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I'm new all of to this allotment business and a question sprang to my mind today during planning for next year. I'm interested in growing veg that are are maybe not especially "run of the mill"- for example the "Beginner Gardener" selection from The Real Seed Company http://www.realseeds.co.uk/giftcollections.html rather than "F1" this or "Exhibition Variety" that. I like the idea of food supply diversity and the ethos of this company in particular.Although I intend to grow veg to feed the family rather than win prizes, an interesting offshoot (excuse the pun) would be to enter some of my produce (if worthy) to a vegetable show. If the varieties are not "recognised", is this a problem? Or, is it all simply about the quality of the final veg?Thanks,Dr John
Or, is it all simply about the quality of the final veg?
QuoteOr, is it all simply about the quality of the final veg?Basically YES!Having said that in my hey day I firstly grew for the table and if it was good enough for a show I entered it, then I went on from there!Then there are the type of shows and this is not meant to demeaning but there are the "Village Shows" and the "National Shows" and these are often like chalk and cheese.The judging standards between the two are much different simply because at the National shows there is a book of rules whereas at the Village Show these usually only have some basic rules (or should have) which are generally not as stringent.What is common to both is the " Will to Win"I could go on and say more but my tea is ready (lots of vegetables)
While I have no show experience whatever, I am a devotee of the aforementioned seed supplier and can assure you that they deliver exceptional seeds, which are very reliable. I have no problems in solitary sowing in 60 hole modules and can report almost a "full house" on most occasions. The varieties I select meet my needs, are prolific and tasty. Whether you choose a "gift pack" would obviously be your decision ,my query would revolve around whether the inflexibility will get you your preference, of course this may be adjusted in subsequent years.My experience of the selection is restricted to the beetroot, Junos pea ,carrot and chard. all were entirely satisfactory.
" I still don't have my plot , so am working to a "virtual layout/design".If you are awaiting a council plot, I have shared your feelings.
I have shown flowers and veg since 1960 but aim at growing good veg and show the best. Some varieties will produce good specimens whilst others will never give a good shape etc. Saving your own seed is a good idea provided you can avoid cross-pollination. If you care to look at my blog spot you may find some help. I did win 15 trophies one year so I do have some experience. I look to help anyone as there is a lot of fun to be had.
Here you go- remember the first aim is to feed the family rather than win any prizes in the village show....Onion SturonGarlic Solent WightLettuce Morton's Secret MixCarrot Giant RedBeetroot SanguinaSquash Burgess Vine ButtercupTomato StupiceBush Bean CupidonPea OskarBroad Bean Liesde HangdownSpinach PerpetualRunner Beans GigantesRed Cabbage Lodero F1Cauliflower Clapton F1However, I would be interested in your thoughts.
Quote from: DrJohnH on September 08, 2017, 07:35:50Here you go- remember the first aim is to feed the family rather than win any prizes in the village show....Onion SturonGarlic Solent WightLettuce Morton's Secret MixCarrot Giant RedBeetroot SanguinaSquash Burgess Vine ButtercupTomato StupiceBush Bean CupidonPea OskarBroad Bean Liesde HangdownSpinach PerpetualRunner Beans GigantesRed Cabbage Lodero F1Cauliflower Clapton F1However, I would be interested in your thoughts.OK, yes but:You may prefer a different runner bean, Gigantes, which I am growing this year for the first time, is aimed at growing "butter" beans for use as a bean seed in soups, stews etc. Its very vigorous, coarse regarding pods and not the "slicing green bean" you may expect.Mine have gone up 7feet, across 4feet and are now heading towards Farnham!!As TeeGee has mentioned regarding F1 varieties, they will mature as a crop, sequential sowings may help, although mainseason often catch up with earlies.... The same pattern for lettuce.Regarding the rest, I have grown most of them at one time or another and they are good.
Quote from: ancellsfarmer on September 08, 2017, 09:00:40Quote from: DrJohnH on September 08, 2017, 07:35:50Here you go- remember the first aim is to feed the family rather than win any prizes in the village show....Onion SturonGarlic Solent WightLettuce Morton's Secret MixCarrot Giant RedBeetroot SanguinaSquash Burgess Vine ButtercupTomato StupiceBush Bean CupidonPea OskarBroad Bean Liesde HangdownSpinach PerpetualRunner Beans GigantesRed Cabbage Lodero F1Cauliflower Clapton F1However, I would be interested in your thoughts.OK, yes but:You may prefer a different runner bean, Gigantes, which I am growing this year for the first time, is aimed at growing "butter" beans for use as a bean seed in soups, stews etc. Its very vigorous, coarse regarding pods and not the "slicing green bean" you may expect.Mine have gone up 7feet, across 4feet and are now heading towards Farnham!!As TeeGee has mentioned regarding F1 varieties, they will mature as a crop, sequential sowings may help, although mainseason often catch up with earlies.... The same pattern for lettuce.Regarding the rest, I have grown most of them at one time or another and they are good.Thanks for the info- I was going to grow Gigantes for dried beans. I believe they are good for this, but will definitely bear in mind the size of the plants! How many seeds did you put in?