Allotments 4 All
Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Jayb on January 14, 2012, 15:36:07
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I’ve really enjoyed taking part in the last 2 Seed Circles, thank you to everyone who has been involved. I've learnt an amazing amount as we have gone along and delighted in the seeds we have shared. I'm so amazed at what is achievable between us all and hope we can do similar again this year.
If anyone would like to join our circle for 2012, please add your name to the thread.
If this is all new to you here's a brief guide; The circle is open to all A4A members. Each member of the group chooses 2 or more, heritage or open pollinated vegetables to grow for seed (preferably seeds interesting and new to the circle). Grow and harvest enough seeds for all the members of the group. Remember some vegetables are easier than others to grow for seed. Give some updates to the group along the way. Once your seeds are ripe, dry well, they can then be divided into individual portions ready to be sent to me at the end of the season. Seeds will then be divided into individual collections before being sent out to members. Enjoy!
If you want to see how we got on the last couple of years take a look here https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/
Also, Link to 2011’s Circle http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,64431.0.html
Link to Extra Circle http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,68391.0.html
And Seed saving information/guides; http://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedsavinginfo.html
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Yes i am the first one,just kidding.Jayb you can count on me.I found an organisation who has as goal to preserve old dutch vegetables.I had a peak on the webside and saw some intresting things.Order some and multiply for the seedcircle and myself ofcourse. ;D
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I'm in, naturally. If you come across any perennial brassicas, Ruud, I'm interested. I know they're grown over there.
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If it's alright with you, jayb, I'd definitely like to give it another shot this year!
:)
All the signs are I'll be looking at short season vegetables again this year, but with a bit more success, I hope.
And thank you to Goodlife for the Estonian link recently, which I hope will give some interesting results . :D
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PLEEEEASE...can I 'play' too? ;D
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I would like to join again but as yet have not got a clue what to try this year.
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Pleeeeeeeeeese!
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Most definitely Ruud ;D sounds very interesting and I look forward to hearing what variety you have chosen.
SueK short season vegetables sound ideal.
Lol me too Poolcue!
Fantastic, starting the circle;
Ruud
Robert B
SueK
Goodlife
Poolcue
Pumpkinlover
Edit - spelling
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Coming up with the clues will be even harder this year ;D
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Yes I'd like to join in but I'm nervous that my seeds wont be considered good enough because I can't leave huge stands of plants to seed at a time. I can do trail beans and that sort of thing and some Amish Paste and Purple Ukraine toms because they are pretty self pollinating but I haven't gone down the heritage route. As a disabled gardener and a full time carer I'm a bit limited but after this length of time it would be nice to feel 'one of the gang'. :-\
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That was me last year, but there is plenty of advice around if you need it, HSL and seed savers web sites. Plus on here so have a go.
Last year you only had to donate a minimum of two varieties, so concentrate on two and you will be fine. Some give more but that's a bonus.
I nearly backed out a couple of times, but by doing it the first time I learnt more and will build on that this year.
Everyone starts somewhere, and some things need more plants than others to get good seeds for next year, so there is bound to be something for you, and you have already listed two varieties!
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You've mentioned more than enough varieties, so go for it!
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yes please :)
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Yes I'd like to join in but I'm nervous that my seeds wont be considered good enough because I can't leave huge stands of plants to seed at a time. I can do trail beans and that sort of thing and some Amish Paste and Purple Ukraine toms because they are pretty self pollinating but I haven't gone down the heritage route. As a disabled gardener and a full time carer I'm a bit limited but after this length of time it would be nice to feel 'one of the gang'. :-\
Amish Paste is a lovely heritage tomato. One of my favourites, definitely a super addition to the circle.
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I think I'll sticky the thread, makes it easier to keep track of, plus links to the other circles so they accessible.
Great, sounds like you already have some varieties in mind Green lily :)
Yayyyy, glad you are in for another round Galina :)
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I'll join if there's still room.
It would probably be HSL varieties like
Tomato Yellow Grape
A dwarf Tomato type
A heritage Climbing Brean...will see what others do, so I don't double up :)
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Yes please - I am trying to save from the wonderful White Serpent Squash this year as a priority so would love to share it with the Circle.
Natch - I'll be doing others as well.
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I'll wait and see what I get seeds off, but I'm hoping to have couve tronchuda, maybe a kale, peas and beans.
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I got nice selection of seeds again from Nordic seedbank..so hopefully I get enough crop out of them for circle.
But other than that..all options are possible and time will tell. I feel its too early for any promises...once I start 'playing' with my plant/seed lists..soon...then I have more idea what might be the target... ;)
I've started with pea list..that's nearly done now and I feel like there is one or two that you lot might not have yet.. ;) ;D
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I would love to join again ,if that is possible?
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Please count me in. I'll need to have a think about what to grow.
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I would love to join in please.
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Wow coming together nicely ;D
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Ok I'll go for the tomatoes -I hope to dry a lot this year. I did it a couple of years ago and despite all the messing around it was worth every bit of effort.
The worst that can happen is that some enthusiastic bumble in the poly gives us a purple Amish seeds ::). Drying seeds is a lot easier and quicker than drying tomatoes for 2/3 days in the oven...[But they were delicious ;D]
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First vegetables on my growing list for seedcircle 2012;Eeuwig moes perrenial kale very old dutch heirloom.Reade Krobbe very old frysian dry bean.Wieringer boon very old dutch drybean lost in holland but found in the states and brought back to holland.Langedijker bleekbloei old heirloom pea.Noordhollandse bloedrode heirloom red onion.These are all dutch heirlooms and i hope i can share them at the end of the growing season to all the people who join the seedcirle.This would be a start more to come.
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Yes, please. I still have some chervil plants, both indoors and outdoors. Have never saved seed from them before, so will have to see how it goes. Will have to see what else later. Would anyone be interested in amaranth and/or quinoa?
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I'll evidently have to pull out of this.
Cheers
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Noooooooo, please don't :)
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aj, sorry for being unobservant, what's so evident that I completely failed to notice? Unless it's seed saturation. I would have said it's evident we need you with us.
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First thoughts-" Old Homestead " pea and " Queen of Hearts" tom .
I do have a packet HSL- of " Jenny Lind " melons- which I will not be growing this year so if anyone fancies them for the circle please PM.
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Can I join please? I've started sorting through my seeds to see what I want to grow this year, and then I'll be able to give a better idea of what I'll try to save seed from :)
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Ruud, I really love your list some fantastic varieties I’d love to share and wonderful to think they may have the chance of being grown by a few more people.
I’m very excited about the chance of growing Eeuwig moes perennial kale, I hear it is more tender than Daubenton. But I didn’t think it produced seed?
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Martinburo, Chervil sounds good to me.
Markfield, Old Homestead would be great as they are new to me peas, they sound great. I’d also love the chance to grow Queen of Hearts, I sent the seeds I had to Jeannine last year. So I’m going to cheerleader, no pressure ;D
Welcome aboard you Elsie, good to have you join.
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This year’s group so far;
Ruud
Robert_B
SueK
Goodlife
Poolcue
Pumpkinlover
Green lily
Galina
Hector
Aj
Markfield rover
Ian Pearson
Ophi
Martinburo
Elsie
I’ll leave it open for aj for a while and I’ve also earmarked a place for 1066 if she wants to join in.
Is a maximum of 20 ok with everyone?
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Is a maximum of 20 ok with everyone?Fine by me..
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That's manageable for me.
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Oh that's looking good!!!
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Good, hopefully not too big to make it difficult to produce seeds for.
Just thinking although I’m still not certain what I’m going to save altogether, I’d like to try saving either Nutribud or Umpqua Broccoli, I’m hoping they do well. We haven't had many brassicas the last two years?
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Oh please please please can I join again? :-*
I have not been on for a while and almost missed this.
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Glad to have you back Dandy :)
Ruud
Robert_B
SueK
Goodlife
Poolcue
Pumpkinlover
Green lily
Galina
Hector
Aj
Markfield rover
Ian Pearson
Ophi
Martinburo
Elsie
Dandytown
Jayb
possibly 1066
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Thank you Jayb,
After the generous donations everyone made to the 2011 seed swap I want to add quite a few things. I'll try and add things that we did not have in 2011 so it could take some time to decide.
Whatever I decide I will surely be adding Bon Bon seeds and some of my own AG pumpkin seed from what I grow this year. My bon bon squash in 2011 were better than any other squash I have tasted. The AG seed will be from the brightest orange pumpkin I grow, feel free to pass them on if you do not wish to grow them.
Roll on the summer ;)
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Whatever I decide I will surely be adding Bon Bon seeds and some of my own AG pumpkin seed from what I grow this year. My bon bon squash in 2011 were better than any other squash I have tasted. The AG seed will be from the brightest orange pumpkin I grow, feel free to pass them on if you do not wish to grow them.
Roll on the summer ;)
I'm pretty sure Bonbon are an F1 variety, they may well produce some interesting offspring, although these may be quite varied and not the best for seed sharing? Giant AG seed sounds good, (Pete JB has very kindly sent me some seed for this year, but after my disaster of a squash season last year, I'm worried I won't do them justice.)
Yes roll on summer it's Brrrrrrr cold!
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I might try Reisentraube tomatoes and Black Hungarian chillies for starters.
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Please can I join the 2012 group :D ?
Haven't done this before, so how do I know what veg to choose to avoid duplication??
Debs x
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Nice to have you join Debs :) Jump right in if you know what you want to grow. Once we get a few more ideas of what everyone is aiming to grow I’ll start a list as a guide. Most people say what they are planning on growing and give an update as the season progresses. So far duplicating an individual variety hasn’t been a problem and the grow list seems to evolve with each group over the season. Obviously some types of veggies are more popular to save from and to grow. For the people who have been involved from the beginning it is nice if possible to have varieties that haven't been shared by the groups yet. Though not everyone is going to have the same taste in crops and as there has been such a lovely selection each year to choose from, it is not really a problem.
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I might try Reisentraube tomatoes and Black Hungarian chillies for starters.
Yum ;D
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Jayb you are most certainly right about BonBon being an F1 variety and I think you have told me before.
Sorry, back to the drawing board.
Has anyone tried Beetle Beans (Kaferbohnen) before as I have some from a German friend that I could try if they taste good etc? Apparently they are a local delicacy in Austria.
I can spare 10 beans if anyone else would like to give them a try this year. Send me a pm if you would like them.
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Beetle beans..that sounds..err.. ;D..interesting.. ;)
That would be good crop to grow for the circle! I would sow all you've got and get plenty for return.. ;)
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I've been thinking hard what to offer this year..and I think I'm going for a pea or two...one Swedish for shelling and other mangetout originating from Laos...and...Hmm..maybe a swedish soya bean variety...or some broadbean..I've got Finnish one and Russian to grow..hmmm...I've got few tomatoes too that I've not seen mentioned here before, again one Finnish (no idea of type or colour) and several others Cuban Black, Frankstein Black, some Russian varieties, one dwarf, couple beefsteaks (black and green)....hmmm...or maybe a Finnish turnip... :-\
I really haven't got any further than that yet..turnip will be decided when I see how they will pull through rest of the winter and set seeds..but those should yield plenty other wise..
Time will tell how it will turn out..I shall keep eye on as well what you others are offering so there is not too much of the same type..or does it matter?
Edit to add:...just been rummaging in a seed box..few more possibilities turned up..again Swedish white (soup) bean and snap bean...another broadbean variety..but it all depends how I can separate 3 different varieties if I'm about to grow all in same year..
I haven't written exact names yet..as its all just broad planning...does anything particular tickle your lots fancy? This is sooo difficult..
Or should I just grow the lot and choose when I know what I have to offer?..?
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me again....how about chillies and peppers?..I've got so many on a go now under lights?..if I'm in luck is should have a good selection.. ::) ;D ;D
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Has anyone tried Beetle Beans (Kaferbohnen) before as I have some from a German friend that I could try if they taste good etc? Apparently they are a local delicacy in Austria.
I can spare 10 beans if anyone else would like to give them a try this year. Send me a pm if you would like them.
Käferbohnen are runnerbeans, the type that is grown for seeds, rather than for pods.
This Austrian company sells several different types, scroll down for pictures
http://www.tomatensamen.at/Bohnensamen.htm
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[/quote]
Käferbohnen are runnerbeans, the type that is grown for seeds, rather than for pods.
This Austrian company sells several different types, scroll down for pictures
http://www.tomatensamen.at/Bohnensamen.htm
[/quote]
Wow, what a large variety of bean! I guess I should look for some recipes for the Kaferbohnen.
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Haven't tried the seed circle yet and not sure whether I could contribute that much, but if we only have to offer two I am sure I can do that. One of my favourite exotics is the exploding cucumber I originally got from Real seeds, I save lots of seed each year and get a real thrill out of growing them, though not necessarily eating them. They just look good.
I also planted some Egyptian walking onions from a bulb I got a year or so ago and it spread really well and is also a talking point, I am growing these again too. I always let some of my parsnips go to seed each year to save buying and they might go down well, although a bit common... Lin
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Welcome Lin, nice to have you join in :)
;D I usually grow a couple of Achocha, I think they look quite similar to your exploding cucumbers? Achocha don't really explode, well fat baby does a bit when seed are ripe and they manage to selfseed themselves about.
I love parsnips, what variety are you growing?
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A runner bean lover here ;D Dandytown, I'm interested to hear how you get on with Beetle beans. I wonder if they are stringy from an early age which is why they are grown for their seed? I've grown an old German variety called Muesboni a few times, good climbers and produce masses of pods. Beans are very tasty but the pods are fairly short in comparison to some of the modern varieties.
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A runner bean lover here ;D Dandytown, I'm interested to hear how you get on with Beetle beans. I wonder if they are stringy from an early age which is why they are grown for their seed? I've grown an old German variety called Muesboni a few times, good climbers and produce masses of pods. Beans are very tasty but the pods are fairly short in comparison to some of the modern varieties.
That is exactly how I would describe Virag (translates to flower), a Hungarian runner bean variety for seeds and - as the name suggests - evidently also appreciated for their pretty flowers. They are red and white flowered, like Painted Lady, the pods are short and fat, however very edible indeed and not stringy if picked young.
I wonder whether this is how all the original runnerbeans used to be and whether our very long types were bred from these types? Does anybody know about the history of the runnerbean? Did long and short podded types come from South America?
Very interesting :)
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I like eating runnerbean seeds more than as green beans. And it does seem that this green bean 'business' is very much British thing..rest of the world seem to eat them as bean seeds.
I've got couple of eastern European varieties and those are short podded type as well.. one is 'Strakata'..and the beans come in various colour combinations and other is 'albena'..white.
But these plants need quite substantial frame to grow on...they grow 3-4 metres long!
Does anybody know about the history of the runnerbean?apparently runnerbean is native to Mexico and Guatemala, mainly pollinated by hummingbirds and bees. Wild beans are short with only 8 rather round beans. Cultivated Runners date back to 2200 yrs ago..and introduced into Europe in the 16th century.
There..straight out of my book.. ;)
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one more bit about runners...
longer pods with less fibrous 'stringiness' are result of the modern breeding.
That's all I can squeeze out of my books ..for now.. ;D I haven't looked into 'history of beans' yet.. ;D
Edit to add; Have any of you tried eating flowers of runner beans? I didn't know that they are edible..but it says so in this book of mine..???
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I know little of their history; it would be good to learn more :) One variety I have is Buton, seeds are of many colours and the flowers with some red and some white. Pods are generally mid length with some combining width and length, good taste and fairly stringless, well when eaten before the seeds fatten too much :) This is one I'd like to keep going, it would also be fun to see how far length and width can be increased in the same bean variety, I've also grown some mingled with some Ceredigion, some of last year’s results were promising.
Goodlife it sounds like your bean 'Strakata' may have similar attributes, how is pod width?
Edit, spelling
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Goodlife it sounds like your bean 'Strakata' may have similar atributes, how is pod width?I don't know..I only got the seeds last autumn..so it is something to see this summer.
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;D, I shall wait with interest :)
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Hi JayB, I usually grow Hollow Crown and Countess, both good parsnip varieties, the one I have stored a lot of seed from is Hollow Crown. I still have a few parsnips in the ground to pull. I always grow loads as they make wonderful roasts, soups and mashes, a real good staple. And I have just bought some oca from ebay and if they grow okay up here in north west (fingers crossed) am going to keep some to grow for next year! Lin
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Hi JayB, I usually grow Hollow Crown and Countess, both good parsnip varieties, the one I have stored a lot of seed from is Hollow Crown. I still have a few parsnips in the ground to pull. I always grow loads as they make wonderful roasts, soups and mashes, a real good staple. And I have just bought some oca from ebay and if they grow okay up here in north west (fingers crossed) am going to keep some to grow for next year! Lin
I've not grown Countess before, get quite a bit of canker here and find Gladiator F1 do really well, well they make up the bulk. Other varieties I've been covering with debris netting which seems to keep canker to a minimum :) I think roasted parsnips are just sooo delish :) Good luck with your Oca, watch out for early frosts as they don't start to make tubers until quite late in the season :)
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I’m still not fully decided on my grow list yet, but if possible I’d also like to add Suess Becker Beans as part of my additions this year :) Or perhaps if not for the circle then I can offer some in the autumn.
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I think I'll do some heritage/heirloom tomatoes
. . will have a rummage in seed container & see which ones I have ;D
Debs
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I've got a few ideas about what I could try to save, but I'm not quite sure what to commit to. I think that whatever I try I will grow in my garden, so that I can keep a special eye on it, and take extra precautions where needed. I have a couple of different tomatoes that I haven't seen mention of here, yet ;), or could try squash? basil? beans? radish? What would the rest of you like? Is there a point where we compare notes to avoid duplication :-\ Aaarrgh!
I'm hoping that I will have more than 2 varieties to share by the end of the season, but need to decide which are "the chosen ones" to stay in the garden.
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Hi, I've not tried the seed circle before but would like to be included. Not sure what seed i'll try to save but have a few ideas.
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Jay B put me down for heirloom /heritage tomatoes
Will be growing red pear (cherry tomato dating back to 1700's) & golden sunrise (medium sized yellow tomato)
Debs
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Good luck everyone, I am not taking part this year but wish you all a great growing season and a wonderful harvest XX Jeannine
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Just to add -I am going to give Morrel De Balbis a go !
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Just to add -I am going to give Morrel De Balbis a go !
Ohhh..what's that...litchi tomato?
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Yes I think so , looks pretty and vicious, real attitude! my first time with this , going to start them today so fingers crossed.
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(rubbing hands together)...lovely..lets hope they do well..I'm already looking forward to this time next year.. ;D ;)
Don't forget to put down plenty of info how things go on with growing..and some photos too...please..
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Here's a list of what we may be planning on growing for the seed circle,
So far we have;
Ruud, Eeuwig moes perrenial kale very old dutch heirloom. Reade Krobbe very old frysian dry bean. Wieringer boon very old Dutch dry-bean lost in Holland but found in the states and brought back to Holland. Langedijker bleekbloei old heirloom pea. Noordhollandse bloedrode heirloom red onion.
Robert_B, Ragged Jack, peas and beans.
SueK
Goodlife, Swedish Pea for shelling and mangetout originating from Laos. maybe a swedish soya bean variety... Swedish white (soup) bean or some broadbean, or possibly some tomatoes, or maybe a Finnish turnip,…. Swedish white (soup) bean…..chillies and peppers.
Poolcue, Reisentraube tomatoes and Black Hungarian chillies.
Pumpkinlover
Green lily, Amish Paste and Purple Ukraine toms.
Galina
Hector, Tomato Yellow Grape, A dwarf Tomato type, A heritage Climbing Bean.
Markfield rover, Old Homestead " pea and " Queen of Hearts", Morrel De Balbis.
Ian Pearson
Ophi
Martinburo, chervil.
Elsie, tomatoes, try squash? basil? beans? radish?
Dandytown, AG pumpkin, Beetle Beans (Kaferbohnen).
Jayb, Suess Becker Beans, either Nutribud or Umpqua Broccoli.
Debs, Red pear (cherry tomato dating back to 1700's) & Golden Sunrise.
Lin, exploding cucumber, parsnips Hollow Crown.
Marcofez
I hope I haven't left anyone off :)
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Well done Jayb for finding some sort of sence of my ramblings of what to grow.. ;D..now reading your list of my possible seed saving crops..my growing plan is very clear to me.. ;D
As for what other are growing....looking good!.. ;)
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Yes it looks to be taking shape nicely and I'm loving the sound of your list, lots of lovely 'goodies'!
I've chosen 2 varieties so far but I'm still not quite sure what I'm going to aim at including yet? I think I would also like to include a TPS, perhaps one of Tom Wagner's varieties or a homebred variety. I'm trying several snap and sugar peas bred by Alan Kapuler this year, depending on results, I hope something will be included. I may go with Blue Jade sweet corn? Lots of ideas but as yet I've not sown much!
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The AG pumpkin seed from me will be more of a filler as not all will want to grow them. The seed will be ones that create a super orange/red giant.
One thought though, is it okay to add them? (as AG's are all hybrids)
Also, I noticed the beetle beans weight a ton so I had better start saving for stamps now :-[
Still on the hunt for other things to grow and add.
I noticed Lin's 'exploding cucumber'... is that a version of achocha (lady's slipper)?
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Couve tronchuda was wiped out by the frost, so scrap that one. Spis bladene has suffered badly; one plant may pull through. Ragged jack is fine, so I may well go for seed of that.
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I've got a couple of Couve tronchuda that made it through, I'll have a count after to see if there are enough plants.
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The AG pumpkin seed from me will be more of a filler as not all will want to grow them. The seed will be ones that create a super orange/red giant.
One thought though, is it okay to add them? (as AG's are all hybrids)
Also, I noticed the beetle beans weight a ton so I had better start saving for stamps now :-[
Still on the hunt for other things to grow and add.
I noticed Lin's 'exploding cucumber'... is that a version of achocha (lady's slipper)?
I think the AG's will be fine, we can just make a little note with this year's list. I don't know much about their breeding , I wonder how similar selfed progeny might be?
Reading Real Seeds site it appear Exploding cucumber is a close relative to Fat Baby http://www.realseeds.co.uk/cucumbers.html
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I've got a couple of Couve tronchuda that made it through, I'll have a count after to see if there are enough plants.
You might be better saving seed from what you've got - which should be from the most frost resistant plants - and then perhaps introducing plants from unrelated seeds to the strain later. That way you can select for frost resistance. What variety is it? Mine are Portugese imports, so I wouldn't expect too much frost resistance.
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Not as many as I thought only 2 plants looking good and just starting to flower now, if seed is produced I'll saved to see. Seed came from Sample Seed Shop and I believe Remy sourced it from Portugal? I've bought more seeds from a few other sources which I'll try this year also. Cut-n-Come Again cabbage (ISSA) has wintered quite well, followed by Delaway cabbage. Do B.Oleracea and B.Napus cross?
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I'll hopefully be saving some James Scarlet carrot seed too for the circle.
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Do B.Oleracea and B.Napus cross?
Brassica napus - Swede, turnip, Siberian kale, rape
Brassica oleracea - broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi
The following is according to Suzanne Ashworth's Seed to Seed. She says: All members within each of the species cross with one another. This means that varieties of broccoli, Br Sprouts, cabbage, kohlrabi, collards, cauliflower and kale will all cross with each other.
Sue Stickland in Back Garden Seed Saving, has this to say in her 'turnip and swede' chapter: both crops readily cross pollinate. Turnips (b. campestris) will not only cross with other turnip varieties, but with other crops of the same species: Chinese cabbages and Pak Choi, agricultural turnips and Turnip rapes. Similarly swedes (B. napus) will cross with other garden swedes, and also some kales, agricultural swedes and rapes of the same species. In addition, swedes will often cross equally readily with turnips and its related crops and vice versa.
In other words, different botanical names, but exactly the same information as Suzanne Ashworth.
And Sue Stickland adds: Neither (turnips or swedes) will cross with leafy brassicas (B. oleracea) however.
As both seedsaving books agree in substance, give or take the definition of kale and the species classification of turnips, I think we can be pretty sure that they don't cross :)
As to the kale definition, Sue Stickland lists Ragged Jack, Asparagus Kale and cottagers kale as b. oleracea.
Hope this makes sense, the brassica species do confuse me however often I read the relevant chapters in the books ;D
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I think you can assume that kale is oleracea until proven otherwise. There's a good page on Siberian Kale here: http://www.seedambassadors.org/Mainpages/still/napuskale/napuskale.htm , but I see a possible problem. Red Russian is so like Ragged Jack that I find it hard to believe they belong to different species!
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Thanks Galina and Robert. I've been getting myself in a bit of a knot, I’m thinking ahead to next year as I would like to be growing several varieties to make up a hardy mix, but as I’ve got some listed as Napus I wasn’t sure if I could add these in, perhaps I’ll do two mixes.
Delaway I think is Napus and does have a turnip type taste but simarly so does the Cut-n-Come Again which is oleracea. I think I'd best write a list!
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I have seeds for a hardy mix of oleraceas - Grandpa Maycock's collards, lots of diversity, hardy and fairly long lived leafy kale type plants some have purple flower shoots like PSB. With GMC you never know what you get, but what you get will feed the family. I have had some losses in the bitter cold this last winter but the survivors are starting to leaf out generously. Happy to send seeds.
Thank you Robert for the link, very interesting. Under laboratory conditions (or very unusual natural conditions) crosses can happen very occasionally. Interesting also the description. that all napus kale is far more tender than oleracea kale and more frost hardy. We eat a lot of turnip leaves and they are certainly more tender than our usual kale
Thanks Galina and Robert. I've been getting myself in a bit of a knot, I’m thinking ahead to next year as I would like to be growing several varieties to make up a hardy mix, but as I’ve got some listed as Napus I wasn’t sure if I could add these in, perhaps I’ll do two mixes.
Delaway I think is Napus and does have a turnip type taste but simarly so does the Cut-n-Come Again which is oleracea. I think I'd best write a list!
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Delaway I think is Napus and does have a turnip type taste but simarly so does the Cut-n-Come Again which is oleracea. I think I'd best write a list!
Oleracea according to ISSA
http://www.xsdnet.com/seedsavers/cgi-bin/db.cgi?id=69&type=page
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Thank you Robert for the link, very interesting. Under laboratory conditions (or very unusual natural conditions) crosses can happen very occasionally. Interesting also the description. that all napus kale is far more tender than oleracea kale and more frost hardy. We eat a lot of turnip leaves and they are certainly more tender than our usual kale
Thanks Galina and Robert. I've been getting myself in a bit of a knot, I’m thinking ahead to next year as I would like to be growing several varieties to make up a hardy mix, but as I’ve got some listed as Napus I wasn’t sure if I could add these in, perhaps I’ll do two mixes.
Delaway I think is Napus and does have a turnip type taste but simarly so does the Cut-n-Come Again which is oleracea. I think I'd best write a list!
Delaway seems to be a looseleaf cabbage (what's the technical difference?) rather than a kale. Kales definitely vary a lot; Spis Bladene was nearly killed in the last cold snap - one plant is still alive at the base - while Ragged Jack romped through.
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Morrel de balbis are not coming out to play - mind you looking at the size of the thorns not a child or stocking friendly plant.
So I shall replace it with tomato Humph( reminds me of Humph Lyttleton ) and MR Brooks Blue cfb.
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After receiving such a great seed parcel in 2011 I just couldnt think of anything interesting or different to grow but I think I may be okay now.
My mother in law who is from Bangladesh gave me some seeds to grow some plants for her as she does not have room in her garden.
If they do well in our climate I'll supply these for this years swap.
The first candidate is Kodu/Lou which is one of the traditional pumpkins from Bangladesh. I would have to supply a recipe with it that my mother in law uses. The dish is great!!...but I have no idea how it tastes by itself
http://www.desiseeds.com/kodu-lou_seeds.php
I think the second candidite is Dugi/Dhata/Denga (tall) although I am only going by pictures so it could be something else? Will confirm later.
http://www.desiseeds.com/dugi-dhata-denga-tall_seeds.php
The third is Green King cucmber which is also from Bangladesh. I havent found any information on it to confirm if it is F1 or not or if there are european varieties that share the same name.
Will still be adding Kaferbohnen/Beetle Beans and some Pumpkin seed from my big one this year.
Sorry for getting happy with the colour :)
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is this too late to join???? :-)
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Not for me to say but I would imagine its never too late. I would imagine the only time there would be a 'no' is if there is too many people.
Last years seed parcel from the swap was fantastic so it sure is worth joining :)
Jayb will no doubt be along soon to nay or yay
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;D
yay
Welcome Gunnerbee, glad to have you join the group :)
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After receiving such a great seed parcel in 2011 I just couldnt think of anything interesting or different to grow but I think I may be okay now.
My mother in law who is from Bangladesh gave me some seeds to grow some plants for her as she does not have room in her garden.
If they do well in our climate I'll supply these for this years swap.
The first candidate is Kodu/Lou which is one of the traditional pumpkins from Bangladesh. I would have to supply a recipe with it that my mother in law uses. The dish is great!!...but I have no idea how it tastes by itself
http://www.desiseeds.com/kodu-lou_seeds.php
I think the second candidite is Dugi/Dhata/Denga (tall) although I am only going by pictures so it could be something else? Will confirm later.
http://www.desiseeds.com/dugi-dhata-denga-tall_seeds.php
The third is Green King cucmber which is also from Bangladesh. I havent found any information on it to confirm if it is F1 or not or if there are european varieties that share the same name.
Will still be adding Kaferbohnen/Beetle Beans and some Pumpkin seed from my big one this year.
Sorry for getting happy with the colour :)
All sounds very exotic and exciting, can't wait to hear how you get on ;D
desiseeds looks an intresting site and not one I'd come across, thank you :)
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Hi I just joined the site. This looks really interesting. Is it too late to join this club?
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I'm growing yellow stuffer tomatoes and bleu de solaise leeks both from the thompson & morgan heritage collection.
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It's been quiet here for a little while :) Have broadbean Oldambster Wierboon growing in the garden, at the moment in full bloom with a few little pods setting. The flowers are pure white without the black dot that many varieties have. They have shorter pods than some, but multiple pods from each node. This is a very old Dutch landrace broadbean I was given years ago by a keen seedsaver and guardian of old varieties from The Netherlands.
Parsley Pea and Dwarf Grey Sugar are looking good too - fingers crossed, as soon as intentions for seedsaving are announced publicly, the gremlins will find a way ......... I think we all have found this to be true :(
In the greenhouse I have a row of lettuce from Trieste. Originally 'liberated' from Gatersleben seedbank by a seedsaver from the USA. Should be dry enough to produce seeds in the greenhouse hopefully. Outdoor lettuce seedsaving can be a bit difficult in wet weather later in the season, especially getting any quantities. Fingers crossed for everybody's seedsaving plans this year ;) How are things at the mo?
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Dwarf Grey Sugar are looking good too Oh good..I've been looking forward to try those..I had some from Jeannine legendary parcel few years ago but managed to feed them from 'mice' ::)..and didn't get any to try myself.
I'm still in 'umm & arr' stage for what to grow for circle..anything and everything is on a go and all depending how this weather will develop. Some crops like beans are most still to be sown this weekend..but GH has been just far too hot place for them just recently.
Peas are doing well..and even though sparrows are trying to add them into their diet..so far they've only eaten the leaves that have poked through mesh...I'm sooo glad that I didn't feel lazy in planting time and did make efford covering them. ;D..none is flowering yet.
My chillies are doing BRILIANTLY this year.. ;D ;D..some have set fruit already and first ones ripening up in few weeks..I hope..but as I've only repotted my plants into larger pots and buckets I haven't started isolated flowers for seedsaving as yet..once they settle in and I'm sure that they won't start dropping flowers after potting on the glue will be out.. ;D
So all in all...everyting is still in early stages..but looking promising..
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My Ragged Jack kale is just finishing flowering. I should have seed, I just hope it isn't badly crossed with anything. It shouldn't be because not many people leave brassicas to flower. Variegated Daubenton's has a few flowers right next to it, so there's going to be a bit of mixture from that, but it shouldn't be too bad. There probably won't be enough seeds from that to swap, as I'm ony expecting a few pods.
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Update - Parsley Pea, Dwarf Grey Sugar pea and lettuce 'Lattughino Biondo Ricciolino di Trieste' - Italien 1990:Z29 – from IPK Gatersleben gene bank are looking good for enough seeds for everybody. Because the 'Trieste' lettuce has been 'liberated' from the gene bank (by the same seed friend who also gave me 'Austrian Greenleaf' which went into the circle a couple of years ago) it would be nice to share it widely. I have a batch in the greenhouse and two batches in other places in the garden. A large, light green looseleaf frilly edged lettuce which is early. In this cold and rainy weather, the leaves have grown to record size and the early planted batch in the greenhouse is starting to flower, the plants are nearly 6 ft tall! The second batch outside is starting to stretch and the third batch that was planted last hasn't started stretching yet. All from a single January sowing.
I am also growing several 'brown' and 'blue' tomatoes and hope to have seed for the circle too. Another attempt at 'todo el ano (n with a tilde)' squash is looking good so far, but like everything very late this year and hasn't done a lot yet. I have one handpollinated fruit from last year still on the windowsill. Maybe there will be a lot of seed to give everybody two or three. I have just harvested the Sweet Meat seeds from last year and there are a few for everybody. Both these squashes are superb storing varieties.
That's the news from here so far .....
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would it be possible to put me on your list to receive some of your lettuce seeds please,i will check what i have available later,many thanks.
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I'm in, but whether I have anything to share depends on whether anything ever gets round to growing!
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everything is going well at the moment,tomatoes,beans,mustard greens and two types of cabbage are doing well.
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would it be possible to put me on your list to receive some of your lettuce seeds please,i will check what i have available later,many thanks.
DL993, This is not a seed swap - all circle members grow a packet of seeds for everybody in the circle, but I should be able to send you a few seeds later in the year after I have done the packets for each member. Austrian Greenleaf seed is available now, two years old seed, but still germinating well. Should still be fine for next year too. PM me with your details if you'd like some.
Ruud, good to hear from you. What is the weather like in The Netherlands? As bad as here?
Robert same problem here, just as well that peas and lettuce like this weather, but the pigeons have caused some damage. I need to copy goodlife's fleece cages for next year, but thought that peas would be too hot under fleece - clearly not this year. :) As for the warm weather crops ...... my optimism is vanishing alarmingly, apart from the greenhouse tomatoes.
Forgot to mention, the first lanterns on groundcherry 'Cossack Pineapple' are developing. If this is of interest for the circle. They are in the greenhouse, but will grow outdoors in a warm place too or under tall cloches (the plants are less than 50cm tall).
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My peas have suffered pigeon damage as well, but never mind. I should get something from them.
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Galina here is the weatherforcast for the other side of the pond;last week 25 degrees no wind lovely.This week we are back into autumn weather strong wind 17 degrees lot of rain so here you can get all the four seasons in one month.One thing about this weather is nice i havenot had to water so much as last year.But as the say overhere it is growing weather i dont know what is growing the weed or the veggies. ;D ;D ;D.The stuff for the seed circle is doing fine,both cabbages are flowering,the mustard green from america is flowering.Both dutch beans are flowering the polebeans are in bloom,maybe time to take some pictures.
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I'm growing yellow stuffer tomatoes and bleu de solaise leeks both from the thompson & morgan heritage collection.
Hi Jayb - Can I step inside the circle of seed?
When is 'the end of the season' for sending your seeds in?
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Much too late for me to think about joining in this year, I'd have thought.
Is there a central document listing the varieties already within the circle so that I don't duplicate anyones efforts for 2013?
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It won't be too late to join; you just have to be able to save some seed from something. I've already collected seed from my Ragged Jack kale, but I don't know what else I'll have. The flying rats have hammered the peas, the beans are barely growing at all, and Gloire de Portugal cabbage didn't come through the winter. Next time I'll be protecting these southern European brassicas as they seem to need selecting for our climate.
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I am trying to save seeds of things that have grown successfully here this year.
I hope I'm doing the right thing as this whole seed-swap thing is still terrifyingly complex to me.... :-[
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OK - 2 things
a - I was blogging last year's circle seeds but with the appalling year we've had so many have keeled over/been eaten/rotted/etc etc I would like to do it again next year...
b - I DO have seeds to add in so if you'll have me back I'd love to re-join.
All being well, I should have some newly swapped US beans that seem to have fought off the slugs, regenerated and carried on growing and I currently have pods. Enough for a few each all being well...plus Dobbie's Purple Beetroot and Scorzonera and Tender and True Parsnip - I'll cancel any of those that are already accounted for.
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I'm also saving scorzonera seed, but that's not a reason for you not to.
Will hopefully have Florence fennel as well.
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I have plenty of Blauwshokker (Spelling?) peas, if they are any good. (I really want to get into this circle but will probably need a little guiding..
They are tall, with beautiful blue-purple pods, and the peas are quite nice too. Any good for starters?
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Sorry I've been awol from this thread for ages :-[
I'll do some catching up and try and give an update for everyone to know where we are at.
Thanks to those asking to join :)
Lost loads of things this year :'( but still hope to have seeds for the circle :) It will be some what different than I first thought!
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Jayb, sorry you are having a hard time this year, but the weather has been atrocious.
I think I can offer Oldambster Wierboon, a Dutch broadbean landrace. Dwarf Grey Sugar mangetouts, Elisabeth pea (mangetout with a stable pink flower colour mutation that happened in the garden here), Parsley pea with its unique mutated tendrils, gleaned from HSL. Also a few Pink Blush seeds - this is an Alan Kapuler bred pea variety, which used the parsley pea tendrils, crossed with normal tendrils and got hyper tendrils - and the peas are just delicious too. Photos to follow, when we get a page. The lettuces are looking ok but we really need a bit of dry weather or all the developing seed will rot :( - just as well I have one variety in the greenhouse where we don't have this problem. A tomato or two to complete my offering.
As usual, all subject to change and gremlins ;D There is also Greek Cress for the circle (elegant looking, finely divided leaves) - can be grown in the garden, over winter in the greenhouse or on the windowsill as sandwich cress, either on folded kitchen paper or on half an inch of soil.
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Sorry you've had a bad year Jayb, galina you're list is amazing.
I make no promises but I am hoping to get the Shark's fin squash seeds and possible willi chilli and or Hutterite soup dwarf french bean.
However only my second year of seed saving and I had expected to have to dropout this year but hopefully..........
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Nooooo, sounds like you are doing just fine PL :)
Agree, your list sounds delicious Galina ;D
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I make no promises but I am hoping to get the Shark's fin squash seeds and possible willi chilli and or Hutterite soup dwarf french bean.
However only my second year of seed saving and I had expected to have to dropout this year but hopefully..........
I could say the same, Pumpkinlover! :) I am not hopeful but still have a few irons in the fire.
On the other hand, my family's capacity for decapitating plants has really come to the fore this year. The boys got to what were easily the most robust plants I have grown this year, the tomatilloes, leaving a single one to taunt me - absolutely no use for seed saving, of course.
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OK - 2 things
a - I was blogging last year's circle seeds but with the appalling year we've had so many have keeled over/been eaten/rotted/etc etc I would like to do it again next year...
b - I DO have seeds to add in so if you'll have me back I'd love to re-join.
All being well, I should have some newly swapped US beans that seem to have fought off the slugs, regenerated and carried on growing and I currently have pods. Enough for a few each all being well...plus Dobbie's Purple Beetroot and Scorzonera and Tender and True Parsnip - I'll cancel any of those that are already accounted for.
Hi AJ, nice to have you back :). I thought your blog of sowing seeds was great, I'd love for it to be linked here if we may? Also I've got a page on the go for the seed circles, I'll post a link here in a bit I'm just not very quick with that type thing :-[
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Feel free. Fingers crossed next year's might actually result in a decent blog.
No rush for anything...is there? The rate we are going this year any seed saved will be a good thing.
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Cheers aj.
No rush, although I'd like to get all the seeds in by mid November, for the parcels to go out in the first part of December if poss :)
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I've also got some great seeds from Jeannine to add in, they are really from last year's circle. I'll pm those from last year who aren't joining in this year.
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I must admit I’m still not set on what I’ll be saving, My beans had a bit of a slug hammering early on; I won’t have enough Suess Becker to share with the group. I’m not even going to mention the Calabrese. In their places I’m thinking a few tomatoes, one possibility is - I’ve grown a very early bush variety called Betimes Macbeth, one of Tom Wagner’s varieties, it won’t win too many taste prizes but should be great as an early in pots or baskets. I’m hoping Tamra cucumbers will come through, it’s looking good so far, but I think they don’t produce many seed? TPS, Skagit Magic F2, possibly resistance to some strains of Late Blight, most are main to late maturing. Baun onion, seed originally came from Irish Seed Savers. Quite a few other possibilities, just not made up my mind yet!
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I should have some beans, as long as the dreaded stem nibbler doesn't return.
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Just for everyone to know, there are currently a few more than 20 on the list, but several people haven’t been around for a while, so it might be the same as other years when some folk drop out? I also wondered if we have a cut off date of say October 1st for people to have replied by so we have a good idea how many to bag up for.
Nigel B is joining in :)
Thanks to those who have given updates it’s great to know how the seed saving is going; it’s not been an easy year! And apologies if I’ve missed out anyone’s update by mistake.
Ruud, Eeuwig moes perrenial kale very old Dutch heirloom. Reade Krobbe very old frysian dry bean. Wieringer boon very old Dutch dry-bean lost in Holland but found in the states and brought back to Holland. Langedijker bleekbloei old heirloom pea. Noordhollandse bloedrode heirloom red onion
Robert_B, Ragged Jack kale, peas/peas.
SueK
Goodlife, Swedish Pea for shelling and mangetout originating from Laos. Maybe some beans and or chillies and peppers depending on harvest.
Poolcue, Reisentraube tomatoes and Black Hungarian chillies.
Pumpkinlover, squash
Green lily, Amish Paste and Purple Ukraine toms?
Galina, Parsley Pea, Dwarf Grey Sugar pea and lettuce 'Lattughino Biondo Ricciolino di Trieste' - Italien 1990:Z29 , Todo el año, Sweet Meat.
Markfield rover, Old Homestead " pea, " Queen of Hearts" tomato, Humph, MR Brooks Blue cfb.
Ian Pearson?
Ophi, Welsh Leek seed.
Martinburo, Scorzonera, Florence fennel.
Dandytown, AG pumpkin, Beetle Beans (Kaferbohnen), Kodu/Lou, Dugi/Dhata/Denga, Green King cucumber.
Jayb, Tomatoes, TPS, Tamra cucumber, Baun onion.
Debs, Red pear (cherry tomato dating back to 1700's) & Golden Sunrise.
Aj, beans plus Dobbie's Purple Beetroot and Scorzonera and Tender and True Parsnip
Nigel B Blauwschokker peas
Elsie, tomatoes, try squash or basil or beans or radish?
Lin, exploding cucumber, parsnips Hollow Crown?
Gunnerbee ?
Hector, Tomato Yellow Grape, A dwarf Tomato type, A heritage Climbing Bean?
Marcofez ?
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I forgot to add, I’ve put the last 2 years Seed Circle seed info together in one place,
https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/
I hope this is a little more user friendly. If anyone wants to join in adding information send me a pm with your email and I can add you on to edit. Galina you’re already able to edit.
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An update
Reisentraube lots of green tomatoes waiting for them to ripen.
Black Hungarian Chilli peppers lots of black fruit waiting for them to ripen.
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I'm afraid the chervil didn't work out. I got about 20 seeds.
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An update
Reisentraube lots of green tomatoes waiting for them to ripen.
Black Hungarian Chilli peppers lots of black fruit waiting for them to ripen.
It seems to be the way with this season, waiting for things to ripen :(
I'm afraid the chervil didn't work out. I got about 20 seeds.
No worries, at least you have a little fresh seed for yourself :)
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I must start with whining.. ::)..it has been BAAAAD year for my seed saving attempts. I haven't lost any seed crops totally as such..but what I was planning have been reduced to struggling amounts.. :-\
Last night started gathering surviving stuff that was ready for harvest and I'm pleased to say that I'm should be able to provide something to the circle.
Swedish yellow peas, and those mangetout peas from Laos look most promising candidates for now..those are all in and drying and hopefully ready for shelling soon.
Turnips didn't make enough for sharing.
Several beans that I'm growing for seeds are only still at pod stage so seeds from those are still some weeks away.
I have got quite few chillies and peppers marked up..but none showing any signs of ripening yet and top of that some chillies have not made any seeds at all!! :o >:( ..empty fruit.. ::)
When I was clearing all spent pea plants away...I was picking more snails away amongst the foliage than any pea pods.. >:(..I collected all into bucket but lost my patience at counting in 200..no wonder its been difficult year..never mind the weather.. ::) I have never ever seen snails on my plot in such a quantity...they are absolutely everywhere.!!!
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To be honest I am not sure I will have seeds to share this year. At the moment all I have managed to collect is Welsh Leek seed. My beans are struggling and I may get something yet. Lost most of my outdoor tomatoes to a hail storm.
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Goodlife, I know the feeling with those hoards of slugs and snails, they are just everywhere and in such numbers :o
Thanks for the update and sorry to hear it has been a bad season, pretty much the same here with many things :'(
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Hi Ophi, leek seeds are always useful and will be a good addition for the group. Fingers crossed you get some beans to eat, no worries if not enough to share, it's been a trying year.
Please, I'm interested to know more about your Welsh Leek seed?
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I forgot to add, I’ve put the last 2 years Seed Circle seed info together in one place,
https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/
I hope this is a little more user friendly. If anyone wants to join in adding information send me a pm with your email and I can add you on to edit. Galina you’re already able to edit.
Sorry, couldn't make it work originally and forgot - duh - but all is well and I have been starting to write descriptions with pictures. It works well, but what confused me was that you have to click on the edit button before it loads the editor and lets you write, also the document does not appear in the google document list where all the previous documents are. And I looked for it there and thought we had a problem. ;D
Have finally added a photo of the rocket from last year. Not happy with one of the pea photos and will hunt for a better one from previous years - bear with me ....this is work in progress ........... just to let you all know that it works.
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Yes good to know it works for others and thanks, info and pictures looks great :) I've moved it a little down the page, hope that's ok.
Can you get into it from the link here https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/ ? Do you sign in from there?
Yes remembering the edit button and then saving it before moving to another page are a pain, I'm forever forgetting one or the other!
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Yes good to know it works for others and thanks, info and pictures looks great :) I've moved it a little down the page, hope that's ok.
Can you get into it from the link here https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/ ? Do you sign in from there?
Yes remembering the edit button and then saving it before moving to another page are a pain, I'm forever forgetting one or the other!
Yes, clicking on that url works. This is different from previous years, when we could only add our text by going on the google documents page. I still needed to be signed in to Google, but reading and writing to the document is now both done from the link you gave.
Another picture added and another category of veg. No, please edit away - it makes more sense to have the text/pictures where you put them.
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Oooooh lovely I was hoping Oldambster Wierboon were going to be in, they look and sound fab :) I'm looking forward to these.
I meant to say I've grown your Elisabeth Pea again this year, I like them very much and the flowers are so pretty.
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Nigel B has been in touch, he is hoping to add seeds for a “really big mange tout” given to him by a Chinese couple. It seems it’s a variety originally grown at the couples ‘mum’s’ home in China and referred to as “Eat Me”
Nigel says many things Chinese that are edible can be referred to as Eat Me, so this may not distinguish them from any other mange tout. I wondered as it appears to be a Chinese variety, maybe a family heirloom if it doesn’t have an original name if we could add something to the ‘eat me’ to distinguish them. Perhaps to reflect the village or area they come from or possibly, with their permission, the name of Chinese family who have grown them and shared them with Nigel? Although they may not want their name in print. Anyway Nigel is going to do a bit of sleuthing and will get back to us.
Any thoughts?
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Nigel B has been in touch, he is hoping to add seeds for a “really big mange tout” given to him by a Chinese couple. It seems it’s a variety originally grown at the couples ‘mum’s’ home in China and referred to as “Eat Me”
Any thoughts?
There is the HSL biggish mangetout named 'Eat All' - similar sort of thing? No origin information though. Really large mangetouts are such good and welcome crops, long before the beans come in. I shall look forward to 'Eat Me'.
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Update from me :D
Red Pear seem to be doing well although need some sun to ripen them
Golden Sunrise - not sure if they will produce much will have to wait & see
Debs
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Beetroot being harvested, parsnip all in - so looking good.
I have some Aranylama Tomato seeds, should be enough for a few each - plus Latah.
and maybe some Dwarf Beans Redlands Greenleaf - and am waiting on a few from USA swaps - so depending on numbers that mature again, a few each might be possible.
And chillis and peppers - may have a few of these, just waiting for things to mature - to see how many seeds are inside. Seem to have alot of Fatallis so I think this is a definitely maybe.
Definitely need to know numbers 'in' soon so that I can bag things up as they dry out - I haven't got space to leave them all out for ages.
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We got Latah last year in the seed circle
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But aren't there new people this year?
To be honest, with this year, I'm happy to have any seeds but I'll use the Latah somewhere else if people don't want it.
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Realseeds say that Latah is (one of) the earliest. Do you find this is true? All my tomatoes got blight before any ripened, so I didn't find out.
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Realseeds say that Latah is (one of) the earliest. Do you find this is true? All my tomatoes got blight before any ripened, so I didn't find out.
It is an early performer and tastes fairly decent too.
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I picked some of the Baun onion seed heads this afternoon. The ripest seed heads are starting to split open, so I've brought them inside whilst they finish drying, seed heads are hanging up in paper bags (big envelopes made from newspaper).
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Some of my Reisentraubes are finally turning red. :)
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But aren't there new people this year?
To be honest, with this year, I'm happy to have any seeds but I'll use the Latah somewhere else if people don't want it.
AJ I am new to this seed swap and am sure I won't be the only newbie to this & would be very happy to receive some of your seeds in a parcel
Debs x
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Latah is a lovely tomato, I think well worth growing.
I've just been rinsing another of batch Bedtimes Macbeth seeds, afraid I don't think I'm going to have many each as they don't produce many seed and some not at all. But this I think will be an excellent early variety to grow or perhaps one to sow fairly late and crop into autumn, as it quick to crop and been bred to tolerate low temperatures. This variety may not 100% stable but all the plants I've grown this year have given uniform results.
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Bedtimes Macbeth tomatoes, still a bit short of seed but lots more fruits to come yet.
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I've found that a fair few varieties of toms this year have matured on the vine but the seeds have not been mature enough to save. :o Never had that before!
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Me too, this season although I've had seedless or low seed count occasionally mostly from the earliest set fruit of early season types, some are able to set fruit without proper pollination, eg Ditmarsher. I've found this year's cool temperatures and damp conditions have really hampered pollen production and fruit set :(
Bedtimes Macbeth's low production of seeds is due to it's breeding http://tatermater.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=751 but the plus is it's resilience to low temperatures.
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I have sampled some of the HSL Black Pod runner beans and they do taste good, stringless when young :) Although these are being grown fairly isolate from other varieties, it is possible some beans may be crossed and will need roguing when grown. Hopefully they will produce enough to share with the group, it's been very windy here the last few days which has battered the flowers about, so I hope they make a bit of a recovery.
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Very interested in your pic. Mine are red perhaps I could call the older ones maroon. I have harvested very few so hope to get lots for next generation. As said they will need roguing out. Perhaps the ph of the soil makes a difference to the colour like hydrangeas.
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Yes they do look red don't they :)
Lol, yep it's been hard looking at all the lovely beans forming and not picking them! - makes it all the harder when slugs have been a problem eating the lower set beans, but then slugs seem to be a problem with most things this year ::)
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Interesting what people have said about seed setting in tomatoes. I sliced open a dozen or so tomatoes to sun dry yesterday and today, some small, some larger and got three seeds! It was a self grown variety saved from a distinctive tomato I saw in Barcelona shops which they called Montserrat. The tomatoes I grow from them are very different from what I saw in the shops. Their Montserrats named after a distinctive limestone hill range in Catalonia were semi green, beefsteak size, thin skinned and almost hollow. I guess they stuff them. Anyway, what I got from them is like a much smaller Brandywine, dense fleshed with good flavour.....and no seeds!
I also grow Brandywines and have masses of seeds saved from one that reached 1lb 4oz. I also have a fair amount of seed from another saved Spanish tomato that I call Yellow Lightbulb from its shape and colour. This years crop is from the greenhouse but I have had good crops from it outside in the garden. It is a trifle bigger than a cherry tomato and is both attractive to look at and has a good flavour.
I don't think I am in the same league as the specialist seed collectors here but I have these and a few other things that might prove welcome to some people.
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Gosh all change here!
What a season eh ! But still standing -just. I will have cf bean Old Homestead ( sorry to confuse earlier by saying this was a pea)
late to flower but strong and Mr Brooks Blue dfb well 18-24 inches very pretty and best picked small, lovely dark plant ( loads of seeds, may compensate for the following) Tomato -
Queen of hearts I may have very few seeds but I guess some may be better than none.
Hope this okay.
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Hi Tosh, I searched earlier in the year for Montserrat seeds as the tomato has such a good write up. Not widely available but I did find some at More Veg. Not many in the packet but I can send you a few if you'd like to try them alongside your saved seeds? It sounds like the tomato seeds you saved were likely from a F1 variety as you have quite a different type growing from the tomato it was saved from, or possible the seed was cross pollinated. Sounds an interesting project and one where you will end up with your own unique variety. Did you grow more than one of these plants? I'm just wondering if they were different or all very similar in type?
I'm hoping we will have a better idea of numbers taking part by the end of the month, if there is space perhaps you would like to join in, or we should be starting a new Circle off in the New Year which you would also be very welcome to join?
Yellow Light Bulb sounds an interesting sort, I guess no way to trace the original name?
Just a thought if you'd like to swap a few tomato seeds there's always the tomato swap https://sites.google.com/site/virtualtomatoswap/ I should be listing a few more new ones soon, or you might want to start a thread in the swap section.
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Hi Markfield, good to hear from you, sounds like your beans have done well :sunny:
Tomato - Queen of hearts I may have very few seeds but I guess some may be better than none.
How did you find these? HSL describes them as " The fruits are thin-skinned, sweet and almost heart-shaped.” I wouldn't describe mine as heart shaped perhaps almost at a push with some of them! But it's a bit vague and could be said for other varieties too? Taste has been ok but not overly sweet which may be the lack of sunshine. As long as mine are true to type I should have a few more seeds I can add to yours to make to the numbers.
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I have none of the promised 'Golden Sunrise' tomato - they haven't appeared :sad10:
but have managed to get some red pear seeds.
So only one seed variety from me :sad10:
Feels like a failure of a year so am looking forward to next year. . .
Debs
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Thanks Jayb. That was my guess that my saved seeds were the result of a cross. I'm satisfied with them though and have been sundrying a number of them. (Hint for anyone who tries, scoop out seeds and any pulpy juice, salt and dry for a day or two till they shrink a bit then no later, wash them briefly in vinegar to stop moulds forming, then continue to sun dry)
I don't think I have spare seeds of this saved Montserrat derived variety yet to share. I might be tempted to try one or two named Montserrat seed but I only brought a fruit back from Spain out of curiosity. I hadn't seen a tomato of that type before. I brought back a black tomato at the same time but found tomatoes from the seeds were boring so stopped growing them.
I have plenty of the seeds of 'Yellow Lightbulb' - my nickname for them - and I'm happy to send some out. I probably have about 50 seeds saved. I quite like them.
I have plenty of Brandywine and some of an Oxheart type that are both large and solid and which I use for pizza toppings and incredible tomato sauces.
Edited to add: the yellow lightbulb was salvaged from a lunchtime salad I had in Southern Spain so I have no idea what name the variety is. I see the shape nowadays described as pear but I think lightbulb is closer!
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Regrettably, I'll have to drop out this year. A combination of shortage of time, having to create a new garden from scratch after moving, losses from bad weather, and rampant blight means I haven't been able to collect anything worthwhile. Sorry. I'll miss my parcel.
I'm in for next year though.
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morning all -jayb -Queen of hearts tom is neither regal or heart shaped a bit of a rose name really, still a bit iffy as to making it into the circle.
Beans aplenty tho',and I would grow Mr Brooks blue in the flower border
,they look lovely with marigolds ( of which I will plenty of seed if anyone wants any)
Cheers
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Did a taste test on my Reisentraubes and Mrs P says they taste quite sweet.
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When are we all to forward our seeds and do we divide them into portions for all the seed contributors??
Debs
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When are we all to forward our seeds and do we divide them into portions for all the seed contributors??
Debs
When? we do not know exactly yet. The idea is that we all send in good time to receive our seed packs before the bulk of the Christmas post snarls up speedy receipt.
Yes - we make up the required number of seed packets for everybody. If we didn't, the job and expense on Jayb would be just too much. Traditionally we fill one extra pa cket of each variety, in case of postal loss. I guess once the final list of participating members is confirmed, we can get packing, labelling and sending.
HTH
Sorry to hear that Ian - next year :-)
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Hi everybody here some news from the other side of the pond.The beans are dried and stored.I have some nice dutch dry beans for the circle.The kale also did well.Only the tomatoes are behind but that is partly my fault i like them to much and eat them but there are enough to save some seed from also a unknown big cherry one didnot plant it but growed well in the greenhouse.Red big cherry tomato with a great flavour have to save some seeds from.
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I appreciated I gave a cut off date as the beginning of October so we would all know how many were in the group and be able to start bagging seeds if ready. But I've not had the time to properly catch up with everyone so if it's ok with you all the cut off date for being included will be the 12th Oct. Thanks to those who have already been in touch. Soon as I have the final number I'll pm my address and seeds can be sent in whenever you are ready but at the latest end of November.
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Hi Ruud all sounds good news from your pond side :wave: Looking forward to trying your mystery tomato, any ideas what it might be?
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I'm hoping to still be in with Sharks Fin Melon Squash, Hutterite soup beans and tomatoes from the HDRA blight resistant tomato trial, which did fairly well despite the awful weather AND tasted ok. However I guess I had better check with them first it it is ok?
I was all for giving up and opting out, but fingers crossed.
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Composting: Leaves and stems of plants affected by blight can be added to your compost heap; the fungus will not survive in dead plant material. Do not compost blighted fruit, as the fungal spores can survive in seeds to grow and reproduce next spring, carrying blight onto your new crops; either bury deeply (60cm/ 2ft) or put in a dustbin. Alternatively, take all affected plants to the local recycling centre. These centres compost on a very large scale, thus generating high temperatures which will kill the disease.
I have just been on the HDR site and read the above.Surely this is incorrect.
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All sounds good Pumpkinlover :blob7: I know I'm stating the obvious but it's not been easy with a lot of crops this year so having seeds to harvest is a well done you :sunny:
I didn't do the tomato trail this year, but I would have thought unless they have asked for all the seeds back they would be fine with you growing and sharing seed? What varieties did you grow in the trial? I think any tomato plants grown outside this year and doing well against blight are worth growing again.
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Composting: Leaves and stems of plants affected by blight can be added to your compost heap; the fungus will not survive in dead plant material. Do not compost blighted fruit, as the fungal spores can survive in seeds to grow and reproduce next spring, carrying blight onto your new crops; either bury deeply (60cm/ 2ft) or put in a dustbin. Alternatively, take all affected plants to the local recycling centre. These centres compost on a very large scale, thus generating high temperatures which will kill the disease.
I have just been on the HDR site and read the above.Surely this is incorrect.
I know some virus can be carried by seed but I wasn't aware Late blight could be carried and survive in tomato seeds? Have you a link to the web page?
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I should have four climbing Frenchies; Trail of Tears, Cosse Violette, Mrs Fortune's Climbing Bean and Kew Blue. That may change a little as I grew several varieties for seed, and I'm not sure how much seed I'm going to get. All have at least a couple of pods which have filled out but I may yet get a pleasant surprise when the masses of leaves die back. Then there's Ragged Jack Kale as well. The dwarf beans all faded away and produced nothing, and waterlogging combined with pigeons did for the peas.
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Composting: Leaves and stems of plants affected by blight can be added to your compost heap; the fungus will not survive in dead plant material. Do not compost blighted fruit, as the fungal spores can survive in seeds to grow and reproduce next spring, carrying blight onto your new crops; either bury deeply (60cm/ 2ft) or put in a dustbin. Alternatively, take all affected plants to the local recycling centre. These centres compost on a very large scale, thus generating high temperatures which will kill the disease.
I have just been on the HDR site and read the above.Surely this is incorrect.
I know some virus can be carried by seed but I wasn't aware Late blight could be carried and survive in tomato seeds? Have you a link to the web page?
The link is below ,the info is right at the bottom
http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/factsheets/dc20.php
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Thanks Poolcue, I couldn't find it for looking!
I'm still none the wiser as many sites give information that it is not transmitted in seed? Perhaps it has something to do with the rotting fruit being host and if a seed germinates within this? Sorry I can't help.
Your list sound good Robert, great additions to the Circle.
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How many people are joining this circle.I want to make a parcle :blob7: :blob7: :toothy10: :toothy10:
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Yayyy just loved it when the seeds start to come in, just great seeing the envelopes start to fill with goodies for everyone :love4:
Can I let you know how many on Saturday 13th, as the cut off date for taking part is the 12th? :wave:
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I've read back to the beginning and see that the idea is to grow enough seeds of at least two varieties (and more is better) that can be shared out among other members of the circle.
But I am unsure about quantities. How many people are typically in a circle? And how many seeds is it reasonable to pass out to each person?
I normally grow enough seed for my own purposes with enough perhaps to share out with a couple more people but this scheme depends on more. If I knew how many seeds might be expected to be shared out, I could decide whether I could take part and what I could share out. I don't have much in the way of the exotics I read in the thread but I have things like Brandywine tomato seed that this year I saved from a 1lb 4 oz fruit and other odds and ends.
I think this is a great idea anyway.
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I think that I will grow on the tomatoes myself and save the seed again next year just to be certain, I do not want anyone to worry about using the seed.
After I wrote the post a lot of the tomatoes I had brought home to ripen deteriorated very quickly and having read Poolcues post I realise may not be a good idea. Funnily enough I planted out an assortment of toms which did not fit in the greenhouse and they all looked great the other day!! Will go tomorrow and have another look.
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Just to say that I shall be bowing out gracefully too this year - just too many distractions for me, as well as a dismal summer this year - but hope that I shall see you all again next spring :happy7:
All the best,
Sue
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I've been doing calculations and with 20 people in a circle and a bare minimum of six seeds each that they can themselves grow on for seed: that's 120 seeds, more than I accumulate in the normal run of things. If I have 50 spare seeds I think that's overkill. So your procedure of setting out to grow seed for the circle is the best way of going about it but it does mean a year's delay. I do have seed surplus to my requirements and I do have some 'exotics' that can be shared or swapped on a limited basis. Maybe there's an alternative for people like me.
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No problem jayb time enough to do the parcels for next year
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There will be less than 20 in this years circle, we'll do a final count tomorrow.
Tosh, I can quite see that coming into the circle at the last minute would be difficult for most people as it's quite a commitment to start and nurture some crops just to harvest seeds, others are easier such as tomatoes where you can eat the crop and harvest seed. Some of the crops being saved from are biannual, again quite a commitment to time and space. Perhaps starting with the new group Jan 2013 would be easier giving you a chance to plan in advance what you would like to save for the group? I know not the same as having a parcel this year, but if you let me know what type crops you are interested in I'll put a small selection together for you to get you started.
Also if it's tomatoes you are interested in take a look at A4A's tomato swap there are hundreds of varieties there and quite a few heritage ones.
Joining the Heritage seed Library or Irish Seed Savers is another great way to share in open pollinated and heritage seeds. Real Seeds are a great company to buy from and have a great selection of open pollinated vegetables as do several others there's a great thread with seed sites somewhere I'll go have a look see if I can find it.
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I think that I will grow on the tomatoes myself and save the seed again next year just to be certain, I do not want anyone to worry about using the seed.
After I wrote the post a lot of the tomatoes I had brought home to ripen deteriorated very quickly and having read Poolcues post I realise may not be a good idea. Funnily enough I planted out an assortment of toms which did not fit in the greenhouse and they all looked great the other day!! Will go tomorrow and have another look.
Great that your outdoor toms are looking good still, perhaps a good intication you have some great blight resistant ones :wave:
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Composting: Leaves and stems of plants affected by blight can be added to your compost heap; the fungus will not survive in dead plant material. Do not compost blighted fruit, as the fungal spores can survive in seeds to grow and reproduce next spring, carrying blight onto your new crops; either bury deeply (60cm/ 2ft) or put in a dustbin. Alternatively, take all affected plants to the local recycling centre. These centres compost on a very large scale, thus generating high temperatures which will kill the disease.
I have just been on the HDR site and read the above.Surely this is incorrect.
Perhaps this makes things clearer. It is from the Sarvari Trust:
http://sarponews.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=10
As a response to a question on GQT:
Potato Blight on Gardeners Question Time this week
If plot had bad blight this year, can the soil be cleaned of blight and how soon can I plant potatoes again?
Answer was: Spores wash into soil. Wait 3 years before replanting. Always bin or burn diseased foliage.
Hmm....
Actually, spores quickly die off in soil unless they infect a new potato tuber. You could plant potatoes in the same plot the following year and you would not get blight. However, if any tubers left in soil at harvest get infected then the blight can (low probability) survive and grow into the volunteer plant the following year. Replanting will encourage any potato cyst nematodes in the soil and certain other diseases will be promoted so it is always better to rotate.
No need to bin/burn blighted foliage for same reason. The pathogen needs a living host to survive and will not survive in the compost heap or even in foliage left to rot on the soil surface.
There are very very rare exceptions to the above that need not worry the grower.
HTH
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Thanks for that advice Galina. I had been putting my potato and tomato haulms into the council green bin but I did wonder if that was necessary.
Some of the crops being saved from are biannual, again quite a commitment to time and space. Perhaps starting with the new group Jan 2013 would be easier giving you a chance to plan in advance what you would like to save for the group? I know not the same as having a parcel this year, but if you let me know what type crops you are interested in I'll put a small selection together for you to get you started.
Thanks Jayb but I won't beg anything this year but set to grow something or another for the circle next year. I have to put my thinking cap on.
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There are two distinctly different variertes of Tomatoes called Queen of Hearts.
I have tons of Queen of Hearts tomatoes....but..after some investigation after mine were not hearts either it seems the description in the HSL catalogue is not accurate, theirs were not heart shaped either so the seed if from them and not heart shaped is true.The Queen of Hearts which is heart shaped is from the breedder Stan Jackson who never gave seeds to HSL so the articles about his Queen of Hearts being given to the Queen via HSL are also inaccurate. HSL got their original seed from a lady with US connections so it seem it is US bred and not British as was though.It was these seeds wqhich were given to the Queen. Stans tomatoes are British bred but have no connection to HSL.
I can send seed of the HSL non heart shaped one if needed.
XX Jeannine
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I've been doing calculations and with 20 people in a circle and a bare minimum of six seeds each that they can themselves grow on for seed: that's 120 seeds, more than I accumulate in the normal run of things. If I have 50 spare seeds I think that's overkill. So your procedure of setting out to grow seed for the circle is the best way of going about it but it does mean a year's delay. I do have seed surplus to my requirements and I do have some 'exotics' that can be shared or swapped on a limited basis. Maybe there's an alternative for people like me.
Tosh, yes there is an alternative. The brilliant tomato seed swap has already been mentioned and there is a swap forum here as well.
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/board,10.0.html
I agree, taking part in the circle does take a bit of planning and a bit of extra planting and growing beyond eating requirements. Even with planning, some things just don't succeed and we have to change plans as we go along. It happens. On the other hand, the seed count inside an average tomato is nearly 100, which means that gardeners can participate with modest effort. Isolated and handpollinated squashes can be eaten and produce seeds. Lower leaves can be harvested of a lettuce that is planned for seedsaving. It is not always a big sacrifice to produce seeds, although with many crops seedsaving means giving up much of the harvest for one year or planting extra.
Producing exotic seed varieties is not a requirement of the seed circle, only that we use non hybrid seeds that will breed true and that we do our best to prevent crossing and save seeds from good, healthy plants.
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Jayb ran a virtual seed swap last year which I thought worked very well.
I have various seeds to offer but probably not enough for 20 people but also not sure I want all the seeds on offer. The virtual swap allowed you to choose what you had so none are wasted. I actually had some very nice peas.
We used to send round a bag of seeds from member to member, but it seems that some people were taking out a great deal more than they were putting in so some people got a very poor choice. One swap completely disappeared, and some people took ages to pass it on. So all in all Jaybs methods worked well but it must have been a lot of work.
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I appear to have two pods on my wigwam of District Nurse, and the runner beans aren't very different, but there are a lot on the Bridgewater Beans. So that's one I should be able to add to the list.
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Ok the group stands at 14
Ruud
Robert B
Goodlife
Poolcue
Pumpkinlover
Green lily
Galina
Markfield rover
Martinburo
Dandytown
Jayb,
Debs
Aj
Nigel B
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There are two distinctly different variertes of Tomatoes called Queen of Hearts.
I have tons of Queen of Hearts tomatoes....but..after some investigation after mine were not hearts either it seems the description in the HSL catalogue is not accurate, theirs were not heart shaped either so the seed if from them and not heart shaped is true.The Queen of Hearts which is heart shaped is from the breedder Stan Jackson who never gave seeds to HSL so the articles about his Queen of Hearts being given to the Queen via HSL are also inaccurate. HSL got their original seed from a lady with US connections so it seem it is US bred and not British as was though.It was these seeds wqhich were given to the Queen. Stans tomatoes are British bred but have no connection to HSL.
I can send seed of the HSL non heart shaped one if needed.
XX Jeannine
:wave:
Good to have you say it as well Jeannine, that's pretty much what I arrived at too. It does explain why Stan was so surprised they were sent to the Queen, plus the fact he said they were a hybrid he created and could only be grown from the original cross or overwintered cuttings.
Great to know they did well for you and you have spares if needed. I'm not yet sure if Markfieldrover is adding them to the Circle this year, I've saved some too which I think are consistent with HSL description which I can add to hers. If they are not being added I'll probably put my spares in the Virtual Tomato bag.
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I've harvested seed from the first of the Tamra cucumbers, not a great amount of seed, I'm not sure to viability so have placed some in damp paper in the airing cupboard, fingers crossed. I've quite a few more fruit ripening, just they are not squishy enough yet to for seeds.
A good tasting cucumber, grew well this year in a poly tunnel, no health problems and a good set of fruit. Not in the same league as an F1, but still a steady flow of flowers and fruits despite the fruits being left to mature.
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14 - cool. Will start bagging and be in touch once they are all packed up.
Cheers
AJ
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My beetle beans (kaferbohnen) have just been picked and are drying in the shed. They are huge beans which will be a pain postage-wise.
AG pumpkinwise I didn't manage to grow one this year so those seeds are out.
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There are two distinctly different variertes of Tomatoes called Queen of Hearts.
I have tons of Queen of Hearts tomatoes....but..after some investigation after mine were not hearts either it seems the description in the HSL catalogue is not accurate, theirs were not heart shaped either so the seed if from them and not heart shaped is true.The Queen of Hearts which is heart shaped is from the breedder Stan Jackson who never gave seeds to HSL so the articles about his Queen of Hearts being given to the Queen via HSL are also inaccurate. HSL got their original seed from a lady with US connections so it seem it is US bred and not British as was though.It was these seeds wqhich were given to the Queen. Stans tomatoes are British bred but have no connection to HSL.
I can send seed of the HSL non heart shaped one if needed.
XX Jeannine
:wave:
Good to have you say it as well Jeannine, that's pretty much what I arrived at too. It does explain why Stan was so surprised they were sent to the Queen, plus the fact he said they were a hybrid he created and could only be grown from the original cross or overwintered cuttings.
Great to know they did well for you and you have spares if needed. I'm not yet sure if Markfieldrover is adding them to the Circle this year, I've saved some too which I think are consistent with HSL description which I can add to hers. If they are not being added I'll probably put my spares in the Virtual Tomato bag.
Jeannine and JayB,
I thought I add a picture of QoH tomato here - medium sized, flattened globe, with slight ridges, orangey red. My seed source was Jeannine's big parcel - original source HSL.
Is this the same as yours? I'm asking because there is a possibility that somebody at some time got hold of the hybrid QoH tomato and saved/distributed seeds thinking it was OP. In that case there could be quite a variable bunch of QoHs around. :-)
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Just thought I'd add the HSL description:
Queen of Hearts
Our donor, Mrs Smallwood, acquired these seeds from an elderly lady who had been given them many years ago at an RHS seminar. The person delivering the talk was American, and it was assumed that the variety was of American origin. The fruits are thin-skinned, sweet and almost heart-shaped, let us know what you think of this one.
eoq
http://www.adoptaveg.org/product_range.php?action=search_range&range_id=6
3/4 down the page
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My seed came from Markfield Rover as I'd already sent mine to Jeannine. I believe her source was from HSL. I can't find the picture I'm looking for so this one will have to do, not very good I'm afraid. I think this one was from a fused flower and quite small, others were larger. But it does appear the same basic shape with slight ribbing as yours, colour too I think?
ps colour is a bit dark in this picture I think so not a fair comparison.
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My seed came from Markfield Rover as I'd already sent mine to Jeannine. I believe her source was from HSL. I can't find the picture I'm looking for so this one will have to do, not very good I'm afraid. I think this one was from a fused flower and quite small, others were larger. But it does appear the same basic shape with slight ribbing as yours, colour too I think?
ps colour is a bit dark in this picture I think so not a fair comparison.
Thank you for this picture. I would say they are near identical and the shape of the ribbing is the same. The colour is close enough too. I ate the one on the photo for lunch. There were quite a few locules (seed chambers) inside the tomato. Ok, its good to know that we both (and by implication our sources) have the same type and that we can ignore any confusion - apart from the fact that there are two different tomato varieties with the same name. One is a hybrid and ours is open pollinated. That's good.
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I have uploaded a few photos and variety descriptions of my offered seeds on:
https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/
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Wow they look super Galina, really looking forward to growing them next year :sunny:
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:icon_cheers:...pages are looking good....Thank you Galina :icon_cheers:
I'm hoping to get my dried out seeds in GH cleaned this weekend and then I can confirm what is going to be bagged..more info to follow soon :happy7:
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Afternoon all
My Queen of Hearts toms were from HSL and look just like the photo.
Now I am going to be a party pooper and with regret bow out as my seeds are in a right sorry state, and that is not good enough. Sorry all.
I was not going up the plot today until I heard the BBC radio 4 programme from a site in Hastings so up I went and after talking to my chums who consider now to be the start of the season I aim to do so much better for next
Having said that I do have a few Queen of Hearts Tom seeds I could send to Jayb if anyone fancy a go.
Cheers.
,
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Sorry you are dropping out Markfield Rover. We are all looking forward to a much better growing year.
Good to know it starts now!
Unfortunately we are waterlogged here again, so can't plant garlic yet. But there is a seed tray of lettuce that wants transplanting into the greenhouse for overwintering, so that will be my start to a better 2013!
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Thanks galina , as Arnie says I will be back!
Writing to Santa about HSL, so better start behaving.
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GOOD NEWS :icon_cheers:
I finally got round to going thru all trays of 'stuff' that I've tucked away for drying out. All peas are shelled out and I can now tell that I've got 2 lots of peas to share...Swedish yellow pea and Mangetout from Laos AND I've got some Finnish broadbeans too :toothy10:
So 3 lots are for sure...and I'm still debating with few other bits and bobs.
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I've just put Hutterite soup bean seeds to dry, there should be enough for our diminshed numbers!
Got a house full of Shark's Fin Squash so there should be plenty of them! not that you need many!! I cannot believe how well they did. :blob7:
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Looking forward to growing both your seeds PumpkinLover and GoodLife. Haven't grown Chilacayote (aka Fig Leaf Pumpkin or Shark's Fin Melon) for a few years and this year my old seeds would not germinate. Not sure whether I have some more in the freezer - your fresh seed will be very welcome.
Markfield Rover - have just entered 'Bonne Bouche seeds saved 2012' into my database and noticed that the variety source was you. Very nice bean indeed, such fleshy pods and loads of them. They have a string which needs removing before cooking, but that's no hardship. :happy7:
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Hi again, I am not really a part of your 2012 group but do have some genuine Gigantes bean seeds that I can spare some of. I got the beans sent from greece this year after searching for three years to find a proper replacement for my old ones, they germinated well and I have a decent amount now. I shall grow them agin this next year but in much bigger numbers. If anyone is searching as I was I can spare a few.
XX Jeannine
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Morning galina
Glad you like Bonne Bouche they are one of my top three beans for flavour. Daniel- is good too.
So many beans etc but then again that is a good thing and long may this circle reign!
If it continues into 2013 I would love to return.
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Phew! That was a struggle! Here we are though. :icon_cheers:
I fell off the internet for a while and it looked unlikely I'd get back at all for a while..
Still in time then? Thank goodness!
I have both the Blawschokker (?) Peas, and the 'Eat Me' Mange Tout ready.
Ooh! How about Cardoon seeds? I saved a head from this big plant that resembles a Globe Artichoke, but I haven't tested the viability of the seeds. Not really sure how to. Should I pack some in anyway?
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Ooh! How about Cardoon seeds? I saved a head from this big plant that resembles a Globe Artichoke, but I haven't tested the viability of the seeds. Not really sure how to. Should I pack some in anyway
Yes, please! If the seeds and plump and 'full'..I'm sure they will germinate... :toothy10:
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Cardoons are easy, except that I've never managed to keep the plants long due to winter waterlogging.
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Sounds good to me Nigel :happy7:
You could try a few seeds folded in damp kitchen paper placed in a bag somewhere warm, and see how they do. Though I think Goodlife has a fair point.
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Afternoon all
My Queen of Hearts toms were from HSL and look just like the photo.
Now I am going to be a party pooper and with regret bow out as my seeds are in a right sorry state, and that is not good enough. Sorry all.
I was not going up the plot today until I heard the BBC radio 4 programme from a site in Hastings so up I went and after talking to my chums who consider now to be the start of the season I aim to do so much better for next
Having said that I do have a few Queen of Hearts Tom seeds I could send to Jayb if anyone fancy a go.
Cheers.
,
Not so quick... :tongue3:
if it weren't for you I wouldn't have grown and enjoyed Queen of Hearts tomatoes this year, the seeds were yours, I've had the pleasure of the tomatoes, it doesn't seem right for you not to share back in return. So send in what Queen of H's seeds you have to spare and I'll mix them with mine for everybody.
Sharing seeds that's what the circle is about, but also the ups and downs, we all seem to have experienced some this year.
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Hi again, I am not really a part of your 2012 group but do have some genuine Gigantes bean seeds that I can spare some of. I got the beans sent from greece this year after searching for three years to find a proper replacement for my old ones, they germinated well and I have a decent amount now. I shall grow them agin this next year but in much bigger numbers. If anyone is searching as I was I can spare a few.
XX Jeannine
They sound fantastic Jeannine, I'm so glad you found them at last, it's been quite a search. I only wish I could do them justice at the moment, but I can't.
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Hi all
Just as a head's up...i have written a small piece about seed circles that is being added to a larger article about Seed Circles which will be published in the next Organic Way. Interesting how other groups use their circles...but I don't want to steal the article's thunder :tongue3:
For those that aren't Garden Organic members - I'll scan it in and post it on here for you.
The picture I gave to Pauline is the one of last year's circle's seeds, so some of you might see your packs in the photo.
:blob7: :blob7: :blob7:
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Look forward to reading that!! :toothy10: :toothy10: :toothy10:
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Sounds great, boy your job must be a struggle (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/biggrin.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/cool.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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I picked the Achoca from Galina today and was amazed how nice it is! Then sliced some up on the pizza for tea!
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Sounds great, boy your job must be a struggle (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/biggrin.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/cool.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
It has its moments.
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A lot of my beans pods have rotted instead of drying. I think they were set back so badly by the eather they never had a chance to ripen. I'll see what I can manage, but right now I don't know what the eventual list will be. Ragged Jack is OK, anyway; I've got masses of that.
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I picked the Achoca from Galina today and was amazed how nice it is! Then sliced some up on the pizza for tea!
Glad you liked them and they did well for you. We got quite a lot this year as well, fried some yesterday with olive oil and garlic, a bit like frying courgettes.
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Hi Jayb,
Haven't been on recently due to other commitments.
Have dried all my ' Red Pear' tomato seeds, which despite the awful Summer, actually did quite well in the greenhouse :icon_cheers:
So I'm ready to post.
Do I post 14 parcels direct to you?
Debs x
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I'll be ready to post this week as well - packing all mine today.
*awaits instructions :blob7: :blob7: :blob7:
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Packed up mine this afternoon.
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How many are in the circle?
:blob6:
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14 - so you need to send Jayb 13 bags.
Mine are just waiting for an address to send to... :toothy10:
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Ok, just for those of me that's a bit thick....
I have to individually pack 13 (at least, in case of latecomers?) sets of seeds (mine are peas and Cardoon seeds) of how many? Ten? A goodly amount? A pinch? A row?... and send them off to JayB with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Is that about it?
I hate cold weather. It slows my brain down...
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We pack 14 packets, 13 for participants in the circle and one extra in case somebody's return envelope gets lost in the post. We put our seeds into individual seed envelopes and label for example: Climbing french bean 'Cobra' 2012, if the seeds were saved this year or 2011 if last year. Only fresh seeds, but for most veg, with the exception of parsnips, last year's seeds are still viable. We had between 5 and 50 seeds in the past for peas and beans, depending on harvest volume and generosity of the seed donor. A good pinch for brassica, lettuce, leeks etc. Perhaps 10-50 for tomatoes, but 5 for a very rare and special one (for example one of the competition extra large varieties). Seeds should be well dried and reasonably well cleaned (but they do not have to be as pristine as commercial seeds). Seed envelopes are either bought coin envelopes or small plastic baggies or are home folded. We had a mixture of all types in previous years. If anybody needs instructions on how to fold, we can give urls etc. For this year's circle, if two varieties are offered, it will be 28 seed packets. I know, in the past Jayb had to do some additional seed packing, because some people sent their seeds in bulk, but that was a lot of extra work and she is doing a lot already with all the packing, distributing, posting etc.
Could everybody please also write a little paragraph on their seed varieties, to be uploaded onto the seed circle blog? With photo if possible? Jayb (or I) can receive pms and upload if needed. This would help especially for unusual items. For example - when to sow cardoons, how to care for them, how and when to harvest and what to do with them in the kitchen etc. This will be so useful when we all grow them next year.
As nobody at this stage knows how many seed envelopes will be in everybody's return, it is better to send an address label and a generous amount for postage in stamps (Jayb returns unused stamps). Just to give an idea, last year we received 72 packets back!!! Or send an open cheque (limited to say 10 pounds) that she can write in the actual amount of the postage needed.
Hope that helps. But as I said, Jayb will be giving exact instructions where to send etc in due course. I still have one variety to pack and a few paper envelopes to fold and label. Will send mine well before the end of November for an early December return (early enough not to get into the Christmas postal rush).
Can't wait for this year's seed packet :icon_cheers:
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One way to fold paper seed envelopes:
http://www.carnivorousplants.org/seedbank/Envelope.htm
Here is the url for the seed circle blog. It details what seeds were offered the last two years and what is proposed (to be finalised and not yet 'set in stone') for this year.
https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/
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Sorry guys, been a bit under the weather, planning to pm all tomorrow, sorry to keep you waiting. Thanks Galina, only had a quick read but I think you have it covered.
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Has anyone posted a page for this year's varieties yet? I'm just sorting mine out, and I don't want to duplicate anyone else's.
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Has anyone posted a page for this year's varieties yet? I'm just sorting mine out, and I don't want to duplicate anyone else's.
https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/seed-parcel/seed-parcel-2012
That's all so far, Robert.
Looking forward to yours. In principle duplication is not a problem. JayB and I are going to duplicate a tomato variety deliberately, because my seeds were only from one plant but together with her seeds from the same variety it gives us a bit more diversity. Our tomatoes were from the same original seed source.
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I'll post Ragged Jack (it's not been grown out, and I can't promise that it won't need roguing), Trail of Tears Bean, Cosse Violette, Major Cooke, and Mrs Fortune's Climbing Bean. Ragged Jack is this year's seed, everything else is last year's due to pathetic results from this season. I'm not completely sure about the quantities of beans I can put in a packet, but there will be at least half a dozen.
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Maybe less than half a dozen; there's at least one variety that won't stretch. But I'll do what I can.
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Got mine all done :icon_cheers:
just need Jayb's address
Debs :blob7:
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Mine are all done tooooooo! :icon_cheers:
I'll shall post mine after weekend if that is ok.
Jayb..how are you coping with this monsoon over there?
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I am afraid I am going to have to drop out.
The hutterite soup beans I thought I had dried out and bagged up ready are a pile of fungus.
The numex twilight chillis have not ripened enough to set viable seed.
I have Shark's fin melon, but I suspect that many of you will have had this before (or maybe not even want it!) and some Canary creeeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum) which is not even a vegetable.
I suspect you will all be nice and say that's ok but I do not want to take part when I have not got something good to send (mainly because of the wonderful stuff you guys put in!)
I only started seed saving and learning how to do this stuff last year and I hope that I have got lots of growing years ahead of me, so look forward to 2013 and a bit more :sunny:
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I know the feeling; I've had problems myself. Send what you can and don't worry; you can always send extra next year. I'd appreciate the shark's fins.
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PL, Don't you dare, I've been bagging up loads of seeds for us all and no I'm not very nice, but Robert has it spot on (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/smile.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) .
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I'll have the postage in three or four days..... And I'll be packing at least a couple of extra baggies anyway so don't anyone dare move!
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Please stay - I am looking forward to fresh seeds of Shark's Fin melon, because the ones I planted earlier this year didn't germinate :sunny: yours will be much appreciated. Seedsaving is a learning curve and it can only get better. Paper envelopes are often easier than plastic, because they let the seeds 'breathe', which helps drying off completely. Wish you much better luck next year. For what its worth - I have done exacly the same with pea seeds in the past :-(
By the way (although it is a little late by now but for next year) anybody wants to ask any question or know how to save seeds of certain vegetables, please just ask.
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I haven't even grown sharks fin before...so you better stay!..beside..I've posted my seeds to Jayb already and yours are included.
You don't get away that easily.... :glasses9:
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If anyone dare to move i will cross the pond and i will deliver it personally,so dont dare to quiet.Jayb i will send you my goodies in about a week,i dont know if i can find the time to bag them.I hope you will do it for me.I will send zip bags and information what is what.The small seeds i will do overhere.I also send some bonusseeds from different type of veggies. :toothy10: :toothy10: :coffee2: :coffee2:
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You guys are just so nice, I have to confess that as well as the weather I have just got behind with everything. I do not want to let people down by not sending good stuff.
Anyway update is that last night I chopped up a huge shark's fin, cleaned the seeds and made a lot of soup with the flesh! The seeds are on the mantle drying for the next few days.
Tropaleum also cleaned but not quite enough viable seed for everyone so will get some more tomorrow hopefully ( or weekend) from plot. They seeded around last year themsleves so should be easy enough.
I've got some Numex twighlight and Paper lantern to add in but noth enough of each for everyone same with Pink Brandywine toms.
To feel safe that the seeds are dry enough I would prefer to leave it till Sunday to bag up then I can get in the post Monday or Tuesday definate.
I'll post pictures of what happens to your house when you grow Sharks fin melon in next couple of days :toothy10: but I expect we all have unusual decorations in our houses.
Right- glass of parsnip wine now and have a go at origami seed packet folding ready for the weekend.
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Seed package sent - hope it gets there soon.
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Well in the spirit of all this loveliness I shall send what I can it may only be a couple of seeds but I guess it is better to spread thin than not ,and I promise to do better next year as new year resolutions go I think that is a good one!
Thanks for keeping me.
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:icon_cheers:..for not giving up with us...
Its truly been difficult year to able to produce seeds in any quantity....but next year.....we will be 'washed' with tide of good crops... :drunken_smilie: :sunny:
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Goodlife's seeds received on Tuesday, really do look interesting, thank you (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/cool.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Added correct day!
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Galina's parcel has landed, what a treat, it looks smashing. I'm getting sooooo excited now :blob7: (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/biggrin.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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OooK..how do I get to add my seed info on the 'site'? I've signed on but as it is new page, has my access to edit gone with old pages ?
...or shall I post my entries to page 'keeper'?
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Hopefully you are added GL? I've also added Robert to edit. Poolcue and Nigel are already signed up.
Galina has added a great amount of information and super pictures, cheers. Please it would be fab if everyone chimes in and adds their take on what they have grown for the circle, it's just lovely to read and gives it all more meaning. All I need is an email address to add you on to edit, you can then add what you like. It is fairly easy to find you're way around, just click on the edit icon looks like a pen or pencil at the top RH side of the page and then click save when you have finished. Use add image to upload your pictures.
How we are doing so far can be found here https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/
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Hi Jayb,
My red pear toms are in the post as of today - PL I almost dropped out too when the other seeds failed & I felt I was not offering very much.
As everyone is saying, this year has been a bad one & I for one will be thankful for whatever is in my seed parcel.
BTW, I am SOOOOOOOOO excited, as this is my first time at taking part in the seed saving circle!! :toothy4:
Debs X
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http://www.sowingnewseeds.org.uk/pdfs/Growing%20shark%20fin%20melons.pdf (http://www.sowingnewseeds.org.uk/pdfs/Growing%20shark%20fin%20melons.pdf)
I was getting worried because the sharks fin seeds seemed very "thin" and i wondered if they were fertile, checking against the remainder of the seeds I recieved from a kind member on here I could not believe how different they are. Mine are big and pale - the originals are small and almost black.
Anyway I hope that they are ok.
In the meantime a few pictures of what happens when they do grow!
Front bedroom
Back bedroom
Bathroom window!
Original and my seeds
Close up of originals
close up of my seeds
As Sharks fin are the only tyoe of Cucubita ficilfolia grown here they cannot have crossed, not that that should make any difference to the seeds appearance. Hence \i can only guess that they will turn black and shrink, as it seems to imply in the information from GO.
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Pumpkin Lover,
Looks like your seeds are turning black I think. Mine always came out of the fruits black, but I did store them for a little longer. Fat seeds is good. There is a good-sized germ inside.
Love your windowsills! Did you know that these are the longest storing of all squashes? One year is nothing, they often store two years. I love the texture of the flesh. They are great pickled too. And jam can be made from them, called Angel Hair's jam. So different from other squashes. Yes, definitely one without worries about crossing.
Super crop :blob7:
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That's what is worrying me Galina that they are not fat, also are they better maturing in the squash rather than outside?
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I've had empty squash seeds a couple of times in years with bad weather at flowering time. Try germinating a few and see what happens.
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I've had empty squash seeds a couple of times in years with bad weather at flowering time. Try germinating a few and see what happens.
Thats good advice to put your mind at rest. They look big and plump in the picture though.
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I've opened up a good number of the Shark's fin seeds and they have no seed in. It's fairly obvious that that particular fruit has grown when the seeds had not been pollinated.
As the pictures show there are a number of even larger squashes "decorating" the house at the moment. I hope there is a chance that one or more of them will have some viable seeds in. It is not possible to get any of these dried in time ( and I cannot promise that they will have viable seed). :BangHead: :BangHead: :BangHead:
The only logical thing is to send in the seed I have -There is one chilli or tomato variety and one packet of Tropaleum peregrinum for each person.
If I find that I do get viable seeds from any of the fruits as they mature and get eaten I will post on here and if people send me a PM with their own address I can send some out.
I'm really sorry but that is the best I can do at the moment. Next year will be better! One of the great things about this squash is that it produces fruit even in an indiferrent year which is remarkable, so it is really worth growing -IF you have the room!!
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Just read in the HSL that Sharks fin need to mature in the fruit for a long time-so there may be a chance! :toothy10:
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Hi pumkinlover, I've grown shark fin melon as well. Are HSL more specific than "a long time"?
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"Seed continues to mature for several months after the fruit has been picked so do not remove seed for saving until December or later from an autumn harvest"
these were picked late Oct I think but I guess the above is for a normal year.
Fingers and toes crossed that we get something later :icon_cheers:
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"Seed continues to mature for several months after the fruit has been picked so do not remove seed for saving until December or later from an autumn harvest"
these were picked late Oct I think but I guess the above is for a normal year.
Fingers and toes crossed that we get something later :icon_cheers:
You've got so many and there should be plenty of black seeds before sowing time next year. Maybe plan to put them into the seed circle next year? This year has been a struggle for squashes here too. Hardly managed any hand pollinating this year and it is doubtful what the seed will be like or rather whether there will be any at all.
Next year :sunny:
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Thanks, pumpkinlover.
I've sent in my seeds.
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Jayb put my offer to the seedcircle on the post,so it will be hopefully before the christmashassle on your adress,just look for a big postpigeon :toothy10: :toothy10:.I put some other seeds in it because my peas and onions were a failure.Peas were molded after harvesting them just not dry enough and onions are just blooming the next season.I put some other intresting seeds in the package.Good luck in growing them next season.
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Hi Jayb,
I sent my red pear tomato seeds a few days ago -hope you received them
Debs
:icon_flower:
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And I sent mine 2 days ago.
Hopefully delivered today.
:icon_cheers:
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This is going to be another lovely parcel - thanks everybody :icon_cheers:
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My seeds are in the post.
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I can't seem to get on the seed sharing site, but never mind. I've included:
Ragged Jack kale. Old UK variety which looks very like Red Russian. Small plants, set one and a half to two feet apart. This is the first time I've saved brassica seed, but I didn't notice any flowering on other peoples' plots, so it should come true.
Trail of Tears Bean. Climber, old Native American variety. Very reliable; abundant thin green pods and small black beans.
Mrs Fortune's Climbing Bean. Climber. Didn't do much for me this year, but usually reliable. Can be used either for pods or dried beans. I couldn't include as many beans as I'd have liked as I didn't have that many.
Major Cook's Bean. Climber. Prolific, can be used either for pods or for dried beans.
Cosse Violette. Purple podded climbing bean. Very reliable, very prolific.
Unfortunately I didn't have enough seeds of the only bean which did well for me this year - Kew Blue - because some wretched pest bit almost all the stems through a couple of inches above the ground, and only a couple of plants survived!
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I can't seem to get on the seed sharing site, but never mind. I've included:
Ragged Jack kale. Old UK variety which looks very like Red Russian. Small plants, set one and a half to two feet apart. This is the first time I've saved brassica seed, but I didn't notice any flowering on other peoples' plots, so it should come true.
Trail of Tears Bean. Climber, old Native American variety. Very reliable; abundant thin green pods and small black beans.
Mrs Fortune's Climbing Bean. Climber. Didn't do much for me this year, but usually reliable. Can be used either for pods or dried beans. I couldn't include as many beans as I'd have liked as I didn't have that many.
Major Cook's Bean. Climber. Prolific, can be used either for pods or for dried beans.
Cosse Violette. Purple podded climbing bean. Very reliable, very prolific.
all updated, Robert, hope ok?
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Everything should be fine.
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I was hoping mine had turned up at JayB's by about now.. It was posted on the 5th... :sad1:
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Sent mine this afternoon.
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So pleased mine made it. I've not always had a great relationship with the post-office.
About the Cardoon Seeds. I honestly thought that all I had to do was collect them. I had a load of good-looking seeds from three 'heads' off the same plant, but I can't get a sign of life out of any of them. I've tried them in damp tissue in warm and warm/cold spots.
So I'm sorry about those guys. I know one or two were particularly interested in growing them.
What I can do though, is come back to them in the Spring and divide-and-wash some rootlets and post them on.
Delayed, but not forgotten.
I did add a small pack of broad bean thingies though. They came from the same folks that gave me the 'Eat Me' Mange Tout. I asked if they were anything special, and Steve said they might also be from his missus' mum in Hong Kong, but sometimes I wonder if he's not just winding me up. I figure JayB might know what best to do with them. :)
I'll fill in the swap page soon. Honest.
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So pleased mine made it. I've not always had a great relationship with the post-office.
About the Cardoon Seeds. I honestly thought that all I had to do was collect them. I had a load of good-looking seeds from three 'heads' off the same plant, but I can't get a sign of life out of any of them. I've tried them in damp tissue in warm and warm/cold spots.
I'll fill in the swap page soon. Honest.
Just checked the condition and germination times for cardoon. No specific warm temperatures required (but obviously they won't germinate in a freezing greenhouse at the moment). They should germinate at 7-14 days just covered with a little soil. Maybe the two weeks aren't up yet and they might still germinate? Did they rot or have they just done nothing at all. If the seeds have rotted, then conditions might have been too damp for them. If they still look good, they could potentially still sprout.
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I've germinated them out of a packed with no problems. They didn't like my waterlogged soil though!
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Will be doing an update today, most parcels have been received :blob7:
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I've received seeds from;
Ruud
Robert_B
Goodlife
Poolcue
Pumpkinlover
Green lily
Galina
Markfield rover
Martinburo
Jayb
Debs
Aj
Nigel B
Thank you all muchly. One more parcel to come in and then they can be on their merry way although probably best posted after Christmas now. If anyone fancies seeing what will be arriving, I'll update the seed list soon as I get a chance with parcel contents. A big thank to those who have already added info and pictures :wave:
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I have tried to update the seed saving document and would appreciate if somebody with a modicum of technical ability could check and correct where necessary
Reisentraube tomatoes
Black Hungarian Chilli peppers
Thanks in advance
A Luddite
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Looks good Poolcue, thank you (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-happy119.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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Yes i am the first one,just kidding.Jayb you can count on me.I found an organisation who has as goal to preserve old dutch vegetables.I had a peak on the webside and saw some intresting things.Order some and multiply for the seedcircle and myself ofcourse. ;D
I can already see what you have put in Ruud. :glasses9: Thanks in advance of a great growing year. Thanks too to everybody else in the circle, that was the point of this message.
I can hardly wait! Its like being a kid at christmas all over again. :icon_cheers:
I'm actually rubbing my hands together in anticipation... :toothy9: Is that bad? :dontknow: : :toothy10:
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No it's part of the fun of taking part, I never get over the generosity of folk and how a few can, together put such a fab parcel together. Huge thanks to everyone :icon_cheers:
Everything sent large or small slots together to make the seed circle and hopefully much pleasure will be shared in growing these varieties. Some new favourites in the making and a super way of sharing rare and hard to find varieties.
Awww, sorry you won't have them in time for Christmas this year. List is still in progress with some more varieties to add in and info :toothy10:
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Awww, sorry you won't have them in time for Christmas this year. List is still in progress with some more varieties to add in and info :toothy10:
That just makes it all the more worth waiting for! :icon_cheers:
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I am sooooo excited!!!!
It's good to receive after Christmas, as once everything has finished in December, January can be a dull month
BUT a parcel of seeds will be a lovely start to the New Year :blob7:
Debs :icon_flower:
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Excited here too - looking good - yep posting after the rush is over is the best thing to do and it makes no difference as nobody is sowing right now anyway. And then it will be Christmas all over again. Thank you all :blob7:
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Thank you all for keeping me in the circle and I am very sorry for tiny amount I have sent but it is probably the best way to keep the variety going.
A big thank you to Jayb too especially at this time of year.
Wishing you all a good Christmas and a fantabulosa new year.
Cheers.
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Nigel B also sent some broad beans called Hong Kong? Not enough to divide between everyone but I wondered if a couple of people are interested in growing them out with a view to possible returning some seed to the group? Hopefully Nigel will have some more information about them?
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Thanks JayB. :)
Here's what I wrote earlier..... "I did add a small pack of broad bean thingies though. They came from the same folks that gave me the 'Eat Me' Mange Tout. I asked if they were anything special, and Steve said they might also be from his missus' mum in Hong Kong, but sometimes I wonder if he's not just winding me up. I figure JayB might know what best to do with them. :)
I'm not too sure what else to add. :dontknow:
Steve still insists they are from his Missus' Mum in Hong Kong.
I just though they may suit someone who fancies a bash at testing their beany-knowledge to see what turns up.
I do keep asking from time to time, but the whole 'Eat Me' way of naming plants is still a joke-in-progress, so results are best described as 'not totally reliable.' :D
It usually goes like this....
'What's that Steve'
Steve: That called (A Chinese/Cantonese word)
'Ok. Can you translate that for me please mate.' 'I need to keep records. Yunno?'
Steve: Ok. This means.. When flowers open two days....'Eat Me.'
'But you called the last one 'Eat Me''
A quick exchange between Steve and Steve's wife, including much laughter....
Steve: But this different. Pink flower.
More laughter.
:glasses9:
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Love it!!!
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No good sending me Nigel's BB's, as I'll have other varieties growing and they'll cross. I'd be interested in some once they've been grown out though.
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Interesting comment on the Finnish broad beans; I've been wondering about drying them. It would save a bit of space in the freezer.
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I'll happily wait for anything in short supply too!
I had enough fun reading Nigels post above :toothy10:
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Interesting comment on the Finnish broad beans; I've been wondering about drying them. It would save a bit of space in the freezer.
I haven't tried them as 'dry beans' before...but couple of weeks ago I did have ago of cooking some. I soaked them almost 24 hrs and gave them 10 mins rapid boil and simmered them for 'ages' (lost track of time :BangHead:) They certainly did take almost double time of cooking to soften them up than similar size 'normal' beans and even cooked 'soft'..they still had sort of firmness to them...but perfectly edible. If I would have had handy some nice salty meat (gammon) gammon to with it, it would have resulted really nice broth :icon_cheers:
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Posting after Christmas was a very good decision. I have just received my HSL seeds today, which are postmarked 19 December! Just hope they haven't been in a hot or damp room at a post office warehouse for all this time :BangHead:
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I've been doing the flu thing again, hoping to post everyone's parcel the beginning of next week.
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Oh sorry to hear that Jayb,horrible. Do not push yourself, they will all arrive in time for the growing season.
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I've been doing the flu thing again, hoping to post everyone's parcel the beginning of next week.
I hope you get better soon.
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Get yourself well, that's what matters.
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Keep toasty with a little light catalogue reading.
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...get well wishes for me too. Echoing what others say - there is no rush whatsoever!!!
Hope you feel better soon Jaybe!
Get plenty of :sleepy1: and lots of :coffee2: and soon you'll have plenty of
:blob6: :toothy9: :blob10: :icon_bounce:
Debs x
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did anyone spot the typo??
meant . . .get well wishes FROM me!!!
. . . I'm perfectly fine
Debs
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Thanks all (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/smile.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Just checking through the parcels, hope to post tomorrow. :blob7:
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Thanks all (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/smile.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Just checking through the parcels, hope to post tomorrow. :blob7:
Woohoo!!! :toothy10:
However .............
Having just heard the weather forecast for your part of the world, please take no risks tomorrow. It sounds grim. If the roads are as bad as the red weather warning suggests, please delay a day or so and stay safe.
:wave:
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(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/ohmy.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) Yowch, red snow warnings, hadn't checked the weather. Maybe I'll hold them a couple of days longer I'd rather them safe here than stuck in freezing weather in a mail sack somewhere (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/mellow.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/ohmy.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) Yowch, red snow warnings, hadn't checked the weather. Maybe I'll hold them a couple of days longer I'd rather them safe here than stuck in freezing weather in a mail sack somewhere (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/mellow.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Sounds like a good idea to me! Wait till you can see the :sunny:
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Lol I won't wait that long (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/biggrin.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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Lol I won't wait that long (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/biggrin.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Stay safe, please do. Just got home before the snows started from Heathrow to fetch OH who was on a business trip. His plane got in just before 7 in the morning without a problem. For once I was glad for a very early rise! What is the weather doing your way, JayB? Keep safe and don't rush out unless the roads are safe.
Hope everybody stays safe on their journeys too.
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Thanks Galina, glad your OH had no problems getting home.
You were right, lots of white stuff here, won't be going out today. I'll aim to post Monday.
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Forgot to say, I'd misplaced the Black Pod runners, not sure if they ended up in the bin even. But luckily I did have some backups, just not so many so I'm afraid only about 6 beans each (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/sad.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Also I've had a bit of an accident with my labels and can't tell Tamra cucumber apart from my melons! So there won't be any this year sorry. I'll do a test sow later on and include them next year if we do another Circle.
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6 beans are adequate for runners, so don't worry. If they all germinate, that'll provide lots of seed, with a small crop as well.
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6 beans are adequate for runners, so don't worry.
Hope so :happy7:
If they all germinate, that'll provide lots of seed, with a small crop as well.
They look ok and were dried well, seeds are small but they were in my original seed from HSL.
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Oh..accidents do happen to us all..and irritating as it is, luckily you didn't lost the seeds. Labeling is least of the worries :icon_cheers:
I can already feel little 'tickle' of excitement at the bottom of my tummy when thinking of all those seeds that we are about to recover from our parcels...all those loooooovely packets to touch...and then open them one by one and peek inside to see what the seeds look like...and then lovingly drop few out of packet on the palm of the hand and feel the seeds....and then sitdown with cup of tea and start organizing the packets in their 'right' places amongst other packets in seedboxes....and then make another cup of tea and start planning pen on paper what crop goes where on the plot....and then yet another cup of tea and day dreaming all those lushly growing rows of perfect looking crops where there is not a single pest on a site...and then anothe ...NO..then its time for LOO! :icon_cheers:
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But where did my black pod beans go? They were all ready packed in envelopes (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/what.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Lovely description goodlife, and even though I've seen all the packets I can't wait until my parcel is mine to open properly, lovely lovely seeds :blob7:
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Oh..accidents do happen to us all..and irritating as it is, luckily you didn't lost the seeds. Labeling is least of the worries :icon_cheers:
I can already feel little 'tickle' of excitement at the bottom of my tummy when thinking of all those seeds that we are about to recover from our parcels...all those loooooovely packets to touch...and then open them one by one and peek inside to see what the seeds look like...and then lovingly drop few out of packet on the palm of the hand and feel the seeds....and then sitdown with cup of tea and start organizing the packets in their 'right' places amongst other packets in seedboxes....and then make another cup of tea and start planning pen on paper what crop goes where on the plot....and then yet another cup of tea and day dreaming all those lushly growing rows of perfect looking crops where there is not a single pest on a site...and then anothe ...NO..then its time for LOO! :icon_cheers:
You forgotto mention the 'geek stage' - typing them into the database on the puter together with descriptions and donor information - that is usually worth at least :coffee2: :coffee2: :coffee2: :coffee2: :coffee2:
and this stage could last for days, interspersed with a strong desire to unpack seeds again just to look at them, then play with them .......
Yes we are all definitely looking forward to this year's parcel.
I had my seeds all packed up and sent to JayB, tidied up the table and found another set of seeds in their packets that had somehow avoided getting posted. Ah well - I sent them a few days later. I think most of us had a mishap or two along the way. But I am very envious that you had melon seeds to be confused over JayB - my melon attempts in 2012 were all doomed to sad failure.
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Does the geek stage cover printing labels and envelopes too :happy7:
Ahhh the melons, they were a bit slow to get going but did ok, particularly with the summer we had. They are called Most Northern Melon, nice selection of types mostly quite small but nice, sweet and juicy. I'm growing them again this year and adding a little to the op mix. I'm hoping to trail some outside as well but I don't have much hope for these. You are welcome to some seed if you like to try them, I've a couple of things to send you anyway that I didn't get around to adding to the seed parcel, so easy to slip some in when I work out what's what!
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Seeds parcels were posted today :blob9: :blob7: :blob9: :blob7: :blob9:
Not sure how but I'm left with 1 packet of Mystery Tomatoes, and 1 pack each of Reade krobbe beans and Wieringer Boon beans, couldn't find which envelope they were from, so please if they are yours let me know and I'll forward them on.
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Dear Jayb,
T H A N K Y O U ! ! !
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Now I'm excited!
Come on postie!
Blimey! I haven't felt like this since for ages!
JayB. Fair doos. You're doing an excellent job lass. :-)
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OH NO!...what a disaster! :BangHead:....the seed parcel just arrived!
And there was me rushing around trying to get all 'urgent' little jobs done before the treasure arrives so that I can sit down in my leasure time with a bucketfull of tea and start playing :icon_cheers:
Now I cannot get nothing done! I though I could put the envelope aside and look inside later...BUT...its opened now.. :toothy10:..I've only put my nose in it to look..nothing been touched yet.
Bah....who needs clean house anyway...off to put that kettle on :icon_cheers:
THANK YOU JAYB!!!!!!!!!!!!XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX..and hug too :icon_cheers:
edit to add (after tipping it all on table...couldn't wait anymore): THANK YOU FOR EVERYBODY!...WHAT A PARCEL!!!!!!! WHOAAAA SOME SEEDS TO GROW INDEED! ..and yes, I'm shouting because I'm bit hyper now for the excitement :blob7: :drunken_smilie: :toothy10: :happy7: So many beauuuutiful seeds and the sun is shining..day could not be any better :icon_cheers:
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Postie has been here too!!!!!!!!
No cups of anything yet! Way too excited. :blob7:
Have been laying the packets out on the floor. The seed envelope art is superb. Not just every type of seed packet that could be used, but real art - painted, with ladybirds, with photos, with ............ absolutely amazing to look at. and dream ............
Thank you everybody! Thank you JayB! :wave: :sunny:
Send some of your sun please GL :tongue3: here it is just the freezing fog that we have been having for weeks now - the type that will make sure the snow stays on the ground.
But today ................... it just doesn't matter. There is so much :sunny: going on in the lounge.
THANK YOU ALL
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I must grow MOOOOOORE seeds now...MUCH MORE!! :toothy10: :toothy10: ..and looks like I've got something inside the parcel to grow for everybody.. :glasses9: :icon_cheers: :icon_thumleft:
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Wow.
That is all.
:blob7: :blob7: :blob7: :blob7: :blob7:
Oh, thanks Jayb!!! For all the hard work sorting it all out. :wave:
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Yayyyyy glad they have started arriving (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-bounce016.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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Thank you so much Jayb and the circle , as you will see my contribution is really poor .
I am saving the parcel for a quiet time later this evening , I was given a Shaker style box at Christmas so all your lovely seeds have a special place as well the plot.
Thanks again.
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Jayb, could you please give your germination instructions for Bay tree? Do we crack the berries open or leave them whole. Do we cold stratify or soak or start off in the propagator? What would you recommend?
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What a fantastic parcel arrived today, Thank you so much everyone, and especially Jayb for your hard work.
the art work is also superb :icon_cheers:
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...Up late today..... Still yawning when something caught my eye....
A card....
A card from the Postie.....
Nnnnoooooo!!
'Wassup?' Asks daughter #2.
'My seeds!... My seeds!...They'll spend the night in the..... and its going to freeze! Hard!'.....
'Hang on' Says daughter #2... ' I'm sure I just....'....
Snatches card out of my hand and streaks out of the back door. Straight down the path and across the road just as postie's van appears leaving the school opposite....
'Holy smokes!' 'She's going to make it!' Says Mrs Nig..
'Is she?' Chirps I..
'Naah' Says Mrs Nig....
'Oooh!' 'Wait a minute'..
:cheers:
'Oh, good one our Vicky.' Says I.
And you.
And you.
And JayB and anyone else connected with this whole seed-swap idea.
Thanks folks. This is fantastic!
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:toothy10: ...can we have that running documentary on video please... :icon_cheers:
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Jayb, could you please give your germination instructions for Bay tree? Do we crack the berries open or leave them whole. Do we cold stratify or soak or start off in the propagator? What would you recommend?
Lol, I'm afraid I'm a novice with sowing them too. Although I think they are best sown now in a pot and kept outside, they'll get a good dose of winter weather. I'm not sure if it was the right thing to do but I've put in a mix of this autumn's berries and last springs berries. I believe they are left whole. I think I found some good info on RHS site but would have to look it up again. Afraid I've not had a chance to add info to the circle doc. yet. I don't know how hardy they they will be in other parts of the country but here they have sailed through the last couple of cold winters.
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Have to agree there were so many great ways of wrapping seeds, it really was a pleasure to open each parcel arriving. All unique and special all for very different reasons, the care in folding and making, art work, painting, hand written label, pretty coloured envelopes and the reuse of paper, fab. Loved them. But I have to say my favourites were Markfield rover's, so pretty and I think all hand painted? I was amazed that each and everyone was an individual work of art, just slightly different from the next, really beautiful thank you.
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I came across this info about bay tree seeds...
"Growing Bay Trees
Not the easiest to grow from seed as it needs to be kept at a temperature of around 21°C (65°F). Sow the seeds on the surface of a seed tray or straight into pots. Germination can take from between 10 days - to 6 months or more! Ensure that the compost is not too wet as the seeds will rot."
After reading that info..it reminded me that some years ago I bought some bay seedlings from nursery...there must been 12 in 2" pot...and when I took the rootball apart to plant each seedling individually..the old seed coat was still attached to the stem and it was very close to surface. So that would tally with the info above.
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Markfield Rover definitely gets top marks for seed packet design. Gorgeous!
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Love the story Nigel. Especially the streaking daughter!
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Oops best ignore me :tongue1:. Thanks for that Goodlife and from RHS site "Bay can be propagated from seed collected in the autumn. Remove the fleshy outer casing and sow as soon as possible. If seed has dried or is bought, soak in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Plants may be male or female so seed is only likely to form on female specimens" http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=251
Edit to add, thinking back, perhaps not the best year to have included these as many less berries than usual, hope it's not an omen.
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Edit to add, thinking back, perhaps not the best year to have included these as many less berries than usual, hope it's not an omen.
Definately not omen..
I've never grown bay from seeds and I love to try different things...so they were GOOD thing to have included :icon_cheers:
I've got big bay on the garden...but it has never ever flowered or produced any sort of part that I could say what sex the tree is, and I have been around it with magnifying glass :icon_cheers:..don't know if there is non-flowering sort..sterile is the word I was looking for.
I would love to grow another one..or two from seed, just to see what they 'sex bits' look like :glasses9:
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I came across this info about bay tree seeds...
"Growing Bay Trees
Not the easiest to grow from seed as it needs to be kept at a temperature of around 21°C (65°F). Sow the seeds on the surface of a seed tray or straight into pots. Germination can take from between 10 days - to 6 months or more! Ensure that the compost is not too wet as the seeds will rot."
After reading that info..it reminded me that some years ago I bought some bay seedlings from nursery...there must been 12 in 2" pot...and when I took the rootball apart to plant each seedling individually..the old seed coat was still attached to the stem and it was very close to surface. So that would tally with the info above.
Thank you very much both. Yes I had found conflicting advice on Google, so I thought I'd ask. I could try both methods and see what works.
Thank you for adding a variety that stretches the gardener a bit :wave: Really looking forward to growing our own bay, as we don't have one, but use it in cooking a lot.
A delightful surprise in the packet! This is one of the wonders of the seed circle. Gets us to grow and love things we would not usually try.
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Glad you liked the packets I painted each one as the contents was so lacking had to make up for it somehow! Enjoyed it though. Jayb's were clever ,a couple of years ago I started a collection of seed packet examples so I will popping a couple into that.
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Really looking forward to growing our own bay, as we don't have one, but use it in cooking a lot.
Well..in that case..don't go and buy any from shops anymore!!!! I can post you more than you can ever use..or perharps I should say, until you own grown trees are able to provide.. :toothy10: You just give me 'shout' when you are ready for some..
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Postie has posted the " We tried to deliver a parcel today" card thru door so will be collecting mine tonight
after reading all above posts I CANNOT WAIT
!!!!
Debs
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My postman was kind enough to leave them next to the front door (where it's dry). Many thanks everybody and double thanks to Jayb. Can't wait for spring. I won't wait for spring.
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I picked a few berries from my bay tree this morning. If anyone is going to soak their berries to remove the 'fleshy outer coating' I've found they are not very fleshy and if anything the flesh is fairly thin. Hope the picture gives a better idea, I also cut one in half to see what was inside- just one big seed.
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I picked a few berries from my bay tree this morning. If anyone is going to soak their berries to remove the 'fleshy outer coating' I've found they are not very fleshy and if anything the flesh is fairly thin. Hope the picture gives a better idea, I also cut one in half to see what was inside- just one big seed.
Thank you JayB. Looking forward to getting this one going here. Thank you goodlife for the backup. Super!
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Hello seed circle gang,the pigeon has landed.Thanks a lot everybody for some hours looking what what is.Jayb thanks a lot for organising this circle.Funny i have now a package in my hands with contains oldstamer wierboon,this broad bean is very old.It was in a program on the television,they are growing it on different places in holland because it became very rare.I got it from a very strange direction,that is what sharing seeds is making so funny to do.Now i want to know how it came to the u.k. ? :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:
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Brilliant Ruud, a quick pigeon! I'm sure Galina will give you more info about Oldstamer Wierboon, just wanted to add that Irish Seed Savers have them listed this year too. So nice to see a rare bean becoming a little more available. :wave:
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Just got out of hospital again and a large packet of seeds greeted mecheering me up no end,something to study over the weekend
Thanks everybody especially Jayb :icon_cheers:
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We sowed all the tomatoes, chillis and peppers today at school.
Bazinga!
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It's so good to see the seed sharing circle roaring ahead. I don't have the time to dedicate to this unfortunately but I love seeing what you are all doing.
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Sorry to hear you've been in hospital Poolcue, hope will be feeling better soon (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/smile.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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We sowed all the tomatoes, chillis and peppers today at school.
Bazinga!
Fabulous :glasses9:
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It's so good to see the seed sharing circle roaring ahead. I don't have the time to dedicate to this unfortunately but I love seeing what you are all doing.
It needn't take up too much time if you change your mind :wave:
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Havent been able to collect my parcel yet as delivery office not open past 1pm & I was at work :BangHead:
So tomorrow is D-Day !!!!!!!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited :blob7: :blob7:
Debs X
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Brilliant Ruud, a quick pigeon! I'm sure Galina will give you more info about Oldstamer Wierboon, just wanted to add that Irish Seed Savers have them listed this year too. So nice to see a rare bean becoming a little more available. :wave:
Ruud, I swapped Oldambster Wierboon with Jaap Vlaming a long time ago. He offered them in the HSL catalogue seed swap. Here is Jaap:
http://www.denationaleproeftuin.nl/proeftuin/column/column.asp?id=55
I grow them and like them a lot.
Did you know the Kools Langstro Rozijn Erwt? Yes, also from Jaap originally :icon_cheers: This one was grown commercially into the 1950s, so has by now also reached heritage or heirloom age.
Well there is a connection between Jaap and Irish Seed Savers, as we have found out in the past, thanks for noting this Jayb.
Incidentally the Georgian beans in this year's circle parcel also originally came from Jaap, who lives on Texel Island. On Texel is a monument to the Georgians who fought in the second World War. Visitors still come regularly to visit the monument and Jaap asked one of the visitors for traditional Georgian beans. He received many and shared with seed savers. I have several of these varieties and grow them out regularly. Incidentally the Reade Krobbe bean from you I had also previously received from Jaap. Nice to pool yours and mine and add Wieringer as a 'new to me' traditional Dutch variety and hear the story behind it being lost in the Netherlands, but repatriated from immigrants into the USA.
Another traditional Dutch bean variety that is known here is Mechelse Tros, which Goodlife kindly shared with me. Maybe it will feature in a future Seed Circle. Our climates are fairly similar, which makes swapping and growing traditional varieties very easy.
This is why you find some traditional heirloom Dutch varieties in a British seed swap. :sunny:
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Just got out of hospital again and a large packet of seeds greeted mecheering me up no end,something to study over the weekend
Thanks everybody especially Jayb :icon_cheers:
Wish you a speedy recovery, sorry you were in hospital, hope all is well now.
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An afternoon spent going through my packet.It may save somebody else typing the list out.
Variety
Blackpod Runner Bean
Giant Yellow Tomatillo
Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis)
Helsing Junction Blues Tomato
Betimes Macbeth Tomato
Blush Tomato
Skagit Magic TPS
Baun Onion
Radlands Greenleaf Dwarf FB
Debbie's Purple Beetroot
Aranyalma Tomato
Mr Brooks Blue DFB
Old Homestead CFB
Queen of Hearts Tomato
Eat Me Early Mange Tout
Blauschokker Peas
Trail of Tears Bean
Cosse Violette
Mrs Fortune's Climbling Bean
Major Cook's Bean
Red Pear Tomato
Terhune
Pretty in Purple Chilli
Yankee Bell Pepper
Henderson Lima Bean
Madame Jardel's Black Tomato
Cherokee White Eagle Corn
Fordhook 242 Lima Bean
Black Jet Soya Bean
Miniature White Cucumber
Pepperdew Chilli
Great White Tomato
Butterbean Soya Bean
Tohya Soya Bean
Wieringer Boon DFB
Reade Krobbe DFB
Swedish Yellow Pea
Kaulion's White Broadbean
Luang Prabang Mangetout
Ragged Jack Kale
Eeuwig Moes
Mystery Tomato
White Zebra
Turkish Pepper
Black Icicle Tomato
Florence Fennel
Scorzonera
Flavert DFB
Numex Twilight Chillis
Tropaleum Peregrinum
Kod's Langstro Roziju Erwt Pea
Oldambster Wierboom Broad Bean
Elisabeth Pea mangetout
Spring Blush Tall Snap pea
Alma Csipos Pepper
Opal Creek Tall Snap Pea
NC Speckled Cutshort long Greasy Bean
BiR di Trieste Lettuce
Georgian #2 Dwarf French Bean
Pea Parsley
Greek Cress
Dwarf Grey Sugar Mangetout Pea
Ground Cherry Cossack Pineapple
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Now that you have typed it all...the list does look quite a monster :icon_cheers:
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Have finally collected my parcel, made a coffee, and :icon_cheers:settled myself in the peace & quiet in the conservatory to open my parcel . . .
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OMG :blob7: what a treasure trove of seeds !!!
A huge thankyou to everyone ( especially Jayb x ), the variety of seeds & the beautiful artwork of some of the seed packets is really appreciated
Second cup of coffee & seed planning weekend is forecast
Debs :toothy4:
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Glad you liked the packets I painted each one as the contents was so lacking had to make up for it somehow! Enjoyed it though. Jayb's were clever ,a couple of years ago I started a collection of seed packet examples so I will popping a couple into that.
I showed one of your packets to the team at HSL today - and they were bowled over; and they have taken one for inspiration. So well done!
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Ooh- aj I am blushing! But glad you like them,if there is a next time I shall try and be a might more creative.
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An afternoon spent going through my packet.It may save somebody else typing the list out.
Variety
Blackpod Runner Bean
Giant Yellow Tomatillo
Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis)
Helsing Junction Blue Tomato
Betimes Macbeth Tomato
Blush Tomato
Skagit Magic TPS
Baun Onion
Redlands Greenleaf Dwarf FB
Dobbie's Purple Beetroot
Aranyalma Tomato
Mr Brooks Blue DFB
Old Homestead CFB
Queen of Hearts Tomato
Eat Me Early Mange Tout
Blauwschokker Peas
Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean
Cosse Violette
Mrs Fortune's Climbling Bean
Major Cook's Bean
Red Pear Tomato
Terhune
Pretty in Purple Chilli
Yankee Bell Pepper
Henderson Lima Bean
Madame Jardel's Black Tomato
Cherokee White Eagle Corn
Fordhook 242 Lima Bean
Black Jet Soya Bean
Miniature White Cucumber
Pepperdew Chilli
Great White Tomato
Butterbean Soya Bean
Tohya Soya Bean
Wieringer Boon DFB
Reade Krobbe DFB
Swedish Yellow Pea
Kaulion's White Broadbean
Luang Prabang Mangetout
Ragged Jack Kale
Eeuwig Moes
Mystery Tomato
White Zebra
Turkish Pepper
Black Icicle Tomato
Florence Fennel
Scorzonera
Flavert DFB
Numex Twilight Chillis
Tropaleum Peregrinum
Kool's Langstro Rozijn Erwt Pea
Oldambster Wierboon Broad Bean
Elisabeth Pea mangetout
Spring Blush Tall Snap pea
Alma Csipos Pepper
Opal Creek Tall Snap Pea
North Carolina Speckled Cutshort long Greasy Bean
Lattughino Biondo Ricciolino di Trieste Lettuce
Georgian #2 Dwarf French Bean
Pea Parsley
Greek Cress
Dwarf Grey Sugar Mangetout Pea
Ground Cherry Cossack Pineapple
Sorry Poolcue, just being a bit (a lot) anal about spellings of variety names and have updated the list. Hope you don't mind and thank you for typing it out which is very useful for everybody. Incidentally correct names can be found here - some with descriptions and photos:
https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/seed-parcel/seed-parcel-2012
It would be lovely, if we could get descriptions for all of our varieties to complete the super e-booklet on this (and past) seed circles that Jayb set up. We can help get text onto the site, if assistance is needed or describe how to do it. This is really a collaborative effort.
There is also a really nice summary page of all the varieties we have been exchanging. This is where growing reports can be placed and also any photos taken during the growing season:
https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/blog/seeds-shared
I just love looking through these pages and send thanks to all of our seed donors. Also many thanks to Jeannine who has very generously contributed to this year's parcel.
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Galina thanks for the corrections I was working off of packets and the correct spellings make internet searches easier :happy7:
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Ooh- aj I am blushing! But glad you like them,if there is a next time I shall try and be a might more creative.
No - those were perfect!
We all loved them. Shame to have to open them really...
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................ and we have lift off!
First tiny seedlings of Pepperdew have sprouted this morning :sunny:
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Just a quick update on the Blauwschokker Peas.
My mate Marc grew some too last year. By the end of the season though he'd collected quite enough peas to fill the freezer, and so knocked down all the sticks and stuff and rotavated the ground in November last.......
No sooner had he done that
Than they started to appear.
Baby Blauwschokkers,
Everywhere..........
They've shrugged off the low temps,
The ice and floods.
Ignored hungry mice
Trying to savour their buds.
They just won't be beaten
Those little Blauwschokkers.
They'll tough out the worst
They'll roll with wind-rockers.
So set them off now
and if they fail to come through.
I'll eat my own hat
Yes that's just what I'll do.
:tongue3:
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8427357786_9a59e4b006_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39243143@N03/8427357786/)
Pic0051 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39243143@N03/8427357786/) by Nefariousenator (http://www.flickr.com/people/39243143@N03/), on Flickr
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8504/8426266799_408f3c27d2_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39243143@N03/8426266799/)
Pic0037 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39243143@N03/8426266799/) by Nefariousenator (http://www.flickr.com/people/39243143@N03/), on Flickr
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Hi galina,great to read your story,if you told me that jaap vlaming was the man behind the curtains. :toothy10: :toothy10:I have done some swaps with jaap in the past he is a famous person in the dutch seedswap scene.That side you mentioned is started by jaap,great to see and hear that seed intrested people are all the same were ever you live.By the way mechelse trots sounds intresting. :happy7: :happy7:
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Yay - half the toms sown on Friday are up - some not even in the heated prop.
Don't ya love fresh seeds!!!
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Did you get my PM, JayB?
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Did you get my PM, JayB?
Yes, I've just pm'ed you.
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The seeds just arrived, thanks. Lots of stuff there, and the near-absence of squashes suggests that everyone else struggled as much as I did last year! I'm particularly glad of the broad beans, since I'm trying to develop my own grex, and they look like useful additions.
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Glad they are finally there :toothy10:
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Glad they are finally there :toothy10:
Has everybody had their envelope? hope so :happy7:
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Hi Jayb,
Do you have any advice for sowing the bay tree seeds?
I soaked them and put on damp kitchen roll but they became mouldy :(
Any advice appreciated
Debs x
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Hi Jayb,
Do you have any advice for sowing the bay tree seeds?
I soaked them and put on damp kitchen roll but they became mouldy :(
Any advice appreciated
Debs x
Have a look at page 17 on this thread..we had little 'chat' about how to do it..
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Correction - on page 18 of this thread I said that 'Mechelse Tros' bean is a Dutch variety of Climbing French Bean. Actually, it is BELGIAN! Apologies to Belgians on the forum. Mechelen where this bean originated, is a town in Belgium.
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A question or two about the "Kaulion Valkea (Kaulion's White)"
It (You) say(s) they are very frost tolerant.. "..but coming from Finland, their 'frost' is UK 'FREEZING COLD!..so should be able to take our weather."....
Can you recommend the best time to sow ?
Cheersees. :-)
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So from advice given, I should remove seed casing, soak seed for 24 hrs & then put seed into slightly moist compost into a plastic bag and into the fridge for 2 weeks?
THEN grow on in temp of 21 C ??
Debs
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A question or two about the "Kaulion Valkea (Kaulion's White)"
It (You) say(s) they are very frost tolerant.. "..but coming from Finland, their 'frost' is UK 'FREEZING COLD!..so should be able to take our weather."....
Can you recommend the best time to sow ?
Cheersees. :-)
You can sow them same as you would any other broadbean...starting from anytime soon.. :toothy10:
As for the 'frost'..well..frost is frost where ever it is. Nothing will grow if the ground is frozen solid. Last year when everything else struggled..those beans were doing really well.. :icon_cheers:
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Sorry Deb's I've not tried growing Laurel seeds before either. I came across Forestry Commission site and I’m a little worried I may have saved the bay seeds in the wrong manner, they might have been much better picked fresh just before sending “A few broadleaves (e.g. beech, laurel and Norway maple) combine the intermediate storage characteristics with deep dormancy. This means that they require careful drying, relatively precise storage conditions and also very lengthy pretreatment. “
Page 18 has details for Bay Trees http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcpg018.pdf/
I hope some will germinate. There should still be some on the tree if anyone needs some fresh?
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NigelB, could you please tell me how tall Mangetout 'Eat Me' plants from Hong Kong grow? Looking forward to trying these, just need to know how tall the supports need to be.
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NigelB, could you please tell me how tall Mangetout 'Eat Me' plants from Hong Kong grow? Looking forward to trying these, just need to know how tall the supports need to be.
Ah. Sorry guys... They will need support. Four to Six-footers, if I remember correctly... :-)
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They will need support. Four to Six-footers, if I remember correctly... :-)
Thanks Nigel.
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They will need support. Four to Six-footers, if I remember correctly... :-)
Thanks Nigel.
Thanks, just planning what goes where.
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Unless I'm missing something, there's nothing on the web page about Purple Passion peas. I'm not even sure who included it in the parcel, and I'm wondering what the plant looks like. I want to grow it with a variety that looks completely different so I can't mistake it!
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Cancel that, I'm getting confused. I know where it came from now.
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Lol, you got me worried there Robert, I was just wondering why I hadn't any in my parcel (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/tongue.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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I'd forgotten I had some rare peas come from the States recently. It's one of those.
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Lol, you got me worried there Robert, I was just wondering why I hadn't any in my parcel (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/tongue.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Maybe you will have some in your parcel next year ................................................... :-)
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It's just a single seed of a purple-seeded mutation. I think it'll take more than one year to bulk it up, but all being well I might have one or two umbellate peas, with a growth habit similar to Salmon Flowered. I've been looking for more of these for a while.
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It's just a single seed of a purple-seeded mutation. I think it'll take more than one year to bulk it up, but all being well I might have one or two umbellate peas, with a growth habit similar to Salmon Flowered. I've been looking for more of these for a while.
Your purple seeded mutation sounds interesting, hope it does well.
How exciting, I'd be really interested other umbellate pea varieties. What colour are the flowers?
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I have two labeled 'umbellata' with accession numbers; I assume they came from a seed bank, but I know nothing about them. Mummy White should be umbellate if it's the variety I've read about, and is presumably white. Mummy pea could be anything. We'll see! It's taken me several years to get hold of these, and I'm as excited as anyone.
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I'll be really interested to follow how they progress with you, and yes if at some point in the future you have a few spare for me that would be awesome.
I've some Salmon Flowered F2 crosses to grow out this year, I'm really hoping for the possibility of a new variety of crown peas in the making!
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When's best to plant the Riebel Maize anyone? Any tips on growing it?
I hope it's tougher than regular sweetcorn because I've had no luck at all with those the last few years. I had a bit of a read about the maize and found a recipe for it so I'd really like to get a good crop from it if I can....
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When's best to plant the Riebel Maize anyone? Any tips on growing it?
I hope it's tougher than regular sweetcorn because I've had no luck at all with those the last few years. I had a bit of a read about the maize and found a recipe for it so I'd really like to get a good crop from it if I can....
All corn is frost tender, but just slightly less than cucurbita or beans. You get away with a dip to 0 or -1C it the ground isn't wet. I always start indoors, because it is too late to sow when the ground outside has warmed up sufficiently.
Corn is a good candidate for toilet paper tubes or paper pots of similar size. Earliest start perhaps at the beginning of April. Some corn needs warmth for germination, especially the supersweet varieties. Middle of April or late April indoors start for areas with late frosts. To help corn settle in well after transplanting, it helps to prevent windrock by really firming plants in and mulching with compost or making little mounds around each stem, not quite as much as say earthing up potatoes, just enough to make sure the plants are firmly anchored in the soil.
Last year was a struggle even with an early variety. The weather couldn't have been much worse for corn. This year is surely going to be better :BangHead:
(garden waterlogged once again after the recent snow and rain, surrounding fields have developed extra lakes :BangHead:)
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Jeannine's Soya beans: :wave.gif: .... How when where.....?
I didn't even know we could grow them here...
I am loving[/i] this seed parcel business..... :-)
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NigelB, could you please tell me how tall Mangetout 'Eat Me' plants from Hong Kong grow? Looking forward to trying these, just need to know how tall the supports need to be.
Ah. Sorry guys... They will need support. Four to Six-footers, if I remember correctly... :-)
With all the rain earlier in the season they have topped 6ft here. And the pods are just huge, the longest 7inches!!! and very sweet indeed. Thank you for a fine pea variety. Have blanched and frozen several portions. Hope they will still be as good in the winter as they are now.
You said they were like a little drink - well they are like a small meal here :wave: and they are very juicy.
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Doh, can't believe I didn't get mine sown. Good info, thanks Galina :happy7:
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those mange-tout from hong kong are growing well over here,definatly a keeper.Huge pods look like big sugar snaps for me.Sugar snaps and carrots famous dish over here.
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:icon_cheers: Superb reviews of the Eat Me Mange-tout. I'll pass them on to Steve, I'm sure he'll be impressed.
Ruud. Your Kale varieties are brilliant! Just what I was looking for. They have a sort of Cabbage-light flavour about them. Very good germination and strong plants. Thanks again!
Galina:
Brilliant! Just brilliant!
My greenhouse if full of pairs of tomatoes of all shapes and colours. Tomatillos too. Large and small. I have cucumbers climbing all over the grapevine and turning the roof yellow with their abundant flowers.
Wonderful stuff!
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I would like to agree with the Eat Me Mange Tout - flippin marvelous and so huge whilst staying snappy.
I have resisted eating them all and am saving for seed. It took alot of willpower though.
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'Eat Me' mange tout, still kicking myself for not sowing them, I've got them top of my list for next year :toothy10:
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Oldambster Wierboon broad beans and Black Pod runners both did well this year. I've put them both into mixes, so it'll be interesting to see how the hybrids come out!
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Sounds interesting Robert, if you need some more Blackpod runners, I've some growing as isolated as I can, not yet harvested, but hopefully looking good for ripe seed. I also put some in a different spot along with some other varieties in a hope to hybridise, but they have been hammered by slugs and I don't think there will be any to harvest this year.
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Yummy........... just picked some of the cossack pineapple ground cherries. I grew them in a greenhouse as tomatillos have not ripened here for me in the last few years. Got a huge crop to come too, jam session coming on.
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Did you get any Blackpod seed, JayB?
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Happily, yes. They did really well here this year :happy7:
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Any chance of a few? Mine did well, but then the seeds rotted. Maybe they got frosted since I left them so long in the hope of getting them dried off.
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You're very welcome to some :happy7:
I'll add them in with the seed circle stuff.
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Thanks.
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I'll un-sticky this and put a link to it in a new thread
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https://sites.google.com/site/seedsharingcircle/seed-parcel/seed-parcel-2012
A little update on the pea 'Elisabeth', seeds for which were shared in the 2012 parcel.
Seeds from my Elisabeth pea variety always produce plants that flower uniformly pink and white here, and have done for many years. Right at the end of the season the pink and white gets washed out and the flowers get tiny. But I have not had a big white flower like like Jayb had (from Elisabeth seeds I had shared with her previously) and which is shown on the photo in the seedsharing booklet.
In 2014 I grew a batch of Elisabeths from seeds only from Jayb's white flowered type - and none came back white flowered! All were pink and white as usual, except for one plant that had pretty pink (rather than white) standards, see photo on site above. Are these environmental/cultural changes that happened when Elisabeth seeds transferred to Wales and back again?
I would appreciate reports on flower colour from anybody who has grown Elisabeth. If occasionally a plant can change to white flowering in Wales, maybe they can change in other locations too? And with the seed circle members we have a wide diversity of locations to check this out.
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Has anybody grown this and can report please?
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You know about mine already, right? All grew pink flowers and it made a lot of smallish pods. I'm growing it again next year!
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You know about mine already, right? All grew pink flowers and it made a lot of smallish pods. I'm growing it again next year!
Yes thank you very much Silverleaf. That was what I had here for donkey's years without variation. And why I was so surprised when they showed different flowers in Wales. :wave:
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My Elisabeth's all look to be present and correct so far this year.
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My Elisabeth's all look to be present and correct so far this year.
Thank you, Jayb. :wave:
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I know this is by now a very old post, but I have only just got around to growing Robert's Mummy White peas. I expected a normal crown pea, ie half tall with one top tuft of flowers. These are not like the crown peas I am familiar with. They grow a little tuft of flowers, then carry on growing, another tuft of multiple flowers, then more growth. In the end they were actually tall peas and the yield was pretty good. Sweet too, lovely shelling peas.
Rather than crown peas, I wonder whether these are some sort of multiflowered pea. We are used to one or two flowers per node, but according to the gene list in the John Innes Institute, there can be quite a few more flowers per node.
Did not help that I had the plants on short support sticks, so they buckled rather than being supported properly. Next time I will know how to grow them better.
Just putting it out there that Mummy White may not be a crown pea. Would love comments on this from others who have grown this pea. :wave:
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What colour are the flowers Galina?
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What colour are the flowers Galina?
They were white :wave:
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Excellent!
Mine grew and tasted extremely similar to Salmon Crown peas, though I fancy the shade of pink and productiveness was slightly different.
If you are saving seed and have some spare, I would love to have a couple if possible :wave:
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Some of the Crown pea growouts I've been doing have thrown odd vines that aren't quite a crown type but neither are they a regular vining type either. Sounds similar to what you are describing, perhaps more hidden qualities in the pea world.
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Thank you Jayb. Yes indeed there may be a growth habit that is different from what we know, a sort of hybrid form with multiple flowers. Interesting to read that you had this type with various crown peas. I know you have a lot of experience with these peas.
I have just found this series of Mummy White photos from Rebsie Fairholm:
https://picasaweb.google.com/108102961251644507296/PeaTrials2009MummyWhite?gsessionid=-2-B3MXs1QaUt1Nr1gweag#5349474028719227506
Quite similar to what I had, but I did not have the pronounced fasciated stems and smaller top tufts. Maybe because I did not support them adequately like a tall pea, they did not develop their full potential.
A very interesting shape, especially because these are higher yielding than the 'ordinary' crown pea with the single crown.
Will put some seeds aside for you.
:wave:
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Many thanks :glasses9:
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That about describes it; I've always regarded them as a crown pea, but it does have a rather different growth habit to Salmon pea.
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That about describes it; I've always regarded them as a crown pea, but it does have a rather different growth habit to Salmon pea.
I had never seen any pea like it - quite an eye opener - and needs tall supports! Because of the multiple flowers at every node it would be interesting to see whether they are actually producing more pods overall compared to, say Telephone. But I suspect the plant will be self limiting, because they can only support a given number. Growing these Mummy peas and delighting in their unusual (and unexpected) ways, was a lovely little thrill in the pea patch this year. :sunny: