Search found 1588 matches

by Beryl
Wed Aug 17, 2016 4:21 pm
Forum: General chatter
Topic: Break-ins.
Replies: 10
Views: 4155

Break-ins.

Now I've heard it all. We all know allotments are rich pickings for vandals and break ins, they tend to go in cycles and this year Elson (my site) was broken into but fortunately the lads were spotted by a vigilant neighbour, police called and they were apprehended before any damage could be done. B...
by Beryl
Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:12 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Keeping carrots
Replies: 6
Views: 3465

Re: Keeping carrots

I agree with Primrose, when I bring mine home from the allotment I top and tail, wash thoroughly and leave to dry on some newspaper before placing in poly bags, sealing taking out as much air as possible. They will keep perfectly well for a week or so like that.

Beryl.
by Beryl
Mon Aug 01, 2016 8:20 pm
Forum: Weeds, Pests and Diseases
Topic: Blight??
Replies: 60
Views: 20379

Re: Blight??

Strange how some on our site have had their tomatoes wiped out but others are looking very healthy. So far, fingers crossed mine are Okay. I am picking now, Cherola and Fandango. Potatoes have not been affected so far for anyone that I know of.

Beryl.
by Beryl
Sat Jul 23, 2016 6:48 pm
Forum: Readers Recipes
Topic: courgette cake recipe.
Replies: 0
Views: 8352

courgette cake recipe.

I know this has been done before and there are hundreds of recipes out there but does anyone have a simple recipe without all the frostings and cream cheese fillings etc. Preferably something that can be baked in a loaf tin.

Thanks
Beryl.
by Beryl
Tue Jul 12, 2016 8:17 pm
Forum: Cooking tips
Topic: Certo or powdered pectin
Replies: 4
Views: 3677

Re: Certo or powdered pectin

Using Certo is fail safe method but I would have made some gooseberry juice by softening them first in a little water but I am sure Plumb puddings way is just as good to.

Beryl.
by Beryl
Tue Jul 12, 2016 6:28 pm
Forum: Weeds, Pests and Diseases
Topic: Blight??
Replies: 60
Views: 20379

Re: Blight??

Many on our site have lost tomatoes from the blight, it seems to happen over night and will only be a matter of time before mine go to I think. Today I checked my main crop potatoes, Picasso and Desiree they were still looking very healthy and having dug around to see what sort of crop I had, decide...
by Beryl
Fri Jun 10, 2016 7:23 pm
Forum: Weeds, Pests and Diseases
Topic: squirrels trashing carrots
Replies: 0
Views: 6809

squirrels trashing carrots

Does anyone have an answer to this problem of squirrels trashing carrots even though they are well protected. My tunnel was surrounded with bricks and just one brick was removed for them to get in. What a feast they must have had.

Beryl.
IMG_0353 carrots.jpg
IMG_0353 carrots.jpg (170.48 KiB) Viewed 6809 times
by Beryl
Thu May 12, 2016 5:00 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Beefsteak tomatoes
Replies: 8
Views: 7847

Re: Beefsteak tomatoes

Thank you Plumbpudding. I think maybe it could be a Marmande but so far I am not convinced by replies there is much to be gained by pinching out.

Beryl
by Beryl
Wed May 11, 2016 8:40 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Beefsteak tomatoes
Replies: 8
Views: 7847

Re: Beefsteak tomatoes

I've no idea the variety it was one I was given and when I asked the name I got the same answer. One of our newbies seems to be trying anything and everything without labeling either and said he had heard the practice so I wondered if I would give it a go. Bit hit and miss I think isn't it. But than...
by Beryl
Wed May 11, 2016 5:59 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Beefsteak tomatoes
Replies: 8
Views: 7847

Beefsteak tomatoes

I've not grown Beefsteak tomatoes before. Can you tell me if it correct to pinch out the first flower on each truss to avoid overcrowding.

Thanks
Beryl.
by Beryl
Sat May 07, 2016 8:00 pm
Forum: Harvesting Q&A
Topic: Unripe shop bought pears
Replies: 6
Views: 4556

Re: Unripe shop bought pears

I have bought Lidl's pears with no complaints, however I now buy Waitrose's bag of so called blemished pears and to be honest I can't tell the difference between them and their perfect pears.

Beryl.
by Beryl
Fri Apr 29, 2016 9:12 am
Forum: Seasonal tips
Topic: To plant or wait
Replies: 41
Views: 16572

Re: To plant or wait

I am glad I held on to my beans and didn't plant out. I have tried OH tip on pinching out half my plants and so far it doesn't seem to have done them any harm. some have produced side shoots which are now getting their curly bits. The others now reaching for the sky almost. I noticed from my Diary l...
by Beryl
Fri Apr 22, 2016 1:21 pm
Forum: Seasonal tips
Topic: To plant or wait
Replies: 41
Views: 16572

Re: To plant or wait

I only water when I either sow seeds or plant out. Seeds I water the drill well first before sowing and plants get a good puddling and then either a mulch or a covering with dry soil. Then no more except what comes from the heavens. Plants need oxygen to their roots and can even drown if watered too...
by Beryl
Sun Apr 17, 2016 3:11 pm
Forum: Seasonal tips
Topic: To plant or wait
Replies: 41
Views: 16572

Re: To plant or wait

OH you are too kind, thanks for the compliment but even us 'experienced' gardeners get caught out sometimes. I am glad I wasn't tempted to plant yesterday as there was a very white frost on my neighbour's roof this morning. I've not tried pinching out the tips but worth a try, thanks. Usually I don'...
by Beryl
Sat Apr 16, 2016 9:35 pm
Forum: Seasonal tips
Topic: To plant or wait
Replies: 41
Views: 16572

Re: To plant or wait

Climbing Parsnip. Yes, I really know I should hang on and not put them out yet. For some reason this year they seem to have galloped away. I was really writing with tongue in cheek; but many thanks for your replies.

Beryl.