[jjat8cvParticipant]

Thank you both for your advice. I will try some now as you suggest Hawfinch and dry the rest for future use.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

On our allotments we use what are locally called “scalpings” the offcuts from the trunks when cut up for planks. They are usually about 6ft long and I think about 40p each. Ask at the wood yard .

[jjat8cvParticipant]

To overwinter outside I grow Aquadulce Claudia, Red Epicure and Jubilee Hysor and in the polytunnel “Long Sutton” (It was originally The Sutton but one plant I grew several years ago climbed to over 8 feet tall and I have grown seed from this plant ever since hence the name). In the spring I grow Karmyzan a pink bean. Broad beans are one of the only vegetables I like to freeze.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

I have planted a couple of my one-clove bulbs just to see what happens and will let you know what the result is next summer. By the way I am in Taunton and not the south coast but we didn’t have much frost here last year and only one hard frost so far this year which cut down my yacon.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

Unfortunately keeping poultry is not an option for me but I am sure your “chicken tractors” will be very happy.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

Thank you Charles. There are not that many but I am not sure how they will affect any seeds I sow in the compost. Would it be better to just use a multipurpose compost instead.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

Thank you Kirpi and Dan. I have been sowing beetroot, turnips, French beans and spinach. I will try some spring cabbage as well but that will have to be done in modules to plants out.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

I have just received an order from Moreveg. You may not get as many seeds in the packets but who realistically wants to grow 200 cabbages or 100 cauliflowers. Last year I bought some seeds from a company called Bavicchi ( the packaging looks suspiciously like Franci). The germination was very good and they were much cheaper than Franci.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

I have just received an email from Blight Watch warning of a full Smith period for my area (Somerset TA1). I thought it was much too early for blight.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

I find a Brillo pad works well.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

Thank you Charles. I have some large glass jars I can use. Unfortunately I now notice that my Crimson Crush tomatoes have succombed to the blight. Not as blight resistant as I was led to believe but I do have plenty of tomatoes on a plant of San Mazarno in the greenhouse which should dehydrate well. Have you grown Crimson Crush this year and if so has it been affected by blight?
Janet

[jjat8cvParticipant]

You say the tubers were sourced from Scotland. Have you approached the supplier/retailer to see if they have had any reports of similar problems elsewhere? I have always found them very helpful.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

Thanks for your replies. Apparantly slow worms do eat ants (though probably not in the numbers I have got). I think I will leave the bin alone until after about September when the slow worms should have reproduced if they are going to.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

Thank you Charles. I will use some to sow carrots and mulch the brassicas with the rest.

[jjat8cvParticipant]

Sorry Rhys I should have thanked you and not Charles. I will be dealing with the problem this afternoon.

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