tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-286154412024-03-19T09:58:38.723+00:00Down on the AllotmentMatron grows vegetables and fruit in a Hampshire garden. I've been growing veggies since I was knee high to a grasshopper. Some traditional varieties and old favourites as well as new ideas. I share my garden with my allotment assistant Daisy the Labrador. On Twitter as @MatronsVeggies Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.comBlogger1009125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-88117899183607586012023-06-29T15:31:00.006+01:002023-06-29T15:31:41.427+01:00Drowning in cucumbers<p> Still here! Everything is growing so fast these past few weeks. Long hot days have seen a lot of activity inside and outside the greenhouse. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CNhPqOxHSuHYCYiwaKKui73VlU4QpvmYQiGNAXlTB4Mev37iTuHnPSK1dk4WMWqLwpkHS_2BtXTKlDAoUMCOnyzTxBFAmSQpaQt0egrEndl9hCE8aV3RpG4bMd7HH2Om08Xe0-kKV0FG-8foqRZn0J50rcNOhu14zVkykLY8guVjB2pdpm646g/s4032/IMG_E2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CNhPqOxHSuHYCYiwaKKui73VlU4QpvmYQiGNAXlTB4Mev37iTuHnPSK1dk4WMWqLwpkHS_2BtXTKlDAoUMCOnyzTxBFAmSQpaQt0egrEndl9hCE8aV3RpG4bMd7HH2Om08Xe0-kKV0FG-8foqRZn0J50rcNOhu14zVkykLY8guVjB2pdpm646g/s320/IMG_E2397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I found a Polish variety of tomato , these are known as '<b>Raspberry Tomatoes'</b> they all have a lovely pink colour and an amazing taste with just the right amount of sweetness, acid and flavour. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GQhdm3k8qDgBjFDbnI_PvZqeahZRskXAddSb0ugPyZoUjy4H5FfL6PunG5cOSU1880MgchCsCghJz-CJ86Hcfkyuf8ChuRPy_9d0AFnF9G0pWtmFNqlGVNTT1RC_TVVZgPrcSnnWX9gzTTiEewpuGYvh19MtG7prbS2MyB4IeuMHxK6VjMm1ww/s4032/IMG_2572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GQhdm3k8qDgBjFDbnI_PvZqeahZRskXAddSb0ugPyZoUjy4H5FfL6PunG5cOSU1880MgchCsCghJz-CJ86Hcfkyuf8ChuRPy_9d0AFnF9G0pWtmFNqlGVNTT1RC_TVVZgPrcSnnWX9gzTTiEewpuGYvh19MtG7prbS2MyB4IeuMHxK6VjMm1ww/s320/IMG_2572.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>First time I've grown <b>Cornichon cucumbers </b>for pickling. Make gherkins with 3% brine solution, fresh dill, slices of horseradish, garlic clove and pickling spice. I also add some raspberry leaves into the brine as it adds tannin to the mix which keeps them crispy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWwsrs58zKc3gw6LuY7xN2pRqw1ZURyIju-AMTJFNi2GF25WOd-a2Ypkoqb-5fW3rYpz2rSs4GtRoESyXQXPU6sZ0QwRhw4o6WlDFVDKQlnFA4_dYDiMz4gxHduHVrrOMajXJvocY6U7cdI8MFERHoEvoNpA6ysAVI0mFiXCGDaTN6iwAXgPDXA/s4032/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWwsrs58zKc3gw6LuY7xN2pRqw1ZURyIju-AMTJFNi2GF25WOd-a2Ypkoqb-5fW3rYpz2rSs4GtRoESyXQXPU6sZ0QwRhw4o6WlDFVDKQlnFA4_dYDiMz4gxHduHVrrOMajXJvocY6U7cdI8MFERHoEvoNpA6ysAVI0mFiXCGDaTN6iwAXgPDXA/s320/IMG_2509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Another adventure - this will eventually be an <b>Armenian Yard Long cucumber</b> - hopefully. At the moment it's a Hampshire inch long...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKOIE7Y1I6P3epPzSNu6TV-Dl0Boee-1RED2VPkmTMXn12jMy-hAUt0cggwTybg7ocSmLB7fpHHCZAZwW_ShixoyQxtBDutMwQIMlIkoC-MAYAyyxjPizgHx1DkRQy_635t3V02Gl0rO2C74UdaLxsz9qc2fxrKpazYU6rsHOq4nt19yPyZb4qg/s4032/IMG_2507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKOIE7Y1I6P3epPzSNu6TV-Dl0Boee-1RED2VPkmTMXn12jMy-hAUt0cggwTybg7ocSmLB7fpHHCZAZwW_ShixoyQxtBDutMwQIMlIkoC-MAYAyyxjPizgHx1DkRQy_635t3V02Gl0rO2C74UdaLxsz9qc2fxrKpazYU6rsHOq4nt19yPyZb4qg/s320/IMG_2507.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>And I am really drowning in cucumbers in the greenhouse. These lovely <b>Delistar cucumbers</b> are cropping like crazy. Only 3 plants in a growbag and I have 4 or 5 every day! <br /><p></p>Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-70843207427618443922021-10-30T07:20:00.003+01:002021-10-30T07:20:33.885+01:00<p> I'm still here! Not sure if this blogger platform is still here or not, but here goes. I decided to dig one of my 'Tahiti' purple sweet potatoes this week. This first one was in a growbag container and did get a bit dry at times. Ideally I'd like to leave sweet potatoes in the ground as long as possible because it is at this time of year they put on growth and swell the tubers. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSq3ScwLYIocWEE_59AOJYBvOy_dzR5KkzhEsqfscfOS5nIIU62B0zGDBaoE7_J6bTjq2JHD8ENZufZR6HRddool9qrCGBHZjAiCQGo9n5JiFe0EcylJbPEFyhQYZstW_iPpKzoA/s2048/October+2021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSq3ScwLYIocWEE_59AOJYBvOy_dzR5KkzhEsqfscfOS5nIIU62B0zGDBaoE7_J6bTjq2JHD8ENZufZR6HRddool9qrCGBHZjAiCQGo9n5JiFe0EcylJbPEFyhQYZstW_iPpKzoA/w400-h300/October+2021.JPG" width="400" /></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I am told that the leaves of this sweet potato are edible too - I didn't really feel like trying them but my chickens appreciated them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSVTcynDJeJ3YC97Nfo4K4H_CUSDvMy1gVEekNTSTY__8KkHtzQE33kezzIU-eYR2HdVXQ1F_o85s3vKzW6VWqR7O4JpnWfbNW4o7xnd5YoAIfUQYQAf3bVGmfXDs5NA5vhBpaA/s2048/October+2021+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSVTcynDJeJ3YC97Nfo4K4H_CUSDvMy1gVEekNTSTY__8KkHtzQE33kezzIU-eYR2HdVXQ1F_o85s3vKzW6VWqR7O4JpnWfbNW4o7xnd5YoAIfUQYQAf3bVGmfXDs5NA5vhBpaA/w400-h300/October+2021+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Strange curly, fattened roots compacted together in a mass. An OK harvest, not really spectacular, but it does give me more hope that the plants I have in the open ground will be a bit better when I dig them up in a few weeks. I also have some regular Beauregard sweet potatoes in the ground as well. I'll update more when I dig those up. </p><p>Hope there is someone out there reading this. xx<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdji-JoINARMEg9-Hz1Eh-PgvAFMwnrKAT9WnBfFTiTRrPvf_jf7VH-Ir5o4vnc9g3EX8lkQIcXowGNhBcDZK-bpbD62zVFHuWnV6hpKKwshqnMzd4uxymoZJLCGRfh41W6WBmmg/s2048/October+2021+3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdji-JoINARMEg9-Hz1Eh-PgvAFMwnrKAT9WnBfFTiTRrPvf_jf7VH-Ir5o4vnc9g3EX8lkQIcXowGNhBcDZK-bpbD62zVFHuWnV6hpKKwshqnMzd4uxymoZJLCGRfh41W6WBmmg/w400-h300/October+2021+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></p>Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-15703632026476059322020-08-17T12:49:00.003+01:002020-08-17T12:49:50.053+01:00Success with Peaches<p> Hooray! Matron is still here! I thought blogger had threatened to delete all posts on this platform, I thought I was going to loose everything but it looks as if I'm still here! </p><p></p><p>So let me share this success with you. 6 of these beautiful Rochester peaches set fruit. A couple were pecked and went rotten, but I did manage 3 beautiful ripe peaches. They were hidden from birds by the leaf cover and managed to survive. Really wonderful taste and texture. Only a 3 year old tree so anything is a bonus.</p><p></p><p>Next post will show you how I have fan trained the tree.</p><p></p><p>It's good to be back! Matron xxx<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBSAz8yHra1e20WFKhHYIbTjOO33kUNONtIcg6TJDC6YMulUNYk-IdcxnaTvz2wPxnyG8uiR3tzoZUvE-2ZRihyphenhyphenzoDTJjndfhJU0BUUv1DqT9wvpQt3cqiLSxbahfJrirYUU-Ng/s2048/IMG_7827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBSAz8yHra1e20WFKhHYIbTjOO33kUNONtIcg6TJDC6YMulUNYk-IdcxnaTvz2wPxnyG8uiR3tzoZUvE-2ZRihyphenhyphenzoDTJjndfhJU0BUUv1DqT9wvpQt3cqiLSxbahfJrirYUU-Ng/s640/IMG_7827.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-25919478079565879532019-03-20T08:46:00.003+00:002019-03-20T08:46:20.712+00:00Peach Tree Pollination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3fyLWWiQsNjgrPGiAo5_4dLhgIKLBVQXDeAz6j_CjUnhQn0vWixTSjV1igHImhOzMRAYIn1A9g0RNtEd5qwEeSnG3MmjonzqoRB9gawjgIvI1rIMU1u0NDDhl1Mq9sm5OXVh-Q/s1600/IMG_8753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3fyLWWiQsNjgrPGiAo5_4dLhgIKLBVQXDeAz6j_CjUnhQn0vWixTSjV1igHImhOzMRAYIn1A9g0RNtEd5qwEeSnG3MmjonzqoRB9gawjgIvI1rIMU1u0NDDhl1Mq9sm5OXVh-Q/s320/IMG_8753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Look at my peach tree! Beautiful peach blossom is usually one of the first fruit trees to come into flower. This espalier pruned tree is up against a sheltered South facing wall. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV6vpHy27PMTkqiWnMs5xmFBbcIbl3jhpuY0ilTnHOKkDQVcpApYiakyxGDnHdIRDPe3Kdg369OkBG9wFDXVvfbffwfoUwoPXBi2RM21-zv-9yWocL9St8D6lXYwdU2FZcKKL-A/s1600/IMG_8751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV6vpHy27PMTkqiWnMs5xmFBbcIbl3jhpuY0ilTnHOKkDQVcpApYiakyxGDnHdIRDPe3Kdg369OkBG9wFDXVvfbffwfoUwoPXBi2RM21-zv-9yWocL9St8D6lXYwdU2FZcKKL-A/s320/IMG_8751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As they flower so early in the season, pollination by bees and other insects might be problematic, and hand pollination with a soft paintbrush is usually advised, but I noticed something wonderful this week. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1gxBmfRlrSMG2wQ7ccrriqroBfptHZG6pnafyt3KfhY_GigQZMzTH9SCb3WaPol6Lvd5IsmzHEMHbs5Y2QDRax3rvCWb4cPMc5W7haj7VjSerBU5aoN71-CmdcYoDNAHLZ2L1g/s1600/IMG_8809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1gxBmfRlrSMG2wQ7ccrriqroBfptHZG6pnafyt3KfhY_GigQZMzTH9SCb3WaPol6Lvd5IsmzHEMHbs5Y2QDRax3rvCWb4cPMc5W7haj7VjSerBU5aoN71-CmdcYoDNAHLZ2L1g/s320/IMG_8809.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I planted the peach next to two, large rosemary bushes either side of it which also appear to be in flower right now, at the same time as the peach blossom. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmbbn2zaFTzKqCPgLrqwY7-zQdZ5UGKBa0Ifp2YkFUOzmazdEmvWQv1SAjYI0MdK7Xu5mKEwloGCXCV_m0-_vwrQ-jRPTp3UIFGL7K0pTGqyfNKROKro1oavQINP9ETllKSRxAg/s1600/IMG_E8750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmbbn2zaFTzKqCPgLrqwY7-zQdZ5UGKBa0Ifp2YkFUOzmazdEmvWQv1SAjYI0MdK7Xu5mKEwloGCXCV_m0-_vwrQ-jRPTp3UIFGL7K0pTGqyfNKROKro1oavQINP9ETllKSRxAg/s320/IMG_E8750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So the mass of flowers on the rosemary bushes here is encouraging bees to come over to pollinate, and they are also flying on to my peach tree to pollinate that too! I am waiting a few more weeks before pruning the peach tree. Peaches are one fruit tree that you do NOT prune in Winter with other fruit trees. They must be pruned in early Summer when all danger of viruses like <b>Silver Leaf disease</b> or <b>peach leaf curl </b>are over. These viruses are active over Winter and I must wait until the weather warms up a bit before pruning this espalier. Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-43343248973640210852019-02-17T10:17:00.003+00:002019-02-17T10:17:18.285+00:00Spring Plantings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_nygBYzfgSqIEhqen4xujqsKF0vUX42BH_jFQLvixz32nGu0Bnb4l2RDFUPBlfEh6Lmu_xYevgFqUDaww9skHHACn7ZrCLco204Ese6d0RFPzv03YPf3Zgq5K_7w4F_LrBDgzg/s1600/IMG_7725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_nygBYzfgSqIEhqen4xujqsKF0vUX42BH_jFQLvixz32nGu0Bnb4l2RDFUPBlfEh6Lmu_xYevgFqUDaww9skHHACn7ZrCLco204Ese6d0RFPzv03YPf3Zgq5K_7w4F_LrBDgzg/s320/IMG_7725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Now that I'm living down here in Hampshire, I made a trip across to the Isle of Wight recently. I bought some <b>Elephant Garlic </b>cloves. I know they are a very mild type of garlic, rather like the taste of leeks, but I thought they might be fun to grow. Have you tried them?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlBvjM5aAOEFycPgof9euGM8BEk2rWlHYHeOtfM6GrZ9BoOlGwPXc5Qm3wLbvZcygNuFfqZoGE1cSQ4oRx3Ur4L24x64TgyRYokLWpbacsww6XWvfnh87k6Ky9XMZ9n_PrZMmpQ/s1600/IMG_7672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlBvjM5aAOEFycPgof9euGM8BEk2rWlHYHeOtfM6GrZ9BoOlGwPXc5Qm3wLbvZcygNuFfqZoGE1cSQ4oRx3Ur4L24x64TgyRYokLWpbacsww6XWvfnh87k6Ky9XMZ9n_PrZMmpQ/s320/IMG_7672.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The Garlic Farm also does an amazing cooked English Breakfast, and they are also dog friendly!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2H9yO-IvmqOnSF8fmDXMR_DW7PuZS2wXm-VmVZPuib0kb8KW2lvRxdo6wVJLJ43g0Y_NIcCLO9vE23tTVEjd1nV2DN2lAGk4EX41jAJQsj3suuUyW0bj9L3S3DmE3dilizP-UDw/s1600/IMG_8073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2H9yO-IvmqOnSF8fmDXMR_DW7PuZS2wXm-VmVZPuib0kb8KW2lvRxdo6wVJLJ43g0Y_NIcCLO9vE23tTVEjd1nV2DN2lAGk4EX41jAJQsj3suuUyW0bj9L3S3DmE3dilizP-UDw/s320/IMG_8073.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Meanwhile back at home I started a new venture. I am planting an <b>asparagus bed</b>. This patch of ground gets sun most of the day in Summer so I am using this place behind the greenhouse. I don't need access much of the time so it will be fine. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMnccJPaklQ32DLz1-Ntj5mma4IwepP5cVluwLoLPdwIQP05IUEHdwp-Ekvzbf-TewzFMdVbps4lnJEkNHGYNUQjqjgvQDNotKw30nobg7UKKVuc4Wj-6TadpJSeEZT6IWfqz3w/s1600/IMG_8223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMnccJPaklQ32DLz1-Ntj5mma4IwepP5cVluwLoLPdwIQP05IUEHdwp-Ekvzbf-TewzFMdVbps4lnJEkNHGYNUQjqjgvQDNotKw30nobg7UKKVuc4Wj-6TadpJSeEZT6IWfqz3w/s320/IMG_8223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I chose 3 different varieties, <b>Gijnlim, Connovers Colossal, and Pacific Purple.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KmstWQ0mdzpSWqqCg8QD5GhegNaoXaYAdysPv_l_nUV4Dwt5pdzAT_MeOUOz1Zix7HTK7-_dmZ8Rzn49zdmg_Nmj5mWZ56xthQD5ZbObfPA1YyoBsuxAtSgzKHoVtKfz4ynqhQ/s1600/IMG_8236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KmstWQ0mdzpSWqqCg8QD5GhegNaoXaYAdysPv_l_nUV4Dwt5pdzAT_MeOUOz1Zix7HTK7-_dmZ8Rzn49zdmg_Nmj5mWZ56xthQD5ZbObfPA1YyoBsuxAtSgzKHoVtKfz4ynqhQ/s320/IMG_8236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Prepared the ground and added well rotted horse manure, some superphosphate and I used <b>mycorrhizal fungi </b>on the roots to encourage healthy root development. I won't be picking a crop for a couple of years, so patience will be needed until then.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1jYSlYxUwOXjyn0OHVSqi0nLpIeCz9Xso0xzh9Se_y3FWiETz6qfZaytPI5MRAhghz-XkR9Ndm6TkFyPf8SauL7raaIWyjrRASKaxwJeFDQtfO1SP87M7-cX3xgwTMer0AU_Ig/s1600/IMG_8151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1jYSlYxUwOXjyn0OHVSqi0nLpIeCz9Xso0xzh9Se_y3FWiETz6qfZaytPI5MRAhghz-XkR9Ndm6TkFyPf8SauL7raaIWyjrRASKaxwJeFDQtfO1SP87M7-cX3xgwTMer0AU_Ig/s320/IMG_8151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Meanwhile at home on a rainy day, I ground up my dried chilli. <b>Joe's Long Cayenne, and Targu Mures Transylvanian Paprika. </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvThpGS14A_6YmpM4TdslSqsEjG62CpyqVIQGxy7_xYdUN2BASGcDgClmWtW3wajJd3wNLv5t8kkfz2totBps2O0M36P06T2KM29N7qrhTZ1viaFrNCiwuqN53B7JdxslvzMR0Gw/s1600/IMG_8294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvThpGS14A_6YmpM4TdslSqsEjG62CpyqVIQGxy7_xYdUN2BASGcDgClmWtW3wajJd3wNLv5t8kkfz2totBps2O0M36P06T2KM29N7qrhTZ1viaFrNCiwuqN53B7JdxslvzMR0Gw/s320/IMG_8294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My tomato and chilli seedlings are doing well on a windowsill, and under some grow lights. Time to prick them out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uaXzQ7iIfp1idY1yF0NwJpnZHU2xrHftTh_0iCxBEkPT6d9kA6yjsh8zWr8rRNPSGEecwhsGkfwxu1U_WIWElzxZjmxYG0DaWgT-D7uV2XcKx5wofCxrEdeycpPux-5QoUE7mQ/s1600/IMG_8297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uaXzQ7iIfp1idY1yF0NwJpnZHU2xrHftTh_0iCxBEkPT6d9kA6yjsh8zWr8rRNPSGEecwhsGkfwxu1U_WIWElzxZjmxYG0DaWgT-D7uV2XcKx5wofCxrEdeycpPux-5QoUE7mQ/s320/IMG_8297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Found this handy little windowsill propagator, so they are now happy in their new trays. Varieties here, are <b>Sungold, Golden Jubilee and Pantano tomatoes</b>. <b>Orange Kilian and Joe's long chilli.</b>Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-66780020831521622662019-02-04T07:56:00.004+00:002019-02-04T07:56:37.980+00:00A New Venture!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFakevGWz8YCUZ2S3n-bv1powq4i-iEmDfF57bBgEdP6I51rjjxdIEKRSHwXriMCN7thftwzhdXtFnDTlvpW2O59yf4I0Q9waXgug1kk5J6_5uSIUnsqvizckQGfcA_eAHUQ3jg/s1600/IMG_7630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFakevGWz8YCUZ2S3n-bv1powq4i-iEmDfF57bBgEdP6I51rjjxdIEKRSHwXriMCN7thftwzhdXtFnDTlvpW2O59yf4I0Q9waXgug1kk5J6_5uSIUnsqvizckQGfcA_eAHUQ3jg/s320/IMG_7630.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
As the days are gradually getting longer, my purple sprouting broccoli is beginning to respond by starting to produce florets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7ktxiyurgW7cT7tsGn5xOAHER2b2JS2C2aY_9aVC1gi1eNYNF0zhqjDNCxJbfXhY22_IxuveswjMm3FO0hUUcCFFKKR06S-ar-NXXhUbPC_ObH1ShXrz0R3csyr1I6a1GJ1Huw/s1600/IMG_8131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7ktxiyurgW7cT7tsGn5xOAHER2b2JS2C2aY_9aVC1gi1eNYNF0zhqjDNCxJbfXhY22_IxuveswjMm3FO0hUUcCFFKKR06S-ar-NXXhUbPC_ObH1ShXrz0R3csyr1I6a1GJ1Huw/s320/IMG_8131.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And even the little side shoots are now beginning to show. So lovely to see the beginning of the new growing year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_swF9go_KReZUXu769Z3H_mwO3lLDT2dVmQFYfhbN6KO5MXpU_hIfTkpN6FljPNRlpHSeH92MPxJ7LVhiEEIcqI4ZtR2SHZxNWuwBq4Jk7OYDPDjGeEyoJZvpG2TJqesMUfsPg/s1600/IMG_E8073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_swF9go_KReZUXu769Z3H_mwO3lLDT2dVmQFYfhbN6KO5MXpU_hIfTkpN6FljPNRlpHSeH92MPxJ7LVhiEEIcqI4ZtR2SHZxNWuwBq4Jk7OYDPDjGeEyoJZvpG2TJqesMUfsPg/s320/IMG_E8073.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
A new development for my new Hampshire garden, as I am on sandy loam soil I thought I would start an asparagus bed. So I carefully weeded this sheltered spot behind the greenhouse making sure to remove every possible weed, then give the soil a good helping of my well rotted horse manure compost. When it stops snowing here!! I will get the crowns planted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewmIT_TeUlaM2AkkmvBnKRew8JLZHm8baYvZmHyoGwCqHtOx-rVi7aGpnNWIDWunhIjHe2dakwLlRjaEOutVSExs65AcSqfO4uYHBHo9bQldxD4-gItbb9LM5Mv1Sn-6HkxG2Gw/s1600/IMG_8032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewmIT_TeUlaM2AkkmvBnKRew8JLZHm8baYvZmHyoGwCqHtOx-rVi7aGpnNWIDWunhIjHe2dakwLlRjaEOutVSExs65AcSqfO4uYHBHo9bQldxD4-gItbb9LM5Mv1Sn-6HkxG2Gw/s320/IMG_8032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've bought some different varieties to plant, Pacific Purple, Conovers Colossal and Ginglim F1.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><i>I SINCERELY HOPE THIS WILL NOT BE MY LAST POST!!!! I HAVE JUST HAD A MESSAGE FROM GOOGLE THAT GOOGLE PLUS IS BEING DISCONTINUED AND ALL INFORMATION WILL BE DELETED! I WILL SEE WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS... BUT THEY ONLY TOLD ME ON FRIDAY THAT THIS WILL BE HAPPENING! </i></b></span>Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-69750543735745089402019-01-09T09:28:00.000+00:002019-01-09T09:28:00.253+00:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUNHkR3LGfk95a8SHL8FvNFaYGDmNyCa6_ePjMBIWUIphr6nqFTQjucy7N3Rt_ceNwblH-91RR0TneV3jP0HIJQ4VFiiRrLVkjP1EsE7BglXGpE2AYGTtqUGQ6g4CDUR2PjKGdw/s1600/IMG_E7364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUNHkR3LGfk95a8SHL8FvNFaYGDmNyCa6_ePjMBIWUIphr6nqFTQjucy7N3Rt_ceNwblH-91RR0TneV3jP0HIJQ4VFiiRrLVkjP1EsE7BglXGpE2AYGTtqUGQ6g4CDUR2PjKGdw/s320/IMG_E7364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Happy New Year everyone! I am thrilled to say that the dreaded <b>leek moth</b> has not yet found my garden! Even on a fairly poor, sandy soil this year I was able to grow a respectable crop of <b>Musselburgh leeks.</b> With the addition of some more compost and manure this next season I hope to continue to do well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE-1q6113i1opJPOfpHqM5x_ayL-BZacQ7cUJ6cOCwB1Lcr-KgOXYZxAqIBbqkFiQ1Yv3zjy8Tsnkwx02Q_7Bi552JV2Aeam-ooFushyphenhyphen0qexnoc8JckThR3RzQCJWRX_cEUkrkw/s1600/IMG_E7369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE-1q6113i1opJPOfpHqM5x_ayL-BZacQ7cUJ6cOCwB1Lcr-KgOXYZxAqIBbqkFiQ1Yv3zjy8Tsnkwx02Q_7Bi552JV2Aeam-ooFushyphenhyphen0qexnoc8JckThR3RzQCJWRX_cEUkrkw/s320/IMG_E7369.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
No success in 2018 with my pot grown <b>purple sweet potatoes</b>, I had a very late start due to my house move. But I managed to take a couple of slips and rooted them in water on a windowsill. I will pot them up and keep them going until I can plant them out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSlmfkhzYX9yPqe8KfSpHZWgtjSH7DzBs_QzzzZob6nbRRsQDq_05kMB_dABTIUVa0zCiGlRW2KozbdMMQASLHSD3BZ433nWiG73GhOzEosi94hhkVvno2DOqHFseace9GGUiSQ/s1600/IMG_6033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSlmfkhzYX9yPqe8KfSpHZWgtjSH7DzBs_QzzzZob6nbRRsQDq_05kMB_dABTIUVa0zCiGlRW2KozbdMMQASLHSD3BZ433nWiG73GhOzEosi94hhkVvno2DOqHFseace9GGUiSQ/s320/IMG_6033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Chickens </b>are doing well! It seems like a convenient arrangement for me, they eat all my excess veggies and kitchen waste as well as slugs, snails and other critters - then they give me lovely manure for the compost heap, AND they lay eggs! Well done Girls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_PaFdjy9jxd-S4G4I7DenySFfL7i7-YjlU-GltgFz0_ux10sSr4p9IoUlTl2bZLBSqQlVJghvpFkhy5TMCNR1be9i_RHFb9BHjTmS6q93ZEtywLSVCw4-3wMatZokc63HND0jw/s1600/IMG_6213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_PaFdjy9jxd-S4G4I7DenySFfL7i7-YjlU-GltgFz0_ux10sSr4p9IoUlTl2bZLBSqQlVJghvpFkhy5TMCNR1be9i_RHFb9BHjTmS6q93ZEtywLSVCw4-3wMatZokc63HND0jw/s320/IMG_6213.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
A lovely surprise in the garden this year was growing these <b>physalis</b>. Again, a very late addition to the garden they grew and grew producing lots of fruit, but sadly many of them did not ripen. What I did get was really lovely. A real recommendation if you haven't grown them before.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczkLmnBlpd9CgJpLIrc-G6FPgHq_WbKRsPhw67ujlK75dcEZPt_keui_OpWDkZyTyPceVT6Crbz7rfKtuVXf0y9eGU1wV6MNIP9zdPQnuGHMoWhIrbgnwB6Vs3Ihv0_CQdj1o-Q/s1600/IMG_7441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczkLmnBlpd9CgJpLIrc-G6FPgHq_WbKRsPhw67ujlK75dcEZPt_keui_OpWDkZyTyPceVT6Crbz7rfKtuVXf0y9eGU1wV6MNIP9zdPQnuGHMoWhIrbgnwB6Vs3Ihv0_CQdj1o-Q/s320/IMG_7441.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
So, on Christmas Day I had a wonderful harvest of specially prepared <b>Charlotte new potatoes.</b> Autumn sown in a container in the greenhouse, this bag has many more to come. Well worth the space in the greenhouse to make an extra Winter crop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifsFvfz-eiZKgTIfJ89KSvLwDDNqCkIlFcnk7UwBBtIclguy4wf_b04ED3-KUyux720G3mHf3zDwXT5gwEi9EAfkH4_qvaA3ZzfF3rFFXhNr2qj1-mwNR2iAZ4IFa3X1C1z_mIQ/s1600/IMG_7520.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifsFvfz-eiZKgTIfJ89KSvLwDDNqCkIlFcnk7UwBBtIclguy4wf_b04ED3-KUyux720G3mHf3zDwXT5gwEi9EAfkH4_qvaA3ZzfF3rFFXhNr2qj1-mwNR2iAZ4IFa3X1C1z_mIQ/s320/IMG_7520.PNG" width="179" /></a></div>
These chillis caught my eye on Twitter last week. These are wonderful bright orange <b>cayenne chilli </b>from the Czech republic called <b>Kilian</b>. A standard cayene type chilli which ripen to orange. I found them at <a href="http://www.seaspringseeds.co.uk/">Sea Spring Seeds </a>if you fancy trying them. Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-29453787692089727532018-11-09T09:39:00.000+00:002018-11-09T09:39:27.795+00:00Matron goes winkling!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtl8Xvv2NnsvpIrgRGYxd0WEXaeOU76iO3OgHhD1KXvAOQmsr84kEv6ClpO_ggYbUHl2DsfKfFb5wL0mD_Cs2obCbShxxUMjAxGAQFUlTpoF57Efg9_mmsiA0GZ_df430yMuOLg/s1600/IMG_6121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtl8Xvv2NnsvpIrgRGYxd0WEXaeOU76iO3OgHhD1KXvAOQmsr84kEv6ClpO_ggYbUHl2DsfKfFb5wL0mD_Cs2obCbShxxUMjAxGAQFUlTpoF57Efg9_mmsiA0GZ_df430yMuOLg/s320/IMG_6121.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
This takes me back to childhood holidays in Cornwall! Whilst out on a seaside walkies along the Solent I saw these winkles - or common periwinkles at low tide. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w0dRz6viGb0g8gARZeChtJ9GdckUxLdhzzCJj3A_O6BOfXP7VFBfFPbS7I6Vi9uCda9fgbpmKLm4JLHPhAGJSuaklaf0oBs-p_hLXNYEWrXxCUA7kRYiuXcCnjxyf7W2zwTgHQ/s1600/IMG_6124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w0dRz6viGb0g8gARZeChtJ9GdckUxLdhzzCJj3A_O6BOfXP7VFBfFPbS7I6Vi9uCda9fgbpmKLm4JLHPhAGJSuaklaf0oBs-p_hLXNYEWrXxCUA7kRYiuXcCnjxyf7W2zwTgHQ/s320/IMG_6124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I checked with a local wildlife warden that the sea quality in this part of the Solent is excellent! Strong tides bring fresh water to the area twice a day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgBx4v3cI3AuInfyIf4hhcL4C_cCbac8uW_jH_StSbiHL0YK_a8u8-vE-jRRF6_xXnegIyUVqtvdzsvgPVlkc6q26uMujOPj6tU7R6SqujeJSkHUF8uNG0HlTECOLplC-lstQQQ/s1600/IMG_6179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgBx4v3cI3AuInfyIf4hhcL4C_cCbac8uW_jH_StSbiHL0YK_a8u8-vE-jRRF6_xXnegIyUVqtvdzsvgPVlkc6q26uMujOPj6tU7R6SqujeJSkHUF8uNG0HlTECOLplC-lstQQQ/s320/IMG_6179.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
So I picked a bucket of winkles from the rocks and picked some seaweed to pack with them. After cleaning thoroughly I soaked them overnight in salt water to allow them to filter out any sand or impurities.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHNreHUTRyk5orjb8-iyx-wJqWvfM9QJlAe3iI34RlEs_YXEFayBJY78d6X8AwNWyBQlIDhT-GIbM6BvwoSHrWYrHmNNguREpt6UpuHmtQZo6272lbdTUkanYnoiq8uV6hfArSw/s1600/IMG_6183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHNreHUTRyk5orjb8-iyx-wJqWvfM9QJlAe3iI34RlEs_YXEFayBJY78d6X8AwNWyBQlIDhT-GIbM6BvwoSHrWYrHmNNguREpt6UpuHmtQZo6272lbdTUkanYnoiq8uV6hfArSw/s320/IMG_6183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Boil in salty water , with the seaweed, for about 10 minutes and then cool in the fridge for a couple of hours. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDikDcwfvGsCOXsKcJ7tML-ytd55BrO5tuKSa9HQMvlvdOQyH6evKo6DNnYwKcrWeKZmGGosO5ttf600t5hDGH-kbCLnv-c6Y4W3j8oT-kVl9P1nGEKxhTQCCUs2baHwZYACbdPw/s1600/IMG_6186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDikDcwfvGsCOXsKcJ7tML-ytd55BrO5tuKSa9HQMvlvdOQyH6evKo6DNnYwKcrWeKZmGGosO5ttf600t5hDGH-kbCLnv-c6Y4W3j8oT-kVl9P1nGEKxhTQCCUs2baHwZYACbdPw/s320/IMG_6186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Fiddly work to get them out of their shells with a needle or a pin (my Grandfather was a London pawnbroker so we have some long pawnbrokers pins for the task) It is well worth the effort. Serve with vinegar and pepper on a slice of wholemeal bread. Perfect! Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-38104712631815571672018-10-23T17:50:00.000+01:002018-10-23T17:50:35.918+01:00Chickens!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdbd8NLNgUxKyL7W4bzztSlwdHc7ZPd7tWUJQD39BGens09po31DLj8-_LGg71XDTeHRR656CHeZZ0R-XF5s4rzvqJMgd0KHu2EgvXJ1mMAxL4pz9-KylWAyg4GiYlgFO2c-KnQ/s1600/IMG_5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdbd8NLNgUxKyL7W4bzztSlwdHc7ZPd7tWUJQD39BGens09po31DLj8-_LGg71XDTeHRR656CHeZZ0R-XF5s4rzvqJMgd0KHu2EgvXJ1mMAxL4pz9-KylWAyg4GiYlgFO2c-KnQ/s320/IMG_5361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I collected three hybrid layers a couple of weeks ago. They have settled down really quickly and started laying beautiful eggs almost straight away. They are calm and curious and they don't seem to mind Daisy poking her nose at them from time to time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX5MxZcY8vW7Zj7kvDuumqliOD94zSbThuwzipOkVLn5BGVIU7ll2ShK4KozvU3u2T8GUQy7nqPe7ycpkGOaXFDbOoQs3YFdgMDngT1TW2efQsbN7L_K77MI-7-c1CRYEG0kHjg/s1600/IMG_5404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX5MxZcY8vW7Zj7kvDuumqliOD94zSbThuwzipOkVLn5BGVIU7ll2ShK4KozvU3u2T8GUQy7nqPe7ycpkGOaXFDbOoQs3YFdgMDngT1TW2efQsbN7L_K77MI-7-c1CRYEG0kHjg/s320/IMG_5404.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
This Eglu chicken coop is really easy to use and easy to clean too. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9rElCJuy30lpspRhebPTlfBGLcVPW54pL6FOoYTHzpJSWWiElOfbYFKC-lacxftel3JD-Svtt8jMCgGuKMePExgxuVf1myTdd_7c-hzH6Ppmgl1KemAOhWpWqik1HJu2a0D9ww/s1600/IMG_5403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9rElCJuy30lpspRhebPTlfBGLcVPW54pL6FOoYTHzpJSWWiElOfbYFKC-lacxftel3JD-Svtt8jMCgGuKMePExgxuVf1myTdd_7c-hzH6Ppmgl1KemAOhWpWqik1HJu2a0D9ww/s320/IMG_5403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Ta Dah!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmbn-9h71rMJ6LjQmKz-zSWwJqebIARBZd8zQLu3qKsvJTimDfUMK9gV4Ic3foSrMMbqOZ2xtYTyp2GCKuVF8orUovD7G0HKyCSmObixdiBdFEPjRgTf7yqXzgjcVoNEBqoslCw/s1600/IMG_5742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmbn-9h71rMJ6LjQmKz-zSWwJqebIARBZd8zQLu3qKsvJTimDfUMK9gV4Ic3foSrMMbqOZ2xtYTyp2GCKuVF8orUovD7G0HKyCSmObixdiBdFEPjRgTf7yqXzgjcVoNEBqoslCw/s320/IMG_5742.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Early this Summer I hung a pheromone lure in my apple trees, but unfortunately it didn't work as well as I had hoped. Many of the apples still have maggots inside them. I'm certain I put the lure up at the right time, but maybe the Summer was just a really good year for the fruit moth, or these trees were already so badly infested it will take a bit more work. <br />
So I bought a sticky grease band to wrap around the trunk of the tree.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPiME0TNaVn-cOagCwIA8_prnpF9FhbmJ0_aM45yVEvLt4SCNVa3l-_RHlBjdu4kPmRGLJyJbsyg7T1LEl0mmVYWtBwgN4H3dJi-cHNMXXzm9Ol-_UNSgAp8ZPdNgqqHYZepyxQ/s1600/IMG_E5745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPiME0TNaVn-cOagCwIA8_prnpF9FhbmJ0_aM45yVEvLt4SCNVa3l-_RHlBjdu4kPmRGLJyJbsyg7T1LEl0mmVYWtBwgN4H3dJi-cHNMXXzm9Ol-_UNSgAp8ZPdNgqqHYZepyxQ/s320/IMG_E5745.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Winter moths climb up the trunk of the tree ready to lay their eggs next Spring in the developing apples. So maybe this, plus another pheromone lure next year might do the trick! The sticky band might even catch something bigger..... I hope not.... but you never know!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ey_4YUSWu-wUyMG7gNUoaGIBztWuF_Q4paHbFtavBa1oN4zrrnvYebPACdXDXhZ14FbyURu0Uqmf6ptQy5DntDivFoLffsEo61B5VlSqRin3o5N9MJ4iBA3YqLmAtZlxEl00-w/s1600/IMG_5672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ey_4YUSWu-wUyMG7gNUoaGIBztWuF_Q4paHbFtavBa1oN4zrrnvYebPACdXDXhZ14FbyURu0Uqmf6ptQy5DntDivFoLffsEo61B5VlSqRin3o5N9MJ4iBA3YqLmAtZlxEl00-w/s320/IMG_5672.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Exciting news! I bought a Peach tree for my new house. I have a lovely South facing dry wall at the front of my house, so this espalier pruned Redhaven Peach should do well here. This variety has some resistance to peach leaf curl, but this wall is very dry anyway so fingers crossed. Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-51785322247266397182018-10-04T12:59:00.003+01:002018-10-04T13:01:16.392+01:00Hot Stuff!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgwVLCtDQ3rJzZvME79VSPBClGW2FMGvdBGvQPS5gdKqBWYqaaz0duF7n8HgG_1prGHRJMFsO864Ky84Nki-oOCu08kaEfT6DFmm5iEkHflR7KFbBszvZSqe6mxlA266-qf1rsg/s1600/IMG_4705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgwVLCtDQ3rJzZvME79VSPBClGW2FMGvdBGvQPS5gdKqBWYqaaz0duF7n8HgG_1prGHRJMFsO864Ky84Nki-oOCu08kaEfT6DFmm5iEkHflR7KFbBszvZSqe6mxlA266-qf1rsg/s320/IMG_4705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been picking chillis nearly every day now. Wait until they are fully red and then harvest them. This will enable unripe chillis on the plant to develop. Don't leave them on the plant when they are ready to be picked, you will inhibit the ripening of the others.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlYigP65v3h_Z-Sw5aS_34X5C2b84tJflTqRq8aMkKRag5t1Yf14dS50s3WUZds-3POrcHnjzMRgs_RdmoPlrVpUqgvf3dYqcEnm900vyZkHVAvQReZBzbK8oiRoV-fwKGxTrcQ/s1600/IMG_5325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlYigP65v3h_Z-Sw5aS_34X5C2b84tJflTqRq8aMkKRag5t1Yf14dS50s3WUZds-3POrcHnjzMRgs_RdmoPlrVpUqgvf3dYqcEnm900vyZkHVAvQReZBzbK8oiRoV-fwKGxTrcQ/s320/IMG_5325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So these <b>Transylvanian Targu Mures chillis</b> are on a plate in my airing cupboard. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYMv6GxM3FKprDSfSCwc5AB6EtR_PEzZQLjr8mK-TStuoRc-k6NsCVkEnf5etTn-UkPjfWpxew-or66-WUAHnztfIDLomQC43NW-DxmcbSmDdOvlxydsi9upeXOrLlR-uNwct8A/s1600/IMG_5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYMv6GxM3FKprDSfSCwc5AB6EtR_PEzZQLjr8mK-TStuoRc-k6NsCVkEnf5etTn-UkPjfWpxew-or66-WUAHnztfIDLomQC43NW-DxmcbSmDdOvlxydsi9upeXOrLlR-uNwct8A/s320/IMG_5324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Same here with these <b>Joe's Long Cayenne chillis</b>. Drying slowly in a warm cupboard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir58X7c0Ipl3jHF2LKHyf-jLK9s4ZtHAfQX-dmXhhJsWf0t52pxAReTmNa0G6tEp0gnnKKFBOABhsihRcAOZnxp3SYQAZFaRAd0KidrvLhC-ra1amNVFMEB9tp76dSHfva8ZOttA/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir58X7c0Ipl3jHF2LKHyf-jLK9s4ZtHAfQX-dmXhhJsWf0t52pxAReTmNa0G6tEp0gnnKKFBOABhsihRcAOZnxp3SYQAZFaRAd0KidrvLhC-ra1amNVFMEB9tp76dSHfva8ZOttA/s320/IMG_5332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Meanwhile back on the plot, these <b>Physalis</b> are beginning to ripen. Hanging underneath the branches these plants look really lush and healthy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xAn3HyWH7BoKZBlgiRyYQRhTsagKsJ2kDUSX1uhyphenhyphenZ0OnRsaoyGnh-I31O7QBzQCjvbxMCbLHea85X-rkuhYw8ctlThDyuGJYrEOoGHX0BpFWGkWGrOUlYGv5_gNAOWOWZ7Pdfg/s1600/IMG_5334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xAn3HyWH7BoKZBlgiRyYQRhTsagKsJ2kDUSX1uhyphenhyphenZ0OnRsaoyGnh-I31O7QBzQCjvbxMCbLHea85X-rkuhYw8ctlThDyuGJYrEOoGHX0BpFWGkWGrOUlYGv5_gNAOWOWZ7Pdfg/s320/IMG_5334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I planted two plants here next to each other, they need a partner for good pollination.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepEHla17oXjQiIYIZQ_1tG36jLuSl0zXsyM3M5hhv-xkO5_eof1Pwa8-UVp5fwuEm6f_XZQ49iXomsEsfma__u2SUofVU5nabcLuYca9xBwD-AkYEt1OZeW58f9LwQjkAI0I92g/s1600/IMG_5335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepEHla17oXjQiIYIZQ_1tG36jLuSl0zXsyM3M5hhv-xkO5_eof1Pwa8-UVp5fwuEm6f_XZQ49iXomsEsfma__u2SUofVU5nabcLuYca9xBwD-AkYEt1OZeW58f9LwQjkAI0I92g/s320/IMG_5335.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And here they are! Really lovely, sweet fruit. I can highly recommend giving them a go.Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-27195615176779288702018-09-17T16:33:00.000+01:002018-09-17T16:33:41.367+01:00Matron's Maggoty Apples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuxK0FSS6VjJn7-xIigwXO8V-2D8CHQa_gq8vIiyUcmKDob3nqa6nMUISU1ukK6hEbK8f15pGGtjSv4dKbcPwGdC0dhpvEFbKGWR7d-LEQrDIBwaFMyY-z0uPOGhcbw6T_dpguA/s1600/IMG_E4488+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuxK0FSS6VjJn7-xIigwXO8V-2D8CHQa_gq8vIiyUcmKDob3nqa6nMUISU1ukK6hEbK8f15pGGtjSv4dKbcPwGdC0dhpvEFbKGWR7d-LEQrDIBwaFMyY-z0uPOGhcbw6T_dpguA/s320/IMG_E4488+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I have two beautiful apple trees in my new garden. They are so lovely and I have enjoyed sitting under the shade of the trees this hot Summer. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoAYD7lxegGD13JznWolORnVvvOkzrcrUbtn5he-wNN35j3W_Zvvrc8-KnWML0E6TiRp9-6wD3VcRiDqk9tO2R0lV9IOvLk909VS9ulgnhIq7bGkhr0hcGT83KXDFonxB_eX-4g/s1600/IMG_E4490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoAYD7lxegGD13JznWolORnVvvOkzrcrUbtn5he-wNN35j3W_Zvvrc8-KnWML0E6TiRp9-6wD3VcRiDqk9tO2R0lV9IOvLk909VS9ulgnhIq7bGkhr0hcGT83KXDFonxB_eX-4g/s320/IMG_E4490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One is definitely a Bramley apple tree, but I don't know the eating apple identity.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0dsS-wgZ6570Xzf__XBE8pAPZFYamKfrZqd35E8BxwacxU9mLaro6VEc0erIOoil62eXxbJQnLK3EYY2Iz5omM-1MVn_6OvhCzGkT5rcX_hFFH61CEicnwcXdEb6on6eR4bsJA/s1600/IMG_E4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0dsS-wgZ6570Xzf__XBE8pAPZFYamKfrZqd35E8BxwacxU9mLaro6VEc0erIOoil62eXxbJQnLK3EYY2Iz5omM-1MVn_6OvhCzGkT5rcX_hFFH61CEicnwcXdEb6on6eR4bsJA/s320/IMG_E4491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So last week I sent off 3 apples, a twig with a bud and some leaves, and a cheque to the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale in Kent. They provide a <a href="https://www.brogdalecollections.org/fruit-identification/">fruit identification service</a> this time of year. I wait eagerly to find out what I have in my new garden. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JHZAd3iATIwaQ9xERLx0bVzAwOTI0mpCxiJpmzTgPv6W8Kf2kSGZjOkS0pq_Dj6ltD2DbQ1z9mhY8RjoauDA55_H503uXaUPE1YB-01XAtLcyGbBwTbCWJNaev8i58CdQq3Qfg/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JHZAd3iATIwaQ9xERLx0bVzAwOTI0mpCxiJpmzTgPv6W8Kf2kSGZjOkS0pq_Dj6ltD2DbQ1z9mhY8RjoauDA55_H503uXaUPE1YB-01XAtLcyGbBwTbCWJNaev8i58CdQq3Qfg/s320/IMG_4015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, although I put up my codling moth pheromone trap at exactly the right time of year, I do seem to have a problem with maggoty apples. These are fairly old trees, perhaps the infestation was quite severe, perhaps the hot Summer had an effect on the numbers? I don't know really. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FkNeXFzQWiaIPpb0KZY4zRnozZOKU8SM08AZifXYq7rCyxMIgNb75hjP8dlMJ-NdDMQsDKtnVUHUhuciGn86FWg6LFdSI08lIJdz9i2f5FgpA_-kcH3j2GzSh-aM1htHFtVrqA/s1600/IMG_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FkNeXFzQWiaIPpb0KZY4zRnozZOKU8SM08AZifXYq7rCyxMIgNb75hjP8dlMJ-NdDMQsDKtnVUHUhuciGn86FWg6LFdSI08lIJdz9i2f5FgpA_-kcH3j2GzSh-aM1htHFtVrqA/s320/IMG_1752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'll put a grease band on both the trees this Winter to catch some of the Winter moths climbing up the trunk (hopefully I won't catch any passing Labradors!!!) and I will put up the moth trap again next year and see if it improves. Any ideas why the codling moth trap didn't work? Anyone?Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-15337271911478576242018-09-06T17:27:00.001+01:002018-09-06T17:27:08.454+01:00Matron goes to the Village Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGBUxh1CQVoD7F_ZUQiISmeeNlVmoguTgO4NHOlcwcQVZnsLeD3qOB4Q8wVyB22BkdTOoIBSNnYdhCpWbPgjunHGLURA0H01VVfO_i-Vg98RPJsy-gnsOn5ZJFt3_S8aje4kWEA/s1600/IMG_3435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGBUxh1CQVoD7F_ZUQiISmeeNlVmoguTgO4NHOlcwcQVZnsLeD3qOB4Q8wVyB22BkdTOoIBSNnYdhCpWbPgjunHGLURA0H01VVfO_i-Vg98RPJsy-gnsOn5ZJFt3_S8aje4kWEA/s320/IMG_3435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I moved down to the New Forest in April this year, to a beautiful Village called Sway. So of course one thing I did straight away was to join the local Gardening Club. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FUdRIOoMVqZgdRFYR3gwxXpkD8rujBuC3r0AyJuqAHUn1H6x8asFpP1kK_QHuEkxk9EBHUFWEECbcht4iWLQqAhckkF7uLbARlPlFS6r_t6_mcS2zUmrBQbMnV0FBef8u3X3mA/s1600/IMG_E3730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FUdRIOoMVqZgdRFYR3gwxXpkD8rujBuC3r0AyJuqAHUn1H6x8asFpP1kK_QHuEkxk9EBHUFWEECbcht4iWLQqAhckkF7uLbARlPlFS6r_t6_mcS2zUmrBQbMnV0FBef8u3X3mA/s320/IMG_E3730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So for the first time here, I decided to put an entry in to the show. Lots of wonderful fruit, veg and flowers on show. I've not done this before so I had quite a few of my lovely Delistar cucumbers in the greenhouse to choose from. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnV1TVgKUYrndG3PMptULUoB08N_q43lOswmlTl4q_jCI2HZ6Pt-nkDupAu_O0sAQZ2GlkptLeP3oX1wyzKQgUCySshJ8AHkCWZf81_U9obmDQ4TTsFK9bqF3NFzI6qtq6NONNw/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnV1TVgKUYrndG3PMptULUoB08N_q43lOswmlTl4q_jCI2HZ6Pt-nkDupAu_O0sAQZ2GlkptLeP3oX1wyzKQgUCySshJ8AHkCWZf81_U9obmDQ4TTsFK9bqF3NFzI6qtq6NONNw/s320/IMG_3713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
So these two were the pair that matched well for size, shape and appearance. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0R0zwvbySpecNrD2l2sXf4WQao-fpTqriuFHTCHw22rwQepqT1M366vhdbwVRH_vvrZSEZMDRInSfvtfMiaqlDKQEeGh1xST6Gr4IRmqlVMx98Pwx5btIDd1dpcVpzbuEauv6YQ/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0R0zwvbySpecNrD2l2sXf4WQao-fpTqriuFHTCHw22rwQepqT1M366vhdbwVRH_vvrZSEZMDRInSfvtfMiaqlDKQEeGh1xST6Gr4IRmqlVMx98Pwx5btIDd1dpcVpzbuEauv6YQ/s320/IMG_3716.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
So I displayed them in the village church first thing in the morning... then I had to wait until 2pm when the show opened.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVq4lV56l_05qE915ehyphenhyphenj-wg727yMr_Q79fIyRl8dlp-amu1J-k-i9MviUqLNeD3SHeINvaulhUzajyKpNhpnwgd-0w7I83QbNyfIFe2rF8aFnMF2KKuK13y3iEK0a7B3KEmAFg/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVq4lV56l_05qE915ehyphenhyphenj-wg727yMr_Q79fIyRl8dlp-amu1J-k-i9MviUqLNeD3SHeINvaulhUzajyKpNhpnwgd-0w7I83QbNyfIFe2rF8aFnMF2KKuK13y3iEK0a7B3KEmAFg/s400/IMG_3728.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>YAAAAAAY! FIRST PRIZE!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-56353342634131162772018-09-06T17:09:00.001+01:002018-09-06T17:09:17.271+01:00Powdery Mildew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m4hBSNW_EsTdvw9XB77ZYFtyzieJFrjCZNLk6hKtDOUnr9HzvSWrAtZ5pB3_Pr0eis74dkB3bK70-QWYfqcq3apa2_T29XcwcUHUXAWc2lJeUf9HVH5PhCeIFwuirdDeNAnYSw/s1600/IMG_3443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m4hBSNW_EsTdvw9XB77ZYFtyzieJFrjCZNLk6hKtDOUnr9HzvSWrAtZ5pB3_Pr0eis74dkB3bK70-QWYfqcq3apa2_T29XcwcUHUXAWc2lJeUf9HVH5PhCeIFwuirdDeNAnYSw/s320/IMG_3443.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I bet all of you out there suffer from powdery mildew at this time of year. It is inevitable really, in dry weather it tends to become more prevalent, but just makes these courgette leaves look scruffy. But just recently I was at a local cheese and wine party, and one of the speakers used to work in an organic vineyard where grape vines suffered from powdery mildew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IiEcdBMThBzXupvkt0M_Jjd_4KCA0MJzgBuC0abkkHaOcbUo7kSv_TfC3g-uNC_7jxY32ZDEmKpebxsAqRCXoUb0m8iJ-h20EITGVOXHvrjwoavqLgQwwAmr3n0UgDv5FJAssA/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IiEcdBMThBzXupvkt0M_Jjd_4KCA0MJzgBuC0abkkHaOcbUo7kSv_TfC3g-uNC_7jxY32ZDEmKpebxsAqRCXoUb0m8iJ-h20EITGVOXHvrjwoavqLgQwwAmr3n0UgDv5FJAssA/s320/IMG_3523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am just itching to try this remedy, but organic wine growers used a tea made from either mares tails, or stinging nettles to help combat mildew. Boil up the mares tails in water for about 30 minutes and make a weak tea, then when it is cold spray it on the affected leaves, or on unaffected leaves to prevent mildew. The active ingredient is salicylic acid (aspirin!) Makes sense with stinging nettles because they do make a nice tea which is said to have healing and anti inflamatory properties! Maybe that is why! - Can't wait to try this remedy next year and see if it makes any difference!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDJcIOdbTZ1tGuhKDjrMNwpfCAXM36hwX1nQh5BIFISyrZT1YfErKJorTZ8qfmNw95XUBSGAIpdA4YlrSoBnUPQsSbK4QTUaJmEYbFrO1gWsLYhR_PMoaZGSdkYN3foCsgyZkQw/s1600/IMG_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDJcIOdbTZ1tGuhKDjrMNwpfCAXM36hwX1nQh5BIFISyrZT1YfErKJorTZ8qfmNw95XUBSGAIpdA4YlrSoBnUPQsSbK4QTUaJmEYbFrO1gWsLYhR_PMoaZGSdkYN3foCsgyZkQw/s320/IMG_4130.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, about a week ago I planted some of these specially prepared Charlotte new potatoes for harvest at Christmas. I suppose these have been kept refrigerated to fool the tubers into thinking it was Winter, then when I planted them they think it is Spring!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7pRpEgtMpV-RAU_jd9nvbuww3A-V8vF3qUM5AjLSHRtzUFC6gTdx0Hhdm4YuN93NAxL5r7V32XPEPCS-8b7sGyza_iwiSCxACC56O4bgRRShCdlwf4sde4AJxDBi7UP7VsOGHw/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7pRpEgtMpV-RAU_jd9nvbuww3A-V8vF3qUM5AjLSHRtzUFC6gTdx0Hhdm4YuN93NAxL5r7V32XPEPCS-8b7sGyza_iwiSCxACC56O4bgRRShCdlwf4sde4AJxDBi7UP7VsOGHw/s320/IMG_4445.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Just look at the growth in just one week! A nice potato bag in the greenhouse, with some nice compost will keep it warm enough. I've left a few inches at the top of the sack to earth up when they get taller. Looking good for now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YumgCch9n5pimGYhGjaFP2Flpy9BZsyF4oMXd0flqmfh8kYpdyzgOKhMW6lOQpqBk4DcRlPFAfrbrMsWFcm4CAP3Pcz1wC7hz6aFPAPjG8f3vPUTQWy8OPCg499Vk5c43dmQqg/s1600/IMG_3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YumgCch9n5pimGYhGjaFP2Flpy9BZsyF4oMXd0flqmfh8kYpdyzgOKhMW6lOQpqBk4DcRlPFAfrbrMsWFcm4CAP3Pcz1wC7hz6aFPAPjG8f3vPUTQWy8OPCg499Vk5c43dmQqg/s320/IMG_3612.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Looking forward to New Potatoes at Christmas!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAblAlQr7Z_jZr6Yo73wQNGkOglwIz17DGqZRQReJ2BBxBi9cshESgr2hDhrFIe4w_zUp7MPwcJvFF0tOYJZee0GDLJOQGUw6rS9qXT8PhpfucplRCe9-yYl1NbpI1wkK1XBqRFA/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAblAlQr7Z_jZr6Yo73wQNGkOglwIz17DGqZRQReJ2BBxBi9cshESgr2hDhrFIe4w_zUp7MPwcJvFF0tOYJZee0GDLJOQGUw6rS9qXT8PhpfucplRCe9-yYl1NbpI1wkK1XBqRFA/s320/IMG_4015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, I don't think my Pheromone codling moth trap is working. I hung out the pheromone trap as advised at the right time of year, and still many of my apples have maggots. I have two beautiful, full size apple trees which may have had a long term infestation. This Winter I will try a grease band at the bottom of the tree to catch the Winter moths, as well as a pheromone trap next Summer.Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-90757796600555699882018-08-07T10:11:00.002+01:002018-08-07T10:11:33.882+01:00Second Sowings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW1teatwH9u7KNGS9EFjdwUfZCwNwZff3IgpIfRgTFUODEu3wV9HaK19mZuTfxxRonClW1ZWJ3F-1bevIf9V4drGLwCI-G8HrCzIO2bBvfApeFP-FOnYmnzAKqZwwWezzhkMoog/s1600/IMG_3446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW1teatwH9u7KNGS9EFjdwUfZCwNwZff3IgpIfRgTFUODEu3wV9HaK19mZuTfxxRonClW1ZWJ3F-1bevIf9V4drGLwCI-G8HrCzIO2bBvfApeFP-FOnYmnzAKqZwwWezzhkMoog/s320/IMG_3446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
You may find that <b>runner beans</b> find it very hard to set pods in this dry weather. You may find that giving the flowers a shower with the hose on a daily basis may help. They also love to have moist roots, you really cannot over water runner beans, so after a good water make sure the roots have a good mulch. They are also greedy feeders so keep up the feeding as well. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr-o_bnyYiV7ls9pfQ01iuy7FSSHrIsQxM-6NgI4xLJFU1V6DmUoMMgNnkdIVhpWp9Z5pwtL6K0HfavqvlftflZ9MXZFPrW4rQVWARnwe4xfR_2mDg_MTZtpwPQZB28vXNaMqpQ/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr-o_bnyYiV7ls9pfQ01iuy7FSSHrIsQxM-6NgI4xLJFU1V6DmUoMMgNnkdIVhpWp9Z5pwtL6K0HfavqvlftflZ9MXZFPrW4rQVWARnwe4xfR_2mDg_MTZtpwPQZB28vXNaMqpQ/s320/IMG_3456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am growing <b>Physalis </b>this year. I picked up one plant earlier this year at a local fete, I then remembered that these really do need a pollination partner to set fruit. I remember having problems with my Mexican tomatillo plants a couple of years back. They do much better if they have another plant or several plants with which to cross pollinate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ9e2cN8Zv_fikJWkPOrPI6836l8Y9G-rnildhvnzioNq3ku2_8U8dYLgI99sZ-lIQ5gS4ztjFxoTRAeaeLIotT8h2a0Pyldp8SMm5wTcDOIbKsneuH13d9lEeeEy4Of2WvaMMQ/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ9e2cN8Zv_fikJWkPOrPI6836l8Y9G-rnildhvnzioNq3ku2_8U8dYLgI99sZ-lIQ5gS4ztjFxoTRAeaeLIotT8h2a0Pyldp8SMm5wTcDOIbKsneuH13d9lEeeEy4Of2WvaMMQ/s320/IMG_3458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I have made some second sowings of some of my veggies. Already my <b>Romanesco Courgettes</b> and my <b>Delistar Cucumbers </b>are doing really well and cropping every day, but I know they will start to get tired in a couple of weeks and there will be plenty more heat and day length to come in September and October. I've also made a quick second sowing of some <b>dwarf French beans</b>. They will come up quickly in this weather. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nOITszRnQ_nhpnuj14iknBtfn7tcbnJ5NJzetXhKjjxk4QOBCAkObkY519oQdOlsnfO-zfbrHRQsrwNnmNe8Y2csvrjGDAH2BnRkyEO1aS8srzIKH1hRTf9cFOUt1C7SPPIWLg/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nOITszRnQ_nhpnuj14iknBtfn7tcbnJ5NJzetXhKjjxk4QOBCAkObkY519oQdOlsnfO-zfbrHRQsrwNnmNe8Y2csvrjGDAH2BnRkyEO1aS8srzIKH1hRTf9cFOUt1C7SPPIWLg/s320/IMG_3460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It is hot, hard work in this heatwave, so my lovely garden assistant Daisy is supervising from a comfy spot! Thanks Daisy!Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-23704014931887143312018-08-06T10:05:00.002+01:002018-08-06T10:05:39.115+01:00Cabbage White Pests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT78BIqjZ6hcyoXXSBarqSEx6XpGqo6818UIjJhsZs1Wz6KYu3P9MC85w68rukIHwLcahZGZ9emW1FxPbx6IQ-7gc6OvyVhwjPnCqp_pFEjGoudPehk5-w5iyzWnbX8P64hXtuNg/s1600/IMG_3259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT78BIqjZ6hcyoXXSBarqSEx6XpGqo6818UIjJhsZs1Wz6KYu3P9MC85w68rukIHwLcahZGZ9emW1FxPbx6IQ-7gc6OvyVhwjPnCqp_pFEjGoudPehk5-w5iyzWnbX8P64hXtuNg/s320/IMG_3259.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Every day I go out and find yet another load of Cabbage White Butterfly eggs. When these broccoli plants are still in their pots, It is fairly easy to go round every leaf on every plant and just squish the eggs between finger and thumb, being careful not to damage the leaves. This is time consuming, but they are growing well and I seem to be keeping on top of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzVs9huOG2ubSHMrU77s8Y5q4PSeIWdX0gIhbNd8fhZ8J9qp1rRNH3dj3saOxGLl9BPCQzwXUoGPQZbxp5yYbkKjWtoDrVBkhR6h8L7HjF8j84v_K7xYV-ptOzs9ru0Val-8-uQ/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzVs9huOG2ubSHMrU77s8Y5q4PSeIWdX0gIhbNd8fhZ8J9qp1rRNH3dj3saOxGLl9BPCQzwXUoGPQZbxp5yYbkKjWtoDrVBkhR6h8L7HjF8j84v_K7xYV-ptOzs9ru0Val-8-uQ/s320/IMG_3256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I caught this one having a quick lay on my Purple Sprouting Broccoli seedling!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbk04Geo4_tmlHKHKai624j586_09Z-I1vCdb8QPi2JGYisgtUjT98oogvb-5je0vtxReXOweTqKbtiIcP34mZVa4tBeDbPuhOCJyGkvg1fSqT_hA-desLqTVp1nQ6rnfN9ZTjg/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbk04Geo4_tmlHKHKai624j586_09Z-I1vCdb8QPi2JGYisgtUjT98oogvb-5je0vtxReXOweTqKbtiIcP34mZVa4tBeDbPuhOCJyGkvg1fSqT_hA-desLqTVp1nQ6rnfN9ZTjg/s320/IMG_3261.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
It was too slow! One down.... a couple of million to go!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyS-Vy8QxgW5MO8B5mVZVORv1ZpnFp6x88YjTNC1Tb5uOV9eSvSiftbiRXABgvpLWIhl34z8t6gO3XfshnLaP3yuEihCxc7p8-Lb2nQNdhOhsoHsRP5hcjlQzCBldKJCauKnZSw/s1600/IMG_3389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyS-Vy8QxgW5MO8B5mVZVORv1ZpnFp6x88YjTNC1Tb5uOV9eSvSiftbiRXABgvpLWIhl34z8t6gO3XfshnLaP3yuEihCxc7p8-Lb2nQNdhOhsoHsRP5hcjlQzCBldKJCauKnZSw/s320/IMG_3389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Elsewhere on the plot I have a glut of Romanesco Courgettes.. I am finding novel ways of using them with everything I cook. Yesterday it was on a vegetarian pizza!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHMf_LXg7R_AF-4sG3R3OOO0euT86H9NEVP_vREGET1d_hkWNDaOxnJf99qnGerwqGN48UJvltLuFOluo5JhWweeg5Mw93J1aBGz_ocBIrozo2kdIsMx5QU2aRL0D1EjaGgXE1A/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHMf_LXg7R_AF-4sG3R3OOO0euT86H9NEVP_vREGET1d_hkWNDaOxnJf99qnGerwqGN48UJvltLuFOluo5JhWweeg5Mw93J1aBGz_ocBIrozo2kdIsMx5QU2aRL0D1EjaGgXE1A/s320/IMG_3393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
How could I ignore the pleading eyes of my garden assistant?Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-90982177608776126972018-08-06T09:48:00.002+01:002018-08-06T09:49:01.785+01:00Matron Does Twitter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVyOmLIMgvbUbqDPATmPMx6p1P0oBrff86z46-gVS-hhMITNyrfT0tmwr1uCxa9r8sJry9Pacj69ELMr90q9EUVfudEvms4QjsBanC0e9tWX2oFamys3qUe128G5RFSsRrDJoAw/s1600/IMG_3433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVyOmLIMgvbUbqDPATmPMx6p1P0oBrff86z46-gVS-hhMITNyrfT0tmwr1uCxa9r8sJry9Pacj69ELMr90q9EUVfudEvms4QjsBanC0e9tWX2oFamys3qUe128G5RFSsRrDJoAw/s320/IMG_3433.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Matron has woken up and smelled the 21st Century!! You can now follow my Twitter adventures <b>@MatronsVeggies</b> <a href="https://twitter.com/MatronsVeggies">https://twitter.com/MatronsVeggies</a> Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-83028408499223807572018-07-16T10:13:00.002+01:002018-07-16T10:13:42.233+01:00Unusual edibles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Dyu98CqKhd3AtzpaAIcBA9hK_W4-xZeEtJ4K9PK5EUw4gfhs3uqL7NrM8bbWk6S05ZCO-MilfgtCHIOSMp_BLJHM2XOVLQUmW9AwA1YzTajDfyLH-4EF7NnivOlU5xsWTF7jlQ/s1600/IMG_2775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Dyu98CqKhd3AtzpaAIcBA9hK_W4-xZeEtJ4K9PK5EUw4gfhs3uqL7NrM8bbWk6S05ZCO-MilfgtCHIOSMp_BLJHM2XOVLQUmW9AwA1YzTajDfyLH-4EF7NnivOlU5xsWTF7jlQ/s320/IMG_2775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Since moving down to the New Forest in Hampshire in April this year, I have been enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. One of the delicacies to be foraged in salt marsh land is Samphire. This succulent plant grows close to the ground and is known by different names in various parts of the UK. 'Poor man's asparagus' is one that comes to mind. Eaten raw it tastes a bit like a cross between spinach and sea water!!! Next time I see some I will bring some home and steam it - see if it tastes better cooked!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwysegNMUmZbhExnsui0ZHgbhZ9jrGgOrmju4kfxxBqLO9f2P87keb76rFaRqJuk9gPk27hJOwzKrvquvdTaS102rnb3rQxoNjgX2vsHomXwyNePUqwQENS9i9hNJUWeVcyDHRw/s1600/IMG_2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwysegNMUmZbhExnsui0ZHgbhZ9jrGgOrmju4kfxxBqLO9f2P87keb76rFaRqJuk9gPk27hJOwzKrvquvdTaS102rnb3rQxoNjgX2vsHomXwyNePUqwQENS9i9hNJUWeVcyDHRw/s320/IMG_2371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Matron is starting on a new venture in the new garden. I have obtained this Eglu chicken run, and in a few days' time I hope to start a new family! Exciting times ahead. Not sure yet how Daisy will take to these critters invading her garden....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkR2USfB4j0wnEoAUUvBQyBx8l7J4b95M3beQMhfEaBVYKvsUn151_dsSdIsARLmB6GQ2bcXAYsoZYXLvUANxRC65P1keP5D663a2eW2JrMgzjoIHGIate_1fqkeEg2Xpb0kGGA/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkR2USfB4j0wnEoAUUvBQyBx8l7J4b95M3beQMhfEaBVYKvsUn151_dsSdIsARLmB6GQ2bcXAYsoZYXLvUANxRC65P1keP5D663a2eW2JrMgzjoIHGIate_1fqkeEg2Xpb0kGGA/s320/IMG_2549.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I have purchased layers pellets and mixed grain for starters. I do hope they will be able to recycle kitchen waste, weeds, various slugs, snails and insects... and turn them into eggs for me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEfXtOzc1IOhjuEDU3N02jNy0PQEijEyypjyMQAkuHva8ONhMT1VnEMZ5ROk0_lHZ_EFzMo2O26MnN0vWq1OlVn_j3uX50AU1GcgcNNZaTR_SWsky-fcst6zGWAh6qE5Z0d0jVg/s1600/IMG_2585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEfXtOzc1IOhjuEDU3N02jNy0PQEijEyypjyMQAkuHva8ONhMT1VnEMZ5ROk0_lHZ_EFzMo2O26MnN0vWq1OlVn_j3uX50AU1GcgcNNZaTR_SWsky-fcst6zGWAh6qE5Z0d0jVg/s320/IMG_2585.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Now here's a thing. I bought a <b>physalis </b>plant at a local fete. Otherwise known as <b>Chinese lantern</b>, <b>golden berry or cape gooseberry</b>, this fruit grows inside a paper lantern. I seem to remember in the past that pollination can be problematic with only one plant, and so, I managed to obtain a second plant locally so pollination should be good. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rTfFAkFtShbBod6IOzrg0tUONUqoMfNp3cdoJMG2Rteso6aS9p2Yra4As4RgMWFiMY9aLPVORUQ7AQmSNxpLxoyOqEZJdK1PX_5CgVsVoYWbIn8Mopv9ObVwU2bG6mf-xf_sng/s1600/IMG_2583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rTfFAkFtShbBod6IOzrg0tUONUqoMfNp3cdoJMG2Rteso6aS9p2Yra4As4RgMWFiMY9aLPVORUQ7AQmSNxpLxoyOqEZJdK1PX_5CgVsVoYWbIn8Mopv9ObVwU2bG6mf-xf_sng/s320/IMG_2583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In my new greenhouse I am growing some shoots that appeared on one of my <b>purple sweet potatoes.</b> It may be a little late in the season to start these (they do need a longer growing season) but the warm weather here in the UK has meant they are making great progress. I have just potted them up into a larger pot in the greenhouse. Sweet potatoes are a relative of bindweed!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CNyW3MDlObKXcd9sJDWjn86VXWcI76FdWhyphenhyphenNZFjZmk7WsgVYaMIS25Uq5d5YQMbSuRFQKpMq9ej-NzrSy1yUNn4mgR7w8ZMy0RK86thmjhhcONwRTazFt16LrqcJkR0l4-cJLA/s1600/IMG_2793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CNyW3MDlObKXcd9sJDWjn86VXWcI76FdWhyphenhyphenNZFjZmk7WsgVYaMIS25Uq5d5YQMbSuRFQKpMq9ej-NzrSy1yUNn4mgR7w8ZMy0RK86thmjhhcONwRTazFt16LrqcJkR0l4-cJLA/s320/IMG_2793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been meaning to try this for ages. Seaweed extract is something you see on plant food labels and so I decided to see if I could make some liquid fertiliser in the same way that you make comfrey liquid. So here goes! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOi74YufFa-eOrjCtuVM6mmW8PxKjxnPrWDHPV17HFxEIIFvnz-dEQFTdXBxgrZq9X53ewjP_eZsfynekEu0WysRMRr6YJ2SG8-6JSV6wQQoo3Plw2DECDf2B4d1HDL6Qq-KOcA/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOi74YufFa-eOrjCtuVM6mmW8PxKjxnPrWDHPV17HFxEIIFvnz-dEQFTdXBxgrZq9X53ewjP_eZsfynekEu0WysRMRr6YJ2SG8-6JSV6wQQoo3Plw2DECDf2B4d1HDL6Qq-KOcA/s320/IMG_2796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I collected a few bags of different types of seaweed and gave it a good wash to remove the salt. Some of this seaweed has air bladders on it to help it float in the water, so this was definitely helped with the use of a piece of concrete to weigh it down in the water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pLToJ106yIdSJ5yILBkwl6AZGArvVTy-Yf9KzomZeexBmIMF4ZW1p2J5TXnEwHUIiGnreumDAbdL32RiGYPxASZN_R3QUmCTlwLgISbHrITJaMfEx-f4krbyGGv77-iekuvScg/s1600/IMG_2798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pLToJ106yIdSJ5yILBkwl6AZGArvVTy-Yf9KzomZeexBmIMF4ZW1p2J5TXnEwHUIiGnreumDAbdL32RiGYPxASZN_R3QUmCTlwLgISbHrITJaMfEx-f4krbyGGv77-iekuvScg/s320/IMG_2798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So this will sit in a quiet corner of the garden for a few weeks to see if it will rot down to make a liquid feed. Watch this space!<br />
P.S. I have noted with pride that many of Matron's ideas usually end up on the pages of gardening magazines, or on TV gardening programmes! I've not seen this done before, so keep your eyes peeled, and programme and magazine editors are sure to pick up on this one for an interesting topic. ;-) Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-85384169215518557232018-07-05T09:25:00.004+01:002018-07-05T09:25:46.533+01:00Codling Moth Pheromone Trap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoOy8S2ZzVaygg7vMfVdoYrWIibIe59Ke0EPTzTe-4eg-RxuCQer28aOm8QciKwv2MpBXMSx4Ty6GHg3U9bMXXAC2q0QAAvHI7_XXoPAz1tp8AK40jWPi_U6RoDM6JQdmxb-RZA/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoOy8S2ZzVaygg7vMfVdoYrWIibIe59Ke0EPTzTe-4eg-RxuCQer28aOm8QciKwv2MpBXMSx4Ty6GHg3U9bMXXAC2q0QAAvHI7_XXoPAz1tp8AK40jWPi_U6RoDM6JQdmxb-RZA/s320/IMG_2321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am pleased that over the last several weeks the pheromone trap in my apple trees appears to be working well. The scented rubber thing only works for a limited period of time before it runs out. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8WE53cpG5L5-k1vAL1a2nd-5ccgR-QbBtQEsg-uYNTOZe8pqr90RZG7-a9-VAKwgHnPfauNgJGkG0bvxHBBFvkbj7_ik-FNLhQ-DyA1GvX_QgqR1T3f-u7s4obbpLUXjQSfszg/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8WE53cpG5L5-k1vAL1a2nd-5ccgR-QbBtQEsg-uYNTOZe8pqr90RZG7-a9-VAKwgHnPfauNgJGkG0bvxHBBFvkbj7_ik-FNLhQ-DyA1GvX_QgqR1T3f-u7s4obbpLUXjQSfszg/s320/IMG_2322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So yesterday I opened a new scented lure and a new sticky card. This will continue to trap the moths before they have a chance to lay eggs inside my apples.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK29FgQrhMBkvnPI7EGikjDr76jApjPgSV0ydwykmLWyufYBUJ44aMoYh8RsZLM1D3InJfnFArGWPM6yzuBiI9Uuk-tjiJCA8Mn_MOuGgx8wkVwvX_IZcXLVP6LI1hmWITEmqYmA/s1600/IMG_2323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK29FgQrhMBkvnPI7EGikjDr76jApjPgSV0ydwykmLWyufYBUJ44aMoYh8RsZLM1D3InJfnFArGWPM6yzuBiI9Uuk-tjiJCA8Mn_MOuGgx8wkVwvX_IZcXLVP6LI1hmWITEmqYmA/s320/IMG_2323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Apples on the two standard trees are developing well. We are coming to the end of the 'June drop' when small apples fall naturally to the ground, but I am thinning out groups of apples to just two or even just one apple so they develop into a smaller number of larger apples instead of lots of little ones. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtBVZUhTPZmbTvXOTYhx16crTgob0NBj-5kpZJ5JUsitglFV3Lz74wPbs5aHpwsIvFzDJE9xVSV4727MmCQcqTTw_YXqORpiw8gxyDtFX0Ww_9kb70nqUbHzL8gAstpUpK8D2xw/s1600/IMG_2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtBVZUhTPZmbTvXOTYhx16crTgob0NBj-5kpZJ5JUsitglFV3Lz74wPbs5aHpwsIvFzDJE9xVSV4727MmCQcqTTw_YXqORpiw8gxyDtFX0Ww_9kb70nqUbHzL8gAstpUpK8D2xw/s320/IMG_2327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A momentous moment on the plot! My first harvest in my new garden. Yesterday I enjoyed these <b>Romanesco courgettes</b> for lunch. It really is important to pick them while they are still small because it encourages more to develop. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XBQSyp8Z5zI3f3g3yFOL7rzE8frkuKIJKcYQuuwneIYk4kOwAWCx44kOS6NFPRI5xuOGu0irEhab29hP7w29hZtoPdQ1zf-3mHCGBSE-goq5kRaFtrr354P7MeqIbN7bZG_qJw/s1600/IMG_2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XBQSyp8Z5zI3f3g3yFOL7rzE8frkuKIJKcYQuuwneIYk4kOwAWCx44kOS6NFPRI5xuOGu0irEhab29hP7w29hZtoPdQ1zf-3mHCGBSE-goq5kRaFtrr354P7MeqIbN7bZG_qJw/s320/IMG_2332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Rhubarb crowns I brought with me are doing well. To start with, you can see the older leaves started to become unhealthy and 'nibbled at' - but eventually all that lovely horse manure compost has enabled them to have a really good, healthy growth spurt. I will NOT take any stalks of <b>rhubarb</b> this year, I will leave it all to develop a healthy crown below the soil. Taking stalks will weaken the plant at this stage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fW79hjIj5eUb48iBAQqpKISttrbBuYbUCFAB3ODXN2d2rlvjNn6wAy-mVrnK_4J6JcrudGTKUkI8I_mi_R-zfRyYMcRwJwS6Z_sYa_jqQq4DftU43DVvio-6GAh4QPvlSWNLjw/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fW79hjIj5eUb48iBAQqpKISttrbBuYbUCFAB3ODXN2d2rlvjNn6wAy-mVrnK_4J6JcrudGTKUkI8I_mi_R-zfRyYMcRwJwS6Z_sYa_jqQq4DftU43DVvio-6GAh4QPvlSWNLjw/s320/IMG_2331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The <b>raspberry canes</b> I brought with me to the new garden have also enjoyed the thick layer of horse manure compost. Really I shouldn't allow them to fruit in the first year because they are still putting energy into developing healthy roots, but as you can see I let a couple develop fruit. This growth will fruit next year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7_iYRgqCsQSr7NcliBILVHwppE-RL6Qx5I6yToRuhLWQTBtQMFcRkyM_EoJ2wmtrS86T4K4ewAYXLfoR80550eXbQ92b6SMvFWVClBrghfxqj_9r1yf5laGtvpfpwg7kF4USWA/s1600/IMG_2095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7_iYRgqCsQSr7NcliBILVHwppE-RL6Qx5I6yToRuhLWQTBtQMFcRkyM_EoJ2wmtrS86T4K4ewAYXLfoR80550eXbQ92b6SMvFWVClBrghfxqj_9r1yf5laGtvpfpwg7kF4USWA/s320/IMG_2095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So I started a veg patch by removing turf on the lawn. All is going really well, but due to the heat over the past few weeks it is impossible to dig any more turf, the ground is too hard. Happy with this little patch for a start.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-69229096376433952332018-07-03T12:59:00.003+01:002018-07-03T12:59:43.565+01:00Matrons New Greenhouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlVHBYA1kHIlOKV19cVlXELq2EdZYgpug1NDxh8DPsPrzm5e-jaZ_ghe5fDGUGhQrlnB2ulceKLlHdiMhOl6XgAbe9GqGPufX0AHzU8L-xIqj5bye21cc0YP5bjJEY9bZUCqWsQ/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlVHBYA1kHIlOKV19cVlXELq2EdZYgpug1NDxh8DPsPrzm5e-jaZ_ghe5fDGUGhQrlnB2ulceKLlHdiMhOl6XgAbe9GqGPufX0AHzU8L-xIqj5bye21cc0YP5bjJEY9bZUCqWsQ/s320/IMG_1008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been monitoring where the sun rises and sets in my new garden. I've been here 9 weeks now and there is definitely a sunny side. Above picture is first thing in the morning, and last thing at night, this is the South facing side of the garden so this is where the veggie garden and greenhouse will be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aBHgQSnl9FnCPygmyYe1N8vpOnQ_Xn4bqXRsYvPUi2Twlzg3BgZZ9-EgpkiwFKAQQmGlnT3os02ugLN__tn8g1_6RFo55sZ_zucT99-PnS5VbbbsEMGG9NWYIW4bn7ZR7QYcmg/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aBHgQSnl9FnCPygmyYe1N8vpOnQ_Xn4bqXRsYvPUi2Twlzg3BgZZ9-EgpkiwFKAQQmGlnT3os02ugLN__tn8g1_6RFo55sZ_zucT99-PnS5VbbbsEMGG9NWYIW4bn7ZR7QYcmg/s320/IMG_1013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is a good solid base going in. 6ft x 8ft is a nice size.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtATCgxKUhbTOzRVIhSnSC9wxpy6dz8EejGxl-B1gzQDYvwHD9KuXZUpq7xMCLFYW6J4PirTXF_gbII0XVJ-1CG3ZjYgG7OzbQIjM_A7PHxe4yPgcPqWUYx3YNpn8JkVS9Ip9Rw/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtATCgxKUhbTOzRVIhSnSC9wxpy6dz8EejGxl-B1gzQDYvwHD9KuXZUpq7xMCLFYW6J4PirTXF_gbII0XVJ-1CG3ZjYgG7OzbQIjM_A7PHxe4yPgcPqWUYx3YNpn8JkVS9Ip9Rw/s320/IMG_1048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Matron particularly enjoyed watching the nice young Man working hard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvMdxHJQmMKZv8ENG-lYNaDl-eABE6u56DNhaS7VCridOlWU7B6wZ8bEIGHtjRanL0GWILEkRf3lDUzyde1k52QG5gkfsdfWsf8K_rE7UlvJMbcriVRgYk4HlttGzwCinT6gPuw/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvMdxHJQmMKZv8ENG-lYNaDl-eABE6u56DNhaS7VCridOlWU7B6wZ8bEIGHtjRanL0GWILEkRf3lDUzyde1k52QG5gkfsdfWsf8K_rE7UlvJMbcriVRgYk4HlttGzwCinT6gPuw/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Such a nice, hardworking young Man. In no time at all I had a level concrete base which just needed curing for a few days to let it harden. So Daisy and I locked ourselves in the house for an afternoon so as to avoid doggy paw prints all over the concrete before it dried.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAkAdP4luqfbrFdoGl5P0Ft0_1LCSeMK0WNYdRWHW7aJF0FD6Bc6IZPDjF4VEGRlEopabESP0t2411vXvmlFaKFTif5cjNbPP7GyLaZzoZB09CCocLdY6mtrKuvADlpXugIcuxQ/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAkAdP4luqfbrFdoGl5P0Ft0_1LCSeMK0WNYdRWHW7aJF0FD6Bc6IZPDjF4VEGRlEopabESP0t2411vXvmlFaKFTif5cjNbPP7GyLaZzoZB09CCocLdY6mtrKuvADlpXugIcuxQ/s320/IMG_1063.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
But our resident blackbird had other ideas while we were inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFbf73cFuAzdXx1gDYUY1q0rH6olkTv-eGtQfce15YddeAB3YuOCcYVNRflIZkWfmdPFnU68b6luxRjwFMZGPFkyoQNqGtIVLcC0V5B7MdV2UBD_GIag2bs8u-TcKLejIc0XGhQ/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFbf73cFuAzdXx1gDYUY1q0rH6olkTv-eGtQfce15YddeAB3YuOCcYVNRflIZkWfmdPFnU68b6luxRjwFMZGPFkyoQNqGtIVLcC0V5B7MdV2UBD_GIag2bs8u-TcKLejIc0XGhQ/s320/IMG_1071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So Daisy felt it was only fair that she should put her mark down in a long held family tradition!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZB7_mGvICmy40MsBoVJpxzlCdSHjsDFwxqE76yTbHD0OXuAAxfNzsbXJALPJ4WSv09Xr771xJu32tQr_InqqaaeaZM5jLTX3HMDEeKpcX2cki9WRJIXVOpMgELGVTWlaJDy80A/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZB7_mGvICmy40MsBoVJpxzlCdSHjsDFwxqE76yTbHD0OXuAAxfNzsbXJALPJ4WSv09Xr771xJu32tQr_InqqaaeaZM5jLTX3HMDEeKpcX2cki9WRJIXVOpMgELGVTWlaJDy80A/s320/IMG_1078.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Well done Daisy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuh95P4hoMNMtPqTeQvMFWc2x8_efLvrRNuSJe8kTRh8Dh4lO25xbjFjy83aTyrbKPKyQh5xr1zHrTLEbfxDBNq5Jjqw4int6z6PTPBhRnlOpfBHKw0zyL07LgUumtcZ895gSOA/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuh95P4hoMNMtPqTeQvMFWc2x8_efLvrRNuSJe8kTRh8Dh4lO25xbjFjy83aTyrbKPKyQh5xr1zHrTLEbfxDBNq5Jjqw4int6z6PTPBhRnlOpfBHKw0zyL07LgUumtcZ895gSOA/s320/IMG_2158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Matron was extremely happy that another nice Man from <a href="http://www.vitavia.co.uk/greenhouses/">Vitavia </a>came to install the greenhouse this week. It would have been nice back in April or May... but never mind, it is here now. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyi98oD_PQEgRzwkP6ixFUe85xxFmssCCEBiA2unsxYrwR7V0h8wQqpOnJilLUj7AZqhpTOqNyyn6Ti082v-Hf3MOws-z6fYy9Kl-nHgTLUmQQEm55T63eRX5QQlQER2r3JOIGA/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyi98oD_PQEgRzwkP6ixFUe85xxFmssCCEBiA2unsxYrwR7V0h8wQqpOnJilLUj7AZqhpTOqNyyn6Ti082v-Hf3MOws-z6fYy9Kl-nHgTLUmQQEm55T63eRX5QQlQER2r3JOIGA/s320/IMG_2325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1609196376"></span><span id="goog_1609196377"></span>Absolutely perfect!Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-18524441195560660522018-06-06T11:08:00.005+01:002018-06-06T11:08:42.050+01:00Getting started<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSn_nQRxlrEA9eSaApqDbCICJkWGyK88tNtbUVDUGX1haA7tCkZBzt-y8L9iFMdC5m-TWFJgWLa0qjkC3UGeZUUNjksZSLA6V-plqtbSpAqDfsX2b29LfRUE0KfgOt7c9v8OVYg/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSn_nQRxlrEA9eSaApqDbCICJkWGyK88tNtbUVDUGX1haA7tCkZBzt-y8L9iFMdC5m-TWFJgWLa0qjkC3UGeZUUNjksZSLA6V-plqtbSpAqDfsX2b29LfRUE0KfgOt7c9v8OVYg/s320/IMG_0626.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I've had these runner bean seeds in my seed box for a couple of years. I bought them from a heritage seed stand at the Hampton Court Flower Show and I do like to try new varieties. So I just decided to do a germination test before I planted them. Absolutely fine! kept them in the kitchen between two layers of wet kitchen paper to see if they germinated. These <b>Purple Runner Beans</b> are growing fine now. Looking forward to saving some seed later in the year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjjGWersTRDqR3BedpEup47gpFkIIghiCPkeDOGJOGBo5_2u3CYQqh2HfC_D6O5JkHUeVYEHdautAkzXI9yFlp-Uz_XMD_mofjQziInGwLYFnPDKfP-uWO_0r6dg8ScBUdlLsyw/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjjGWersTRDqR3BedpEup47gpFkIIghiCPkeDOGJOGBo5_2u3CYQqh2HfC_D6O5JkHUeVYEHdautAkzXI9yFlp-Uz_XMD_mofjQziInGwLYFnPDKfP-uWO_0r6dg8ScBUdlLsyw/s320/IMG_0748.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I have a lovely South facing patio so I am just getting started with a few grow bags. These metal stands are really good, you can put 3 plant support canes in each bag and I have found that tomatoes and chillis do really well in these.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidInXjzWn7FOObHFH0oLZML4PvmMUqADAqhIf3AuY6G5egLwpatDIs0TwKTVLalP2Hy49V_ZtVO1ymcB5TN5vp8quLS46O8-tZqAcslBkvNwjOrLDUXzNkTqg4Ai9om1a3KDMvEA/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidInXjzWn7FOObHFH0oLZML4PvmMUqADAqhIf3AuY6G5egLwpatDIs0TwKTVLalP2Hy49V_ZtVO1ymcB5TN5vp8quLS46O8-tZqAcslBkvNwjOrLDUXzNkTqg4Ai9om1a3KDMvEA/s320/IMG_0848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Now the exciting news! I cut my first turf this week. I have observed where the sunniest part of the garden is, and I am making a vegetable bed along one side of the garden. I am just cutting a strip of turf every couple of days and planting my veggies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKajgCCMCjgwymLkUhvmU_pu2A5PdRtkh6KPXC6uK64uFYxOToP98dU0cWsHXqODLJUNbgYFtH05OIzviVyIopHl92u29MoLL9QENmyyOUCQxo-K1qt-5Sw92huQwUP_wY3peY8w/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKajgCCMCjgwymLkUhvmU_pu2A5PdRtkh6KPXC6uK64uFYxOToP98dU0cWsHXqODLJUNbgYFtH05OIzviVyIopHl92u29MoLL9QENmyyOUCQxo-K1qt-5Sw92huQwUP_wY3peY8w/s320/IMG_0849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This soil is <b>wonderful sandy loam.</b> I've not had this type of soil before, I lived in London all my life and it was always heavy London clay before. So I am excited at the thought of being able to grow straight carrots!! Yay!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNEhIE50IGJQGbHt_DNjuJK5VI3yhNeKLXP6bKI-Q-17hMxC9NAUhmgqspGRSEDzq2zr8YAUNVUyJOlHRkjwFTvS37zQ85ddl2KAKsQtmGBT6INVB_xl_bcmwwjUdmLZnLWN4lw/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNEhIE50IGJQGbHt_DNjuJK5VI3yhNeKLXP6bKI-Q-17hMxC9NAUhmgqspGRSEDzq2zr8YAUNVUyJOlHRkjwFTvS37zQ85ddl2KAKsQtmGBT6INVB_xl_bcmwwjUdmLZnLWN4lw/s320/IMG_0853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So a cause for celebration this week as my first <b>Romanesco courgette plants </b>went into the ground. Every couple of days I will turf another strip and plant some more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdsSgMYZ2IlJPkfdm6eHJv7O2mZTMgqbiiDGOGsiKqbjix8EH8seLKlhqoR0dpBeeAlAXne_thASyMWmidheIms4VxCpa51HD-5l4Mjb0ND7LKTDmuF2Tsl0Qxhuko4gCS0sndw/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdsSgMYZ2IlJPkfdm6eHJv7O2mZTMgqbiiDGOGsiKqbjix8EH8seLKlhqoR0dpBeeAlAXne_thASyMWmidheIms4VxCpa51HD-5l4Mjb0ND7LKTDmuF2Tsl0Qxhuko4gCS0sndw/s320/IMG_1009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And even more exciting news.... as we speak the concrete base foundations are being dug for <b>my new greenhouse! </b>Lots going on here in Matron's new allotment garden!Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-23471664163004881362018-05-15T16:18:00.005+01:002018-05-15T16:18:59.769+01:00What to do with garden waste<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-M2ct2Levol0mO6IbS6seO0k3NNo8xN1rzHT2YhyphenhyphenfQ69srXwgneQbPshDA_xSGWqlpyzkmR8IpreMm3lM08IytdjXJIbTrryUuM-TC6ufHCbUkijHwOn0FnfI1ofRl5BRjKmYtg/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-M2ct2Levol0mO6IbS6seO0k3NNo8xN1rzHT2YhyphenhyphenfQ69srXwgneQbPshDA_xSGWqlpyzkmR8IpreMm3lM08IytdjXJIbTrryUuM-TC6ufHCbUkijHwOn0FnfI1ofRl5BRjKmYtg/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I've been making progress in my new garden. These lovely Romanesco courgette seeds were up and germinated within just 3 days. It has been exceptionally warm in the last week here in the South of the UK.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecUXKpZt18BjFP5sj_hXlU5h2AHiwUi2f3EYSpZg9oDXKNmlq-NpiKMfCH90O9mr9ok9_OSh7N7d3yixqTZmZwnMQN0hP8-BOnStB_X-MyNOheU-tLLe6ewYfhT49HCnUdGP8Mg/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecUXKpZt18BjFP5sj_hXlU5h2AHiwUi2f3EYSpZg9oDXKNmlq-NpiKMfCH90O9mr9ok9_OSh7N7d3yixqTZmZwnMQN0hP8-BOnStB_X-MyNOheU-tLLe6ewYfhT49HCnUdGP8Mg/s320/IMG_0201.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I was out in my front garden doing some work and this blackbird was just so excited, he was hopping between my feet and right under my trowel to get to the creepy crawlies that I was digging up. Top of the menu was some lovely chafer grubs I disturbed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTrenEHOXBAUnAgqTNWUy0vwHQyF1_S0kFz_PIMiu7FWLPyxtWFyPa2LYr_ctdSd9qYubCaCE2L3NdZIPbdy-fkJXbuGGNjBjOj2WcZqvkN2AQMsCOeb2H0sSUgCG0PnrRABUig/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTrenEHOXBAUnAgqTNWUy0vwHQyF1_S0kFz_PIMiu7FWLPyxtWFyPa2LYr_ctdSd9qYubCaCE2L3NdZIPbdy-fkJXbuGGNjBjOj2WcZqvkN2AQMsCOeb2H0sSUgCG0PnrRABUig/s320/IMG_0266.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
My new local authorty here is the New Forest district council, and unlike my old home in London they do not take away garden waste along with the household waste. You have to pay for each single garden waste bag (£30 per year) which is collected every 2 weeks. I could fill one of those bags in 5 minutes so I am having to make regular trips to the council dump at the moment. An interesting way of disposing of nasty weeds like dandelion, dock, bindweed is to soak it underwater in a bucket and make a liquid plant feed - just as you would with comfrey or nettles. Make those pesky weeds work in my favour for a change!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JQJRV03ObjgDjONhQpfHhFiREJk95FRdrNp2eaCXZcwiPZfCKgLxfmLjXB6fJwBK0Fqqb1znRYRr1UJ5roMnaLdC4JT-SA4jhYGX-60RwF6KLYRtAccF95k8MbJizvXpY_N5tg/s1600/IMG_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JQJRV03ObjgDjONhQpfHhFiREJk95FRdrNp2eaCXZcwiPZfCKgLxfmLjXB6fJwBK0Fqqb1znRYRr1UJ5roMnaLdC4JT-SA4jhYGX-60RwF6KLYRtAccF95k8MbJizvXpY_N5tg/s320/IMG_0269.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Garden waste and lawn clippings which are suitable for composting go in my new bin. Grass on its own must be mixed with brown leaves, twigs and cardboard to make a good healthy mix of nitrogen and carbon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2JqOVOpZxy_TVbAEf-JmoAvYMerYpn4COa7I43xUwr6hMiseZ0Cuooer_RHrWSn6_4X9M3EgmRnGqirO4rXIxs-y39_Rger1OZJiCjfqVB2acX6OEikGsVKc5L6pkEloy8XqUA/s1600/IMG_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2JqOVOpZxy_TVbAEf-JmoAvYMerYpn4COa7I43xUwr6hMiseZ0Cuooer_RHrWSn6_4X9M3EgmRnGqirO4rXIxs-y39_Rger1OZJiCjfqVB2acX6OEikGsVKc5L6pkEloy8XqUA/s320/IMG_0270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I brought some Tayberry cuttings from my old garden, they seem to be doing well in their new spot. A Tayberry is a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry. I seem to have a sandy loam soil here in the New Forest, so a good dressing of my horse manure compost was just the ticket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYJ_oQNmCbfw34kG3xTacAVFjDMSu3wmdAsTL7eslfFD5zeNviyZZkVLXFeDkUUngYDXaiXN9MaeE_dV7UhfWU4OhEwTMY9GkZM7VzUfaDO0wcOQiUdrmoxoZnJdJtKBc_rHXCA/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYJ_oQNmCbfw34kG3xTacAVFjDMSu3wmdAsTL7eslfFD5zeNviyZZkVLXFeDkUUngYDXaiXN9MaeE_dV7UhfWU4OhEwTMY9GkZM7VzUfaDO0wcOQiUdrmoxoZnJdJtKBc_rHXCA/s320/IMG_0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Meanwhile the tomatoes and chillis are pretty much ready to be planted out. I must be absolutely sure there will be no more frosts before I put them out in their final position. As they say in Scotland (apparently..) "Ne'er cast a clout till May is out" - so there you have it.Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-33898241096707289452018-05-09T07:13:00.002+01:002018-05-09T07:13:34.222+01:00Codling Moth Trap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG8lWt7TJjC072s4fFkI4R5jxVJhWnYthq7DUWd2Z8j49SSnOR8gHGREn5T-KpLLvi6eZj-LmCk75qeY-yY7Dk2BBn3PwPNKLY_p8mh7_cV7R7fzp3D5W55Nm-Qoa3uY_bwIdgQ/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG8lWt7TJjC072s4fFkI4R5jxVJhWnYthq7DUWd2Z8j49SSnOR8gHGREn5T-KpLLvi6eZj-LmCk75qeY-yY7Dk2BBn3PwPNKLY_p8mh7_cV7R7fzp3D5W55Nm-Qoa3uY_bwIdgQ/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I have inherited two old apple trees in my new garden. They are covered in blossom at the moment, even after a first pruning a couple of weeks ago to bring them under control. I thought I would try to control the number of maggots in the apples when they crop, so the timing of a codling moth trap is important.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8uGwu4dZupIjSLTeG5k4N4pYYGZ-abeS-HAgralPoa6m_AQlLd8VVXkDONvEjMSar10DanLORlp4XCeqKJ-rjJ894OVZzc8gRewYgje3Q0mIF6dF6_2-8uY6AVNbtMKZgOAFbA/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8uGwu4dZupIjSLTeG5k4N4pYYGZ-abeS-HAgralPoa6m_AQlLd8VVXkDONvEjMSar10DanLORlp4XCeqKJ-rjJ894OVZzc8gRewYgje3Q0mIF6dF6_2-8uY6AVNbtMKZgOAFbA/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Over the past May Bank holiday weekend in the UK we have had some unprecedented hot weather here and the nights have been warm too. The bees were busy pollinating the flowers and nearly all of them have now gone over and the petals have started to drop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL7CDeuQ51nE0p5H91c4tP1oyLgKqmz0d_JRYNqeFzVwHkZcqUXYpcYDAx441FUqIKMm8I3r4XPFjNDDUDDHf0b8Pcz0YG3DwZpbYYeKhZzVrovEff9imoCWbQbs-qX_YJUI6oQ/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL7CDeuQ51nE0p5H91c4tP1oyLgKqmz0d_JRYNqeFzVwHkZcqUXYpcYDAx441FUqIKMm8I3r4XPFjNDDUDDHf0b8Pcz0YG3DwZpbYYeKhZzVrovEff9imoCWbQbs-qX_YJUI6oQ/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The instructions state that the normal time that the moths fly and attack the apples is during warm nights in mid to late May, but it does mention exceptionally warm weather may encourage them to come out earlier, so I decided to put the trap out now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz2zbiYYc_1FxgMB0RAr981I-SKSjI6uu1swuifvSOlwPnNqAhkcgJDi2291_XsRpyQcGuyJuRZMpf23rZPt1iGPd3E14UWbrOVlEfqVsvA4f-Mjf8PmKFJX9d9LoJ4IQNQJDqw/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz2zbiYYc_1FxgMB0RAr981I-SKSjI6uu1swuifvSOlwPnNqAhkcgJDi2291_XsRpyQcGuyJuRZMpf23rZPt1iGPd3E14UWbrOVlEfqVsvA4f-Mjf8PmKFJX9d9LoJ4IQNQJDqw/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A little rubber plug has been impregnated with the scent of a female codling moth. All the little Boy moths fly around looking to get lucky, smell a willing Female moth inside the trap... fly in... and get stuck on the sticky card. I will keep checking over the next days and weeks to see if anything flies in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j-mvjsexBiuj5Yo0R663dPlKE8KDNjC5pMLBGrx36ZUEqkBff47T5YvoUMRkTDy9ilbi88LF1CPVxklITxOAWTkY6J8aGwXEa18nTC5JrIMNUCeIow04uJIT9_TKHP4QzCqmdg/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j-mvjsexBiuj5Yo0R663dPlKE8KDNjC5pMLBGrx36ZUEqkBff47T5YvoUMRkTDy9ilbi88LF1CPVxklITxOAWTkY6J8aGwXEa18nTC5JrIMNUCeIow04uJIT9_TKHP4QzCqmdg/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The trap is hung in the trees at head hight, it is effective for an area of about 15 metres (50 feet) of the trap and should last about 5 weeks before a second pheromone lure and another sticky mat is replaced. This takes me up to the beginning of July when I will replace it for another 5 weeks. What I am going to do with tons and tons of eating apples this Autumn is on my mind now. Perhaps I could buy a small press? Make apple juice or cider?... Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-37125813734854907442018-05-02T20:12:00.004+01:002018-05-02T20:12:39.444+01:00Planting Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwRYirW-Z8lbcRbQHeY4l1IFvznzAVR3uJ6BbTMEETIp9WzDFPuGISTs4xT5amfJkOL85qTUPn0ij3c2VA8-M8mzgGP9tAY3VhJfWMd9Gi1odfqkJxJPVKhmXm2y_4GO_Wn9dNQ/s1600/IMG_9710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwRYirW-Z8lbcRbQHeY4l1IFvznzAVR3uJ6BbTMEETIp9WzDFPuGISTs4xT5amfJkOL85qTUPn0ij3c2VA8-M8mzgGP9tAY3VhJfWMd9Gi1odfqkJxJPVKhmXm2y_4GO_Wn9dNQ/s320/IMG_9710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Many of the pots I brought with me during the move need to be planted out as soon as possible. Plants are just beginning a major growth spurt as the weather warms up. These <b>rhubarb crowns </b>will perk up in a while, they had been in pots since February.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FTh05G34A700WUs79imnwJRDMBlUm2kmyGsTBAjZ45cXtygnO44e7ibioKLyeBHfBnFTsGyAckdM8xDKqjMyjROL7hzKc5fhfcBJrG8tVo_VTsjV6UY8VrS29aXWnNtr-nfG2w/s1600/IMG_9715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FTh05G34A700WUs79imnwJRDMBlUm2kmyGsTBAjZ45cXtygnO44e7ibioKLyeBHfBnFTsGyAckdM8xDKqjMyjROL7hzKc5fhfcBJrG8tVo_VTsjV6UY8VrS29aXWnNtr-nfG2w/s320/IMG_9715.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
A good amount of my well rotted horse manure and a couple of days of heavy rain will give them the best start possible. I won't be picking any sticks this year, and very few next year to give them an opportunity to build up healthy roots. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLUPDiYrJnutXiB9E5olo-p3Jq1cHv_D1cU3gP8RbaSzEYdjQcx5982LmBwMUOzFG7xgMNOKNs6j78reANaj0hVQeBTKACnq2qlGzqoM-aafTTknfUIinZ9pCIR6_b9E0mYAAuQ/s1600/IMG_9717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLUPDiYrJnutXiB9E5olo-p3Jq1cHv_D1cU3gP8RbaSzEYdjQcx5982LmBwMUOzFG7xgMNOKNs6j78reANaj0hVQeBTKACnq2qlGzqoM-aafTTknfUIinZ9pCIR6_b9E0mYAAuQ/s320/IMG_9717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The <b>raspberry canes</b> have travelled well. This new growth looks healthy and vigorous. I'm pretty sure this is an Autumn fruiting variety which fruits on this years' growth in about September. I probably won't allow it to put energy into flowers or fruit this year. So if I see any developing I will prune them out so they have a chance to establish well. I sprinkled some <b>mycorrhizal fungi</b> on the roots as I was planting them. I've had good results with this in the past. The fungi (when in direct contact with the roots) enables the plant to better take up nutrients from the soil.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllCFDftdd_tQOLEg15WQ6H27yTdnZosCpZ8pPRbvIrRki9aiU_jlvSiQWwkL7XSYPCIqVtBZLk9MXudtLhqSd4wRt8z9EME21BOr0J6HBhtPeTgpoirFGJjTiBnnUJr7ipZpshQ/s1600/IMG_9718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllCFDftdd_tQOLEg15WQ6H27yTdnZosCpZ8pPRbvIrRki9aiU_jlvSiQWwkL7XSYPCIqVtBZLk9MXudtLhqSd4wRt8z9EME21BOr0J6HBhtPeTgpoirFGJjTiBnnUJr7ipZpshQ/s320/IMG_9718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Needless to say, these also had a good helping of well rotted horse manure and some heavy rain to get them started.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKBprdkIzC0-NG-KR1Zk5oEOhblJNPprs-wRlwh5k0l6hzBJyifyNGdVYTkjYhKJB2Qeg6yJ5TY0qwowhuhGNLgmDvICdNPCno3M5KzzoHsdAOxBcCMS_mM6aSaKstGdDYT0G_Q/s1600/IMG_9720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKBprdkIzC0-NG-KR1Zk5oEOhblJNPprs-wRlwh5k0l6hzBJyifyNGdVYTkjYhKJB2Qeg6yJ5TY0qwowhuhGNLgmDvICdNPCno3M5KzzoHsdAOxBcCMS_mM6aSaKstGdDYT0G_Q/s320/IMG_9720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
According to the land surveys prior to the purchase of this new house, the soil is described as 'sandy loam' - it certainly looks and feels like it. I might invest in a soil testing kit just to see what I have here, but like the rest of the New Forest it will be an acid soil. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ93ou9XyeOBuIqJIYXtkZXuhb_tSRM-7XXxjOxriEfe0WTfEsFE5oFcbzwootgTHHJsaOnpw0ANoHpvDMdoiC0T01Ldf2UMGcx5d8kgsV6s3TwcpnYDnB-fZUKfw96Kakmj1Dw/s1600/IMG_9638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ93ou9XyeOBuIqJIYXtkZXuhb_tSRM-7XXxjOxriEfe0WTfEsFE5oFcbzwootgTHHJsaOnpw0ANoHpvDMdoiC0T01Ldf2UMGcx5d8kgsV6s3TwcpnYDnB-fZUKfw96Kakmj1Dw/s320/IMG_9638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, Daisy has been making herself at home watching the seagulls down on the Quay at Lymington.Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-15472793683213757592018-04-24T12:48:00.002+01:002018-04-24T12:48:46.708+01:00Matron is Happy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJCfPx7SgwScmHfi8Kx3gNKWwykMbAJP2jZnyHH8qKc-YPAqpYfnznKIjeRw1B-i5lC0DANI3iUthhTky_jcvoaODQoexp8f7pMnz_HKx5F-LGTH9GCEYHPYPS6ZtlJBucUzjqg/s1600/IMG_9551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJCfPx7SgwScmHfi8Kx3gNKWwykMbAJP2jZnyHH8qKc-YPAqpYfnznKIjeRw1B-i5lC0DANI3iUthhTky_jcvoaODQoexp8f7pMnz_HKx5F-LGTH9GCEYHPYPS6ZtlJBucUzjqg/s320/IMG_9551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I know I am among friends here, so I can share my excitement at seeing this sign at the side of the road the other day. Only 5 minutes from home I went to visit this morning with a couple of large bags and a fork!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOeKBJyLr9TJSWy6H9yNoZgy6ceED5K8XAr4ceSOkOnoKUaWQxfBVuavE08-2cx9khrde7R8znz4ffmzO6PHC-AjthISrbhh_8K7jzjuLLD3ADBm414wlasTC5AXmR1jWx_0xUA/s1600/IMG_9548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOeKBJyLr9TJSWy6H9yNoZgy6ceED5K8XAr4ceSOkOnoKUaWQxfBVuavE08-2cx9khrde7R8znz4ffmzO6PHC-AjthISrbhh_8K7jzjuLLD3ADBm414wlasTC5AXmR1jWx_0xUA/s320/IMG_9548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Perfect stuff! Tons and tons of it, and I could park my car right next to it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkSujpVTyEPR23YdqD7_LZKaKjezrZeSh8fB9iQBUdbjIr-hwqyxsWvznfEtmD_9Fuw8nrzQfs8tOmGr62qsCSW0MzhoytGTJrgTq_PlDiSsvFSmWb11l6EN_fH031g2ZPgAMQA/s1600/IMG_9547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkSujpVTyEPR23YdqD7_LZKaKjezrZeSh8fB9iQBUdbjIr-hwqyxsWvznfEtmD_9Fuw8nrzQfs8tOmGr62qsCSW0MzhoytGTJrgTq_PlDiSsvFSmWb11l6EN_fH031g2ZPgAMQA/s320/IMG_9547.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
At the far end of the heap, just dig a little and this is lovely mature well rotted manure from mostly hay, straw and some wood chippings. Friable, crumbly and wonderful!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIupnYBv_T-j4JpjSUTCIngTv2camlCnlV1IjksKi_4mR4mAgreTmNO-sQOUMmO8uCyYyPOLyYj8iy9lYzuEHkZLN8Ncw4X6P3s8-O0sYKbYysvWA59MMRa5uMTMfj99JdUxdnEw/s1600/IMG_9550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIupnYBv_T-j4JpjSUTCIngTv2camlCnlV1IjksKi_4mR4mAgreTmNO-sQOUMmO8uCyYyPOLyYj8iy9lYzuEHkZLN8Ncw4X6P3s8-O0sYKbYysvWA59MMRa5uMTMfj99JdUxdnEw/s320/IMG_9550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
At the other end was the hot stuff. Steaming and hot! This will get my new compost heap going when added to some grass clippings, torn up cardboard and dry leaves. A nice combination of green and brown, nitrogen and carbon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEN2Jn7bC9u70lpWwR21Dymiaq6BU2XkEKLTUdDtHrlxWjHFzwvLi335TB3EItjMYSqZIPqg5xp6HYmFbffyxTCv0_46z62X568gqGquaHJx2s5L0CejpWT3Cr3x7N1OnzciAGQ/s1600/IMG_9553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEN2Jn7bC9u70lpWwR21Dymiaq6BU2XkEKLTUdDtHrlxWjHFzwvLi335TB3EItjMYSqZIPqg5xp6HYmFbffyxTCv0_46z62X568gqGquaHJx2s5L0CejpWT3Cr3x7N1OnzciAGQ/s320/IMG_9553.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
So this lovely bag of well rotted manure will be just the stuff to help me plant my rhubarb crowns and my raspberry canes in my new garden. Matron is Happy today!Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28615441.post-41275960333450471322018-04-23T19:12:00.003+01:002018-04-23T19:12:38.342+01:00Building a Compost Bin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5mh65tyCKYxJj9I6tl5Z5nNGb1BhbTLJEZC3UXEy22tze84lD49P6DtAL51ljZMSieRnlVWh2x81rDcJeDVhKFS2JDIr7ml1l9F1bJD9XFttNpsHOaq6fJ_XgKULi5JNeXwB6Q/s1600/IMG_9310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5mh65tyCKYxJj9I6tl5Z5nNGb1BhbTLJEZC3UXEy22tze84lD49P6DtAL51ljZMSieRnlVWh2x81rDcJeDVhKFS2JDIr7ml1l9F1bJD9XFttNpsHOaq6fJ_XgKULi5JNeXwB6Q/s320/IMG_9310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
What a perfect housewarming prezzie! The first thing I have to do before I do anything in my new garden is get myself a compost bin. Mowing the lawn, trimming my bush (Oooh Matron!), just has to wait until I have somewhere to make compost. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9SgdGHqdBlmlWzC7Oe1GhCW7Xx3yEyKP-A5_Qxj86xUjm_7k2dvlgF3S9PU8KmbJ9nHBgm5d3AnnsfZN2tRwHTNzymswqa2FpEfeMSiqUh3Wuw73Cz2c5f_BHQGMCmDLXB3rOQ/s1600/IMG_9539.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9SgdGHqdBlmlWzC7Oe1GhCW7Xx3yEyKP-A5_Qxj86xUjm_7k2dvlgF3S9PU8KmbJ9nHBgm5d3AnnsfZN2tRwHTNzymswqa2FpEfeMSiqUh3Wuw73Cz2c5f_BHQGMCmDLXB3rOQ/s320/IMG_9539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So I bought myself a handy little cordless drill and got down to it this afternoon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDIGTRHESgf5A3b3yiSoysJ5qnNts_BP0r8A99QBMZFxtLpmcW50sLDqJAHuyH7jnK2d7VaJgmZw7I29Nn0yzt1rIc32SDhb7HqZXmma985PhREPfaY34L98NknYjcXArNmfsWw/s1600/IMG_9540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDIGTRHESgf5A3b3yiSoysJ5qnNts_BP0r8A99QBMZFxtLpmcW50sLDqJAHuyH7jnK2d7VaJgmZw7I29Nn0yzt1rIc32SDhb7HqZXmma985PhREPfaY34L98NknYjcXArNmfsWw/s320/IMG_9540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The bottom layer of planks are fixed in to the bottom of the corner posts so it creates a solid square frame. I am siting the compost area in the darkest area at the corner of an otherwise sunny, South facing garden. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_srX0FF-lPcA4wz3JhtI8v9TxFGLPHSPCjPnrsoix222h5EVKKJ7PEr9Bx8XfIosAYCzvkN4DKU47eaG_AkUUVkHzlU0Ojq8tjFNl2JCovjb_1kF6G3cpe2M_aQf69FrS-Z0r9w/s1600/IMG_9541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_srX0FF-lPcA4wz3JhtI8v9TxFGLPHSPCjPnrsoix222h5EVKKJ7PEr9Bx8XfIosAYCzvkN4DKU47eaG_AkUUVkHzlU0Ojq8tjFNl2JCovjb_1kF6G3cpe2M_aQf69FrS-Z0r9w/s320/IMG_9541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Once the bottom layer of planks were fixed firm, I just slotted in the other planks on the other sides.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvztzZOON02ylazd6L8wiR0YIqTcnZPBDFHz7THpwTKY_8NuY9kcIEY_kAotBRfYbk3JyUy8Uj_31uAizIdazjMJnQB3feO4eucpKSehieM9Iy1L9yDP2qziObg0zrCJIv0frY2Q/s1600/IMG_9542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvztzZOON02ylazd6L8wiR0YIqTcnZPBDFHz7THpwTKY_8NuY9kcIEY_kAotBRfYbk3JyUy8Uj_31uAizIdazjMJnQB3feO4eucpKSehieM9Iy1L9yDP2qziObg0zrCJIv0frY2Q/s320/IMG_9542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So now the compost bin is ready to start brewing! Daisy's Sister lives nearby at a local riding and livery stable here in the New Forest. So my new best friend can let me have an unlimited supply of fresh horse manure! What more could a Girl want? Newly mown grass, hedge clippings and fresh horse manure! I know that all my fellow veggie growers will understand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnrtOySDD1ap1f-iePaHBzmpvCWhmrKxtc2212dNr_nKz1Y2UVA7nuuNyAClhoUzOcQE5sHS8N0GvcOlhl9gb9g72ByYmD1GrW9M9t5cnfhm6O7sBn_h5uGjH-QUYL_uFRLEsyQ/s1600/IMG_9544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnrtOySDD1ap1f-iePaHBzmpvCWhmrKxtc2212dNr_nKz1Y2UVA7nuuNyAClhoUzOcQE5sHS8N0GvcOlhl9gb9g72ByYmD1GrW9M9t5cnfhm6O7sBn_h5uGjH-QUYL_uFRLEsyQ/s320/IMG_9544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So, Daisy made the first contribution! My little 'Compostador' Matronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07705506930308472527noreply@blogger.com1