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Post by sweetpea on Feb 8, 2016 17:00:07 GMT
OO thats good news Lou78W, we tend to get very little for free up here with the Scottish government, can't even get free solar panels. We got the solar panels rosie but they weren.t free . had to do a bank loan but we do get some payback every now and then. trouble is, they are down at the moment while the roof is being done so no free leccy for the time being  |
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Post by sweetpea on Feb 8, 2016 23:06:25 GMT
Went over to collect the topsoil today. It was poor quality as the guy said and a lot of debris in it but ok I think for the basis of new rockery. Unfortunately I couldn't park close enough and there was too much in the way so I have postponed it until better access hopefully. So instead I will give the stables a call and find out when convenient to go there. as I was near my local nursery when I went for the topsoil I popped in there and got a few things  He said Lady Cristl potatoes were in his opinion excellent so I got some plus shallots and seeds. has anyone tried Lady Cristl? Score out of 10. |
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Post by Lou78W on Feb 9, 2016 7:38:17 GMT
I've tried them.....but can't remember what they were like....sorry....(blush) |
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Post by SueA on Feb 9, 2016 8:41:29 GMT
I've grown Lady Christl a few times sweetpea & have got some again this year, I really like them, nice smooth skins, lovely 'new' potatoes, not massive but I'd give them about 8 out of 10. |
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Post by peony on Feb 9, 2016 9:15:02 GMT
I grew Lady Christl in tubs last year sweetpea, and agree with Sue I'm growing them again this year. |
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Post by sweetpea on Feb 9, 2016 11:08:26 GMT
Thank you both, always good to have a second/third opinion |
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Post by daitheplant on Feb 9, 2016 19:55:39 GMT
I agree Jim, in fact, I think I will try them myself now.  |
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Post by sweetpea on Feb 9, 2016 23:20:06 GMT
I agree Jim, in fact, I think I will try them myself now. Best to grow them first dai. Never really liked raw spuds. |
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Post by sweetpea on Feb 10, 2016 18:26:43 GMT
Thought I would dig the runner bean trench today as it was dry for a change.
Managed about half of it and realised I wasn't 30 years old any more when I could dig for hours on end.
Only another one and a half to go before incorporating some stable manure.
Made me think though, what do the commercial growers do?
Surely they don't dig trenches over acres of ground. Probably plough using a tractor but as I don't have these at my disposal it will just have to be the hard way.
Pass the Ibuprofen someone.
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Post by daitheplant on Feb 10, 2016 20:53:03 GMT
I agree Jim, in fact, I think I will try them myself now. Best to grow them first dai. Never really liked raw spuds. Being a Scot, James, YOU should be the expert on spud varities.  |
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Post by sweetpea on Feb 10, 2016 23:16:48 GMT
Best to grow them first dai. Never really liked raw spuds. . Personally I like Arran Pilot. Have grown most of the Pentland varieties over the years. Another favourite is Vanessa. MyOH isn't keen on the floury varieties although they were the order of the day when I was a kid. My first exhibition potato was Catriona then Pentland Dell all superceeded now of course. |
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Post by Rosie on Feb 11, 2016 10:44:49 GMT
I used to like Epicure which allegedly is a good spud for Scotland, my last lot a couple of years ago developed blackleg and they haven't been tried again. I'll never grow the Sarpo taties again, they were disgusting. I prefer a floury potato to a waxy one |
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Post by KC on Feb 11, 2016 12:04:25 GMT
Being a Scot, James, YOU should be the expert on spud varities. Personally I like Arran Pilot. Have grown most of the Pentland varieties over the years. Another favourite is Vanessa. MyOH isn't keen on the floury varieties although they were the order of the day when I was a kid. My first exhibition potato was Catriona then Pentland Dell all superceeded now of course. Funny seeing you mentioned Pentland Dell sweetpea, my OH keeps talking about those, can't find them anywhere. |
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Post by sweetpea on Feb 28, 2016 23:33:15 GMT
Brief update.
Since digging the runner bean trench I think I must have done my back in as not been able to even get my boots on and off without agonising pain which painkillers haven't touched.
Even getting in and out the car is harry grimmers.
The trench was dug and stable manure spread over but not managed to fork it in until today.
The mantis tiller woouldn't start so eventually drained the tank and put in fresh fuel then new spark plug but still nothing so did the painful (stupid) thing and forked it over manually. began replacing the topsoil but didn't finish as getting dark.
got 10 seedling tomatoes at cotyledon stage but no chillis so far. Gardeners Delight my favourite tom.
off to see the quack in the morning re my dodgy knee (Technical term that) so will see if she got anything to make life easier ie less painful.
Our velux windows in the roof have been removed and all that is between me and the elements at night is a waterproof sheet. A bit parky to say the least.
Some of the windows have been fitted and very nice too. Still lots more to be done yet so the cats will be frightened out again while the workmen here.
new PC seems to be doing well and today set up my new all singing all dancing wireless printer. Doesn't make tea unfortunately.
an HP Envy4523 if anyone has one and would like to comment.
In the g'house the lowewt temp over the last couple of weeks was 30F. so not too bad for unheated.
On a sadder note, my youngest son who works for a local building firm was laid off with a weeks notice. They have been saving for wedding in November so not sure what will happen now as venue and everything has been booked.
Sign of the times I suppose as lots have been laid off here recently.
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Post by grindle on Feb 29, 2016 4:05:52 GMT
sorry to hear you're having trouble with your back SP I hope the doc can sort you out, not a good time of year to be backless |
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