Search found 8053 matches

by Primrose
Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:12 pm
Forum: Seasonal tips
Topic: Parsnip Germination
Replies: 50
Views: 18692

That's incredibly fast. I've always found parsnips about the slowest of all vegetable seeds to germinate, apart from parsley. If this is normal behaviour I can see it becoming very popular with gardeners because it will rule out the uncertainty of knowing whether your seeds are just slow to germinat...
by Primrose
Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:46 pm
Forum: General chatter
Topic: Anything missing?
Replies: 11
Views: 4115

Yes, Mini cucumbers do well planted outside. I grow mine in a sunny south-facing border. If you look on the seed packets there are several different varieties, called Mini cucumber, Patio cucumber, etc.
by Primrose
Fri Apr 11, 2008 6:04 pm
Forum: General chatter
Topic: Anything missing?
Replies: 11
Views: 4115

Courgettes and mini cucumbers also grow well out of doors (if you like them). And a really nice dessert gooseberry bush perhaps?
by Primrose
Fri Apr 11, 2008 6:02 pm
Forum: General chatter
Topic: the world is the right shape again
Replies: 19
Views: 4848

Glad you've had some good news to kick off your week-end. Pets are just as important as other family members. It's impossible not to get upset when something horrible happens to them.
by Primrose
Fri Apr 11, 2008 6:00 pm
Forum: Weeds, Pests and Diseases
Topic: Cats Cats and More Cats
Replies: 16
Views: 6874

When we had a cat, it was impossible to stop him using the veggie patch as a loo occasionally. I decided in the end it wasn't worth getting 'het up' about and just washed everything thoroughly before cooking and eating. The cat has long since died but we're still around and healthy so I guess whatev...
by Primrose
Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:21 pm
Forum: Growing places
Topic: Another cloche/hoop option
Replies: 60
Views: 23345

Another cloche/hoop option

Found this idea for making your own hoops if you want to use fleece or netting protection and want to build something which accommodates taller plants.

http://www.communigate.co.uk/here/orlet ... age6.phtml
by Primrose
Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:01 pm
Forum: Seasonal tips
Topic: Parsnip Germination
Replies: 50
Views: 18692

Chantal - I planted out my first batch of seedlings in loo rolls into the garden last week. They were less than an inch tall and have survived several nights of frost and Sunday's heavy snowfall.
by Primrose
Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:30 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Growing swedes
Replies: 9
Views: 3882

Thanks John. Have just popped out to follow your advice. But when I slotted the seed packet back into my seed box I noticed that it was dated 2001, so it will be interesting to see if they actually germinate. When you only need a few plants it seems rather a waste to buy a packet of seeds. I know th...
by Primrose
Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:17 pm
Forum: Birds, Animals and Livestock
Topic: Duck in garden.
Replies: 28
Views: 17327

She's still here! And yes, I am getting rather attached to her although I suspect she comes from a very aristocratic environment. Won't touch our next door neighbour's white sliced bread, but is very partial to a crumbled slice of Vogel wholgrain loaf!
by Primrose
Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:11 pm
Forum: General chatter
Topic: oh yuk
Replies: 11
Views: 3128

Well, I wouldn't pay money for anything which came out of a cat's bum, but do eat what comes out of a hen's bum ! (Alan got there first!)
by Primrose
Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:10 pm
Forum: General chatter
Topic: Would you buy one of these?
Replies: 14
Views: 4203

Yes, I once bought one of those solar fountains too, try an oxygenate my mini pond. It only lasted a few weeks before it gave up the ghost.
by Primrose
Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:41 pm
Forum: Seasonal tips
Topic: Parsnip Germination
Replies: 50
Views: 18692

I've had about 70% germination with White Gem from last year's seed using the wet tissue method. I probably would have had more but went away for 4 days over Easter & my second batch of seeds germinated this way dried out in the loo rolls. However, I soaked them thoroughly on my return and belie...
by Primrose
Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:31 pm
Forum: Best practices
Topic: Growing swedes
Replies: 9
Views: 3882

Growing swedes

Never grown them before and just want a few. Will they survive being transplanted into the ground after being sown in modules or will transplanting mean the roots don't swell & develop properly?
by Primrose
Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:28 pm
Forum: General chatter
Topic: Would you buy one of these?
Replies: 14
Views: 4203

Would you buy one of these?

Now I've seen the ultimate in idiotic kitchen gadgetry - a strawberry slicer for £3.99 in the latest Lakeland catalogue. Who buys these things? Reminds me of the vegetable chopper I bought at a Ideal Home Exhibition 30 years ago which looked wonderful when being expertly demonstrated, but which rott...
by Primrose
Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:32 pm
Forum: Growing places
Topic: Need more wire hoops for my cloches
Replies: 20
Views: 19120

Sounds an interesting alternative option Lurganspade. I'm trying to visualise exactly "how you hold it in place with heavy chord at the correct distance". Can't quite figure out what you do. Could you explain to a "thickie" like me in a little more detail please? Thanks.