Kitchen Garden Forum

Well guys, Yesterday I went to a local seed swap, and ended up with some nice seeds

some seeds were "out of date" so might not grow, but they were giving them away, and just taking any donations people wanted to give:
Carlin black Peas * 108 seeds - some are smaller than I'd normally save, some are split, and harvested 2012, so I'm not holding out much hope, but got to be worth a try.
Green/yellow pea only identified as shirebrook *85 - I dont recognise the type of pea, but its a wrinkled seed, yellow/green pea, looks nice, so i'll give them a go. (harvested 2012)
Mixed Chicory 10g - NEVER grown chicory before, but worth a try, harvested 2013, so might grow ok

And traded with someone else there, Mini Red Turban Squash (10 seeds) the packet is written in French, so I have no clue anything about them but the name and that they are a Cucurbita Maxima

I've just realised I never asked the question so no wonder I haven't had an answer lol.
So
Anyone know anything about these varieties or any hints on how viable the seed might be?
Shirebrook pea 2012
Carlin black pea 2012
Mini red turban squash

Thanks

Dan

I found this to be a useful summary:

http://awaytogarden.com/wp-content/uplo ... revise.jpg

For peas, the consensus is 2-3 years viability. But why not do a germination test ? Peas should chit easily on damp paper in a warm place. This is what I did with some 5 year old red cabbage seed, and to my surprise they germinated. So I sowed the rest in modules, and had a very acceptable crop.

Thanks Tony, I'll try that

Hi Dan, where was the seed swap, I wish I'd known about it, we don't seem to get any local ones.

The peas should be ok. I've grown Carlin which are for using as a dried pea, the mushy pea traditionally used in pease pudding. They arent very good fresh.
The Shirebrook is probably a home saved variety grown in the area of Sheffield with that name.

Plum, it was based at heely city Farm. Run by grow Sheffield... I've only seen the one, and just happened to be looking in the right place at the right time.

You'll get shot calling Shirebrook Sheffield it's in Bolsover, other end of the Shirebrook Valley... Lol
Thanks for the tips on the peas

I've still got some lettuce seeds if anyone wants to swap

Pawtry

Are they that rare variety Lettuce, oh what are they called, damn, cant think of it, ooh yes, are they the rare variety called 'Paid For'

It's ages since I went to Heeley City farm. I'll have to make a point of visiting it. I went on quite of courses on organic gardening run by Richard and Darryl. Darryl is involved with running Wortley Hall walled garden now through Heeley City farm. Pity they don't have a seed swap there.

Shirebrook, or Shire Brook which is the one I was thinking of is a very nice nature reserve in South East Sheffield. It includes Beighton Marsh. We once did a survey of harvest mice there and found 22 nests, we didn't see the mice though.

With the amount of seeds we have been blessed with free on the magazine, we could start our own online seed shop! Might not get anything new if it is just on here though!

Let's just say I have plenty of choice when it comes to tomatoes, but will be planting up loads for donating to any worthy charity & giving them to my mates as special little gifts just to say thanks & I love you!

Westi

Westi wrote:With the amount of seeds we have been blessed with free on the magazine, we could start our own online seed shop!

Westi

There's a rumour going round that Pawtry has some spare lettuce ( oops don't we all )

I have a supply of Courgette, variety called 'Freebie' ( oops don't you all