Allotments 4 All

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I have a clayey soil and over the years have tried various techniques to germinate carrots with variable success despite improving the soil quality. My current technique uses spent compost in the bottom of shallow drills . I then sow the seed in the compost and cover lightly. However its a bit hit and miss whether I get any seedlings.
I am looking for new ideas before I sow my first lot. What do others do on clay soils?

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I bought this beauty at a car boot sale last summer when it was quite small. Since then it has grown tall and produced babies along its 'leaves' that root quite readily. As you can see, the amazing part is the beautiful multi-flower head, which appeared about a month ago in yellow, which  - as it faded - produced a lower layer of equally beautiful flowers but this time in a sort of salmon pink.  It seems to be a type of cactus.  I kept it outside during the summer, bringing it into the conservatory in the autumn, where it has remained ever since as it will be too tall and ungainly to put outside. I haven't got a clue what it is, or how to care for it.  Can anyone help please?

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 i bought some Hellebore's seeds  and seen in the growing instructions.  The following After sowing seal container in a poly bag and leave  for three months at 20 c then place container  and bag in the fridge for another three months.  return to 20c again as Germination can be slow.I`ve never grown them from seed before,so do I  need to go though all that or is some one here have another method

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Have started eating fresh grapefruit again after an absence for a few years. I seem to recall there was some way of using the semisphere of skin in the battle against slugs but can't remember the details. Can anyone help me?