In a similar manner to Jayb's tom/chilli swap I'm proposing a squash+exotic swap.... even with donating a fair few to Digeroos parcel I've got lots of spare squash seeds, 2-3 seeds per squash spare (therefore not enough to really put in a parcel) and some wacky stuff..... Is anyone else enough of a squash nut to send in "n" seeds + an SAE to receive "n" seeds back of squash varieties you haven't blacklisted (Ie you me what you already have and you won't get any of them...)... Exotics might take a slightly more complex method as I have Oca which is a tuber and therefore heavy (the rest are seed things)...... Anyway, anyone up for a walk on the cucurbita/strange side?
chrisc
Have been thinking that a squash swap would be great but couldn't quite think how to do it - well done Chris, please can I join? ;D
I'm in
:D
Welcome aboard. :D I'll finalise whatwe're doing (in consultation) once folks are back into their routines after NY.... most of this stuff doesn't need attention horticulturally before February thankfully, so we have time.....
Yes please, I'd like to join in.
A man after my own heart.... I'm an organ donor ( ;D ) but you can't have it yet...
Yes please... :)
Quote from: Squash64 on December 28, 2009, 21:38:52
Yes please, I'd like to join in.
Surprise surprise.... fancy seeing you here! :D
Sounds like a good idea. Can I join too. I have been sorting out a list of squashes etc that I have got.
YES ! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES
please :D
Could I be added to the end of the list as I'm going to be away in January?? Of does that make it all messy to start with ??
1066
And thanks for starting this off CHrisCross ;D
Quote from: 1066 on December 29, 2009, 07:11:13
YES ! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES
please :D
Could I be added to the end of the list as I'm going to be away in January?? Of does that make it all messy to start with ??
1066
And thanks for starting this off CHrisCross ;D
It shouldn't cause too m,any problems, can you PM me what seeds you can spareand your blacklist please 1066? Hold off for the mo the rest of you though please, I need to clear down my PM box :D
chrisc
Pm sent, hope it's ok to join in :-[
Would love to join this if possible? :)
Quote from: Suzanne on December 29, 2009, 21:23:59
Would love to join this if possible? :)
Welcome aboard :D
I hope to join next year, when i have saved some of the seeds from the plants that i will be growing. so keep the parcel goiwing until i join pleeeeease.
i had some envelopes with sweet dumpling, white bush pattypan and golden nugget seeds on the side as i was showing my friend. left them there went out of the room, idiot husband picked up the envelopes and chucked them on the wood burner thinking they were scrap paper. i am deciding how long it will be until i talk to him again, i am thinking of making him suffer for at least a week....any ideas on other forms of torture???? :'(
OK folks....
Structure is this:
People who register an interest on this list I will PM my address to tonight:
Squashes
Send to me an envelope with the following things in it:
1: an SAE.
2: Your blacklist, a list of squashes you aren't interested in (it will be assumed that the ones you send are on that list by default so no need to put them on)
3: Your whitelist, a list of anything you'd really like if it's available, in ranked order
4: Your spare squash seeds. Preferably a minimum of 2 of any given variety, though this first time I think I'll say send even singles.
All seed should be no more than 3 years old and please state if the seed is commercial or self-saved, and if self-saved how confident you are at the purity of the seed.
Exotics:
Please post here what you have and we'll sort it out in a slightly more ad-hoc way as I'll be sticking in things like Oca, Blue Salad and Highland Burgundy potatoes (a blue-fleshed and red-fleshed variety respectively) which are rather heavier than the cumin, pepino and some other seeds I've got.
Cutoff will be the end of January and then I will have the big divvy-up :D, I can't imagine anything that will be in this scheme needs planting /sowing before early February.
This isn't for Tomatoes, chillis aubergines or peppers unless extremely odd ones (ie brain tomatoes, those mad long thin aubergines)
chrisc
Thanks for organising this Chris
Going to be a great 2010 with loads of varieties to try ;D
Look forward to this Chriscross
In the post (2nd class) today
Hopefully I followed the instructions right!!
Hi folks, the PM's should go out Friday, I sent 1066's out early cos she'll be away for a while, no need to panic or doubt your ageing faculties yet :D... BTW has anyone else seen the pic of Squash64's "barrowload of squash" in a seed catalogue yet ?... I think they got the caption wrong though. I doubt the veracity of the ID as Tromba di Albenga, looks more like Lunga Gigante di Napoli to me :D
chrisc
Thank goodness for that - I thought I was more senile than I actually am!
Yes, the silly seed company got the name of the squash wrong ::) - you are right, it is Lunga Piena di Napoli. I only sent them the photo because I was amazed at the size, the taste is nothing special! I still have seeds left but I wasn't going to include them in the swap because the squash taste like watery pap. But if anyone would like some.........
Quote from: lottiedolly on January 04, 2010, 09:10:43
I hope to join next year, when i have saved some of the seeds from the plants that i will be growing. so keep the parcel goiwing until i join pleeeeease.
i had some envelopes with sweet dumpling, white bush pattypan and golden nugget seeds on the side as i was showing my friend. left them there went out of the room, idiot husband picked up the envelopes and chucked them on the wood burner thinking they were scrap paper. i am deciding how long it will be until i talk to him again, i am thinking of making him suffer for at least a week....any ideas on other forms of torture???? :'(
Hi LD, if we end up with spares I'll see if I can point them in your direction.... :D Don't be so hard on your hubby, the first time in history that a straight guy without a mental health problem shows some initiative in tidying up the lounge and what happens?... He gets yelled at.....
chrisc
Thanks Chrisc, i appreciate the thoughts, ok point taken, yes he is straight without mental issues and trying, but goodness sakes how can you not see my precious seeds >:( ;D ;D
but yes he is forgiven ;D
Could I join in too please?
Welcome aboard anemone!
My order from Baker Creek USA arrived today. Lots of squash seeds and they always do a minimum of 25 seeds per packet so a few to spare.
I have some different summer squash this year as well - so are these included?
Hmm... hard call re: summer squash, I've never eaten any other than courgettes, though I did get some Yugoslavian White Finger seeds for this year to try one, but mostly because it looks bonkers.... what do the rest of you think? Is anyone else going to be including summer squashes?
chrisc
The summer squash I would include are all new to me and trying for the first time this year are:
Lemon squash
Pattisons Golden Marbre squash (pattypan type)
Pattisons Jaune et Verte squash (another pattypan type)
I wouldn't look to include courgettes of any colour really.
Details from Baker Creek
Lemon squash: The shape, size and color of a lemon, it grows great here, has huge yields and the best resistance to insects I have seen in a summer squash. Very tasty, great fried! A favorite, this is a superb market variety and is very attractive. Our most popular summer squash!
Pattisons Golden Marbre squash: A unique French scallop squash, fruit is a beautiful bright golden-orange color, very beautiful. Young fruit are very tender and well flavored! Also makes good winter squash. Tall bush plants are very attractive and yields are good. A favorite of mine
Pattisons Jaune et Verte squash: The stunning pure white scallop with deep green radial streaks. Small fruit may not show streaking and it can be variable. Its delicious flesh is great fried or baked. A real treat for both taste and visual appeal, a pre-1885 French heirloom.
They sound very interesting :D... I'll open that one up to the floor then....
Just had a thought (5 seconds after I sent out the PM's which you should have got)... it would be a good idea to include the species (maxima, pepo, moschata and that other one that I can never remember) as well as the varietal type, it might be of some aid to those of us that will be trying to save seeds next year
chrisc
I think summer squash are a good idea. I don't have any to send, but I would be interested in receiving some if that's possible.
About the exotic seeds -
The only two I have are Carob seeds and Doogi.
I saved the Carob seeds from a massive tree in Sicily. I have grown one plant in a pot which I put outside in the summer and in the greenhouse for the winter.
'Doogi' (sp?) is a type of Amaranth which our Bangladeshi plotholders gave me this year.
Are these the sort of things you want?
Sounds like that's exactly what I'm talking about... my contributions are cumin (commercial seed, first time for me but you get tons in a packet), Pepino (saved seed sent to me by someone, probably Jayb or 1066 thinking about it), some odd looking fluffy seed that's name I can't remember (:D) and Oca if it's survived underground though this cold snap....
Folks: I'm going to suggest that you can put Summer squash on your blacklist generically if you want, otherwise I'll assume it's OK to put one in there. If you whitelist summer squash generically then I'll look to put up to 50% summer squash in your allocation.T hey will all be labelled and bagged (I have unlimited small plastic bags), you won't just get a bag of mixed squash seeds :D.
Exotics: might be a good idea if folk who are sending oddities in stick a list on here and we have a quick "dibsy" on the list. I'll handle them seperately to the squash as barring the odd monster most squash take the same planning and conditions whereas you might not have enough greenhouse space for a GH only exotic or enough room for Oca (which amounts to an extra row of spuds in terms of space) etc....
Sound reasonable?
chrisc
Just to let you know that I put my seeds in the post Saturday evening so will be picked today I guess. Also I hadn't noticed that you had asked for people to put species names on for each seeds. unfortunately I had already put mine in the post. I hope that this isn't a problem.
:-\ :-\ :-\
No worries Julie, I've got a reference guide somewhere......
chrisc
good cos you're going to be busy doing mine ::) ::) ;)
Quote from: 1066 on January 11, 2010, 13:36:01
good cos you're going to be busy doing mine ::) ::) ;)
Yours have arrived 1066! 12 varieties, I know I can do a few of your whitelist myself, but here's hoping we get plenty of variety from other folks too.....
chrisc
Have mine arrived yet ChrisC?
They were posted on Wednesday.
Mine posted today - 1st class so hopefully you will get them soon.
Your arrived today Squash!... I'll be able to make your white list easily enough, will get back with an "exotics" list as and when I know what's turned up, the doogli looks interesting, as does the carob.....
chrisc
Seeing as several people have got their stuff in I started having a hack through last night......
Some of you obviously have a very needy relationship with your squash :D... One of the packs contained over 50 seeds, most seem to be in the 20-30 range :o.... THe good news is that the white lists so far are being very well serviced, short precise ones are beign straight-filled, more general ones will get a large proportion directly off the white list. The closest I've got to havcing to make a judgement call was to not include Lunga Gigante di Napoli in someone's pack who'd whitelisted Italian but blacklisted giant squash...... it may well be Italian, but it does ahve a rep for hitting 50+ pounds in this country....
Exotics: Bit think on the ground so far, are folks likely to send more in?
chrisc
How's the swap going Chriscross?
:)
We're waiting on one pack for the squash. I was going to stick out another scream for the exotics then post what had and divvy them up and hopefully get everything sorted out by the end of next week.
chrisc
I presume it's mine... I posted it Monday Dinnetime in B'ham... having them weigh it to make sure it got the right postage.. :-[
Quote from: saddad on January 29, 2010, 07:48:50
I presume it's mine... I posted it Monday Dinnetime in B'ham... having them weigh it to make sure it got the right postage.. :-[
Not yours :D...... it arrived a couple of days ago....
chrisc
OK folks, last pack of squash seeds is in so I'll be trying to do the big divvy up tonight. Will PM you all with provisional lists tonight hopefully.
Is there anyone left to send in exotics?... Several folks sent them in with the squash
chrisc
Update, I got home later from work than I hoped so I haven't finished the sort out... in fact it will several days now as I'm out Tuesday and Wednesday night. Suffice it to say that most all of everyone's white lists should be achievable, and anyone that sent in lots of varieties will see lots of varieties back too. The comedy value is to be had from Marina di Choggia, nearly everyone put this one in (myself included) and of those who didn't one blacklisted it....
What I'm planning on doing with the exotics is listing what has turned up from those doing the exotics and if anyone doesn't want something please post on here. Otherwise I'll just split them up and send them out. Some things there might only be one or two seeds of, but there are some pretty odd things there :D
chrisc
Update 2:
Right, I've managed to get lists of all the seeds and set up the forms etc fort sorting out who gets what.....
For the record the 8 of us have stuck over 360 seeds in, so my organising technique is suffering a bit under the load somewhat. Hopefully everyone will get more varieties than they put in.
The joker in the pack is Marina di Choggia, nearly all of us put it in and one who didn't blacklisted it :D....
Squash: My plan now is to post on here with the lists of who is getting what, then you have a week to horestrade amongst yourselves, let me know what modifications are required . Then they'll get posted.
Exotics I'll just try and split the various things up into equal-numbered packs and send each person the set that they didn't provide.
Hopefully will have the lists out by the end of Sunday....
chrisc
Quote from: chriscross1966 on February 06, 2010, 01:47:10
Update 2:
Right, I've managed to get lists of all the seeds and set up the forms etc fort sorting out who gets what.....
chrisc
Thanks for organising this chris :)
The great divvying has happened, now follows the horsetrading week....
We still have A few Marina di Choggia, Tondo di Piacenza and Striato di Italia left and I think some Delicata, but not sure on the last one...
Squash64: Wanted: Uchi Kuri, Summer squashes. Didn't want: None.... Uchi kuri x2, Atlantic Giant x3, Marina Di Choggia x6, Rouge vif D'Etampes x2, Pink Banana x2, delicate x3, Crown Prince x2, Burgess Buttercup x3, Hundredweight x2, Red Kuri x3, Hooligan x3, Cha-Cha F1 x2, Yellow Scallop x3, Pattypan x3, Scallop Mix x3, Becky F1 x3, Spaghetti Squash x3, Tondo di Piacenza x5, Rugosa Friuliana x3, Tondo di Toscana x3, Striato di Italia x4, Waltham Butternut x3, Yugolslav Finger x2.
mpdJulie: Want/didn't want: none.... Potimarron x3, Tromba di Albenga x3, Sicilian Snakes x2, Hooligan x3, Boston Winter x3, Cha-Cha F1 x3, Australian Butter x3, Becky F1 x3, Spaghetti x3, Tondo di Piacenza x5, Rugosa Friuliana x3, Tondo di Toscana x3, Striato di Italia x4, Waltham Butternut x3, Hundredweight x2 Scallop Mix x2.
Plot51a: Wanted: Queensland Blue, Butternuts, summer squash especially yellow. Didn't't want: Spaghetti squash, big pumpkins. ... Waltham Butternut x6, Queensland Blue x3, Violina x2, Tromba di Albenga x3 Hunter F1 x2, Summer Crookneck x1, Yellow Scallop x3, Lemon squash x3, Becky F1 x3, Tondo di Piacenza x5, Rugosa Friuliana x3, Tondo di Toscana x3, Striato di Italia x4, Scallop mix x3.
1066: Wanted: Frendch Italian and Japanese. Didn't want Ornamentals, big pumpkins, summer squash....... Uchi Kuri x2, Galeux D'Eysines x3, Sucrine de Berry x2, Muscade x3, Violina x3, Rouge vif D'Etampes x2, Pink Banana x2, Crown Prince x2, Table king x3, Lunga di Napoli x3, Golden Nugget x3, Cream of the Crop x3, Baby Blue Hubbard x3, Winter Luxury Pie x3, Australian Butter x3, Becky F1 x3, Spaghetti x3, Waltham Butternut x3, Winter Festival x3.
Suzanne:Wanted: Japanese, weird Italians, didn't want: Marina di Choggia, Rugosa, Butternets, Giant anything, F1's, courgettes...... uchi kuri x2, Black Futsu x3, Violina x3, Tromba di Albenga x3, Delicata x3, Crown Prince x2, Lunga di Napoli x2, Boston Winter x3, Spaghetti x3, Tondo di Toscana x3, Turks Turban x3, Tondio di Piacenza x5, Golden Marbre x3 Bluie Ballet x3.
Saddad: Wanted Triamble, big warty things. Didn't want: none.... Triamble x2, Galeux D'Eysines x3, Queensland Blue x3, Anna Swartz Hubbard x2, Tromba di Albenga x2, Pink Banana x2, Crown Prince x2, Burgess Buttercup x2, Cha-Cha F1 x2, Australian Butter x3, Waltham Butternut x3, Hooligan x3, Tondo di Piacenza x5.
Anemone: Wanted: Crown Prince, Delicata, Summer squashes. Didn't want: Uchi kuri, Kabocha, Winter Festival, Butternuts...... Delicata x4, Crown Prince x3, Tromba di Albenga x3, Sicilian Snakes x2, Blue Hubbard x3, Burgess Buttercup x3, Summer Crookneck x2, Pattison Blanc x3, Yellow Scalop x3, Pattypan x3, Bush Buttercup x3, Pattison Green/Yellow x3, Spaghetti x3, Rugosa Friuliana x3, Tondo di Toscana x3, Striato di Italia x4, Hooligan x3, Tondo di Piacenza x5.
Me: Wanted Triamble, Sucrine de Berry, Muscade, Potimarron. Didn't want: courgettes.... Triamble x1, Sucrine de Berry x1, Muscade x3, Potimarron x3, Tromba di Albenga x2, Sicilian Snakes x2, Squashkin x1, Rugosa Friuliana, x3.
Arghh.... there's a ridiculous number of squash seeds in small packets in my bedroom ATM.....
chrisc
Quote from: chriscross1966 on February 08, 2010, 14:28:58
Suzanne: Wanted: weird Italians,
Saddad: big warty things.
chrisc
Suzanne and Saddad, I hope you both get what you wanted, but hopefully not big warty weird Italians!
Oooooo, just got back, and now have all these great seeds to look forward to. Thanks for organising Chris :D
And Squash ;D ;D ;D
What a wonderful bonanza! Thank you so much for organising Chris, and to all the other swappers ;D
Chris, thank you so much for organising this, rather you than me!
If I understand correctly I will be receiving 23 different varieties? If so, the envelope I sent won't be big enough and the postage won't be enough either. I will send you some padded envelopes and some more stamps.
Woo Hoo... and now I'm not doing the plant sales I get to grow them for myself... ;D
Hi Squash,
DOn't worry, it probably will work out about the same number of seeds as you sent..... they don't weigh much after all.... if I have to boost the postage a bit then so be it.... I'm getting a bunch of seeds out odf it after all..
chrisc
Wow how exciting, what a huge variety! Thanks so much for organising all this Chris ! and thanks to all the other swappers too :) I'm off to google all the ones i don't yet know...
I'll probably do it again next year, but a bit more formalised, started off earlier and then we can plan our buying..... if folks are getting stuff from America/Italy/France/Japan then I'd have thought postage wouldnt' change muxch to sluip the odd extra pack in, and we can all not buy b****y Marina di Choggia.... Anything that can be got from Franchi will have enough seeds for everyone in one pack etc.... and of course, get down Wyevales and strip them during their 50p a packet sale cos that's a cheap way of bulking it up.... this will lead to me having to deal with a couple of thousand seeds and forty people next year though.....
chrisc
Hi Guys, I am watching your swap with great interest, just a thought, if anyone does not get a seed or two of their chosen wants, drop me a PM, I have a decent squash collection so I might be able to help find that elusive variety.
Have fun
XX Jeannine
The one prob we might have is the PO's definition of a small packet - which from memory really bumps up the price of postage. Let us know how you are getting on
Also been googling the varieties - how excited can you get about a bunch of squash seeds ;D ;D ;D
And Jeannine - what a lovely offer, but my problem is going to be finding space for them all (let alone the others I want to grow.....)
roll on the summer 8)
1066
Quote from: 1066 on February 09, 2010, 08:39:36
Also been googling the varieties - how excited can you get about a bunch of squash seeds ;D ;D ;D
And Jeannine - what a lovely offer, but my problem is ....
That's Jeannine you're talking to so "very excited" I expect.......
;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Squash64 on February 08, 2010, 14:55:57
Quote from: chriscross1966 on February 08, 2010, 14:28:58
Suzanne: Wanted: weird Italians,
Saddad: big warty things.
chrisc
Suzanne and Saddad, I hope you both get what you wanted, but hopefully not big warty weird Italians!
hehe, I needed that giggle. :D
OK folks, seeing as I haven't heard any objections then I'll try and get everything out this week.... got a load of house viewings 30 miles away from where I live this evening so unlikely to be tomorrow, but hopefully by the end of the week. Those of you in the exotics swap should get your seeds in there with them too..... unfortunately not enough Oca to hand it around, but if anyone wants some jerusalem artichokes let me know as I have soem spare...
chrisc
Bit of a fail on my part, but should have the sort out finished tomorrow evening ... couple of minor variations where I've miscounted thinking there were three seeds in a small brown envelope.... in one case this means that we're short a couple of seeds so we only got two seeds each (IIRC it was Muscade) but on the up the Summer Crooknecks had a lot of more seeds in one pack so everyone who was getting them is getting three instead of two now.....
chrisc
looking forward to getting my seeds - and I am sure whatever lands on my doorstep I'm going to be chuffed to bits ;D
My husband and I have just took on another full plot next to our existing one which we are going to use for all these squashes plus my stash of the varieties I sent in to you.
Cant wait to get started. Thanks for organising this for for everyone who took part.
;D ;D ;D
Looking forward to them arriving... at least I know that's not what I have to go down to the main office to collect... :)
Thank you so much for organising this Chris, I'm looking forward to receiving them.
How did your house viewing go?
Hi folks,
Right, the squashes are all sorted out ... the one we were short on was Potimarron, not Muscade... sorry for the confusion..... I'll try to get the exotics done tomorrow and into the post Wednesday hopefully.....
Sounds like a good plan Julie, I'm probably going for 40 square metres of squash this year, 15 or so varieties, couple of plants of each...
House viewings went OK, found a place I like, big garden (100+ feet), quiet location considering that it's in a big town like Swindon... will easily be able to fit a big greenhouse in there with room to spare... just hope I can get it sorted out before summer gets going so I can get a crop through it this year......
chrisc
Chris I think I might have some spare Potimarron. I'll have a look tomorrow and get back to you. If I do anyone on your list can pm me and get some as long as I have enough.
It's OK, the missing two have turned up!.... I'd got four from someone adn two from someone else.... when I was doing the splitting up I only found the pack of four aqnd assumed I'd miscounted....
chrisc
Right!... Suzanne, mpdjulie and 1066, your seeds are in the post for collection tomorrow.
Saddad I need an address to send them to cos I seem to have lost the note you put in the envelope you sent me (sorry ::))
Anemone and squash64, hopefully I'll finish the exotics off this evening and then they will be ready to go to... I'm still at work BTW :(
chrisc
Can't wait to receive them, thanks for doing this
:D
Quote from: chriscross1966 on February 24, 2010, 19:19:57
It's OK, the missing two have turned up!.... I'd got four from someone adn two from someone else.... when I was doing the splitting up I only found the pack of four aqnd assumed I'd miscounted....
chrisc
OK I checked but I've only got 5. I thought I had more. Anyway if anyone wants a couple they're welcome but it would only be to the first comer.
OK folks, all the parcels and envelopes went out today.... most things were ok for postage so I'm not fussed about that...
In all 52 varieties and approx 260 seeds entered this swap (squashes).... we have a few Marina di Choggia seeds left in the kitty so to speak... with saddad not growing for his sites plant sale I'm at a loss as to what to do with them.... I could keep them for next year as I willl be doing another one then I expect, or I'm open to suggestions.....
chrisc
that's great and well done you for organising it all
As to suggestions, yes why not keep for them for next year or are there any kids gardening clubs who could put a few to good use?
The nursery I am training at are going to start a "veg garden" after Easter... I could put them in there... but to be honest I have enough stuff so if anybody wants them they can have first call... :)
Mine have arrived safely. Thank you so much for organising this Chris, just wonderful, and thanks also to everyone else who took part. As a very minor contributor to the swap, my seeds have certainly multiplied! Hope to have more to contribute next year (but no Marina di Chioggia will hang on to those.)
Got mine this afternoon - thanks Chris for this once again
;D
Mine arrived today - thank you so much Chris, you've done a brilliant job with this! I love the way you have put seeds into little folded papers, very inventive.
As well as my own two plots, and most of my neighbour's plot, I can see that I might need more space :o
Thanks again Chris.
Good to know they've started to arrive :D..... I thought someone would point out the paper packs do reveal some slightly dodgy things about my past ....... won't say what though :D
crhisc
Quote from: chriscross1966 on February 26, 2010, 18:07:37
Good to know they've started to arrive :D..... I thought someone would point out the paper packs do reveal some slightly dodgy things about my past ....... won't say what though :D
crhisc
That you are a Grand Master of Origami? ;)
Got mine today too... :)
So that's Suzanne, Anemone and 1066 to go..... fingers crossed.....
chrisc
Yup fingers crossed here
Quote from: Squash64 on February 26, 2010, 14:00:40
As well as my own two plots, and most of my neighbour's plot, I can see that I might need more space :o
Now this is pure and simple - LAND GRABBING ;D ;D ;D . So if the plot next to me doesn't get used this year (again..) I wonder.........
Dear GrandMasterSquash,
Woooo Hooo
The squash has landed
;D ;D ;D
1066
Quote from: 1066 on February 27, 2010, 07:42:20
Now this is pure and simple - LAND GRABBING ;D ;D ;D . So if the plot next to me doesn't get used this year (again..) I wonder.........
Nothing wrong with a bit of land grabbing - we call it 'Regeneration of Derelict Plots'!
Hi just to let you know I got mine this morning. Lots of variety in there - thanks very much for organising this Chris.
Best wishes
Suzanne :)
You think of everyting Squash - will have to nick that terminology ;)
And that "derelict plot" certainly looks like a very healthy pumpkin patch to me ;D
Quote from: 1066 on February 27, 2010, 16:51:51
You think of everyting Squash - will have to nick that terminology ;)
And that "derelict plot" certainly looks like a very healthy pumpkin patch to me ;D
Just had a look through my photos and found a few more so I've started a new thread about it.
So Anemone to go..... and she's only a couple of miles from my office ::)
chrisc
I've just found a little bag with 2x Tromba di Albnga seeds in it on the floor under my desk.... is anyone missing them?.. After I fouind the other two potimarron seeds I also discovered a couple of other extras that I hadn't counted, but everyone should ahve what I'd listed against their names earlier in the thread with maybe the odd extra.... if someone is missing their Troba's please tell me and I'll post them out
chrisc
Mine arrived too ! So exciting, there are sooo many nice things to try. I can't wait to start growing them but then still have to figure out how/where to squeeze everything in. Some really nice surprises too, my little boy is very happy with the strawberry popcorn :)
Thanks so much Chris, what a mammoth task you've had sorting all these seeds out ! And thanks to everyone else too for all the fab stuff to sow !!
W00t! as we say in the IT industry...... I've been pacing out ground at the plot today and I think I can have 60 square metres for winter squash... I might well pop spares in other places, and the Atlantic Giants (and possibly the Tonda Padana's and Becky's will go in in the garden... we lost a whole load of pumpkins this year on our site so I want to keep the biggies somewhere I can see them.....
OK folks, hows everyone's squash doing... The house move I had in late March combined with the weather meant I was late planting and have only just put out the squashes in the last week oir so (barring the Atlantic Giants which went out a couple fo weeks ago... that said they all seem to be racing away now as soon as they get in the ground....
BTW, never grown summer squash before and now have Summer crooknecks, rugosa friuliana and tondo di toscana in.... what should I be looking for with them as a trigger to harvest?
chrisc
My squash all seem to be doing really well so far. Have started cropping the courgettes, of the swap seed have had 2 lovely Tondo di Toscana and the patty pans are flowering although not picked any yet.
I requested butternut squashes - pleased to report that 2 Hunters and 2 Walthams planted on top of the pallet compost heap with added bags of horse manure are taking off - and so they should! Also have a Violina Moschata making a bid for freedom.
Hoping for an excellent squash season - but time will tell! Hope the swap will be repeated next year.
Ohh...is it too late to join?
Quote from: leesa662000 on July 13, 2010, 17:01:25
Ohh...is it too late to join?
Too late this year but we'll be spooling one up for next year, probably around October once we can get all teh reports in from who's grown what.... This year I've ended up with a ridiculous amount of squash (if you include the courgettes, summer squash and pumpkins in then over 70 plants) .... I think that put me somewhere in the middle of thios group if everyone grew everything :D.... The general plan for the next one is to be looking at the swap befiore we order seeds, to each order from seperate sources (or possibly club together for a big order from one of the US suppliers for some of us).... That way we should maximize coverage and minimise unneeded repeats.....
chrisc
Quote from: chriscross1966 on July 13, 2010, 17:18:46
Quote from: leesa662000 on July 13, 2010, 17:01:25
Ohh...is it too late to join?
Too late this year but we'll be spooling one up for next year, probably around October once we can get all teh reports in from who's grown what.... This year I've ended up with a ridiculous amount of squash (if you include the courgettes, summer squash and pumpkins in then over 70 plants) .... I think that put me somewhere in the middle of thios group if everyone grew everything :D.... The general plan for the next one is to be looking at the swap befiore we order seeds, to each order from seperate sources (or possibly club together for a big order from one of the US suppliers for some of us).... That way we should maximize coverage and minimise unneeded repeats.....
chrisc
So Chris, you are def doing another one. GOODY, i shall hopefully have some seeds and can join in this time.
Kxx
Message for whoever it was that put the TOndo di Padana seeds in...I think the mother plant must have been a bit of a trollop cos I've got several squashes coming through that are not quite what you'd expect :D...... I'm wondering what they'll turn into but one of them is an amazing green/yellow bicolour......
The Tondo di Toscana's are really lovely. For some reason round courgettes didn't really appeal to me, i just grew them because they were sent. I've changed my view now though and will grow them again next year.
I have some tiny crookneck squashes growing so looking forward to sampling them. Other squashes are doing well too I have quite a few on the bush buttercup and I noticed some baby butternuts yesterday. Some have still to flower like the Cornells Delicata, i hope there is still time for it.
Glad to see that you've got a new one that you like :D.... To me that'#s the essence of gardening, especially on an allotment, grow something new and get a new favourite!.... M y Toscana have done well, but the summer crooks have been a revelation..;. I'm treating them and the Rugosa's as courgetted and taking at 8" or so and they're excellent.... that said I gave away a 16" rugosa today.... way to big for a singleton to find a use for :D.....
chrisc
Anyone got any pictures yet?.... Getting to harvest time so fingers crossed for all of you.....
Also.... for next years swap I'll start a new threadAs folk are planning their seed buys can they contact me and we'll try and be a bit more "heads up"... should increase varieties in the swap as well as make for slightly less brain-sweat for me sorting out who gets what.....
chrisc
Quote from: chriscross1966 on August 16, 2010, 01:31:41
but the summer crooks have been a revelation..;.
Exactly!!! That's what everyone here felt when I grew it for the first time last year - it's now an absolute must-have.
I just wondered whether anyone had got around to growing the lemon squash? It's one that's interested me and I saw someone saying they might include the seeds in this swap.
I'd recommend the Rouge Vif d'Etamps (have yet to eat it though!) :)
[attachment=1]
Quote from: earlypea on September 15, 2010, 09:50:41
Quote from: chriscross1966 on August 16, 2010, 01:31:41
but the summer crooks have been a revelation..;.
Exactly!!! That's what everyone here felt when I grew it for the first time last year - it's now an absolute must-have.
I just wondered whether anyone had got around to growing the lemon squash? It's one that's interested me and I saw someone saying they might include the seeds in this swap.
Wierdly I found the paper with the allocations on for this current year and I don't think there was any lemon squash in there
chrisc
Thanks for looking it up Chriscross - the person who offered maybe dropped out.
Well, it's still on my list - another adventure for next year :)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/chriscross1966/harvest%202010/19092010294.jpg)
Big Rugosa
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/chriscross1966/harvest%202010/19092010292.jpg)
Rouge vif d'Etampes and one of the bigger Turk's Turbans
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/chriscross1966/harvest%202010/19092010289.jpg)
Lunga di Napoli
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/chriscross1966/harvest%202010/18092010281.jpg)
The biggest Boston Winter
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/chriscross1966/harvest%202010/18092010281.jpg)
Four Tondo di Toscana. Two sensible courgettes, an overgrown one and a monster
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/chriscross1966/harvest%202010/18092010283.jpg)
Why there's no point growing the monster TOscana.... nasty attack of the squishies. :(
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/chriscross1966/harvest%202010/18092010284.jpg)
Some of the harvest. THere's a load of stuff still to come but...
A tromba di Albenga, A Galeux d'Eysines, an Uchi Kuri, three little [potimarrons, a Burgess Buttercup, something that's probably a Crown Prince, something that is probably an Anna Schwartz Hubbard, various things that claimed to be TOndo di Padana but only one is true to type..... plus the others already seen...
chrisc
be interested to hear what the Rugosa and the tromba di Albenga taste like :)
Quote from: chriscross1966 on September 20, 2010, 01:22:18
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/chriscross1966/harvest%202010/19092010294.jpg)
Big Rugosa
Chris, do you always pick your Rugosa at this size? I eat mine as courgettes. I have quite a few which are at least as big as yours, if not bigger but I've never tried eating them when they are so big.
Quote from: Squash64 on September 20, 2010, 16:38:11
Quote from: chriscross1966 on September 20, 2010, 01:22:18
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/chriscross1966/harvest%202010/19092010294.jpg)
Big Rugosa
Chris, do you always pick your Rugosa at this size? I eat mine as courgettes. I have quite a few which are at least as big as yours, if not bigger but I've never tried eating them when they are so big.
Not usually, normally i take them as courgettes too, this one hid.....
Just seen this post having admired the variety of squashes people are growing on another post. Are you going to do another swap next year Chriscross? Would love to take part if you do!
Gwynleg
Yes I'm planmning on it.... will ask around in October so that hopefully we can be a bit more heads up about buying seeds.... I've already got some big pumpkins, plus Marina di Choggia Rugosa Friuliana and Tromba di Albenga from the Wyevale sale plus a load of Tondo di Piacenza and Striato di Italia from last year... Plan on eating a Potimarron this weekend and if it's nice I'll definietly grow again cos it's a sensible size for me....
chrisc