Allotments 4 All

I know some people are interested in taking part in another Seed Circle and although I've not been very active recently, either growing or on the forum, I think I can manage it and I'd love to join in again  :wave:

Anyone else interested in joining in this year?

Taking part and ideas for saving so far;
Pumpkinlover
Markfield rover, beans. 
Penedesenca
Sparrow
Hector
Silverleaf
Plot 18
Elfeda
Seacarrot
Jayb
Ruud
Sunloving
Martinburo
Earlypea, early tomato, a French bean and lettuce


For those who haven't joined in before some information to help you decide if you would like to join ;
The Seed Circle would/will be in its 7th year  :drunken_smilie: and is open to all A4A members, it's great to have new people join too  :wave:  The group is all about setting aside a little growing space and time to raise some crops for seeds, keeping the group informed of how the season is going and at the end of the season sharing some growing information and the all-important saved seeds with the group.

Each person decides what 2 or more crops they will grow and save seed from, saving enough seed for every other member to grow a crop the following year. The group could be 10 – 20 + people, although it seems to even out at around 15. Veggies will generally need to be heritage or open pollinated so that they will come true from seed, (potato seeds won't come exactly true).

It's always fun to have new to the group varieties and not the real basic ones which are easy to pick up for 50p in the shops. If anyone is stuck for ideas or starter seeds ask on the thread or pm me, I'm happy to help someone get started if they need seeds. To give you an idea, here's a list of seeds varieties already shared within the groups http://seedsaverscircle.org/seed-circle/a-z-of-varieties-shared-in-the-seed-circles/

I think most of us have found out, some vegetables are easier than others to grow for seed and everything can change with the weather. But generally peas, French beans, tomatoes, perhaps potatoes and some herbs are the easiest. Chillies, Sweet peppers, squash, courgette and lettuce will need isolating from other varieties to keep seed pure.  Parsnips, onions, leeks, beetroot, carrots, celeriac and many Brassicas only go to seed the second year and need isolation from other varieties and so are more time consuming and a little trickier.

Real Seeds gave the idea for the circles. Their site gives some great seed saving tips as well as being a great seed catalogue http://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedsavinginfo.html

For anyone interested in the previous years Seed Parcels and what we finally shared they can be found at http://seedsaverscircle.org/seed-circle/

And the previous threads for the Circles;
Seed Circle 2016 https://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,79990.0.html
Seed Circle 2015 http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,78706.0.html
Seed Circle 2014 http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,77280.0.html
Seed Circle 2013 http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,74928.0.html
Seed Circle 2012 http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,70816.0.html
Seed Circle 2011 http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,64431.0.html
Extra Group 2011 http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,68391.0.html
Seed Circle 2010 http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,58860.0.html

Of course we are!
Just in case though, would it be an idea to have a back up plan in place?  A bit like taking an umbrella on a walk then it doesn't rain? :glasses9:

I did pick up some interesting beans , one claimed to be the best ever ! Shall we be the judge of that?

Quote from: pumpkinlover on May 02, 2017, 08:30:52
Of course we are!
Just in case though, would it be an idea to have a back up plan in place?  A bit like taking an umbrella on a walk then it doesn't rain? :glasses9:

Yes it would, I'm hoping that if needed there would be at least one other person who would be ok to step in and keep things going  :wave:
Are you offering?  :toothy10:

 I would like to see if Galina offers first, as she has taken over seamlessly before.
My organisationally abilities are not the best but if needed.

I would love to join in again. No idea what I will have to offer though yet.  :happy7:

I am fine to be backup if there is a shortage of offers, but I would imagine people would prefer the backup to have been here longer.

I'm definitely in! Love this seed circle.

I think a safety net is a good idea, just in case, and I'm happy to help in any way.

Id love to :)

Quote from: pumpkinlover on May 02, 2017, 08:46:33
I would like to see if Galina offers first, as she has taken over seamlessly before.
My organisationally abilities are not the best but if needed.

I don't know where I will be living by Christmas, so won't join in this year unless things stabilise.  I can't promise to help.  :wave:

I'm in too! And I'm also happy to be backup. :)

Please can I join in  :blob7:

Quote from: pumpkinlover on May 02, 2017, 08:46:33
I would like to see if Galina offers first, as she has taken over seamlessly before.
My organisationally abilities are not the best but if needed.

I should have said I'd already been in touch with Galina, who unfortunately isn't able to join in. But I very much hope that she will be able to join in later in the year  :wave: 
You have been such a big part of the Circles Galina, it's hard to think of one without you.

Brilliant, welcome back to previous players and new folk, their seems more than enough savers to get a Circle going. Thanks for the offers of support too, I guess it's why it's a seed circle  :sunny:
I'll start a new thread shortly.

Quote from: Jayb on May 02, 2017, 14:09:14
I should have said I'd already been in touch with Galina, who unfortunately isn't able to join in. But I very much hope that she will be able to join in later in the year  :wave: 
You have been such a big part of the Circles Galina, it's hard to think of one without you.

I agree, it would be a shame if Galina isn't able to join us.

But if not she can be there in spirit, she sent me some peas to grow out for sharing so they are from her really. :p

Can I join please

Of course you can, great to have you join in again  :wave:

I've not posted enough....

Harrumph.

Quote from: Seacarrot on May 04, 2017, 17:10:03
I've not posted enough....

Harrumph.

For what?

Quote from: Jayb on May 04, 2017, 17:37:23

Quote from: Seacarrot on May 04, 2017, 17:10:03
I've not posted enough....

Harrumph.

For what?

To be eligible.... I'm sure I read in swapping guidelines 50 posts are needed...? No?
What have I been reading.?!?

Seacarrot,

welcome to Allotments4All  group.  number of posts isn't criteria to take part into seed saving circle.

Quote from: Elfeda on May 04, 2017, 19:31:15
Seacarrot,

welcome to Allotments4All  group.  number of posts isn't criteria to take part into seed saving circle.

Thank you.
I'd like to join please.

*Hopeful grin*.

Lol, at first I thought you were on about stamps or something  :angel11:

Perhaps you are thinking of another site? Elfeda is quite right, there are no requirements for joining the Seed Circle, other than a love of growing and saving seeds  :wave: It's always great when people keep the thread updated with their progress and some pictures and information on the varieties they are adding in is great. At the end of the season we have been putting together a 'catalogue' of the varieties shared, your input would be fantastic, it's always helpful to get growing information/conditions first hand  :happy7:

I'll sticky the thread for the circle.

I've copied over last years blurb to the first post and added in names so far, it is lovely to see some new faces who might want to just have a little read through of the first post.

It would be great to get a few more people join and everyone is welcome. There are a few regulars too I haven't seen yet, hopefully they see this soon :sunny:

If anyone is wondering what has been in the parcel the last couple of years there's a link on the first post and I'll also pop it here   http://seedsaverscircle.org/seed-circle/a-z-of-varieties-shared-in-the-seed-circles/

You can count me in for this years seed circle.

Hello I'd love to be in again, I've got a lovely golden mange tout with purple flowers , I've also got the cinamon basil to germinate this year! Might also try to get some seed from the big zac tomato from jeannine and I've loved the sweet bite peppers so will save some of them to. Also a lovely long chilli called fire flame. Fingers crossed! X sunloving

Yes, please. :-)

Welcome back to Ruud, Sunloving and Martinburo   :sunny::wave:

Brilliant we now have thirteen in the group which makes it a nice size. There's also a reserved spot for Galina  :wave: and still a little room if anyone else wants to join in  :icon_cheers:

Quote from: sunloving on May 26, 2017, 20:56:20
Hello I'd love to be in again, I've got a lovely golden mange tout with purple flowers , I've also got the cinamon basil to germinate this year! Might also try to get some seed from the big zac tomato from jeannine and I've loved the sweet bite peppers so will save some of them to. Also a lovely long chilli called fire flame. Fingers crossed! X sunloving

All sounds good, although Big Zac might not be stable, although it should give good results. Plus you might want to check if Sweetbite peppers and Fire Flame are F1's?

For starters I've got my eye on saving some chilli seeds, likely from one of the mild/non heat types; Aji Delight (Capsicum baccatum),
Havana Gold (Capsicum baccatum) or Trinidad Perfume (capsicum chinense). Also if they do well a rocoto variety.

I'm aiming to try and save some Sweet Petite cherry tomatoes, another lovely variety from Gourmet Genetics  :happy7: I'll also try for one or more of Wild Boar Farms varieties this year.

Plus lots of other ideas, :blob7: just have to see what does well  :happy7:

I did post earlier but I can't see myself on the list, please could you add me in. Still no idea what I am saving though.

Quote from: penedesenca on June 10, 2017, 21:07:55
I did post earlier but I can't see myself on the list, please could you add me in. Still no idea what I am saving though.

Whoops, I've amended the taking part list  :angel11:

Even better fourteen in the group  :sunny:

No worries, just it is always nice getting an idea from people of how their season is going and what might be candidates for the circle at the end  :toothy10:

Is it too late for me to join again?

I have been looking in, but dithering, as like Galina I will be moving, but unlikely before the autumn now.  Also I have a lot of interesting biennials and thought not much in the way of annuals.  However, as things pan out I have some interesting early tomatoes, a French bean and lettuce which are rather lovely and haven't yet been in circulation.

Considering we seem to get a couple of people dropping out as we go through, could I squeeze in?

It's not too late at all and plenty of room :wave: It's good to have you join in again and your possible for the Circle all sound great. I love early tomatoes and you can never have enough beans, is it a dwarf or climbing I wonder?  :toothy10:

Hope your move goes well.

Good, glad to be on board.

I'm prepared to say it's a tall French, but beyond that I'll not tempt fate by naming nothing.  Last year was a disaster in that way!

earlypea - I'm just growing your Red Swan DFBs this year. The flower colours are just stunning! Thanks so much for these. :)

Quote from: sparrow on June 23, 2017, 09:32:05
earlypea - I'm just growing your Red Swan DFBs this year. The flower colours are just stunning! Thanks so much for these. :)

Yes I agree.  Grew them last year, the flower colour was a real surprise.  I expected the red pod colour, but the flowers were a delightful bonus.  Unfortunately, with short plants and our vole population, I didn't end up with very many, beyond saving my own seeds.  But they are exquisite, thank you for the seeds Earlypea.  :wave:

Totally agree Red Swan have a very pretty flower (as well as a gorgeous pod).

Quote from: sparrow on June 23, 2017, 09:32:05
earlypea - I'm just growing your Red Swan DFBs this year. The flower colours are just stunning! Thanks so much for these. :)

Thanks for that.  As they were grown in the year of the aphid I barely noticed the flowers.  I spent hours scrubbing them off and was just relieved to have any kind of crop - must grow again and appreciate them more.

A couple of questions for the regulars, have we had the yellow Slovenian French bean in the swap lately? This is doing well for me this year and saving potato seed, do they self pollinate or mix? I've grown some early irish spuds called mizen that have good seeds on them and was just wondering how true they might be?  So far so good x sunloving

Hi Sunloving,  do include the seeds if the bean is doing well for you.  Even if people have them already, it is always good to get fresh seeds.

Potatoes are exempt from the rule of saving true to variety seeds, because it is not possible to save seeds that are exactly like the parent variety.  They are similar often, but not the same.  With normal seedsaving we can prevent crossing by special measures, with potatoes this is not possible.  Even if you isolate and handpollinate potato flowers, you will never get true breeding seeds.  Therefore please harvest any large, mature seedballs and tell us the 'mother' variety where they came from.  It is understood that the offspring will all be different.  If you scroll down to True Potato Seed here  http://seedsaverscircle.org/seed-circle/a4a-seed-saver-group-2015/  it tells you and the other participants what to expect from these seeds.  :wave:

Hi Sunloving, I don't believe we have had Yellow Slovenian beans in the swap at all, so they would make a lovely addition  :wave: I've some growing in the poly tunnel, though mine are only starting out, but good to know they are doing well for you.

Potato flowers tend to self pollinate although crossing does occur, mostly down to bees and other insects. But as potatoes don't generally come out an exact match to the parent, I think it is fine to put in open pollinated tps seeds and if there might be a little stray pollen, all the better for added diversity :) Mizen sound a lovely variety and I'd be excited to grow tps from them.

Must have been typing as you posted Galina  :wave:

Thankyou both that's really e ncouraging x sunloving

Chillis are doing well....so will have a choice to offer (Aji Fantasy)  that overwintered well or Alfred Rocotto :) Mini white cukes or verde Courgettes....just waiting to see if Banana squash a goer :)

I know I promised these last year (and failed to provide them!) but I absolutely definitely have a great harvest of Telephone peas to share!

Glad you two posted, it's great to hear some crops are doing well this year :)
Lovely sounding selection Hector, looking forward to whatever you decide to put in.

Lol that's great news Silverleaf, I'm wanting to grow your selection of Telephone peas alongside Alderman, I know you rate them highly  :happy7:

I've got quite a few varieties of beans on the go this year, though nothing near harvesting for seed yet! So fingers crossed.
My Tree Spinach patch is huge now, got to be at least 7'' tall!

I have grown these from HSL for the swop but a bit unhappy about the spotty ones. I can't remember what they looked like in the packet when they came. Is there a problem with them like a disease ? Any ideas.

Quote from: pumpkinlover on August 29, 2017, 14:55:55
I have grown these from HSL for the swop but a bit unhappy about the spotty ones. I can't remember what they looked like in the packet when they came. Is there a problem with them like a disease ? Any ideas.

Looks too regular to be disease, but I am by no means an expert.

It reminds me of the pattern on "maple" peas (like you see in Unity which Galina shared last year).

Quote from: pumpkinlover on August 29, 2017, 14:55:55
I have grown these from HSL for the swop but a bit unhappy about the spotty ones. I can't remember what they looked like in the packet when they came. Is there a problem with them like a disease ? Any ideas.

The spotty ones are not the correct colour for Frueher Heinrich.  A few other varieties, for example Latvian Soup has such spotty markings.  It is definitely not a disease.  Yes Unity has it as well, but Unity seeds are larger.  These could be Latvian Soup (which is also a HSL variety).  :wave:

PS attached is a photo of Frueher Heinrich (aka Early Henry) seeds.  They are a few years old, but you should see the colour ok and they look just like your non-spotty ones, Pumpkinlover.  As peas are very unlikely to cross, I would just use the plain ones for the Circle.

Here is Latvian Soup pea for comparison.  I think you had a simple mix-up.  :wave:

PS:  just remembered that they have different flowers too.  Frueher Heinrich is white and Latvian Soup is bicolour purple flowered.

Perhaps the seeds were already mixed when they came to you, mistakes do happen. Handy in this case that the types are quite distinguishable and easy to seperate.  I think as Galina has said, the solid coloured ones are probably the correct ones and if you have enough of them for the circle, that will be great  :happy7:

Thanks for the information. I will see if there are enough. Otherwise I will grow next year to get more.
I would have noticed if they were a mixture when I sowed them so HSL not to blame
I  kept the different varieties seperate when planting but the plants had very different ideas.
Need another plan for next year!

I have parsnip, turkish rocket and achocha seeds.

I have three types of bean which are pretty much countable and one just harvested , so uncrossing  fingers a little! I will just tease a bit by saying that DFB Emperor of Russia is the best bean I've grown!

I'm interested if there's still space, and I do have seeds this year! Sorry about the long absence, it's been a hell of a year, including my daughter nearly dying in childbirth, but we seem to have got through it more or less intact.

Just looking for some guidance on what happens next folks, my seeds are dried and ready for packaging.

how many seeds are we aiming for in regards to variety's..?

I have beans and toms, and depending on numbers, peas...

Oopsie I've been somewhat awol from a4a and gardening again, though apart from getting the flu (really floored me for a few weeks) this time I'm excited to say it's because I've been managing to get my life back into some sort of shape (kind of, small steps, but big for me), plus I've been led delightfully astray by Sunloving, though she may not know it! Have to admit I find this time of year always seems to be more of a struggle, the shortening days and colder temperatures just make day to day more of a slog, but so far so good. But still the shortest day can't come soon enough and I sooooooo look forward to when the days start to lengthen.......and those first flowers of spring, magic.


Loving the sound of what folks have been harvesting, exciting times  :blob7: I'll pm everyone in the next few days, hopefully we will have a better idea of how many taking part etc.

Forgot to say, I'm not sure yet which ones, but it is looking likely a bean year from me, I grew lots of varieties and many have done well, some of my favourites and also new to me varieties are looking like contenders, hope this suits. Lots of podding to be done and still some drying out!

Just bagged up some lovage seeds for the circle. While researching for info to put on the labels I found out you can eat the roots as well as the leaves and stalks. I nibbled a couple of seeds and they taste good too.

Lovage doesn't seem to be that popular in the UK and I have no idea why because it's really useful for adding a savoury flavour to dishes, a bit like celery. Also my rabbits go crazy for it!

I also have a couple of Flat White Boer squash waiting to be cut open. I didn't hand-pollinate them but they were the only squash plants flowering at the time, and none of my neighbours grow squash - so I'm pretty sure they haven't crossed (but I can't 100% guarantee it). How strict are we about hand-pollination? Do you trust my bee population?  ;)

Ooh I'm glad to be leading you astray jayb!  Have you had some soaping adventures! .? Hope it's gone well!  I'm not sure about what I might offer I'm still hoping to get some cinamon basil from my twigs and might add fireflame and sweetbite anyway as packs don't say f1 but under advisement. I need to root mizen seeds out of the bin after I tidied the crafts room yesterday and forgot what they were . I'm hooked on the swap as it was so brill last year to grow such a variety of new things some have become favourites like the tendril peas wow!  Can't wait to see what arrives! X sunlovingx

I'm in, but my offering might be slightly less than planned.  I'll post photos later

I've two tomatoes:  Silvery Fir Tree - Abundant, succulent, early beefsteak was inundated from early July.  Yellow brandywine (Sudduth strain) - I know it's quite common, but it was my favourite tomato this year.

(Also saved Sasha's Altai, but not impressed as it wasn't early at all - very intense, again prolific, salad type, but I didn't need all that by then.  I can put it in if anyone's interested, but I can't recommend on account of being late for an 'early').

Lettuce:  Australian Yellow - loose leaf.  Did outstandingly through the heatwave and quite a beauty.

A novelty:  Beet berry.  Maybe not great for eating, but a bit of visual, edible fun.  I need to check out the insect status though - last time I looked there a number of small flies, but maybe I can shake them off.  Not actually stripped the seeds off stems yet.

I did have two beans to put in, but need to check they aren't infected with the bean weevil.  Is there any early way to tell?  I had one pod that ripened early and I put it upstairs where it's warmer and it hatched with them, but all of the others look fine. ??

Hi Earlypea, this sounds a lovely selection for the circle.  With beans, the easiest way is to put them into a jar with tight fitting lid - kilner jar etc and stick them into the freezer for two days.  Nothing will crawl out subsequently after that.  You need to make sure the bean seeds are really dry before packing them into the airtight jars.  This way germination will not be affected by the spell in the cold.

Well what is an early tomato in some places is late elsewhere.  Often dtm numbers, days to  maturity, are copied from US websites and just don't apply to UK.  The earliest tomatoes are 55-60 dtm, but in UK that often means 90 days to maturity.  They count the start of dtm as the planting out date.  A second reason why dtm varies so much is that some tomatoes do quite well in cooler weather and progress nicely, whereas others really appreciate a hotter summer and sulk throughout if they don't get that. 

:wave:

My contribution is
Xenia field a lovely pencil thin dwarf french bean which is very prolific., HSL.
Gigandes butter type bean originally from Chris X
Painted lady pretty runner bean.
Also depending on numbers I have some Jack Edwards climbing french and Giant Stringless dwarf beans but it might be one or the other.
I thought I had some tomatoes too but  :dontknow: where they are !

So many great offers this year  :icon_cheers:  As I did get another season in this garden, I can, if I may, participate too this year.

I have a Climbing French bean to offer, seeds were also from Chris Cross, called Mennonite Stripe.  This is a huge and very fat podded bean, one of the largest around.  I prefer them as green beans, but CC uses them for shelling.  And after many years of trying, I finally got a melon to work in the greenhouse, Petit Gris de Rennes, and I have taken seeds.   Depending on numbers of participants, I could also add a small tuber of one of the potato varieties that Jayb has bred - a cross between Kifli and Ratte #1.  If Jayb does not object (she has not named this new variety), the name 'Rafli' springs to mind.  This potato has been very resistant to blight into late October, but it does benefit from a long growing season for a big crop of small to medium sized salad potatoes.  (Yummy Christmas potato salad).  I also grew a plum tomato variety, still from the magic, huge seed swap parcel of Jayb's and Jeannine's which has not yet been shared here.  A bright sunshine orange paste tomato with few seeds,  not plum shaped as such but almost round, called Roughwood Golden Plum.  This has been bred by William Woys Weaver and is a cross between Yellow Brandywine and San Marzano.   https://store.tomatofest.com/Roughwood_Golden_Plum_p/tf-0431.htm   

Have to see what else I can find.  I certainly have enough seeds for Shark's Fin Melon aka Fig Leaf Pumpkin and also a mild chili Trepadeira Werner.  Both are seed circle repeats but will gladly add, if there is interest.    :wave:

Hi everybody,i havenot posted much this year but i have been on the side often to keep updated what was going on.I have several beanvarieties for seed saving circle,some nice peppers and tomatoes,so i only have to hear that it is on.

Cracked open a Flat White Boer squash today. Disappointingly it only had seventeen viable seeds, the rest were empty. Not enough to share!

It'll take us ages to eat a 5kg squash so I don't really want to cut the other one (6.5kg) just yet. It'll probably have a similar number of good seeds as the first one, right?

Quote from: Silverleaf on December 11, 2017, 13:51:46
. It'll probably have a similar number of good seeds as the first one, right?

Not necessarily.  The number of seeds can be very variable. 

I share your frustration.  Happens to me time and again.  So often there are very few in handpollinated squash.  Often it is just a bit too cool for the pollen to be really fertile.  Bee pollinated squash flowers get many more visits during the day than a once only hand pollinated one.  And if that was at borderline temperatures, low seed count results.   :BangHead:

Just wanted to check that this was still happening... sorry if i've missed something obvious, this is my first year.

I'm in the process of packaging up my saved seeds for various seed swap events coming up soon, and a few seed circles im in.

I just wanted to know if i'm still saving seed seed for this swap.

Thanks in advance.  :happy7:

I'm still up for this! And I'm happy to take over the organisation if Jayb isn't able to or doesn't want to do it this year.

That's very kind of you, silverleaf.

Soooooo, it looks not then.

I'm hoping to get to Kenilworth Seedswap tomorrow.

I'll see what I have left after that.

Okay Seacarrot, I'll see what I can do. Don't want to miss out on the swap! Look out for a message from me later today explaining where to send seeds, etc.

I tried to message everyone but for some reason it didn't work. So I'll try here instead.

Is everyone okay with me taking over organisation? I don't want to step on any toes, but as I'm not that busy at the moment I thought it would save someone else doing it.

If so, can we confirm who's still taking part? I have 16 people so far on the list which means 15 packets of each type of seed, but it would be good to have up-to-date numbers.

punpkinlover
markfield rover
penedeseca
sparrow
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED
plot 18
elfeda
seacarrot
jayb
ruud
sunloving
martinburo
earlypea
robert brenchley
galina

Shall I contact people who have confirmed later in the week?

I have some ready.
Thanks for offering to run the swop. :wave:

Yes, thanks for taking over the job!
I've got seeds to send :)

I'm in.

Yep, I am in.  :toothy10:

Giant Bolivian Achocha (jagged type seeds)
Allium Canadense (?sp)
Welsh Onion
Tom - Fox Cherry

All ready to go.

Thank you very much Silverleaf.  I'm in.  :wave:

Thank you   silverleaf, I will also post a list of my beans soon.

count me in i have enough to share beans,tomatoes,peppers.etc.If you want a list i will send a list otherwise it would be a big surprise.
:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

Yes, please.

punpkinlover CONFIRMED
markfield rover CONFIRMED
penedeseca CONFIRMED
sparrow
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED
plot 18 CONFIRMED
elfeda
seacarrot CONFIRMED
jayb
ruud CONFIRMED
sunloving
martinburo CONFIRMED
earlypea
robert brenchley
galina CONFIRMED

So 9 of us then, I will send 10 packs of each to allow for any last minute peeps. Can you message your address please Silverleaf and thank you for taking this on.

Would £3 in stamps cover the return posting? Cheers.

Or perhaps an SAE with adequate postage......?

Yes ,  I usually put a self addressed label in so that the Jiffy bag used to send seed can be reused to return , but I'd rather send too many than too few stamps , especially as all my seeds are bean....if you don't want to know what they are ...look away now...CFB Crofts Italian...Ray's butter bean. DFB Emperor of Russia ..and  Royality. Also incase Silverleaf has any unexpected extras to cover, if you see what I mean ?

I'll need an address to send the seeds to....  :tongue3:

I need an adress to send my part of the seeds for the seed circle and how would you do it with my returning seeds,because i am the only one abroard.

Quote from: penedesenca on February 17, 2018, 06:49:56
punpkinlover CONFIRMED
markfield rover CONFIRMED
penedeseca CONFIRMED
sparrow
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED
plot 18 CONFIRMED
elfeda
seacarrot CONFIRMED
jayb
ruud CONFIRMED
sunloving
martinburo CONFIRMED
earlypea
robert brenchley
galina CONFIRMED

So 9 of us then, I will send 10 packs of each to allow for any last minute peeps. Can you message your address please Silverleaf and thank you for taking this on.

Robert_Brenchley, sunloving and earlypea had also said after October that they had seeds, so I'd suggest we make that 11 packets of each to send it, in case we are 12.

Hello all.

Yes, please - I'm still in.

Thanks Silverleaf.

Yes, I'm in. I'll have to sort out what I have later as I've got an appalling attack of migraine that's gone on since Friday.

Silverleaf? Yoo hoo? Are you about?  :wave:


Posts: 70
Total likes: 12
 

Re: Seed Saving Circle 2017
« Reply #81 on: February 17, 2018, 06:49:56 »

punpkinlover CONFIRMED
markfield rover CONFIRMED
penedeseca CONFIRMED
sparrow
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED
plot 18 CONFIRMED
elfeda
seacarrot CONFIRMED
jayb
ruud CONFIRMED
sunloving
martinburo CONFIRMED
earlypea CONFIRMED
robert brenchley CONFIRMED
galina CONFIRMED

If no one objects and we don't hear from Silverleaf by Friday I will pm you all my address so we can get this circle sorted for this year.

It is ok if you do object as I am not a big active member, but I am sure I am not the only one who would like this sorted, so please give suggestions if you do mind.  :happy7:

Well I don't have a problem, and thank you for offering. I was wondering when it would be polite to make myself the coordinator, but you've offered first.

Hello,

Am still in if I can get in under the wire.  :blob7:  :wave:

No objections penedesenca, thank you ,I would have offered ( honest) but but I am knee deep in Jury Duty!!

Thanks for offering Pendesca, I agree that it is time to move forward with this.

Quote from: sparrow on February 22, 2018, 00:16:08
Hello,

Am still in if I can get in under the wire.  :blob7:  :wave:

Quote from: Jayb on June 08, 2017, 08:06:17
Brilliant we now have thirteen in the group which makes it a nice size. [...]  :wave: and still a little room if anyone else wants to join in  :icon_cheers:

I only have 11 packets of Beans. #Awkward

Can we have a final confirmation of packets needed.? I need to pack more seed tonight.....

Quote from: Seacarrot on February 22, 2018, 15:28:13
I only have 11 packets of Beans. #Awkward

Can we have a final confirmation of packets needed.? I need to pack more seed tonight.....

I don't have to have the beans, but if it's a problem I will bow out.

I am in for this year's though - please don't take me off the list! Chillies are sown and everything... :D

PM's have been sent to those confirmed, do shout if you haven't got it.

We have 13 confirmed, so if you could please send 13 packs of each variety you have saved that would be great. (It allows an odd pack if someone is last minute).

Please send with your seeds a return address label and enough stamps. UK small parcel rate is currently £3.40 1st or £2.90 2nd.

I would be grateful if everyone could try and get their seeds to me in this next week so I can aim for return parcels no later than the 1st March


Many thanks in advance. Any problems let me know and I will try my best to help x

We are at 13 confirmed

punpkinlover CONFIRMED
markfield rover CONFIRMED
penedeseca CONFIRMED
sparrow CONFIRMED
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED
plot 18 CONFIRMED
elfeda
seacarrot CONFIRMED
jayb
ruud CONFIRMED
sunloving
martinburo CONFIRMED
earlypea CONFIRMED
robert brenchley CONFIRMED
galina CONFIRMED

Thank you Penedesenca very much for taking on the distribution.   :icon_cheers:

I am looking at what I have in the box and folding and stuffing seed packets.

There is a dwarf heritage pea (Carter's daffodil), a melon (Petit Gris de Rennes).  Also a bright day glow orange sauce tomato (Roughwood Golden Plum) that originated from the magic seed parcel from Jeannine and Jayb a few years ago.  A few beans (Mennonite Stripe) and a chili (Trepadeira Werner).  The squash (Todo el An~o) is not handpollinated (the actual handpollinated squashes had few seeds only), but it was the only cucurbita maxima variety grown and nobody in the neighbourhood grows anything but grass, so that is possible with a caution.  Can also add round seeded giant Bolivian Achocha, which have done extraordinarily well this year. 

Many thanks again  :sunny:

Thank-you penedesenca , very kind of you , possibly getting a little bit excited now! Cheers.

Thank you all for your kind messages and support. All the seeds lined up are sounding fantastic, glad I am not the only one getting excited.

(http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/christmas/opening-christmas-gift-smiley-emoticon.gif) (http://www.sherv.net/)

Mine is in the post !

Still packing here.  Have just found enough Walking Onions in the conservatory.  Only a few Catawissa (but we had those a few years ago) and Moritz, which makes larger top heads with more purple onions, although most of these are a little smaller than the Catawissa ones.  The Moritz Walking Onion was a gift from Hector.  It is getting very late for Walking Onions, therefore they need to be planted up as soon as the seed packets reach their destinations.  Hope that everybody will end up with a few plants. 

Have read up on the history behind the Paste tomato 'Roughwood Golden Plum'.  This is a determinate tomato, but still needs staking as the plants are quite tall.  More round than plum shaped with very thick meaty flesh and a brilliant orange colour.  So good with an egg and a slice of bacon for Sunday breakfast.  Even in winter, straight from the freezer, just cut into halves and frozen individually  Makes a lovely tomato sauce too.  It was bred by food historian Wills Woys Weaver, who crossed San Marzano with Yellow Brandyvine.
 
Petit Gris de Rennes was the melon that broke my spell of not being able to grow melons.  This one just worked (in the greenhouse).  Small greenish netted melons, very juicy and yummy.  If I can succeed with this variety, I hope it works for others too.   :wave:

Mine going off to you on Tuesday. :)

I am a bit stuck on beans this year.
There are Gigandes originally from Chris Cross, sadly no longer posts. A nice fat butter bean type.
Painted Lady runner bean.
Giant Stringless dwarf bean from last years HSL (only ten packets sorry)
Xenia Field dwarf bean also HSL. I think that this is the nicest pencil bean I have grown, it was a torment not to pick and eat it.

Quotegalina: Have read up on the history behind the Paste tomato 'Roughwood Golden Plum'.  This is a determinate tomato, but still needs staking as the plants are quite tall.  More round than plum shaped with very thick meaty flesh and a brilliant orange colour.  So good with an egg and a slice of bacon for Sunday breakfast.  Even in winter, straight from the freezer, just cut into halves and frozen individually  Makes a lovely tomato sauce too.

I grew this a couple of years ago as an indeterminate/cordon, must be one of those varieties that works both ways :D but agree with the rest of the description. It's one of those varieties that you can easily pull out the central core and seeds and put in a stuffing and bake.

Plot 18, yes I agree, it is one of those tomatoes that isn't quite one or the other.  Safe to say, it isn't a classic short bush tomato that can stand on its own without support.  I didn't prune out side shoots as that would have limited the yield I think.  :wave: 

I'm not very excited by my own entries to the share this year, which is unusual.  :sad10:

I wondered whether I might be permitted to add some non-self-saved seeds in addition to my 3 self-saved? 

It's just I've got a gazillion seeds of the Gniff carrot from Kokopelli (not rareseeds) and I'll never be able to use them all.  Seems like a terrible waste of a rare one and I don't have the time to swap them individually on the swap board.
https://www.rareseeds.com/gniff-carrot/

I grew it this year and it was exceedingly fun, very different from other carrots.  But, I won't be able to grow it for seed this year as I'm definitely leaving my plot at some point so will only be growing a few basics.

Would it be alright to add some bags of that?  If you let me know today because I'm packaging up now and will take to the post office in the   morning.

Cheers

Sounds very interesting, yes please.  :wave:

Quote from: earlypea on February 25, 2018, 15:45:51


I wondered whether I might be permitted to add some non-self-saved seeds in addition to my 3 self-saved? 

It's just I've got a gazillion seeds of the Gniff carrot from Kokopelli
Cheers

Another yes please from me :)

Fine by me. They sound great.

Quote from: earlypea on February 25, 2018, 15:45:51
I'm not very excited by my own entries to the share this year, which is unusual.  :sad10:

I wondered whether I might be permitted to add some non-self-saved seeds in addition to my 3 self-saved? 

It's just I've got a gazillion seeds of the Gniff carrot from Kokopelli (not rareseeds) and I'll never be able to use them all.  Seems like a terrible waste of a rare one and I don't have the time to swap them individually on the swap board.
https://www.rareseeds.com/gniff-carrot/

I grew it this year and it was exceedingly fun, very different from other carrots.  But, I won't be able to grow it for seed this year as I'm definitely leaving my plot at some point so will only be growing a few basics.

Would it be alright to add some bags of that?  If you let me know today because I'm packaging up now and will take to the post office in the   morning.

Cheers

Woohoo! The first of the parcels has landed. Thank you Pumpkinlover and Plot 18  :icon_cheers:

Quote from: penedesenca on February 22, 2018, 16:29:32

We are at 13 confirmed

punpkinlover CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
markfield rover CONFIRMED
penedeseca CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
sparrow CONFIRMED
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED
plot 18 CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
elfeda
seacarrot CONFIRMED
jayb
ruud CONFIRMED
sunloving
martinburo CONFIRMED
earlypea CONFIRMED
robert brenchley CONFIRMED
galina CONFIRMED

My seeds went in the post box this morning.

Mine should have caught the noon post today.

In the end I've sent:

Early bush tomato:  Silvery Fir Tree
Vine tomato:  Yellow Brandywine (Sudduth Strain)
Lettuce:  Australian Yellow Leaf
Carrot:  Gniff (not self-saved)

I couldn't extract the tiny flies from the Beet Berry I had also planned to send and didn't like the idea of distributing pests all around the UK so had to leave it.

Also, could I apologise for the paltry quantities.  I like to be more generous normally, on account of slugs and weather and everything else, but I had a really big clear out of my gardening debris a few weeks ago and it all went a bit too far - this was all that was left!

I will post photos and proper descriptions of varieties in a day or two.

Just a thought....but would it be a good idea to have a "Seed Saving Circle 2017 CATALOGUE" sticky here so we could all post up our info/photos about this year's varieties to one location.

It's a faddle to wade through the original thread and hard work for someone to sort through and edit (Thanks Jayb & Galina for previous years).

Mine are on the way - missed the post though so they are overnighting in the postbox and will be travelling tomorrow.

I really feel sorry for them, perhaps they have other letters to keep them warm :) Group hug, maybe  :toothy10:

Winging their way.........

Another 2 parcels have just arrived by sleigh and husky. Thank you Markfield Rover (love the card  :happy7:) and earlypea.

I know the weather is not good so please don't venture out and put yourselves at risk. However, please please can you get your parcels out as soon as it is reasonable to do so. I only know of 3 other parcels in the pipeline and I had originally hoped to get them back to you today (yes, I know I was optimistic but I don't wish to get mean or for anyone to miss out)

punpkinlover CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
markfield rover CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
penedeseca CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
sparrow CONFIRMED
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED
plot 18 CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
elfeda
seacarrot CONFIRMED
jayb
ruud CONFIRMED
sunloving
martinburo CONFIRMED
earlypea CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
robert brenchley CONFIRMED
galina CONFIRMED

Just putting the final touches to the package.  In the post tomorrow morning.  :wave:

Mine went into the post a week ago today.......

Quote from: Seacarrot on March 05, 2018, 20:49:22
Mine went into the post a week ago today.......

That's a bit worrying.  But we had the same with one participant last year.  First class took a week on the way out and on the way back.  But made it in the end. 

Mine should have got there also.  Posted Friday morning First Class.  This weather has a lot to answer for.  Hope both packages make it safely.  There are probably a few more in transit   :wave:

So sorry everyone, fibromyalgia hit me pretty hard and I haven't been able to do anything for weeks. :( Unfortunate timing!

I should be able to get my seeds in the post tomorrow or Wednesday.

Another couple of parcels have landed. Thank you Seacarrot and Galina  :wave:

punpkinlover CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
markfield rover CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
penedeseca CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
sparrow CONFIRMED
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED
plot 18 CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
elfeda
seacarrot CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
jayb
ruud CONFIRMED
sunloving
martinburo CONFIRMED
earlypea CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
robert brenchley CONFIRMED
galina CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived

Quote from: Silverleaf on March 06, 2018, 14:14:48
So sorry everyone, fibromyalgia hit me pretty hard and I haven't been able to do anything for weeks. :( Unfortunate timing!

I should be able to get my seeds in the post tomorrow or Wednesday.

Sorry to hear, hope you are over the worst of it.

The next few days is fine. We still have stray parcels because of the weather.

Martinburo and Robert Benchley I have sent a dm, but just in case could you please let me know if you have sent your seeds or what stage you are at? Many thanks  :happy7:

Are mine not with you yet? *worried face*

Quote from: sparrow on March 06, 2018, 21:50:08
Are mine not with you yet? *worried face*

Not yet. I seem to remember postie not liking the route from yours to mine before, so I shan't panic yet. Will shout as soon as they get here.

Quote from: galina on February 24, 2018, 18:34:14
Petit Gris de Rennes was the melon that broke my spell of not being able to grow melons.  This one just worked (in the greenhouse).  Small greenish netted melons, very juicy and yummy.  If I can succeed with this variety, I hope it works for others too.

Just to say that I grew this variety last year, successfully, too.  Down here, South West Greater London/Surrey they did fine outdoors which I've done before with another early melon so it is perfectly possible in a better summer in the South.

It might be worth trying the melon in the polytunnel then. Last year was hopeless because nothing warmed up till mid-May, but hopefully it should be better this year. I've just recovered from a fortnight of constant non-stop migraine, but mine will be in the post shortly. I'm just waiting for some TPS to brew, then I'll see how many seeds I get out of it.

Mine are on their way. :)

I've also just sent mine in.

Silverleaf your parcel has landed. The hedgehogs have warmed up and are snuggled on my desk (well until my oldest gets home from school) Thank you  :happy7:

I am calling a deadline of Thursday 22nd March, any outstanding parcels need to be here by that date. Hopefully everyone will get their parcels back before the end of March

punpkinlover CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
markfield rover CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
penedeseca CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
sparrow CONFIRMED
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
plot 18 CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
elfeda
seacarrot CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
jayb
ruud CONFIRMED
sunloving
martinburo CONFIRMED
earlypea CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
robert brenchley CONFIRMED
galina CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived

Mine will be in the post today or tomorrow. So far there's Ragged Jack, an old kale similar to Russian Red, and TPS from Russian Blue. It's very variable so there's no predicting whether the spuds will be blue or white. I'll try to add a couple more things before I send it.

Oooo, we are getting nearer the end  :toothy10:

Your parcel has arrived Martinburo safe and sound. Thank you  :wave:

Put the seeds on the post today

Have you seen Allan Jenkins (gardening) article in today's Guardian? We are not alone!
Read whilst looking out at 6 inches of snow.

Oh yes.  But I draw the line at wasting seed.  Before they get too old, they go in the freezer.  And that is just another way to 'extend' the hobby - a bigger seed box.  :sunny:

A further way (and one that does sneak up on you!) is getting into breeding your own varieties.  Before there is a nice new variety,  there are a myriad of seeds of various development stages, all of which must be kept  of course.   :BangHead:  Not every breeding attempt results in a nice shiny new variety.  But maybe they will in the next generation!  So those seeds must also be kept - just in case!   :BangHead:  :BangHead:

I reckon anything beyond two tin boxes must be addiction of some sort or other.  But fortunately a very benign addiction.  :wave: 

I think your addiction is probably only very mild Markfield Rover.  Really I do!   :angel11:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/mar/18/allotment-fever-and-seed-obsession-allan-jenkins

Quote from: markfield rover on March 18, 2018, 08:19:41
Have you seen Allan Jenkins (gardening) article in today's Guardian? We are not alone!
Read whilst looking out at 6 inches of snow.

Agree about the waste issue( I find it difficult to buy Seeds of Italy sseds due to a life times supply in one packet) in the comments he addresses this, he does enter into dialogue and it appears to be far friendlier than other columns in the paper and I am warming to the idea of reading Plot 29 .

I've sent a replacement parcel - I have had a few being a bit late before but never lost. Will add the contents to the other thread when they land safely, because the contents are different this time...  :wave:

(I have 5 very large seed tins, but my storage is nowhere near cold enough so I bet many things I have been hoarding are no longer viable.)

That's not good Sparrow!  Did they give you a receipt at the post office?  They should at least give you the postage back for the lost package.  But the seeds are the real loss of course.  Nightmare!  I hope that they will still surface after all.

Thank you for sending a replacement package.    :angel11:

No, I didn't go for the receipt option. But this is the first one to go missing properly, and it was sent in the blizzards so who knows what adventures it's having. If it comes back I'll keep the seeds - it at least had return postage inside and an address to return to.

Fingers crossed this one arrives ok! :D Am sorry it's not as exciting contents-wise.

Woo hoo. A Sparrow parcel has landed (oca, parsnip...) along with Ruud's  :wave: Thank you. Just tomorrow to see if Roberts arrives, then either way I will get all your parcels back out Friday morning. They are all sorted and looking good. Just a couple of things. As soon as you get them - plant your onions (the poor things want to be growing) and some seeds are duplicated so do not panic they are not meant for anyone else I was just sharing out the surplus.

punpkinlover CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
markfield rover CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
penedeseca CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
sparrow CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
hector
silverleaf CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
plot 18 CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
elfeda
seacarrot CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
jayb
ruud CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
sunloving
martinburo CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
earlypea CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived
robert brenchley CONFIRMED
galina CONFIRMED - Seeds arrived

YYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

My seeds are in a small drawer unit - six drawers that are each a bit bigger than an A4 piece of paper. Beans and peas each have their own drawer, then there's one with flowers and herbs, one with green manures, one for general veggies, and the last one holds the varieties I'm planning for this year along with ones I need to grow out for seed.

I'll probably need more room for peas soon - as Galina says you have to store a lot of "rejects" when you have breeding projects going on...

I should have confirmed that my seeds were on the way but didn't think of it. Ragged Jack kale, Russian Blue TPS, Taxi (early yellow determinate tomato, does well outdoors), and Black Seaman ('Black'/red determinate; I just about managed to grow these outdoors one year, but don't really recommend it).

i just found two Black Seaman on the floor. I'll get them in the post tomorrow.

Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on March 22, 2018, 00:39:19
i just found two Black Seaman on the floor. I'll get them in the post tomorrow.

It is fine. Don't worry about it as they will miss the return parcels. The thought is there  :happy7:

Thank you penedesenca , I've bought a bag of seed compost indoors !

All done and back in the hands of the posties and......





.......they are complete with Roberts seeds  :icon_cheers:  :icon_cheers:  :icon_cheers:

Please let me know when they get back to you. Thank you all for making this a lovely circle  :happy7:

Quote from: penedesenca on March 23, 2018, 15:53:27
Thank you all for making this a lovely circle  :happy7:

Thank you for rescuing it, you're an  :angel11: - much appreciated!

Hurray! And thank you! Will now take up a hovering position near the postbox...

thanks for putting so much effort in it,i am watching the mailbox like a hawk :icon_cheers: :icon_cheers: :icon_cheers:

Thank you very much, Penedesenca   :icon_cheers:  for bringing the circle to a close.  Can't wait  :sunny:

They are here !!! Thank you everyone and a huge thanks to penedesenca .  I think the opening deserves cake. Cheers all and happy sowing.

And here too!   :icon_cheers:  Gosh postie was early today!  Thanks go to everybody and especially to our brilliant coordinator, Penedesenca.  :icon_cheers:

No more now - will go and play.  Seriously hope everybody will get their parcel in a timely fashion.

I may take a while ...........................   :sunny:

:wave:

Many thanks to Penedesenca for all your hard work.

Hope mine arrive soon, and happy growing everyone.

Mine came too! Saw my postie in the street and he was worried I would have to wait to see what was inside... He is a very nice man!

Thank you so much for all the goodies!

After all the problems, you very much deserve a good postal service, Sparrow!  That's excellent.

I have planted up the oca.  When you said the first two were from Jayb, were they the ones we got a couple of years ago in the seed circle?  Might they be Pobbles and Redley?

I am struggling with your writing Ruud.  Please what is the name of the French bean.  Bruht et bon?  And is it tall or short?

Have already got the Bosque Blue Bumblebee tomato in the propagator,  last bit of space, the others will have to wait a few days, but I just could not resist.  I had seen photos of this tomato before and it was on my 'I desire' list. 

Thank you for all the seed treasures.  :wave:

The beans are brutt e bou and ortner speck both are pole beans,both are all purpose.Picked young as a snap bean.Also used as a dry bean.I hope you have enough information,if not just ask me.

http://www.bohnen-atlas.de/sorten/o/1629-ortner-speck

find out now that i also got the name wrong it is brutt e buon,sorry for that.

https://www.theeasygarden.com/threads/2017-little-easy-bean-network-–-everything-beans-post-it-here-join-the-fun.20356/pa

Thank you Ruud.  Yes I have grown Ortner Speck last year. Fairly late Austrian bean, but still ok to grow and to save seeds from and a nice meaty bean.  Stringless, good for bean salads and green beans, but also dual use for shelling.

Brutt e bou is still a mystery.   Where does the bean come from?  Must be very rare and I can't find any references.  Are the pods green?  Thank you for very interesting and unusual seeds.    Looking forward to growing.    :icon_cheers:

Quote from: ruud on March 24, 2018, 23:26:15
The beans are brutt e bou and ortner speck both are pole beans,both are all purpose.Picked young as a snap bean.Also used as a dry bean.I hope you have enough information,if not just ask me.

Quote from: ruud on March 24, 2018, 23:30:38
find out now that i also got the name wrong it is brutt e buon,sorry for that.

Have corrected.  Thanks for extra info.  It is an Italian bean. And if Google translate got it right it means something like 'ugly and good'.   Green pods with a lot of purple speckling.  Thanks Ruud

https://www.theeasygarden.com/threads/2017-little-easy-bean-network-%E2%80%93-everything-beans-post-it-here-join-the-fun.20356/page-44#post-304746

https://www.flickr.com/photos/134623476@N08/36777315802/

:wave:

Also received here by unusually early post, yesterday - cheers penedesenca :wave:  cheers all :wave:

Quote from: galina on March 24, 2018, 19:53:24
After all the problems, you very much deserve a good postal service, Sparrow!  That's excellent.

I have planted up the oca.  When you said the first two were from Jayb, were they the ones we got a couple of years ago in the seed circle?  Might they be Pobbles and Redley?

I am struggling with your writing Ruud.  Please what is the name of the French bean.  Bruht et bon?  And is it tall or short?

Have already got the Bosque Blue Bumblebee tomato in the propagator,  last bit of space, the others will have to wait a few days, but I just could not resist.  I had seen photos of this tomato before and it was on my 'I desire' list. 

Thank you for all the seed treasures.  :wave:

I know - am so glad postal things are brilliant again. I can't remember the names of the oca (I am a BAAAD seedsaver!) but I definitely got them from here so the names must be right. The dark red one is just known as 'black'.

That tomato looks incredible. I am definitely sticking it straight in to grow too. Am so loving a quiet morning sorting through the goodies.

Quote from: sparrow on March 25, 2018, 11:43:27

I have planted up the oca.  When you said the first two were from Jayb, were they the ones we got a couple of years ago in the seed circle?  Might they be Pobbles and Redley?

I can't remember the names of the oca (I am a BAAAD seedsaver!) but I definitely got them from here so the names must be right. The dark red one is just known as 'black'.

Just asking because you had said that you also swapped oca with Thomas Etty.  And because I had awful luck with Pobbles.  Never had a problem with oca before, but with Jayb's precious oca from seed the voles got them and I don't have any Pobbles left. 

Best cultivation advice is to cover oca plants for maximum harvest of big tubers as soon as the first frost strikes to keep them going, but in my case that cloche gave perfect safety for the voles, who must have had a massive party.  Wonderfully tasty oca no doubt!   :BangHead:

The dark red 'Black' looks good too.  We had a really interesting emergency package from you.  :wave:

Ah right - yes I did swap with Thomas Etty, but I gave him tubers in exchange for packets of seeds. :D

I've so far not had a problem with mice or voles, but we do have a very active plot cat and several pairs of foxes, so perhaps they are too busy hiding to plunder. I would hate to have them anywhere near my saffron!!

Quote from: sparrow on March 25, 2018, 18:15:25
Ah right - yes I did swap with Thomas Etty, but I gave him tubers in exchange for packets of seeds. :D

That makes it much easier.  For comparison here are the ocas from Jayb (about halfway down the page). 
http://seedsaverscircle.org/seed-circle/a4a-seed-saver-group-2015/

In that case that's probably not it. I first grew oca in 2014 and have kept the same varieties since. ho hum!

Quote from: sparrow on March 25, 2018, 21:15:43
In that case that's probably not it. I first grew oca in 2014 and have kept the same varieties since. ho hum!

Thanks for the explanation, Sparrow.   :drunken_smilie:

I thought I had got them from here, but it must have been from someone else with the timings not fitting and the pictures on your link show different colours to what I have. I will go have a dig about in my records.

My parcel is here. #Squee.

So many treasures to look up. Thankyou everyone.   :toothy10:

Thank you all for letting me know and glad you are enjoying the seedy goodies  :happy7:

pumpkinlover
markfield rover  - Seeds arrived
penedeseca  - Seeds arrived
sparrow - Seeds arrived
silverleaf
plot 18
seacarrot  - Seeds arrived
ruud
martinburo
earlypea  - Seeds arrived
robert brenchley
galina  - Seeds arrived

I'm just sulking, I hoped they'd get here today :sad10:

They're here  :blob7: Seed shuffling planned for this evening  :glasses9:

Nothing here yet, but second class is of course slower so I'm not worried. Maybe tomorrow?

Or maybe this afternoon! Yay!

Thanks so much everyone, what a lovely selection. :) Lots of sorting and researching for me this afternoon!

The seeds arrived. Many thanks everybody.

Mine's arrived, thanks. And thanks for being patient!

so have mine, thanks everyone

Yay, so just Ruud left. Fingers crossed it won't be much longer  :icon_cheers:

pumpkinlover - Seeds arrived
markfield rover  - Seeds arrived
penedeseca  - Seeds arrived
sparrow - Seeds arrived
silverleaf - Seeds arrived
plot 18 - Seeds arrived
seacarrot  - Seeds arrived
ruud
martinburo - Seeds arrived
earlypea  - Seeds arrived
robert brenchley - Seeds arrived
galina  - Seeds arrived

nothing yet pigeon must have headwind.

It will be worth the wait Ruud.

Today arrived a nice easterpresent.Thanks everybody for the goodies.There are some intresting veggies to try.Have a nice eastern holiday. :wave: :wave: :wave:

I just wanted to say that the walking onions really did want to grow - 5 are sprouting already  :happy7:

Quote from: Plot 18 on April 02, 2018, 16:08:24
I just wanted to say that the walking onions really did want to grow - 5 are sprouting already  :happy7:

Thank you Plot18 for the report.  That is good news.  I was very doubtful but started feeling hopeful when some of the rejects here started sprouting a few days ago.  Good to know the ones sent in the post are growing too.  :wave:

Not only the onions but the melon seeds all germinated and are going great guns , I have twenty! Little do my neighbours know but they too will be growing melons! An ever increasing circle.....

Quote from: markfield rover on April 03, 2018, 13:34:14
Not only the onions but the melon seeds all germinated and are going great guns , I have twenty! Little do my neighbours know but they too will be growing melons! An ever increasing circle.....

Happy to read this MR   :sunny:  I have Bumblebee tomatoes up and Telephone peas.  :wave:

Here the onions and the ullucos are in the soil.

Is the pepper Seyrele? Mr Google wasn't much help!

Quote from: pumpkinlover on April 04, 2018, 09:34:10
Is the pepper Seyrele? Mr Google wasn't much help!

Seyrek    http://www.pasatohum.com/en/urun/pepper-seyrek-kil-tatli/36   

:wave:

that is the right one galina,brought seeds from turkey,not to hot .You can pickle them like turkish people do.

Gazzi Yellow Egg.  First ripe tomato this year.  Outdoors!  Although the greenhouse ones are not far behind.  Thankyou Markfield Rover.   :wave:

Stripes of Yore.  Wow!  They are not ripe yet, but I have 2 plants that at the moment have practically black fruits.  I guess they will end up like this:  http://tatermaterseeds.com/shop/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=14

and I have a green stripey plant, which I believe will end up like this:  http://www.tomatofifou.fr/recherche-variete-2/recherche-multicriteres/stripes-of-yore-1093-detail

Can't wait for these to ripen.  Thank you so much for the seeds.  :wave:

This report goes back to a seed portion a few year's ago.  The Minogue seeds.  I have grown plants from them and divided vegetatively.  This year I have a couple of flowers too.  Currently waiting for seeds which will take a few more weeks.  However two of the flowers are developing seeds as well as tiny top bulbils!  Like Babington's Leek.  They look just like Minogues, but I wonder whether I have a cross between the two (that would be very exciting) or whether it is just a way that Minogue Multiplier onion can also reproduce itself.  It could be a version of 'leek pips'.  The seed heads with the bulbils have far fewer developing seeds.  I wonder whether they will produce fertile seeds.  Whatever it is, it is rather fascinating!  :wave:

Peas Ave Juan.  Oh Wow.  Huge pods, huge seeds and up to ten per pod.  Thanks MR for lovely addition to the collection.  They also coped reasonably well with the heat, which was a problem for so many peas this year.  Thank you!  :sunny:

 :glasses9:    Just look at those tomatoes !

Stripes of Yore in the foreground, Bosque Blue Bumblebee in the background.  Just how pretty are they.  Thank you for the seeds!   :wave:

I'll post some photos later; only growing a reduced programme this year, so just a few from the seed circle.  Harvesting Dead Sea Man at the moment from a mid-April sowing!, which was one on my list for some time and I never got around to.  Got a stunning Flat White Boer (2016 circle I think) nearly half a metre in diametre and such a beautiful skin texture, like a beautiful hand-crafted item.  I won't be eating it, that's a decoration for the fireplace.  There's a smaller one I can sample.  So thank you for those.

Mainly I'm curious about peoples' experiences of the Petit Gris de Renee (Galina's).  I grew a couple last year from Realseeds and wanted to grow more this year.  I have two plants from Galina's seeds and two from Realseed's (and don't remember which are which  :tongue3:)

One of the plants is producing far larger melons; 6-7 inches in length, certainly not a single serving type like the original and yet the leaves are identical.  Have I got a hybrid?  Did anyone else?  Or, is it a Realseeds seed?  Be interesting to see if it tastes the same.

Was not handpollinated, but grown in greenhouse.  No melons (or any veg growing) either side of the garden.  They should be large grapefruit sized.  Had a photo from somebody else and they look right on that one.  But as I said, they were not handpollinated, so in theory a cross is possible.  :wave: 

Petit Gris - Lots of flowers, male and female, but despite some hand pollination, I've not managed to get any fruit yet:(  I think, maybe, it's been just too hot in the greenhouse. Will try again next year, anyway!

Hi Galina

Sounds more probable that it's a Realseeds hybrid then - or maybe a different variety, although the seeds looked identical and later the leaves.It was more vigorous though which also screams hybrid.  Whatever, I'm excited to have it - I like surprises.

Hope you have tasted it by now and still like it.

Here very much enjoying the various tomatoes.  For once we have a brilliant tomato year.  I had planned not to plant any outside which is usually such heartache when we have to remove blighted plants before they have come into their best, but this year I had way too many and was glad that I just stuck the surplus into the garden. 

Detsky Smak and Gazzi Yellow Egg are just such wonderful performers.  Gazzi had small early fruit but now they are getting larger and do resemble an egg.  Very tasty.  Both were early but they are still going now. Many grateful thoughts are being sent to the seed circle donors goodlife and Markfield Rover.  :wave:

Quote from: galina on September 14, 2018, 08:46:41
Hope you have tasted it by now and still like it.

Alas, the extremely big ones were slight on flavour.  Still, had plenty of the Petit Gris original - meltingly lovely.

The seed circle contributions to the midnight garden!   Spookie! 

Two Helsing Junction Blues tomatoes - the only bit that is not the darkest purple is where I removed the stem.

And one of the Purple Tomatillos.  Not all of them are that dark purple, but this one is amazing to look at.  It was the earliest to ripen in the greenhouse. 

WOW   :sunny:

Hi, Wow indeed galina what a deep colour. Do you save your own seed from these as I would like a go at growing them? I have been growing yellow and orange ones this year so will take a couple of piccies when I get chance.

Quote from: lezelle on October 11, 2018, 08:59:14
Hi, Wow indeed galina what a deep colour. Do you save your own seed from these as I would like a go at growing them? I have been growing yellow and orange ones this year so will take a couple of piccies when I get chance.

Helsing Junction Blues from my own seeds original seeds from the seed circle,  purple tomatillo from seed circle seeds grown for the first time. 

Hi ya, I found the purple tomatillo on line so they are in course of supply. The other variety I found is American? so don't know if I can get them yet but will try. I enjoy growing something different. I gave the 5 year old girl next door some yellow tomatoes and her mom said thanks but the little girl apparently was a bit wary as she had never yellow tommies before, did make me smile.

When one parsnip does a whole Christmas meal!

Unfortunately I lost the label and don't know for sure who to credit for these wonderful parsnip seeds.  They are quite indented at the top.  I only sowed the seed circle seeds for parsnips.  And just see what happened.   :icon_cheers:

Sorry the photo is not quite sharp, but you can see their size and they roasted beautifully. 

Quote from: galina on October 10, 2018, 14:22:36


And one of the Purple Tomatillos.  Not all of them are that dark purple, but this one is amazing to look at.  It was the earliest to ripen in the greenhouse. 

WOW   :sunny:

Galina - would that be the 'purple tomatillo' that I shared in 2016?  It's most odd because I later realised it wasn't supposed to be a purple tomatillo though mine were mainly purple and like yours a lot of them very dark.

It was grown from this Realseeds Tomatillo

"Tomatillo
This is a very pretty, unusually-coloured tomatillo.

It has yellow skin overlaid with a purple blush, and produces good crops of medium-sized fruit."
http://www.realseeds.co.uk/physalis.html

None of mine had any yellow in them.

I did correct my mistake in a thread, but I suppose it is a 'purple tomatillo', but whether it's the same as actual 'purple tomatillos' I don't know.  I sowed some the next year to see if they had any yellow, green colouring but they all came out mainly purple again.

I was chuffed with them earlypea.  Still have a few, they store well and the ones I still have, have turned purple or at least purplish stored inside their paper cases.  These are the most purple I have ever had and they taste good too.  Great variety.  I have taken seeds of the most purple, which is probably the way to go, they may need constant selection for good purple.  A bit like the snap pea Sugar Magnolia   :sunny:

I grew them two seasons and I should say in a hot, dry summer they have the most wonderful piquant flavour - like you, I was totally impressed.  However, when they ripened in a dull and rainy summer (2017) they tasted like pap - no flavour whatso whatso.  Seriously, they were inedible that year.  I mostly binned them.  Everything has its place I guess.