Allotments 4 All

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I always start sweetcorn in pots, planting out approx a foot between plants, and earthing up as they grow.  Round where we live (SW France), the main crop is maize.  I see the plants growing only a few inches apart, and they produce good sized cobs of maize (admittedly not a sweet variety).
This year I want to sow direct in the ground.  I'm wondering why I shouldn't try sowing much closer.  Has anyone any experience  of this, or helpful comments? 

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I have come across the following New Zealand research report which I feel may be of interest. While investigating the application of micromesh to protect potato crops, it has been noted that a) up to a 60% gain in crop production due to the microclimate lengthening 'grow days'
b) considerable reduction in blight in protected crops.
The mesh used is similar in fineness to that used for carrot fly, at a mesh size of 0.6mm Ultrafine insect mesh. Further research is to be undertaken. See:
http://www.bhu.org.nz/future-farming-centre/information/crop-management/crop-production/mesh-crop-covers-for-potato-blight-and-pest-control

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Hi you lot, it has been a while again.. I was in the UK briefly in December not for pleasure it was to say goodbye to my DIL who was in palliative care.

 would you believe they had my favorite spuds in a garden  centre.Charlottes. I couldn't leave them there. The rule about bringing them into Canada is they are allowed if they are sealed and wiith all details on the bag.They did.

Secretly I think that only applies if I drove into Canada from the US with them

I came through customs in Canada on the flight home on the last plane on Christmas Eve, the last flight in that day so everyone wanted to go home. The staff member wheeled me and took me to customs were I decared the 800 pound Sterling Scottish chanter I had, the customs officer who was Scottish born adored it and loving stroked the real silver engraved parts, he then handed it back, I asked him what duty I needed to pay and he said nothing, have a great Christmas. he didn't even ask me what else I had..

I planted them yesterday and I gave then a good talking too about how important they are so fingers crossed they will be OK
My peas are in, my melons,tomatos and a couple of early cukes are popping through under lights.


Miss you all more than you know XX Jeannine

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I have just potted up some tomato seedlings and I must have rubbed my eyelids and now they are very itchy. I think the same thing happened once last year. I never was allergic to things but as I get older I find I get more and more allergic type problems with my skin. My eyelids seem to be the most sensitive and get itchy from lots of things.
Anyone had this happen with tomato plants? I suspect its the leaves.