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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: PJW_Letchworth on May 15, 2009, 20:57:32

Title: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: PJW_Letchworth on May 15, 2009, 20:57:32
I was listening to radio 2 on the way to work this morning and Johnny Walker said he heard the 15 May is the optimal day for planting runner beans.  A day early or a day late then the yeild would suffer.

Every heard of this?  How many other oddities do you know about?
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on May 15, 2009, 21:00:44
How does he work that out? All gardening is local; the optimal day will depend on the conditions where you live, and on the weather that year. Is he suggesting the same day would be appropriate from Freetown to Murmansk?
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Emagggie on May 15, 2009, 21:27:39
...and not least whether you have time on that day. No time meself until next week and I bet mine are as good as always.  ::)
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: hopalong on May 15, 2009, 21:35:33
Is Johnnie Walker a well know horticulturalist?  Excuse my ignorance - I'm a radio 3 and 4 man myself.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Eristic on May 15, 2009, 21:40:38
QuoteIs Johnnie Walker a well know horticulturalist?

It's made me a pissedhorticult a few times.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: staris on May 15, 2009, 21:41:27
 ;D
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Emagggie on May 15, 2009, 21:42:47
Quote from: Eristic on May 15, 2009, 21:40:38
QuoteIs Johnnie Walker a well know horticulturalist?

It's made me a pissedhorticult a few times.
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Plot69 on May 15, 2009, 22:06:40
Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on May 15, 2009, 21:00:44
How does he work that out? All gardening is local; the optimal day will depend on the conditions where you live, and on the weather that year.

Also, if your a looney who plants to the tune of the moon then today, being a root day, would have been totally the wrong day anyway...
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: 70fingers on May 15, 2009, 22:15:45
Lunar planting - generally they are specific on what time too...06:50!! rise and shine lol ;D


Doh! just checked today is the 15th will torch light effect the plants? or shall I cut paper to make my torch like a waning moon??
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Borlotti on May 15, 2009, 22:19:37
My runner beans have planted and hope they are enjoying the lovely rain.  If not I have plenty more to go in later.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: hopalong on May 15, 2009, 22:32:06
Quote from: Eristic on May 15, 2009, 21:40:38
QuoteIs Johnnie Walker a well know horticulturalist?

It's made me a pissedhorticult a few times.
;D me too!
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: sawfish on May 15, 2009, 23:34:51
I firmly believe this 'lunar' stuff is sheer rubbish. But if it floats your boat and you enjoy your gardening more with it then why not.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Bjerreby on May 16, 2009, 05:25:33
Quote from: sawfish on May 15, 2009, 23:34:51
I firmly believe this 'lunar' stuff is sheer rubbish. But if it floats your boat and you enjoy your gardening more with it then why not.

Spinning your beans should also be beneficial. :P

The fact is, the earth and the moon spin as a pair, you know, a bit like that Irish dance scene in "Titanic". That's why the tide is high on the side of Earth opposite the moon, as well as on the moon side. The spinning forces are equal and opposite to the moon's gravity.

Mind you, it would be a boring thing to do. To get the minute force in question, I suspect (I can work it out if you like) that if we hold a bean at arms length, then turn through 360 degrees taking 2 minutes to do it, then we have simulated the tide. Hmmmm, maybe we should do it in a group. People will think we are practicing tai chi.  ;D

Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: 1066 on May 16, 2009, 06:26:54
Quote from: Bjerreby on May 16, 2009, 05:25:33
if we hold a bean at arms length, then turn through 360 degrees taking 2 minutes to do it, then we have simulated the tide. Hmmmm, maybe we should do it in a group. People will think we are practicing tai chi.  ;D


;D   ;D   ;D
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: zigzig on May 16, 2009, 06:30:10
You don't need to be an expert to have an opinion.

Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Twoflower on May 16, 2009, 06:35:56
Quote from: Bjerreby on May 16, 2009, 05:25:33
Quote from: sawfish on May 15, 2009, 23:34:51
I firmly believe this 'lunar' stuff is sheer rubbish. But if it floats your boat and you enjoy your gardening more with it then why not.

Spinning your beans should also be beneficial. :P

The fact is, the earth and the moon spin as a pair, you know, a bit like that Irish dance scene in "Titanic". That's why the tide is high on the side of Earth opposite the moon, as well as on the moon side. The spinning forces are equal and opposite to the moon's gravity.

Mind you, it would be a boring thing to do. To get the minute force in question, I suspect (I can work it out if you like) that if we hold a bean at arms length, then turn through 360 degrees taking 2 minutes to do it, then we have simulated the tide. Hmmmm, maybe we should do it in a group. People will think we are practicing tai chi.  ;D




Can i put them in the washing machine on spin? :)
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!) on May 16, 2009, 07:45:55
i planted some last sunday and cvhecked them yesterday - they look good and haven't been eaten.  Pretty optimal.  As said above, I have a tray of 24 various beans on the window sill, so if they fail I have the backups in place!
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Plot69 on May 16, 2009, 10:55:55
Quote from: 70fingers on May 15, 2009, 22:15:45
Doh! just checked today is the 15th will torch light effect the plants? or shall I cut paper to make my torch like a waning moon??

You'll need to encase your torch in lead to stop the gravitational effect of it's light interfering with the gravitational effect of the moon, otherwise your beans will get totally confused.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: PurpleHeather on May 16, 2009, 14:57:05
Quote from: Twoflower on May 16, 2009, 06:35:56
Quote from: Bjerreby on May 16, 2009, 05:25:33
Quote from: sawfish on May 15, 2009, 23:34:51
I firmly believe this 'lunar' stuff is sheer rubbish. But if it floats your boat and you enjoy your gardening more with it then why not.

Spinning your beans should also be beneficial. :P

The fact is, the earth and the moon spin as a pair, you know, a bit like that Irish dance scene in "Titanic". That's why the tide is high on the side of Earth opposite the moon, as well as on the moon side. The spinning forces are equal and opposite to the moon's gravity.

Mind you, it would be a boring thing to do. To get the minute force in question, I suspect (I can work it out if you like) that if we hold a bean at arms length, then turn through 360 degrees taking 2 minutes to do it, then we have simulated the tide. Hmmmm, maybe we should do it in a group. People will think we are practicing tai chi.  ;D




Can i put them in the washing machine on spin? :)

Now be careful of putting them on a spin cycle. Some machines go clockwise and others go anitclockwise dependant on whether the machine is housed facing North or South could make all the difference.

The spin has to go west to east. I would have a huge problem with it because my spin would take the beans in a north to south movement. So that may delay them, making them wait for summer in Australia.

If in doubt, You might prefer to get the salad spinner at an angle and rotate it, using a compass to give you the ideal position.

Hope that helps


Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Digeroo on May 16, 2009, 15:45:07
Some packets of seeds from Lidl have 10th May as the date. 

Perhaps we need to do some kind of experiment and see if the moon cycles do actually work.  There are many people who believe in biodynamic gardening.  I think that the tides also have an influence.  Certainly various ancient peoples used the moon to decide on their planting plans. 

Presume people feel that a particular day is the day to sow beans.  What is it that makes gardeners decide on the right moment to do something?

I once did an experience at work with a collegue who said nothing would grow.  We used half a packet of tomato seeds and everything else was the same. except the moment of sowing.  My seeds grew and my collegues did not. 
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: saddad on May 16, 2009, 15:55:24
If mine go in today it may be sub-optimal as that mouse had some sweetcorn, he's not hungry anymore but the may have friends..  :-X
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: ugly gourd on May 16, 2009, 16:13:54
Mine are buggered then Ive only just read this and its the 16th!!! ;D
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: DaisyDeb on May 16, 2009, 17:17:59
lol you crazy people i love gardeners there so crazy. :)

I don't care when they planted as long as they grow and taste good.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: tonybloke on May 16, 2009, 18:53:20
Quote from: 1066 on May 16, 2009, 06:26:54
Quote from: Bjerreby on May 16, 2009, 05:25:33
if we hold a bean at arms length, then turn through 360 degrees taking 2 minutes to do it, then we have simulated the tide. Hmmmm, maybe we should do it in a group. People will think we are practicing tai chi.  ;D
[/quote my O.H. practices Tai-Chi, but usually with a sword in her hands!!


;D   ;D   ;D
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: tonybloke on May 16, 2009, 18:57:37
seriously, I transplanted 10 runner beans today, protected by a glass surround ;)
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Bjerreby on May 17, 2009, 06:17:58
Quote from: tonybloke on May 16, 2009, 18:53:20
Quote from: 1066 on May 16, 2009, 06:26:54
Quote from: Bjerreby on May 16, 2009, 05:25:33
if we hold a bean at arms length, then turn through 360 degrees taking 2 minutes to do it, then we have simulated the tide. Hmmmm, maybe we should do it in a group. People will think we are practicing tai chi.  ;D
[/quote my O.H. practices Tai-Chi, but usually with a sword in her hands!!


;D   ;D   ;D

:D Is your O.H. a  Jedi knight?
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: amphibian on May 17, 2009, 06:28:48
Quote from: hopalong on May 15, 2009, 21:35:33
Is Johnnie Walker a well know horticulturalist?  Excuse my ignorance - I'm a radio 3 and 4 man myself.

To be honest I'm barely aware of radio one and two, my knowledge of them extends to knowing they're not for me and little further.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: 1066 on May 17, 2009, 06:32:06
Quote from: PurpleHeather on May 16, 2009, 14:57:05
If in doubt, You might prefer to get the salad spinner at an angle and rotate it, using a compass to give you the ideal position.


;D   ;D   ;D   
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: amphibian on May 17, 2009, 06:42:36
Quote from: Bjerreby on May 16, 2009, 05:25:33
Quote from: sawfish on May 15, 2009, 23:34:51
I firmly believe this 'lunar' stuff is sheer rubbish. But if it floats your boat and you enjoy your gardening more with it then why not.

Spinning your beans should also be beneficial. :P

The fact is, the earth and the moon spin as a pair, you know, a bit like that Irish dance scene in "Titanic". That's why the tide is high on the side of Earth opposite the moon, as well as on the moon side. The spinning forces are equal and opposite to the moon's gravity.

Mind you, it would be a boring thing to do. To get the minute force in question, I suspect (I can work it out if you like) that if we hold a bean at arms length, then turn through 360 degrees taking 2 minutes to do it, then we have simulated the tide. Hmmmm, maybe we should do it in a group. People will think we are practicing tai chi.  ;D



Maybe I'll take my beans to work and spin them in one of the centrifuges at 30,000rpm. Those without access to a centrifuge could spin them in their washing machines. I feel a little trial coming on.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: amphibian on May 17, 2009, 06:46:54
Quote from: amphibian on May 17, 2009, 06:42:36
Quote from: Bjerreby on May 16, 2009, 05:25:33
Quote from: sawfish on May 15, 2009, 23:34:51
I firmly believe this 'lunar' stuff is sheer rubbish. But if it floats your boat and you enjoy your gardening more with it then why not.

Spinning your beans should also be beneficial. :P

The fact is, the earth and the moon spin as a pair, you know, a bit like that Irish dance scene in "Titanic". That's why the tide is high on the side of Earth opposite the moon, as well as on the moon side. The spinning forces are equal and opposite to the moon's gravity.

Mind you, it would be a boring thing to do. To get the minute force in question, I suspect (I can work it out if you like) that if we hold a bean at arms length, then turn through 360 degrees taking 2 minutes to do it, then we have simulated the tide. Hmmmm, maybe we should do it in a group. People will think we are practicing tai chi.  ;D



Maybe I'll take my beans to work and spin them in one of the centrifuges at 30,000rpm, they even happen to spin in the right direction. Those without access to a centrifuge could spin them in a suitably orientated washing machine, maybe a trip to a launderette would yield a suitably orientated washing machine if their home machine is not orientated auspiciously. I feel a little trial coming on.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Eristic on May 17, 2009, 08:40:32
There is a very good reason for spinning the beans before planting. It makes them dizzy so  they twist round the canes as they grow.
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Deb P on May 17, 2009, 08:55:56
My Climbing French Beans are damned then.........they are still in their packets!

I will try a bit of swinging around before planting if anyone thinks it will help ;D, no-one will bat an eyelid at home as they think I lost the plot long ago......... ;)
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: saddad on May 17, 2009, 09:33:43
Mine too, but if there are no more dead mice in the big greenhouse they are going in today... I won't be twirling round with mine there isn't room in there now...  :-X
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Plot69 on May 17, 2009, 10:02:12
Quote from: Eristic on May 17, 2009, 08:40:32
There is a very good reason for spinning the beans before planting. It makes them dizzy so  they twist round the canes as they grow.

Well that's the best and most plausible reason I've heard so far  ;D
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Digeroo on May 17, 2009, 10:34:30
Perhaps playing them a bit of pop music and then they will get in the swing of things.  Maybe a bit of the twist will get them going round the canes.  Old time music is good too for the has beens. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: Rhubarb Thrasher on May 17, 2009, 10:40:19
Quote from: PJW_Letchworth on May 15, 2009, 20:57:32
I was listening to radio 2 on the way to work this morning and Johnny Walker said he heard the 15 May is the optimal day for planting runner beans.  A day early or a day late then the yeild would suffer.

Every heard of this?  How many other oddities do you know about?

surely some mistake here - just heard Dave Lee Travis say it's the 19th
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: louise stella on May 17, 2009, 11:08:08
Well my optimal planting day is today - why? because it's the only day I can do it thats why!  I'm sure they don't lmow the difference!

Louise
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: tonybloke on May 17, 2009, 12:49:38
Quote from: Bjerreby on May 17, 2009, 06:17:58
Quote from: tonybloke on May 16, 2009, 18:53:20
Quote from: 1066 on May 16, 2009, 06:26:54
Quote from: Bjerreby on May 16, 2009, 05:25:33
if we hold a bean at arms length, then turn through 360 degrees taking 2 minutes to do it, then we have simulated the tide. Hmmmm, maybe we should do it in a group. People will think we are practicing tai chi.  ;D
[/quote my O.H. practices Tai-Chi, but usually with a sword in her hands!!


;D   ;D   ;D

:D Is your O.H. a  Jedi knight?
no, she just practices an old form of tai-chi, with and without sword. (not yer modern lightweight short-form tai-chi) ;)
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: grannyjanny on May 17, 2009, 14:14:05
Quote from: Digeroo on May 17, 2009, 10:34:30
Perhaps playing them a bit of pop music and then they will get in the swing of things.  Maybe a bit of the twist will get them going round the canes.  Old time music is good too for the has beens. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Optimal bean planting day
Post by: grannyjanny on May 17, 2009, 14:16:51
Quote from: Digeroo on May 17, 2009, 10:34:30
Perhaps playing them a bit of pop music and then they will get in the swing of things.  Maybe a bit of the twist will get them going round the canes.  Old time music is good too for the has beens. ;D ;D
Ignore previous post pressed to soon, But if they are saved seeds you could play Let's Twist Again (like we did last Summer.)