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Post by oldmoleskins on Jan 7, 2007 16:45:12 GMT
Having pored over the catalogues and visited some retail outlets, the varieties selected are those below. We're aware that some of you have a predisposition to one supplier or another, and while generally the same variety can be found but under a different name to promote the idea of novelty, it may not be possible for you to get exactly the one suggested.
In that case, look out for any offers of swops in postings below, and/or grow another from your chosen supplier that seems to fit the bill - the comparisons will still be interesting and you may put us on the track of something special.
The varieties have been selected for the largest possible 'audience' - some can be grown inside or out, in the ground or containers, some even on windowsills, and in the case of the tomato ' tumbler'/'gartenperle', from a hanging basket.
To remind you, the way we see these 'trials' being managed is for everyone to grow as many of the plants as interests them, but in pairs, please - ie a long and a short chilli, a red and a white runner, a plum and round tomato etc - and to keep a diary (preferably laced with pics) in a new thread we'll establish in a dedicated sub-board, like "my garden/allotment" - each member will have their own thread.
An element of competition is bound to creep in, but remember we are as interested in set-backs as triumphs for the very good reason that none of us ceases to learn...
So, those selected are:
small tomato varieties (plum, cherry): T&M 'Harlequin', 'Gartenperle', or Sutton alternatives 'Sweet Olive', 'Tumbler', Fothergill's 'Santa','Tumbling Tom'
runner beans (bird resistant white and normal red): T&M 'White Lady', 'Wisley Magic', or Sutton alternatives 'White Apollo', 'Polestar', or Fothergill's 'White Lady','Polestar'
French beans (round and flat): Sutton 'Blue Lake', Unwin 'Hunter', or Fothergill's 'Blue Lake','Hunter' or T&M 'Mantra'
sunflowers (dwarf and giant): T&M 'Sunspot', 'Russian Giant', or Sutton alternatives 'Choc Chip' and 'Giant Yellow', or Fothergill's 'Little Leo','Titan'
sweet peas (scented) T&M 'Antique Fantasy', 'America'.
chillies(short, long) T&M 'Cheyenne', 'Pinocchio's Nose' or Sutton alternatives 'Apache', 'Joe's Long'
So, there you are... get your seeds, choose your timing and growing methods, keep records, and let us know how you get on! If you want to swap part packs of seeds, post below.
OM/Rosefriend
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Post by Dutchy on Jan 7, 2007 16:59:01 GMT
I have decided to go for the Chillies as I have never grown them. You have written down four varieties but either from T&M or Sutton. I will go to the garden center to see if any of those four are available here. Does it matter if they are not by the brands you indicated? No T&M here nor Sutton. Dutchy p.s. I have had problems with seeds being send to me from the UK simply not arriving and all the Post office does is say hmm yes what a pity we will make a note of your mail not arriving. And that is the end of the story.  |
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Post by oldmoleskins on Jan 7, 2007 17:07:21 GMT
hi Dutchy... if you get the chilli descriptions from the UK online catalogues, there will almost certainly be comparables available to you... basically, it's one long variety (featured in the BBC/RHS trial last year) and a short 'patio container' one - but as there will almost certainly also be a 'surplus' among members, I'd wait for a bit to see if some can be mailed to you, in case they get through!
OM
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Post by Plocket on Jan 7, 2007 17:27:25 GMT
Nice choice of seeds there OM but I'm afraid I'm not going to join in. The only things I'd probably have room for are chillies and they aren't my fave things!!! I can't wait to see how it goes though - good luck everyone and enjoy the trials!
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Post by oldmoleskins on Jan 7, 2007 17:32:02 GMT
Go on... grow a hanging basket of toms, Plocket - you know you want to really...
OM
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Post by Plocket on Jan 7, 2007 18:52:59 GMT
Fraid not OM - I did gartenperle a couple of years ago, in hanging baskets, and they were brilliant and I would do them again - but I simply haven't got room for bigger tomato plants if I grow all the other veggies I want. I have to grow them all in pots in the front garden which is a bit limited for space!
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Post by grannyjanny on Jan 7, 2007 20:54:21 GMT
Hi Plocket. There are some very small toms. Tiny Tim & Totem spring to mind.T.T. can even be grown on a windowsill. I may have some spare if you would like some. I haven't checked what I have yet. Will be doing so in the next few days.
Janet.
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Post by Plocket on Jan 7, 2007 21:59:00 GMT
Hia Janet! I wouldn't mind doing a few small toms but I haven't really got space for the larger ones - it's more a case of doing one or the other. I might do tomatoes this year, possibly even some from the trial, but can't do both. Thank you for your very kind offer - could I bear it in mind and let you know coz I think I've still got some Gartenperle seeds left over from a couple of years ago?
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Jan 7, 2007 22:15:11 GMT
I grew Totem a couple of years ago Plocket. It's a nice little bush tom that does very well outdoors. Go on.......give it a go  |
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Post by paul r82 on Jan 7, 2007 22:21:14 GMT
Just to let you know T and M are out of Pinnochios Nose chillies if your ordering of their website.
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Post by sweetleaf on Jan 7, 2007 22:29:33 GMT
I grew my first chillis this year with some success, so Ill do them, and possibly the sweet peas ........Im being a bit greedy perhaps  |
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Post by Plocket on Jan 8, 2007 8:51:42 GMT
I grew Totem a couple of years ago Plocket. It's a nice little bush tom that does very well outdoors. Go on.......give it a go But they aren't on the trial list!!!  |
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Post by oldmoleskins on Jan 8, 2007 9:18:31 GMT
The mini plum varieties are though, P..... they can grow in the tiniest tub - now there's a though: hasn't little P got space?
And Sweetleaf, greediness doesn't come into it - we want as many grown as poss, so grow them all if you have the time/inclination/space!
OM
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Post by Plocket on Jan 8, 2007 9:28:43 GMT
Bleepin' hell - 10 Santa tomato seeds for £3.45!!!!! They'd better be good!!! And the other one I have to try is Tumbling Tom Red? Ok ok - I'll do tomatoes ;D
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Post by borderbabe on Jan 8, 2007 9:51:37 GMT
I gre Joe's Long Chillies last year for the GW trial on TV and saved the seed which I sowed yesterday! I must be physic!
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Post by oldmoleskins on Jan 8, 2007 9:59:54 GMT
Plocket, and all... if you haven't already used it, the current T&M mail order catalogue comes with a £5 voucher and two free packs.
Still awaiting mine to see if there's any catch, but it appears to be as straightforward as that, and with no minimum order!! Come to think of it, I'll put this in BB's Garden Chat.
OM.
ps: P, what a sport!!
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Post by Plocket on Jan 8, 2007 10:03:38 GMT
 I've already placed an order with T&M but I want to place an order with Mr Fothergills because they do a nice selection of container-suitable vegetables so I'll get the two toms from them. It also means I'm entitled to a packet of seeds for 10p so that's not too bad!!! |
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Post by oldmoleskins on Jan 8, 2007 10:06:24 GMT
With T&M, do you get £5 off and two free packs with no strings attached P?
OM
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Post by Plocket on Jan 8, 2007 10:15:51 GMT
No I didn't get that offer OM but I did get the most expensive packet of seeds free and a clematis worth £17.99 for £3.99.  I didn't register that I'd received a voucher with my catalogue so must have thrown it away |
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Post by Chuckles on Jan 8, 2007 10:41:27 GMT
I've already placed an order with T&M I've already placed an order with T&M too and have ordered the Sweat Pea America so they'll be on my trial list, still got to think about what else I'll do ;D Plocket did you get an e.mail confirmation of your order with T&M, I didn't and am now worried I've goofed, loath to place another incase I duplicate, guess I need to get in touch with them, Hate call centres though  |
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Post by Plocket on Jan 8, 2007 10:52:37 GMT
Yes I did get an e-mail confirmation from them BB. I don't think T&M are too bad at customer services BB, but if you don't like them you could e-mail them. Good luck - I hope you get it sorted and haven't goofed!
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Post by fozzie on Jan 9, 2007 22:39:32 GMT
All my seeds come from Organic Gardening and are already here!
Would they be eligible (if not edible) or will I be Excommunicated.
F
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Post by Chuckles on Jan 9, 2007 22:55:53 GMT
Yes I did get an e-mail confirmation from them BB. I don't think T&M are too bad at customer services BB, but if you don't like them you could e-mail them. Good luck - I hope you get it sorted and haven't goofed! I goofed, they have no record of my order  . Will be doing another because I want the clematis worth £17.99 for £3.99 too ;D ;D. As far as the trial goes I'm planning on doing the sweet peas, Toms as I've never grown them from seed before, which one's I can't make my mind up. Also going to do the beans but can't decide... french or runner or maybe both......french or runner or maybe both......decisions decisons. Don't do Chillies  Oh poo I may as well do the Sunflowers too, in for a penny............ ;D |
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Post by mickthecactus on Jan 10, 2007 8:38:24 GMT
I shall do the sweet peas and possibly small sunflowers. I already have half a ton of veg seed.
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Post by Chuckles on Jan 10, 2007 9:27:16 GMT
Order placed with T&M and Fothergills just now ;D, broke the bank  and done 2 from each except for the Chillies. Bean : Runner Bean : White Lady Bean : Runner Bean : Wisley MagicTomato : Harlequin F1 Hybrid Bean : French Bean : Mantra Climbing Bean 'Blue Lake' Sweet Pea : America Sweet Pea : Antique Fantansy Mixed Tomato : Gartenperle Tomato : Harlequin F1 Hybrid Sunflower 'Titan' Sunflower 'Little Leo' |
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Post by Plocket on Jan 10, 2007 9:30:46 GMT
Shame you goofed BB but at least it means you can add to your order!!! |
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Post by oldmoleskins on Jan 10, 2007 11:59:11 GMT
All my seeds come from Organic Gardening and are already here! Would they be eligible (if not edible) or will I be Excommunicated. F hi foz - and anyone else wanting to participate but already 'bought' or with other supplier preferences - the spirit of the 'trials' is to get as many members as poss to focus on similar projects so we can compare notes... as I said somewhere else, it may not be possible for you to get exactly the ones suggested, or you may not want to - but you are entirely welcome!! While I'm at it, and at the risk inviting a of a "huh! now you tell us" tirade... sweetpea "America" was chosen as a old, scented variety on special offer at 89p a pack if bought with others... OM. |
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Post by Chuckles on Jan 10, 2007 19:09:40 GMT
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Post by Rosefriend on Jan 10, 2007 19:21:03 GMT
Well all I can do is tell you what I hope to be doing.
I have big problems with the seeds and therefore OM is helping me out there.
I have a small garden and I am going to try to grow everything but in containers and different ways.
I have a few small spaces in the garden and the rest will just be in pots. I am interested to find out how others go on with a small garden.
It could well be a bean up a drainpipe or on a fence or in a pot - actually I think it will be a bit of fun and I am looking forward to it all.
So chuckles what are you going to grow then?
Rosefriend
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Post by MamIDdau on Jan 10, 2007 19:29:35 GMT
I'm not sure what I'm doing as yet because I'm waiting to move house and to see what room I do have to grow stuff in.
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I didn't register that I'd received a voucher with my catalogue so must have thrown it away 
. Will be doing another because I want the clematis worth £17.99 for £3.99 too ;D ;D.
and done 2 from each except for the Chillies.
