I went up the allotment last night and I picked about a kilo of strawberries. The Old Man and I had a big bowl each, I made a batch of strawberry ice cream, I brought a bowl with me to work today, and I still had enough left over for him to make jam. That's why we've got an allotment (sometimes I fo...

Whenever I try to grow coriander, whether it says coriander or cilantro on the packet it ALWAYS bolts. Drives me mad. I'm definintely going to try your suggestion Piglet. Regards the smell I read somewhere once that it's a good idea to grow coriander near your carrots as the smell deters carrot fly....

Pol wrote:Yes arthur - you're right. I am struggling with mares tail in a damp area next to my polytunnel. Does anyone have a tasty recipe for mares tales???

My old man was telling me this very evening that he'd heard you can eat mare's tail like asparagus. I think he's dreaming.

Thanks all. I guess that's me off to the pet shop in the morning for a big bag o' straw then...

Hello, I'm new here, me. Is it absolutely necessary to put straw/polythene/whatever under your strawberry plants, and if it is what do people think is best? Last year I used straw but it was a terrible faff. Those mat thingys look good but I've got 100-odd plants so probably too expensive. What do y...