Loo Rolls!

[Rox]

Hi everyone!  ;D
I have been researching with great interest the use of loo rolls for sowing broad beans, sweet peas, etc... I also understand you can use rolled up newspaper,  but as I have been collecting loo rolls for the past while, so have already built up a useable supply. I understand some people have experienced problems with the loo rolls restricting roots once they are planted out, (if they do not decompose quickly enough).  May be a stupid question, but here goes: can this not be avoided by carefully cutting off the loo roll at the time of planting, thus no problem with restricted roots, while the initial use of them will create long strong roots (in the same way root trainers are used and then removed before planting?) . Would appreciate any thoughts/views on this matter. Many thanks in advance!!  ;D

[Rox]

[derbex]

Can't say I've had any problem, although cutting them would probably work, I'd say soaking them before planting would be better.

Jeremy

[ALAN HOWELL]

No probs here either,been doin it this way a year or two now,planting straight in that is :)        Alan

[Multiveg]

To help with the decomposing and root access, holes in the side of the loo roll tube would help.
While on the subject of loo rolls - has anyone had a go at growing mushrooms on them (mentioned in the organic gardening catalogue)?

[Mrs Ava]

Nope, never MV.  Would love to grow mushrooms, never had a lot of success with those boxes.

I carefully tear the loo rolls when planting out, or make sure they are absolutely wet wet wet and have never had a problem.   ;D

[Kerry]

loo rolls-first year i planted the whole lot into the ground (with sweet peas) they took quite a while to decompose - 2nd time i gave them a good soaking and they disappeared mucxh quicker. (my mistake first time round!)
i've also tried cutting down the side of the loo roll and just planting the rootball but it was a bit of a disaster- the soil fell away from the roots and it all came from toegther!

mushrooms-i have some agaricus spawn for this year-i am planning to sow in a box. i too read the KG article on loo roll mushrooms but don't know whether agaricus is suitable for that- i think they used something called 'slime mushrooms'?! sounds delightful!

[wardy]

I'm using bog rolls for my sweet peas and they've taken up plenty of water and now they have grown a lovely mould fur coat.  It looks like fine hair.  Hope it's not going to be detrimental but it does look peculiar

Wardy

[Kerry]

mine can grow mould too, wardy, especially if they're all packed together in a tray to keep them upright. it has never seemed to affect the plants though.

[carrot-cruncher]

I've only used them for growing carrots & parsnips to ward of carrot root fly.   I planted the the whole lot (seedling, compost & loo roll) together but before planting watered the whole lot thoroughly.   The loo roll rotted away pretty well.

CC

[Debs]

Reply at 04.13...

Are you at work ( poor you )

or an insomnniac (poor you )

or you could be so excited at the prospect that the lottie growing

season is almost upon us !!

although you could be a mum with a new baby requiring night-time

feeds  :D

Debs ;)

[carrot-cruncher]

Debs.

Yes, am at work. (12 hr shifts over the weekend) here from 1930 to 0730 then bed all day.

CC

[wardy]

My loo roll plant pots are working great at the mo, unfurling a bit at the bottom but otherwise holding together.  My sweetpeas have germinated and are now spiralling triffid like to the top of the plastic propagator top I put over them.

The loo rolls are now covered in mouldy fur so it should give em a bit of iextra insulation  :)

[Rox]

thx everyone for the reassuring replies  :) I will plant some sweet peas in some loo rolls tonight as well as some more broad beans and see how they get on. It will help save some pots in any case which are already getting used up fast!  ;D 

[Val]

 ;D..Glad some of you have mentioned the mould, I often wondered if it did any damage...as in stunted growth or something.Going to use them again now . Thanks for that. ;D