Next year's seed trials

[jean]

I know that this year isn't over but I bet you have all had your seed catalogues and have been thinking of what you want to try out next year. Perhaps a few suggestions to get us all thinking over the winter months and links to where you get your seeds from would be helpful.

I usually order from Kings through the allotment society but have held back as there have been some bad reports on seed viability and on other seed companies too. My veggie list is growing as is my flower list but where to order from

[oldmoleskins]

jlotie said:

I know that this year isn't over but I bet you have all had your seed catalogues and have been thinking of what you want to try out next year. Perhaps a few suggestions to get us all thinking over the winter months and links to where you get your seeds from would be helpful.

I usually order from Kings through the allotment society but have held back as there have been some bad reports on seed viability and on other seed companies too. My veggie list is growing as is my flower list but where to order from

If it stimulates early interest and discussion, it can't be too early JL - my new catalogues have arrived and are already full of 'postitnote' bookmarks...

We are actively thinking of trials for the New Year - though we want to get this year's done and dusted first - and as a mix of our 'suggested' and 'members own choice' made for interesting reading this year, there's no real reason why anyone should hold back on choosing from their seed catalogues while we come up with some suggestions.

To be as inclusive as possible, we'll again try to choose subjects that can be grown in the widest possible circumstances.

One change we do have in mind... instead of individual member trials threads, we may well have a 'subject' trials thread where we all post - eg 'the tomato thread', 'the bean thread' etc etc.

OM.

[Chuckles]

You are right JL although my head is still spinning with what I can sow now ;D got the seed sowing bug atm.

Like the sound of what you are thinking of doing with subject trials OM

I'd like to try Beetroot next year, never grown it before. Is it possible in tubs

Butternut Squash is on my wish list too, again never grown it before. We have some experts on here on Squash growing

I'll be doing Beans, Tats, Toms, Cucs and Peppers for definate.

I'm up for most things, space being my problem though. Maybe a selection that can be tried in tubs for the members with smaller gardens.

Ooooooh exciting ain't it ;D

[Rosefriend]

author=greety board=chat thread=1194301496

I'm up for most things, space being my problem though. Maybe a selection that can be tried in tubs for the members with smaller gardens.

Ooooooh exciting ain't it ;D

Well I think that it is exciting - I really enjoyed myself this year although I was a little sceptical to start with....and I had to be persuaded.....however I am pleased that I had a go.

Next year I would like to do spuds again, - they can't be as bad as this year. Beans - I have been told to do those, toms, chillies and for the first time I would like to do parsnips. SP's are also a must.

Like Chuckles space is a real problem here and I can only do what can be put into tubs.

As daft as it sounds what about some radishes - there are so many different sorts, shapes and sizes.

RF

[Deleted]

i would like to have sucess with my beetroot so i will be doing those again next year(my crop was late to be sown and didnt ever really get going)
i also want to do more purple carrots as they were lovely and parsnips as i have never grown them before and i would love to grow butternut squash.
i would do potatoes again but i really want to do lots and i havent the space for them.
my climbing french beans were a disaster this year as the slugs got them.!! i will be doing more of those and of course the walking stick cabbage
i also have lots of flower seeds that i have either had donated to me or i have swapped and i will be doing lots of those too.
and thats what i have planned now. by the time spring is here that will have increased to hundreds more things.
xxxxx

[jean]

I'd like to have another go at butternut squash, there are quite a few different varieties to choose from, my brother grew an italian variety this year and they were huge, I must find out what they were called. Plum tomatoes is another and I'd also like to have a go at growing Dhalia's and Geraniums from seed, there are so many varieties to choose from though

Good idea about the threads dedicated to the variety OM, I think it will encourage some lively chatter ;D

[jean]

I've found the Italian Butternut Squash variety - Butternut Rogosa Violina Gioia and I'd like to have a go with the Black Futsu too.

www.seeds-by-size.co.uk/squash98.html

My brother uses this site for bulk ordering so it must be ok, I just wish I could work out how much I will need

[oldmoleskins]

jlotie said:

I've found the Italian Butternut Squash variety - Butternut Rogosa Violina Gioia and I'd like to have a go with the Black Futsu too.

www.seeds-by-size.co.uk/squash98.html

My brother uses this site for bulk ordering so it must be ok, I just wish I could work out how much I will need

Blimey, that site just goes to show a) my limited knowledge and b) how you can make a specialism in the most unlikely thing...

Anyhow, what I wanted to say was this perfectly illustrates the usefullness of forum seed-swapping JL: I'm sure your Italian BNS is a good start for our trials - don't worry about over-ordering, I'm equally sure there will be something on offer to exchange for any surplus...

OM.

[Cheerypeabrain]

I'd like to try and utilise my veggie plot a little more effectively...I'm unsure about successive planting to get the most out of the rather small area..so I'll be having a think before I decide on the vegetables I will be growing.

Flower wise...I might try sorting through my existing seed box..I have some that's 3 years old, some older....as well as fresh stuff. However there's no way I'll be able to resist the seed catalogues..no doubt I'll be knee deep in seeds by February ;D

[jean]

oldmoleskins said:

jlotie said:

I've found the Italian Butternut Squash variety - Butternut Rogosa Violina Gioia and I'd like to have a go with the Black Futsu too.

www.seeds-by-size.co.uk/squash98.html

My brother uses this site for bulk ordering so it must be ok, I just wish I could work out how much I will need

Blimey, that site just goes to show a) my limited knowledge and b) how you can make a specialism in the most unlikely thing...

Anyhow, what I wanted to say was this perfectly illustrates the usefullness of forum seed-swapping JL: I'm sure your Italian BNS is a good start for our trials - don't worry about over-ordering, I'm equally sure there will be something on offer to exchange for any surplus...

OM.

Lol glad it wasn't only me that had trouble OM, I think that there may be a few spare seeds


CPB I'm sure you will come up with something you want to try out in your raised beds, I was looking at white beetroot which is supposed to have the same flavour without getting red hands when peeling

[Deleted]

jlotie said:

I was looking at white beetroot which is supposed to have the same flavour without getting red hands when peeling

There is of course* white beetroot that doesn't bleed. Of which I have some, but if you don't love me that much, Kings (who I know you use) also does it.

Cabbage

* The ceremonious "of course" means I only knew about ooo? 12 months ago ;D

[jean]

So CPC, do ooo recommend giving them a try then

Anyone thinking of flowers for next year? I found this calendar on one of the seed web sites and there are loads to start off even now ;D

www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/calendar.htm

[Chuckles]

I've been looking through this site tonight that Skarloey mentioned www.realseeds.co.uk/index.html not sure on all the different varieties of stuff though but have managed to make a preliminary wish list

White Beetroot - 150 seed £1.69
Waltham Butternut - 14 seed £1.69
Sweet Chocolate A chocolate-brown sweet semi-bell pepper! - 20 seed [OG1] £1.65
Winter Lettuce Seed ~'Winter Marvel' - 300 seed £1.45
'Gardener's Delight' - 25 seed [OG1] £1.65
Galina like a yellow version of Gardeners' Delight - 30 seed [OG1] £1.59
'Purple Ukraine' Tomato - 25 seed [OG1] £1.49
'Rose de Berne' Large Pink Salad Tomato - 25 seed £1.75 [OG1]

[Chuckles]

jlotie said:

So CPC, do ooo recommend giving them a try then

Anyone thinking of flowers for next year? I found this calendar on one of the seed web sites and there are loads to start off even now ;D

www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/calendar.htm

I've got Delphinium, Foxglove, Hollyhocks, Aquiligia and Verbascum on the go ATM JL and a few others that I can't recall the names of right now Oh and SP's

[Deleted]

jlotie said:

So CPC, do ooo recommend giving them a try then

I don't honestly know!

All my root veg was terrible this year. The deer/badgers/pigeons really like beet tops though.

I have dug down to 1 1/2 spits at the weekend to eliminate other excuses and in that particular bed it is absolutely the best loam you could wish for.

It suffers from lack of water, but after this summer??? I am thinking of going to 2 spits and lining the bottom with leaves for general moisture retention - Any views?

So my harvest was pathetic. Which sums up 2007.

Cabbage

[Rosefriend]

I don't know whether anyone is interested but I have been promised some Parsley Root Seeds and thought perhaps one or two of you would like to try them. They are eaten a fair amount over here and they are lovely roasted or in soups etc. Anyway here is the blurb about them and a pic. Should anyone like to have a go, just let me know.

++++++++++


Parsley Root

Also called Hamburg Parsley and Turnip-Rooted Parsley, this parsley subspecies is grown for its beige, carrot-like root which tastes like a cross between a carrot and celery. Its used in parts of Europe in soups, stews and simply as a vegetable.

Storage:
Refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to a week.

Uses & Preparation:

* Remove leaves just before using roots.
* The leaves may be used the same as regular parsley.
* Use in soups or stews.

Here are two different Varieties - not sure which ones I am getting.



RF

[Chuckles]

They sound tasty RF, wouldn't mind a couple to try. Please don't send me loads though room is tight if I can't find room I could try some in a tub. Have youstill got my address from the Fremontodenron trials, if not give me a shout

[Rosefriend]

Yes I have still got your address Chuckles and will happily send you some seeds. I shall be doing them in tubs anyway.

RF

[jean]

captaincabbage said:

jlotie said:

So CPC, do ooo recommend giving them a try then

I don't honestly know!

All my root veg was terrible this year. The deer/badgers/pigeons really like beet tops though.

I have dug down to 1 1/2 spits at the weekend to eliminate other excuses and in that particular bed it is absolutely the best loam you could wish for.

It suffers from lack of water, but after this summer??? I am thinking of going to 2 spits and lining the bottom with leaves for general moisture retention - Any views?

So my harvest was pathetic. Which sums up 2007.

Cabbage

Cabbage, lining a trench with cardboard helps to retain water and any compostable material on top will help too, as will a mulch on top around your veggies when they have sprouted. I used shredded paper around my strawberries and beans this year and its seems to have done the trick

[Deleted]

Thanks for your reply.

I know that this is a much used method.

However, I am yet to be convinced that cardboard doesn't contain horrible stuff that leeches out. If anyone can convince me I'm all ears....just like the other Dumbo

[Deleted]

Ive got my veg seeds for next year and ive done a list im sure i will have some spare so if there is anything you would like im sure i can help just Pm me and if ive enough i will send you some.

Cauliflower All year round / winter pilgrim
Onion Bedfordshire champion
Parsnip Tender and true / White Gem
Beetroot Boltardy
Lettuce Chartwell / Lakeland Little Gem
Leek Musselburgh
Carrott Early Nantes
Kohl Rabi Blusta
Cucumber Teklegraph
Pea Kelvedon wonder / Hurst green shaft
Sweetcorn Incredible
Tomato Alicante/Gardeners Delight/ Tigerella
Sweetcorn Lark
Runner Beans Wisley Magic/ White Lady.

I will take out what i need then i can give away the rest, so if anyone is interested then let me know.

Karen

[jean]

captaincabbage said:

Thanks for your reply.

I know that this is a much used method.

However, I am yet to be convinced that cardboard doesn't contain horrible stuff that leeches out. If anyone can convince me I'm all ears....just like the other Dumbo

You are probably right Cabbage, stick to leaves and your ears can stop flapping now

[jean]

Karen I've got a list that is growing and growing, but still haven't decided where to order from. I've been looking at lots of unusual sites and might just go somewhere completely different just for the hell of it

[Deleted]

Most of mine are from T & M our Alotment uses kings and ive had lots of good feed back from other plot holders

Hope you get sorted soon if not you can have some of mine.

[Deleted]

rosefriend
i wouldnt mind having a go at the parsley things!!!!
i love to try slightly different things.
xxxxx

[Rosefriend]

By all means RBJ - just send me your address on a PM.

RF

[Dutchy]

Oh goody starting the work for next year already.
It takes a good governement to see ahead eh
And yes the idea of posting all the same plants in one thread sounds good to me as it makes comparing notes so much easier.

Some thoughts I have on the subject.

Yes Rosefriend I would love some seeds for that parsley of yours.
Never knew Parsley also came as a root veg.

As for other plants for a trial.
I am going to grow a very oldfashioned beetroot and more oldfashioned veg that is at the same time quite pretty.

How about ornamental, yet eddible old veg?

As for annual flower thingies.
I have already ordered Escholzia. There are quite a lot of different ones around. They are very pretty but need full sun.
Maybe go 180 percent the other way.
Shade loving annuals then? Are there any?

And how about companion plants.
I am going to grow Nicandra next to MssK's roses as it is claimed to keep whitefly at bay.
A does it work trial ?

[Rosefriend]

I will happily send you the seeds for the Parsley Root Dutchy. I also have seeds for the Nicandra (against white fly) if you don't have them already - don't buy them if you haven't done so.

Escholzia - yep got that on my list as well - sure you haven't been looking over my shoulder!!

It looks as though people are interested in Beetroot this year - lovely something different.

RF

[Shrubrose]

I'm not an experienced veg. gardener but beetroot has always produced very good results for me. And if that's the case, it must be a generous plant because I 'know nothing'. I would totally recommend it as a productive and very tasty vegetable to grow.

[Shrubrose]

rosefriend said:

I don't know whether anyone is interested but I have been promised some Parsley Root Seeds and thought perhaps one or two of you would like to try them. They are eaten a fair amount over here and they are lovely roasted or in soups etc. Anyway here is the blurb about them and a pic. Should anyone like to have a go, just let me know.

++++++++++


Parsley Root

Also called Hamburg Parsley and Turnip-Rooted Parsley, this parsley subspecies is grown for its beige, carrot-like root which tastes like a cross between a carrot and celery. Its used in parts of Europe in soups, stews and simply as a vegetable.

Storage:
Refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to a week.

Uses & Preparation:

* Remove leaves just before using roots.
* The leaves may be used the same as regular parsley.
* Use in soups or stews.

Here are two different Varieties - not sure which ones I am getting.



RF

RF, am fascinated by their resemblance to parsnips! ;D I'll have some if you're willing. They will be gratefully received. I will do them in tubs. I'll need to PM you as you wont have my address. Thanks in advance.