Allotments 4 All

Quote from: newtona2 on December 27, 2005, 18:40:49
For anyone who's had problems - like me last year - with parsnips either not growing very large, or growing like alien multi-legged tennis balls (!!), I suggest you try what I did this year:

Get a big stake or fence post
Chanfer off the corners to give you a reasonable point
Push about 12"-15" into the ground, twist a bit, then pull out
Fill hole with bagged compopst mixed about 3 parts compost to 2 parts sand
Sow two seeds on the top of the compost/sand mix
Make the next hole aobut 6" away from the edge of the first.
Repeat.
Cover the whole lot with a very thin sprinkling of more compost and sand mix

When they germinate, remove the weakest looking seedling (if both germinate)


I did this for the first time this year - to much ridicule from one of my fellow plot holders - and also sowed another lot as normal, in the same raised bed or well sifted soil.

Results?

The parsnips sown in the dibbed holes we universally long, straight and nearly all a decent size (about 10" to 12" long, about 2" to 3" across at the top.

The others grew well, but several are small and stunted, several have multiple appendages, and none are as big as the other lot.

All were Tender & True.

I'll certainly be donig the same again this year - as will my vocal neighbour!

Tony

sounds good to me Mike...will be giving that a go ;D ;D

I cannot believe this !!!

I was designing an identical device using a metal tube last night. Looks like I have been beaten to it again ...  ;D

This is good advice. I more or less do this but I think the planting pole is a good idea as I think I didn't go far enough down last year, so did have some that forked. Thanks Mike!  :) busy_lizzie

Sounds good, may use a lot of compost though.

I may try one row like this, one in paper pots and one sown normally.

Now I need to work out how many parsnips I need (100?) and delay planting until the soil is warm enough (still covered in snow)

I think the trick is using the stake to clear any stones or obstructions out of the way, not the compost.  I believe that sieved earth would be just as good. Refill the hole to within 2" of the top and place your paper pot with the germinated parsnip seed in, into the hole, magic, instant parsnip. Well we can dream.

I have just made a planter myself, using scrap metal tube. I intend to use sieved soil as well.

Sorry for lack of a photograph, but it looks pretty basic really, similar to Mike's !

Quote from: Curry on March 13, 2006, 15:30:54
but it looks pretty basic really, similar to Mike's !

Do you mind, I'll have you know that mine is a highly engineered piece of kit, made to an extremely fine tolerance of +/- 3"

Quote from: MikeB on March 13, 2006, 17:16:38
Do you mind, I'll have you know that mine is a highly engineered piece of kit, made to an extremely fine tolerance of +/- 3"

LOL  ;D

Sorry Mike !!! Can I remove my foot from my mouth now ... ?

At the same time, I was asking my son to make something similar to plant all those loo roll seedlings (my dibber is a tad on the small side). What a beaut mike. When will you be offering these on ebuygumbay? :o ;)

Quote from: supersprout on March 20, 2006, 09:58:37
What a beaut mike. When will you be offering these on ebuygumbay? :o ;)

I would, but I can't decide what colour range, should they come with accessories? Do you need a for show one and one hidden in the shed for use?  Do I need to do home visits (similar to the RSPCA) to check that they are being treated properly? You see, it seems easy at first glance, but when you think it through..well!

Regards

MikeB

LMAO! ;D ;D ;D
I just don't have the skill mike, esp. the 3" tolerances, so if you might be tempted to whittle a trial model for self-assembly here, just let me know!
ssx

One question re the compost and sand mix: what sort of sand?

Thanks,

Stuart.

Do they come in differing sizes to cover off the 95th percentile for height?

Is there a lightweight ladies version?

A metric option for the younger generation?

A specialist version at double the price for those growing those trendy miniature veg?

Can it be used safely around animals?  fish?

Is there a safety guard for the cackhanded amongst us?  Do I need safety specs to operate it safely?  Is there a fully illustrated instruction manual in 15 obscure languages?

Only asking.

Quote from: froglets on March 20, 2006, 23:44:04
Do they come in differing sizes to cover off the 95th percentile for height?

Is there a lightweight ladies version?

A metric option for the younger generation?

A specialist version at double the price for those growing those trendy miniature veg?

Can it be used safely around animals?  fish?

Is there a safety guard for the cackhanded amongst us?  Do I need safety specs to operate it safely?  Is there a fully illustrated instruction manual in 15 obscure languages?

Only asking.

You see how differcult it can become ;D ;D ;D and I have a larger one for potatoes.

See what you started mike ;) ;D ;D

Yes and to retail the artifact within the EC you need to append the 'ce' mark, and create the necessary documentation, including a risk assessment, user manual, technical construction file, it goes on ...  ;D

However, it looks like you have a good customer base ...

Due to the total lack of interest in these planters they are being withdrawn from the market.  Any orders already placed will not be honoured and no money will be refunded. ;D ;D ;D

LMAO@mike ;D ;D ;D