Plans for planting

[JamezF]

Had a busy day planting out today.

Having removed the peas for shoots from the polytunnel, I planted out a second outdoor batch. The first outdoor planting are just about ready to start picking. My sweetcorn plants are now all planted out. I ended up with 42 plants germinated from 60 seeds, so I sowed two blocks three plants wide by seven long in adjacent beds, so I have a nice big block of plants for pollination. After that I found space for radishes, borage, salvias and nasturtiums. Quite a few of the beds are starting to fill up now.

Hopefully tomorrow I can find time to plant out some celery and brassicas in the main plot, and at least some of the greenhouse/polytunnel plants at are ready to go. Given that I was desperately trying to protect plants from freezing temperatures this time last year I'm a little apprehensive about how things are going to work out, but the plants are getting sufficiently large to need to go out and I need the space in the greenhouse for the next sowings so there's not a lot of choice. I think today was the hottest day of the year so far though -- we just topped 20°C this afternoon.

James

 

[Erichalfbee]

Polytunnel looking good.
picked our first mulberries

 

[JamezF]

Polytunnel looking good.

The plants (tomatoes/peppers/aubergines, I think?) in your polytunnel are way ahead of mine. My tomatoes are barely a foot tall at the moment, and the peppers and aubergines are not even half that.

James

 

[Erichalfbee]

I get the seeds in early and take over the sun room. We’re already harvesting cucumbers and the early potatoes are flowering

 

[nicolajanewilkinson]

I get the seeds in early and take over the sun room. We’re already harvesting cucumbers and the early potatoes are flowering

sorry to nosey in … when did you sow your cucumbers then?! I am behind this year !

 

[Erichalfbee]

Cucumbers, March.
I grow mini munch as they are just the right size for one.
once the cucumbers start they don’t stop
I’ve just down another couple to take over when these plants start fading so we’ll have cucumbers till the end of October

 

[Skinfaxi]

Pickelled cucumbers with mustard seed is really good. We used to use a Dr oetker starter.

 

[JamezF]

Pickelled cucumbers with mustard seed is really good. We used to use a Dr oetker starter.

That's not something I've ever tried. I shall try to remember it when the usual cucumber glut starts

James

 

[Erichalfbee]

Pickelled cucumbers with mustard seed is really good. We used to use a Dr oetker starter.

I’ve always had bad luck with those. They go soft. Have you a recipe?

 

[Skinfaxi]

You may have done this. You have field cucumbers and glass house types. We usually peel the glass house types and scoop the seed meat out. I dont have a recipe to hand. Dr oetker the german spice and food company have pickled cucumber spices and recipes.
But yes they are a bit softer than field cucumbers but still good if your not put off by the texture.

 

[Skinfaxi]

Sort of sweet and sour

 

[Skinfaxi]

H

I’ve always had bad luck with those. They go soft. Have you a recipe?

Have you tried cucumber salad.
Slice cucumbers with mandolin or thin strips with knife, add cream chopped dill or fennel and some lemon juice and sugar for acidity.
Similar to Bismark herring rollmops but not every ones liking.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Slice cucumbers with mandolin

I've only got a banjo - will that do?

 

[Erichalfbee]

H

Have you tried cucumber salad.
Slice cucumbers with mandolin or thin strips with knife, add cream chopped dill or fennel and some lemon juice and sugar for acidity.
Similar to Bismark herring rollmops but not every ones liking.

Yes. My mum who was polish made cucumbers like that.

 

[Skinfaxi]

Yes. My mum who was polish made cucumbers like that.

Yes i grew up with konichsberger klopse. Katpuska. Sauer kraut. Good stuff..good recipes, love it

 

[Skinfaxi]

I've only got a banjo - will that do?

 

[JamezF]

I've only got a banjo - will that do?

It all makes sense now...



James

 

[nettle]

Finally made a start on my new veg plot today! This is on the croft where my bees are. The crofter very generously ploughed these strips for me, and now that the various animals have been fenced out, this afternoon I put edging in to turn them into proper beds. That's as far as I got! It's going to be a big job to dig it all over. They have a rotovator, but they've got the lurgy just now so can't show me how to use it!

 

[pargyle]

I've only got a banjo - will that do?

Only if you are leaning on a lamp post at the corner of the street ....

 

[Skinfaxi]

Finally made a start on my new veg plot today! This is on the croft where my bees are. The crofter very generously ploughed these strips for me, and now that the various animals have been fenced out, this afternoon I put edging in to turn them into proper beds. That's as far as I got! It's going to be a big job to dig it all over. They have a rotovator, but they've got the lurgy just now so can't show me how to use it!

View attachment 32299View attachment 32300

Hello nice job. I know you have many different ways to prep beds. I know you may want to do it your way. Even if you rotavate the soil the grass will grow back very soon. Especially perenial rye grass. Either cut the grass off or smother it with mulch. Pine sawdust or chips kill grass very quickly. Compost straw etc. Look at James on this forum beds and the meathod he and others use..he has added pictures.
Also get rid of the grass pathways as this will need constant management. Hope i have not peed on your batterie

Happy growing