Derek

Forum Replies Created

Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 30 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • in reply to: Horse Manure #49216

    Derek
    Participant

    Dens, I am creating a new veg patch on a former paddock. Last summer I covered part of it with pure manure, pickings off the field (we have horses on site so I know the history of it) and planted it this year. Crops have been magnificent, and in some areas the manure, which I guess became compost over the winter, has all but disappeared. Have covered another area this year for cropping next year. Even with our own supply, getting enough compost to prepare it all and keep the beds refreshed is still the limiting factor.

    in reply to: Composting Thermometer – which one is best #48051

    Derek
    Participant

    Got mine from Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd, but it looks just like the one in the photo above.

    in reply to: Greenback tomato #47905

    Derek
    Participant

    That’s reassuring Charles. Many thanks.

    Derek

    in reply to: Update so far #47757

    Derek
    Participant

    Charles, the netting is 7mm square. Described as soft butterfly netting from Harrod Horticulture. A bit more expensive than other available, but I feel the quality is worth it.

    Sandra, I don’t enjoy photography, am not any good at it and don’t have a good camera. I take most of the pictures on a mobile phone or an old compact which should have been retired years ago. However, being able to look back and see how things have changed I find motivational.

    in reply to: Update so far #47745

    Derek
    Participant

    If the upload works, here are picures of the patch last year and this year. What a difference a year makes!

    Cabbage whites galore, great to see them frustrated by the netting. On the other hand, a few lettuces succomed to wireworms earlier in the year and the rabbits are currently attacking my carrots. Brilliant yield however from a new patch; very pleased!

    Attachments:
    You must be logged in to view attached files.
    in reply to: Poor seed germination, onion, beetroot, spinach… #47677

    Derek
    Participant

    Earlier on in this thread I mentioned I had boltary seeds from Plants of Distinction with poor germination rates. Also had some mixed lettuce seeds from them with the same result. (Other seeds were fine)
    At the time I dropped them an email suggesting they may like a word with their supplier, didn’t ask for any replacemenets or anything.
    I never hear anything until, in the post last week, I received a couple of packets of replacement seed. Seems they do take note of comments, and I praise their customer service!

    in reply to: Giving some love to an old strawberry bed #47393

    Derek
    Participant

    Mike, at a previous house I grew strawberries for many years (at least 12 I think) in the same bed replacing a third of them each year with new plants from the runners. Didn’t seem to do them any harm and had some great yields.
    Derek

    in reply to: vermiculite #46642

    Derek
    Participant

    Vermiculite comes from a mineral deposit, therefore by definition it surely cannot be organic?

    in reply to: Tiny black flies on surface of compost mulch #46162

    Derek
    Participant

    I have what I suspect are the smae type of fly on the top of a compost bin. Seen them before and just assumed they were there as it was warmer than elsewhere. I have never worried about it or done anything about them.

    in reply to: There's a hole in my garlic plot #46028

    Derek
    Participant

    Too large for mice. Too small for rabbits. Rats would be my guess.

    in reply to: Poor seed germination, onion, beetroot, spinach… #46021

    Derek
    Participant

    An interesting observation:

    I too have had trouble with Boltardy beetroot seed. A packet bought this year from Plants of Distinction sown in different composts at various intervals has produced a grand total of 6 seeds germinated.
    At a local garden club meeting I won a couple of packets of beetroot seed (different varieties) in the raffle. The sow by dates were 2017 and 2012!. I was not expecting much so sowed them thickly in modules. After less than a week they are both showing healthy germination rates.

    I am beginning to wonder if the boltardy problem is more than just a slight age problem?

    in reply to: Using Seeds From Purchased Fruit & Veg #45813

    Derek
    Participant

    The chemical generally used is Chlorpropham. For potatoes it used to be marketed as “sprout nip”, it may still be but my info is historical.

    Derek

    in reply to: Green waste #45227

    Derek
    Participant

    No intention of buying any, but out of interest just looked up my local council product and it is £4 per 60l bag, 3 for £10. Take the lower price and it works out around £55 per 1000l. You do have to collect it though from a local tip site.

    Anyone have any experience of CPA Horticulture? They seem to be cheap if you buy a decent amount.

    Derek


    Derek
    Participant

    Back in the summer I used a 6inch layer of pure horse manure, partly rotted, to create new beds. This was virtually pure droppings gathered from the fields, very little stable litter contained in it. The plan was to leave it covered under polythene till spring and plant in 2018 however impatience won through and I planted some overwintering crops in it during September/October. (Spring cabbage, onions, garlic, strawberries) Never seen growth like it. Amazing.
    Looking forward to next season if this is anything to go by.

    in reply to: Weeds in winter #43160

    Derek
    Participant

    Thanks for that Charles.

    Derek

Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 30 total)

Forum Info

Registered Users
27,621
Forums
10
Topics
2,941
Replies
10,416
Topic Tags
567