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Post by johndoe on Sept 11, 2020 15:44:02 GMT
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Post by SueA on Sept 12, 2020 7:57:20 GMT
Well done johndoe, what beautiful displays!  |
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Post by johnjess on Sept 12, 2020 17:19:21 GMT
Congratulations johndoe fantastic result. You must be chuffed to bits. It looks like a really good show as well.
Johnjess
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Post by roofgardener on Sept 14, 2020 8:29:57 GMT
That's a dazzling array of textures and colours, johndoe. Well done  |
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Post by johndoe on Sept 17, 2020 9:21:46 GMT
Thanks everyone. It was really great to be able to show in this very strange year. Sadly the northern version of the SDDS show has now been cancelled due to the new restrictions.
The standard there would have been of the highest order. We'll just have to hope that all gets back to some sort of normality for next year.
Take care, and stay safe.
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Post by johndoe on Sept 17, 2020 15:55:52 GMT
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Post by roofgardener on Sept 18, 2020 8:26:18 GMT
Your polytunnel is AMAZING !!
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Post by johndoe on Sept 18, 2020 8:39:42 GMT
Thanks RG. It's like, all dressed up and nowhere to go  |
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Post by lesley on Sept 18, 2020 11:34:45 GMT
Well done at show dahlias look beautiful |
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Post by johnjess on Sept 20, 2020 6:15:18 GMT
You must get a huge feeling of satisfaction when you go through your tunnels and see all of those beautiful top quality blooms johndoe. Stunning. I took a trip to Halls of Heddon last week to view the dahlia fields. Beautiful.    |
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Post by johndoe on Sept 23, 2020 15:12:03 GMT
Thank you Lesley, it was a very well supported show.
JJ, it always puts a huge smile on my face when I go up to the allotment. Was hoping to make a visit last weekend to Hall's but the SDDS north show at Hexham was cancelled due to the new restrictions. But David has been doing live tours on their Facebook page, not the same ,but least I get to see all the lovely blooms.
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Post by johndoe on Oct 17, 2020 12:30:10 GMT
How quick the time goes. Seems like only 5 minutes ago I was planting out, and now I'm cutting down.
Amazing how much change can happen in 4 weeks!!
 
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Post by johnjess on Oct 17, 2020 21:38:37 GMT
Quite a difference in a short space of time johndoe. Can I ask how long to keep them at the "trimmed" size before you lift the tubers?
I lost half of my plants to frost about 3 weeks ago so had to lift the tubers but the other half are still in the same position as yours are in the bottom picture. My thinking is leave them where they are for as long as possible until severe frosts are on the forecast at least, as my success rate at keeping tubers in previous years is not the best.
What would you advise? Thank you .
Johnjess
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Post by johndoe on Oct 18, 2020 19:33:04 GMT
Quite a difference in a short space of time johndoe. Can I ask how long to keep them at the "trimmed" size before you lift the tubers? I lost half of my plants to frost about 3 weeks ago so had to lift the tubers but the other half are still in the same position as yours are in the bottom picture. My thinking is leave them where they are for as long as possible until severe frosts are on the forecast at least, as my success rate at keeping tubers in previous years is not the best. What would you advise? Thank you . Johnjess Hi JJ. The answer is, as long as I can. We don't seem to have frost now, although it would be a benefit if we did in my location. I leave them at this stage so if there is any new growth it comes on the stems above ground, and not from below as these will be eyes I want for next year. Once I'm into mid November I'll cut down to 6" and get them up to stop any more growth. Leaving just the stem open to a severe frost could cost the loss of the growing crown. Once there are lifted they are washed at the allotment then brought home to the greenhouse. I trim off the small roots, drill through the stem and allow to dry upside down with a fan on them. I've tried several ways of storing, failed miserably on occasions, but have now settled on storing my tubers in peat. I leave an inch of stem on the tubers and bury them with this part above the peat. This way I can lift the tuber out of the peat and check for any degradation during storage at any time. If any show signs of mould, or going soft, they are cut back and covered with yellow sulphur powder and replaced back in the peat. So many people just put them away for winter and never check on their condition.
I hope this helps, and if you need anymore help and advice, just give me a shout.
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Post by ladybird on Oct 26, 2020 9:53:15 GMT
Wow! cleaning, cutting and storing all those tubers is going to take you some time johndoe. It must be a labour of love. I do hope next year will be better for showing your beautiful flowers. |
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