Allotments 4 All

Oh WoW Jeannine, flowers already of both types.  Congratulations. I don't think you need to tie them up unless they get to many pounds in weight. The smaller, say Uchiki Kuri sized squashes, make stems that are strong enough.  Unless it could be windy,  I think on the whole they would be self supporting. But it certainly can't hurt and would make sure. 

You are a star rescuing this variety, thank you.   

Jut an update on these precious plants. I still have 4 going well, 3 forging ahead , one a wee bit slower. They are all in pots,1/2 barrel size. 3 left to ramble on my flat paved/low planted rock garden. They are on the ground now and attaching them selves to patches of soil and to my creeping Thyme but they are doing very well. The 4th one is growing upwards  up a large decorative column by my entrance. It seems quite happy. Each one seems to put on about 6 inches of growth in a day. Lots of boys hovering but as of today three or  four  girls are popping on 3 plants . I am still crossing my fingers but right now I feel Ok about them. Anyway the plan to send seeds to share  seems more likely every day.I have never grown squash vertically so I guess I need to get ready with net bags or panty hose.

XX Jeannine

Mangetout Born.  Goodness, what a fine brute of a pea.  Ok it is growing in a very fertile part of the garden, but these are huge and loaded with delish peas.  Thank you MR.  A great pea to have.

Ah well. At least their honesty is very slightly rescued, but certainly not their efficiency or reliability!

I'm told they will send a refund as they do not have replacements available. After all this time I'd much rather have the right plants but it's better than nothing!

Hi Nick,

I have just PM'd you about Davington Epicure, I'm doing a bit of research on these seeds and their original grower and seed merchant and would love to be in touch with you!

Tina

Thanks for your comments and suggestions, and sorry to read of your poor experiences. I'm following this up again, will let you know the outcome!

I grew them as fodder for goats forty years ago. I didn't taste them, by smell they were like a very strong swede. Tough as old boots to cut up, too. I think it's a trend I would pass on!

The word Mangelwurzel comes from Mangold Wurzel, a German term meaning chard root.  A form of chard, especially bred for supersized roots.  Seeds are still widely available in Germany as a fodder crop. I believe that it also makes a half decent wine, but not something I have ever tried.  I have eaten chard roots, but they tend to be quite fibrous, although the taste is fine. 

It seems like the Slow Food movement are reclaiming these too.  https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/mangelwurzel/#:~:text=As%20a%20result%2C%20this%20beet,if%20intended%20for%20human%20consumption.

Great video! I know mangleworzels were grown a lot in Victorian times, and probably earlier but, as she says, have fallen out of fashion.

She certainly makes a convincing case for them and sells seed herself. It's very tempting to have a go .........