Doesn't mutilating the plants in this way cause them some stress or shock? I would hesitate to trim them before planting out for this reason.

Just to add my sympathy and condolences to you at this time. Even though it may be expected, it is always too soon to lose someone we care for, and my thoughts are with you.

Hi - yes, I always have a couple of tubs of climbing French beans, growing up wigwams of canes. The only thing to be aware of is that they need VERY frequent watering. Also keep them protected from high winds, otherise they blow over. Extra liquid feed once the beans are developing is beneficial. Be...

Hi -
only just read this thread. I hope everything goes OK for you, O.H.

Lizzie, you have my admiration.

Regards, Lyn

It might have been a woodpecker - their "drumming" noise sounds like a rattle.

Great!

Hi - Ihave tried this method now for three years on the run now and it certainly works so far as germination is concerned. As BigPP suggests, the "magic potion" element is a lot of nonsense, but the aspects of the moon in relation to the sun and earth certainly do have an influence on the ...

Only just seen this, Sue. Every best wish, whatever the outcome.

Nannygreen, if you mean the New Zealand flatworms,you need to get rid of them - they definitely are a foe, because they prey on earthworms. Look out for their eggs and destroy them. They are small round black things like currants. Also search out the flatworms themselves and destroy them in salt wat...

Here is a site which sells potatoes in small amounts:

http://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/Plant ... upID=30039

Don't know how they compare for price, though.

I also wondered about this, and have been assured that they are biodegradable and quite O.K. to put on the compost where they decompose eventually, or leave in the ground. I am still trying to find out what they are made of, though.

Hi - I also save pea and bean seeds, also peppers and chillis which are very easy. I am beginning to wonder, though, whether my saved seeds, year after year, although producing good plants, might be restricting the "gene pool". Perhaps it might be a good idea to buy some seeds of the same ...

I quite like them - the cooked mash freezes well, plenty of it, and when mixed with chopped onion/leek/cheese/black pepper/chilli or whatever, makes a good dish in its own right, or as a topping for various cottage pies or "bakes". I wouldn't grow ONLY Sarpo Miro, though - must have the tr...

Hi Alan,
"Diolch yn fawr"
Happy St. David's Day to you, too.
Regards, Lyn

Yes, it's a good space-saving way of growing a decent crop of good quality spuds. Remember, though, that spuds-in-a-bag need copious amounts of water, without becoming waterlogged. As Jenny suggests, good drainage is essential. I just use multi purpose compost, and add a handful of crumbled dried co...