Just a few rumbles of thunder and a few spots of rain so far in Sussex.....

Very pleased with the cucumbers this year and I only chose the variety as it carried the same name as my daughter, Belinda! She loves cucumber....good thing too!



Jerry

Cover the curds to protect from the sun, they discolour.

Keep them very well watered to increase the size of the curds.

Jerry

I have just recieved this book:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0952 ... e&n=266239

It has a recipie for curry soup if you want me to type it out for you.

Jerry

Not wanting to steal Chantal's thunder, but we simply freeze whole on an open tray then bag up.

They defrost in minutes when you need them.

Jerry

Hi Wellie

Thanks for that, we have never had a problem, still in rude health!!!

But we will take care I assure you.

Jerry

They look lovely Jerry; how tall does that variety grow, and how so you stop the snails devastating them? I rarely succeed with Sunflowers because of the slimeys! They get to about 5' tall. I start them off in pots inside and then transplant when big enough to hold their own, I do always loose one ...

Up to the plot first thing on saterday to plant out some leeks, at 7am I was dripping with sweet as it was so humid!!!

10.30 the heavens opened for an hour and watered them in nicely!



Jerry

I grow Harlequin for cutting, it has the advantage of being pollen free so you dont get any pollen dropping onto the furniture: http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/sandersj89/Allotment%20July06/SunFlower.jpg I have about 8 plants on the go and they will give 15 to 20 heads each and they last ages ...

We have been storing tomatoes for year now by drying them to create something akin to sun dried toms you can buy in the shops. In most years we have used a low oven, at about 80 degrees Celsius but this year have bought a cheap food dehydrator and I am very pleased with the results. So, this is how ...

Zena wrote:Beautiful (both of them)! She has a gorgeous smile!

Thanks



She is very much a Daddy's girl as well!


Jerry

The youngest came home today from nursery very proud, asked what she wanted to do on her last day she said she wanted to make a garden, and this the result...... http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/sandersj89/Allotment%20July06/NG2.jpg http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/sandersj89/Allotment%20J...

It is very simply, (no quantities as such) cut up decent bacon or pancetta and fry of until crispy. We use 6 rashers for to of us. Then get some pasta on the go, we use spaghetti, broccoli in a steamer and put the cheese in a sauce pan over a gentle heat to melt. Add a splash of dry white wine to th...

Never thought I would say it but I have a calabrese glut and not the normal Courgette glut, though the season is still young on that front! I have grown 2 varieties looking for succession but this strange year has meant the main heads have cropped at the same time, they second cropping should space ...

Hmmmm, how about the temperature of the water. My stuff from the tap is cool, brodering on cold where as stuff from the butts is positively warm. Rain, while not at ground air temp, is probably warmer than tap.

Just another factor to consider.

Jerry