Search found 33 matches

by jayjaybee
Mon Dec 31, 2018 12:44 pm
Forum: General chatter
Topic: Happy New Year to you all for 2019
Replies: 36
Views: 11040

Re: Happy New Year to you all for 2019

Happy New Year to everyone. I have recently rediscovered the KG forum and spending some time catching up. Anyone decided what tomatoes they're growing? Any strong recommendations for next year? I'm getting twitchy to sow, but common sense is thankfully holding me back.
by jayjaybee
Thu Mar 16, 2017 1:58 pm
Forum: Cooking tips
Topic: Cooking Mince
Replies: 30
Views: 18768

Re: cooking mince

Hello VM It has to be a pressure cooker. The old gadgets are still the best. Cooking times are about 1/3 of normal and flavour is often better. Our trusty Prestige is still going strong after nearly 40 years and you can still get the spares - amazing! John I'm with you there John. My Prestige is al...
by jayjaybee
Tue Mar 14, 2017 1:36 pm
Forum: General chatter
Topic: Temptingly early Spring Bits and Bobs.- 2017
Replies: 184
Views: 41801

Re: Temptingly early Spring Bits and Bobs.- 2017

I can't get on the vegetable plot yet, it's too wet, but I have sown tomato seeds on the window sill. No doubt I'll regret it later when they get leggy due to lack of light. Murphy's law, the one nice sunny day was when I was committed elsewhere. Hubby even cut the lawn! Brassica seeds have popped u...
by jayjaybee
Sun Mar 05, 2017 10:15 am
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Mesh cleaning
Replies: 10
Views: 4565

Re: Mesh cleaning

The cheapest algaecide is one by Mangers, it's the decorating brand. I've used it for it's intended purpose which is algae on paintwork, I also used it to control algae on roofing slates, trees, our motor home and cars. It was just under £8 for 2.5 litres that makes 12 litres. I hadn't realized tha...
by jayjaybee
Sun Mar 05, 2017 10:12 am
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Mesh cleaning
Replies: 10
Views: 4565

Re: Mesh cleaning

Jayjaybee, have you tried putting an old towel or similar into the washing machine with the netting? I think that would work. Brilliant idea. I think I'd better make sure the mesh is clean first, as the washing machine is only five minutes old, I'd hate to be the one who ruined it, I'd never live i...
by jayjaybee
Sat Mar 04, 2017 6:43 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Mesh cleaning
Replies: 10
Views: 4565

Re: Mesh cleaning

Sounds like a plan Richard. I have several 30ft lengths to treat so might look into costs of Algicide. Pressure washing afterwards might be an idea too, thanks Geoff. I've been dying to have a go at hubby's washer. He might need a bit of persuading to let me loose with one of his toys though. No mat...
by jayjaybee
Sat Mar 04, 2017 2:51 pm
Forum: Weeds, Pests and Diseases
Topic: Greenhouse disinfection/tomato leaf mould
Replies: 21
Views: 8481

Re: Greenhouse disinfection/tomato leaf mould

The greenhouse is the cleanest it's been since I bought it in '82. It has been bleached, J's fluid ed, steamed and scrubbed within an inch of its life. Today I replaced the top 2" of border soil. If the tom leaf mould comes back this season I'll tear my hair out. Now I've got to sterilise every...
by jayjaybee
Sat Mar 04, 2017 2:43 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Mesh cleaning
Replies: 10
Views: 4565

Mesh cleaning

Has anyone found a way to get veggie mesh clean? My Envoronmesh is several years old and going green. I can rinse it off to remove soil but the algae remains. I've tried putting it in the washing machine but it just stayed put whilst the drum went round and round. I tried a bleach solution in a dust...
by jayjaybee
Sun Feb 12, 2017 4:54 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes
Replies: 25
Views: 11364

Re: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes

Years ago Kitchen Garden ran an article about an Italian gentleman who had an allotment in the London area. He was intent on growing Italian vegitables, including tomatoes, which he grew most successfuly under a polly roof held up by poles and no sides at all. I grow my tomatoes in a pollytunnel wh...
by jayjaybee
Sun Feb 12, 2017 1:56 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes
Replies: 25
Views: 11364

Re: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes

robo wrote:Have you tried jeyesfluid

Whilst J's is recommended, the last time I used it, it semi melted the plastic glazing strips on the g/h, so I'm reluctant to go down that route. The g/h is 35 years old and spares could be difficult to source. Hence my exploration of alternatives.
by jayjaybee
Sun Feb 12, 2017 9:53 am
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes
Replies: 25
Views: 11364

Re: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes

I find this discussion slightly surprising. We are talking about cordon tomatoes here are we ? I have a greenhouse of similar size, and fit in ten plants on one side. I use a ring culture method, with the plants maybe 14" apart, in two slightly staggered rows. I guess this is the upper limit, ...
by jayjaybee
Sat Feb 11, 2017 9:54 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes
Replies: 25
Views: 11364

Re: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes

Many thanks Sally all good advice for when the warmer weather arrives. Hopefully with all these tips I will win the mould wars.
by jayjaybee
Sat Feb 11, 2017 7:15 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes
Replies: 25
Views: 11364

Re: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes

It will be fine I should think, but like you say comes with risk! But I had one & have silicone beading in places around drop in appliances & no damage. I think the only risk will be the glass will be cold & there will be a change of temp - is your greenhouse heated as that would make i...
by jayjaybee
Sat Feb 11, 2017 6:07 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes
Replies: 25
Views: 11364

Re: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes

The crops/seedlings are all in the greenhouse, sometimes it's like a jungle with all the bedding plants seedlings and tomatoes vying for space. I use propagators and a frost thermostat controlled heater earlier in the year, but I'm not certain at which stage the mould takes 'root'. Don't praise me t...
by jayjaybee
Sat Feb 11, 2017 1:51 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes
Replies: 25
Views: 11364

Re: Greenhouse ventilation for tomatoes

How interesting gardening is, we all have such varied views. This coming season I'm planning on leaving the door open on nights when it's likely to be above 10, I might be a little less greedy and stick to 4 plants a side, rather than a cramped 5 or 6. I'm also investing in a hand steam cleaner to h...