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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2006 13:21:45 GMT
Hi all,
I have a collection of small rooted cuttings - including a couple of fuchsias, penstemon, verbena bonrensis (sp.?) and solanum crispum 'glasnevin' - which will need over-wintering. However, I don't have a greenhouse or even much windowsill space - only a very small north-facing porch where they could get knocked over by people, bicycles etc. Is there anyway of protecting them in the garden itself - e.g. by constructing some kinds of frame using battens and bubble-wrap? Any advice gratefully appreciated ... cheers ...
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Post by toonia on Sept 18, 2006 15:28:46 GMT
Hi cc! Have you got Geoff Hamilton's GW book, "Practical Gardening course"? he has a schema for making a coldframe in there. I got the OH to make me one, the materials weren't expensive (it was Geoff) and the instructions easy to follow. In fact, the OH -not the best d-i-yer enjoyed making it so much he made me a second one!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2006 15:33:27 GMT
Hi Toonia ... I can get the book from the library; would that be sufficient to protect the cuttings I've described? I'm so proud that they actually rooted, couldn't bear to lose them ... cheers, and thanks for the tip ...
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Post by toonia on Sept 18, 2006 15:54:27 GMT
I should imagine it's still in print, it was the beginner's bible before AT wrote his. It's also worth buying as there's a wealth of info in it.
Let me know how you get on, if you don't find it I can send you a photocopy of the relevant pages!
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Post by toonia on Sept 18, 2006 15:56:23 GMT
Forgot to say, I have mine with their backs to the house so they get the warmth from the stones and even in our winters the cuttings survive. You can always throw an old blanket or sack over it on the coldest nights to be doubly sure.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2006 17:25:43 GMT
Thanks Toonia ... there actually is a bit of dead space next to the house wall (French drain), and it's at the kitchen so should be doubly warm ... cheers ...
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Post by Cheerypeabrain on Sept 18, 2006 19:58:19 GMT
If you make the CF remember to keep an eye out for slugs and snails...(ew ew ew)...the little b's managed to infiltrate mine...<ggrrr>
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Post by toonia on Sept 19, 2006 9:26:45 GMT
I don't have slug problems, too many toads to feed! What about filling the CF with gravel? Would that stop them sliming in?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2006 10:13:29 GMT
Oh dear. Slugs ... hadn't thought of that. The frame would actually be on gravel (on the French drain), but the National Irish Slug Convention holds its meetings in my garden and I doubt that a bit of gravel will deter them ... still it's worth a try. Lots and lots of beer traps, perhaps ... cheers ...
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2006 10:39:59 GMT
Slugs love bran - but little do they know it will kill them  The CF will keep the bran dry, which it needs to be to work  |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2006 11:53:43 GMT
Hi Toonia and Rita ... thanks for all the advice, what nice people there are on these boards! Rita, I'll try the bran - what the hell, I've tried beer, coffee grounds, little gravel-and-rock-salt collars for special plants. The only thing I haven't tried yet (well, apart from the bran) is what one Irish gardening writer, Helen Dillon, recommends: going out at night with a flashlight and pair of scissors! That may be next on the agenda ... cheers ...
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2006 11:55:30 GMT
I prefer to use a torch and a pot of salt |
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