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That was something i forgot to mention about drying them of with talc

Shirlton be careful with that method should the stalk snap it will damage the onion

Thanks again! I'll try and see if I can track down some Centurion or Marimba but please excuse my ignorance...... a) do they come in seed or set form? And b) If in set form I assume they get started in the greenhouse. Or am I just displaying my profound ignorance :-)) Although I have been growing quite a wide variety of vegetables for a number of years, quite successfully, they have been mainly for family & friends consumption. So everything is/was rather basic as I have had no real need or wish to get into vegetable growing more deeply .... until now! Now I want to learn how to produce much more seriously - and enjoy it more.

 

Quote from: Tom W. on August 06, 2008, 23:53:12
I'll try and see if I can track down some Centurion or Marimba but please excuse my ignorance...... a) do they come in seed or set form? And b) If in set form I assume they get started in the greenhouse.  

Welcome Tom.  No such thing as a daft question here.  Never be afraid to ask. ;)

All onions can be purchased as seed for you to start your own off.  Most people buy sets because it is easier.  I myself always buy sets.  Our local allotment shop sells a couple of varieties each year. Centurion always harvest magnificently and sell out quickly!

Davy you have a wealth of info on showing. Where is the best place to look on the web or otherwise to get it all in one place. I do know a bit but you know what they say about the dangers of that.

Quote from: shirlton on August 07, 2008, 08:08:23
Davy you have a wealth of info on showing. Where is the best place to look on the web or otherwise to get it all in one place. I do know a bit but you know what they say about the dangers of that.

SHIRLTON.  I would think the best place to look would be the National Veg Sociaty site the have some good videos BUT they dont always tell you what veriaty of a veg to grow IE Tomatoes, for shape Goldstar and Venessa for best truss Shirley. They always seem to keep little things back like what date to plant Cauli,s so they are ready for a show.

You mean they keep back the most important things Davy. My cauli's all matured a week before our plots were judged. (sods law) I do have a book called Lovells way of growing and that gives some good tips about preparing the soil and that but that doesn't say what are the best things to grow. I already grow Shirley tomatoes cos I like the flavour. I will take a look at the website you have suggested and BTW I have taken all my onions down and they are now sitting on tissue in plant pots. lol

S

Quote from: shirlton on August 07, 2008, 16:34:07
You mean they keep back the most important things Davy. My cauli's all matured a week before our plots were judged. (sods law) I do have a book called Lovells way of growing and that gives some good tips about preparing the soil and that but that doesn't say what are the best things to grow. I already grow Shirley tomatoes cos I like the flavour. I will take a look at the website you have suggested and BTW I have taken all my onions down and they are now sitting on tissue in plant pots. lol

The best thing to do with any veg that you want to show is to have a Log Book.  As different Type of cauli,s have different growing times also there is a difference in soil texture,  preperation and planting times.
I have found the best Cauli, to grow for show are Colonel, Perfection, and Beutey. I start my sowing in mid May and then every two weeks into mid June. I sow ten seeds of each and plant the best five that develops. I never let them dry out, they get a little drink of water every non raining day.
My preference for cauli,s to eat are Candid Charm, i have never had a bad result from them yet.
My Cauli,s now at various stages hoping to hit the right time.

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Hurrah! My tomatoes won First Prize at our local show this morning. Amazed and delighted. And my Ginger Cake (open to men only) came second - never baked one before. Because I only decided to enter the show a few days ago my onions and shallots were too green and nothing else was really ready .... or just past.

This is my first try at entering these shows and it was great fun...... I really enjoyed it and want to do it again next year. So I would be really grateful for any advice you may be  offer for future attempts in 2009. I have realised that I have to start planning now.

In this part of Dorset most of the village shows take place around this time of year, which I suppose could be called rather late (or not?).

Mr. Lawson kindly recommended Centurion as an onion grown to show and I see that sets can be obtained very soon. If I were to start them in mid September would they be OK for showing in August next year? As there are Local and Open categories for showing, can someone please recommend an additional type of onion?

And, if it's not too cheeky, I'd really welcome any recommendations for the following:

Broad Beans (mine were finished about 6 weeks ago this year)
Runner Beans (normally I grow Enorma but they were awful this year)
Courgettes
Carrots - Long and stump rooted
Shallots
Tomatoes (2 or 3 different types ... Gardeners Delight did the trick for me today      but I feel I'd like to show some "real" tomatoes too).
French beans

I know I'm asking a lot but I am a total novice and the accumulated knowledge of this forum is vast. Any gudance and suggestions most welcome.

Thanks in advance .... off to claim my victory pint now!!

Congratulations ;D

Well done TOM, i think the bug has bitten, but don,t let it get under your skin as you will find it is very time consuming.

Do you whip the tops of garlic and elephant garlic the same as onions?

luvely onions like the walker as well hehe  8)