Anyone here doing the 2005 experiments?
I received a nice package containing onion sets, onion seeds and soya beans yesterday. They are hoping to find out how onions differ when planted as sets, module-grown seeds and directly-sown seeds. The soya beans are new and they want to assess how they grow in the UK.
Looking forward to this, even though I've never had any success growing onions from seed. They always stay tiny (even for spring or pickled onions!). Has anyone any tips?
moonbells
How do we join in?
an aside-moonbells-i'm an hdra member but haven't had a spring magazine or info yet-should i be chasing them up? thought it was getting a bit late for it....
Clayhithe - It's too late to officially join in - the applications closed mid-February. But I'm sure that if you want to unofficially join in, you could grow sturon sets and seeds for the onions (organic!) and/or get some soya bean Ustie from T&M. There was a third expt but I can't remember what it was! In Mid March you plant the sets in the allotment (at least 15) and direct sow a row of seed. The other seed you put 5 in each section of a large module tray and grow protected for a few weeks then transplant. You basically note all cultivation aspects, including feeds etc, soil condition and pH, dates, weight of final crops and storage qualities.
Soya beans you just grow as a tender bean and see how it does. I intend to harvest mine while the pods are still green, rather than wait for them to dry off, as I am rather partial to Eda Mame (the Japanese way of eating fresh soybeans). Yum!
As to the Organic Way, Kerry, I got mine in January, so I guess you need to chase them! They don't have the latest one online.
moonbells
I decided to give the experiments a miss - had all of 5 soya beans last year!
I took part in the supermarket watch one last year, but was usurped from shopping duties mid way through, so didn't do much watching from July/Aug onwards.
Good luck with the onions.
I was thinking about doing the onion one. But then realised I wouldn't have enough room!
Lol aqui - with the seeds ordered before the experiments come out, well, no chance really!
Forgot to wish you luck with the soya beans as well moonbells
Quote from: aquilegia on March 07, 2005, 11:15:21
I was thinking about doing the onion one. But then realised I wouldn't have enough room!
Umm, yes, I've got that one too, though it was more because I bought a lot more of my usual onion sets than originally planned! Not sure yet where to stuff the soybeans but I'll find somewhere. Good incentive to dig over a bit of ground I've been ignoring somewhat and which is perfectly sized for a raised bed.
Thanks for all the good luck - suspect I'll need it. Feel happier now I've cleared the bed for the seeds so I can get them in on time.
:)