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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2006 14:09:01 GMT
Perhaps I should have asked these questions in seperate threads ... but they do in fact relate to a perfect salad! Lettuce Last year I grew lettuce with no problems, this year - presumably because the critters had discovered a new garden - three-quarters of them were devoured by slugs  . Are there any varieties which are particularly slug-resistant, preferably with a long growing season? Tomatoes Planning for next year, I'd like to try growing tomatoes but, without a greenhouse, it will have to be in the open ground. I can give them a very sunny bed. Again, what varieties are best for 'open-ground' growing ... preferably offering a good heavy crop (I know, not asking much ...) And, finally, ... ... tarragon I've read that Russian tarragon is the hardiest, and thus best for growing in the open - but French tarragon has much the better flavour. What experience do people have with growing French tarragon in the open ground? As always, thanks for the help ... cheers ... |
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Post by Dr Bill on Oct 1, 2006 17:29:50 GMT
Can't help with the lettuce I'm afraid
There are lots of outdoor tomato varieties. Gardener's delight is a favourite which has been around for many years. Lots of sweet tasting cherry tomatoes, and the location you describe would be perfect
I have grown french tarragon in the past without any problems, so go for it. If you are worried about hardiness why not grow it in a pot which you can move to a sheltered spot and wrap with fleece or bubble wrap
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2006 6:42:19 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2006 11:33:04 GMT
Thanks for the tips, Dr. Bill. Rita, yes we are getting a lean-to greenhouse next year ... cheers ...
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 2, 2006 15:06:45 GMT
Hi CC, DON'T get Russian Tarragon as it's a big shrubby thing that spreads very quickly and isn't much good as a flavouring. French Tarragon is a much smaller plants, more delicate shape, leaves, nice flavour and it grows really well in a tub.
I have found that "Little Gem" lettuces grow really well in tubs which are easier to protect from slugs, and there is very little wastage or glut as you can sow a few at a time.
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Post by Plocket on Oct 2, 2006 16:21:34 GMT
Hia Canarycreeper! I can only really comment on the tarragon and would ALWAYS go for French Tarragon. I grow it in a pot which I wrap with fleece over winter - it's done fine for a few years so far, and really is delicious. I put a light mulch on it before covering, and cut it back in the spring.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2006 16:37:16 GMT
Hi
I'm not a letuce expert and I think slugs will just be tempted by any tender and tempting morsels of lettuce, but I wonder if the Cos or Crisphead varieties might be less easy for slugs to get into!! This year I've grown Little Gem which is perfect for a ceasar salad and Bronze Arrowhead although that has a slightly more open habit. How about giving Rocket a try - the smell might put them off abit.
As for Tomatoes, I do like Santa and I've had them in the greenhouse and in open ground, it means I can extend the picking abit!! And I know Gardeners Delight as previously recommended do well in open ground.
Can't comment on Tarragon as I don't like it!!
Best Wishes
GH
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2006 13:31:42 GMT
Thanks all, I'll try the French tarragon and experiment with the tomatoes mentioned. I'm also ordering some heritage tomato seeds from Irish Seedsavers ... will report next year on how those go. GH - my slugs adore Little Gem. They send messages out to the neighbourhood inviting their extended families for a feast ... but I'll try rocket and Bronze Arrowhead ... cheers ...
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2006 14:09:12 GMT
Where would you get French Tarragon from and how hardy is it? I heard that you cannot get it from seed and the local garden centre -- -sorry, gift shop! doesn't sell it.
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Post by sleepysunday on Oct 4, 2006 14:13:12 GMT
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Post by Spruance on Oct 4, 2006 14:24:04 GMT
Where would you get French Tarragon from and how hardy is it? I heard that you cannot get it from seed and the local garden centre -- -sorry, gift shop! doesn't sell it. ...Or this one Paul.... www.manorfarmherbs.co.uk/category_tarragon.html |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 4, 2006 15:22:51 GMT
French Tarragon is Artemesia dracunulus, also sometimes called Estragon, and doesn't set seed. Russian Tarragon is Artemesia dracunuloides. French Tarragon is hardy but not long lived. Propagation is root division or cuttings. A good GC or Nursery should sell the French one.....
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2006 9:39:44 GMT
Thanks for the replies, I'll definately be giving it a go  |
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Post by mickthecactus on Oct 10, 2006 7:42:42 GMT
On tomatoes try Black Krim. Very large mahogany colour with a fantastic flavour.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2006 9:57:45 GMT
On the lettuce issue, I have noticed something curious ... growing both red and green lettuces, the slugs definitely prefer the green ones ... so I put a few green ones down as sacrificial plants and enjoy the red ones !!!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2006 10:07:54 GMT
Thanks Curry, I'll remember that tip next year ... cheers ...
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. Are there any varieties which are particularly slug-resistant, preferably with a long growing season?
