#22 |
Seeds being saved: Onions, parsnips, 2 types of dwarf french beans ( one for green beans and one haricot), broad beans, garlic, shallots and hopefully carrots. I think something ate the first carrot seeds to develop (blue tits?) so I've covered them but they are not looking too promising at the moment.
From last year, I've several tomato seeds and also peas.
I've a bit of a problem with the peas though. They were from some a hurst greenshaft variety but which grows to about 4'6" and give a good yield. I've been growing them for probably about 20 years and this year they had quite a bit of damage on the pods, the first time I have noticed this. Looking it up it is leaf and pod spot. I'd like to continue growing them and wondered if anyone has any ideas? Otherwise, I'll try what the university of Minnesota suggest: "If you suspect seed may be contaminated, soak in 1:4 bleach solution for 1 minute and rinse in running water for 5 minutes just before planting."
I've also saved some potatoes: rocket, kestrel, swift, vitabella, carolus and harmony. Not sure if I'll use all of them or buy some fresh but got a good crop from saved seeds this year. Most of the vitabella (for seed production only - the crop grown to eat was fine), which are supposed to be blight resistant were affected by blight and had to be binned. I have had bits of blight on my greenhouse tomatoes, including 1 tomato, I think due to the very wet spell a few weeks ago. The dry weather since has helped stop it spreading too much.
From last year, I've several tomato seeds and also peas.
I've a bit of a problem with the peas though. They were from some a hurst greenshaft variety but which grows to about 4'6" and give a good yield. I've been growing them for probably about 20 years and this year they had quite a bit of damage on the pods, the first time I have noticed this. Looking it up it is leaf and pod spot. I'd like to continue growing them and wondered if anyone has any ideas? Otherwise, I'll try what the university of Minnesota suggest: "If you suspect seed may be contaminated, soak in 1:4 bleach solution for 1 minute and rinse in running water for 5 minutes just before planting."
I've also saved some potatoes: rocket, kestrel, swift, vitabella, carolus and harmony. Not sure if I'll use all of them or buy some fresh but got a good crop from saved seeds this year. Most of the vitabella (for seed production only - the crop grown to eat was fine), which are supposed to be blight resistant were affected by blight and had to be binned. I have had bits of blight on my greenhouse tomatoes, including 1 tomato, I think due to the very wet spell a few weeks ago. The dry weather since has helped stop it spreading too much.