over winter.

Thanks, look forward to suggestions.

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  Had to laugh
Posted by: Admin - 03-08-2021, 05:35 PM - Replies (4)

Was sat on a train reading this article https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/article...mark-steel

People probably thought me mad when I read the paragraph on Northampton Big Grin

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  Big butterfly count
Posted by: Small chilli - 03-08-2021, 04:50 PM - Replies (4)

Still a few days left to take part. It’s a great excuse to just sit in the garden for 15 minutes    Big Grin . 

https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

Hopefully I’ll have time to do another one tomorrow.

Continue reading..

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