Allotments 4 All

I've just been looking to buy some Rootrainers but I'm unsure what to buy. Maybe some kind soul could help me out here  :D

http://www.rootrainers.co.uk/gardeners/rootrainers/sherwood

Do I need lids, with capillary matting and trays or do I just need to buy just the rootrainers?

Next dilemma is...What size pack do I buy?

32, 64 or 128...
((There is a 256 pack, but I think that's way too many))

Thanks for any help  ::)

Lauren

Hi Lauren
I think all the extras are upto you, depending if you want a easy life by using the matting or water regular using a watering can.
The lids are probably clear to start the seeds of, you might be able to cover in clingfilm.

Personaly i don't think 32 cells will go far.Would you not be better of using toilet roll inners or make your own paper pots?

Neil

You can't have too many...  ::)

Lauren - I bought mine at Jack's Patch a couple of years ago at a cost of £7.95. It's too cold to go out into the shed to check, but I think there are 36 sections, 12 cm deep and it definitely has a plastic cover. I use it for sweet corn mostly.

Tricia

I've got about 5 sets of 32 (I think they come in multiples of 32, which fits into a normal sized seed tray).  32 in root trainers takes up a lot less room than loo rolls, and is purrrrfect for beans and peas.  I paid £4.50 per set at our allotment trading post, which is the stand, the 8 sets of 4 trainers and the plastic see-through lid. They cost more at garden centres. :) :) :)

Quote from: tricia on January 06, 2009, 21:58:47
Lauren - I bought mine at Jack's Patch a couple of years ago at a cost of £7.95. 12 cm deep and it definitely has a plastic cover. I use it for sweet corn mostly.

Tricia

I wanted them mainly for corn. I've used loo roll tubes for but wanted to treat myself to some RT's  ;D

Off to Jack's Patch I'll go, when it's not so cold  ;)
Thanks for all your advice

Lauren  :)

I bought my root trainers last week from B&Q cost me £7.98. I had 4 x 32 cell packs c/w lids which will be enough for my runner beans as well they`ll be used for other things

just ordered a pack from ebay, make sure you get the depth you want, last year, I picked the wrong ones up and they're way too small for most of my plants  :)

QuoteI wanted them mainly for corn.

I find this method is a good alternative to root trainers and a lot cheaper;

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Sweetcorn/Sweet%20corn/sweet%20corn.html

Thanks Tee Gee. Your corn looks great.
Can you please tell me which variety you grow?

Lauren  :)

I'm an addict and generally use the sherwood or rannoch for most things

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=340;u=4385

I've nearly always bought direct from Ronaash, but there must be some sales out there.

There's another page at the site http://www.rootrainers.co.uk/gardeners/rootrainers/rootrainerrange gives you a better idea what each size is for.

PS don't bother with spacers or the 'row planter'

QuoteCan you please tell me which variety you grow?

Normally I grow, Tuxedo,Kelvedon Glory,Sweet Nugget and Tast Gold as can be seen in the first picture.

This year I am only going to grow Tuxedo it suits my taste buds better than the other three!

I had thought I would treat myself to some this year but I think TeeGee's right.
Not neccessary really. ;)

Tee Gee that is awesome, your plants are tidier then my house! :o

Quote from: Emagggie on January 07, 2009, 13:47:45
I had thought I would treat myself to some this year but I think TeeGee's right.
Not neccessary really. ;)

Surely a treat is 'not necessary' by definition  :)

Sorry I have to ask TeeGee a question.....great slideshow by the way......where do you get those stacking crates from? I need something to stack my squash harvest with...being optimistic here!

Quote from: Kea on January 07, 2009, 16:41:16
where do you get those stacking crates from? I need something to stack my squash harvest with.

Good question.

Bakers or greengrocer!!

they are bread transporting trays in the case of the ones shown in the slide show.

Greengrocers sometimes have plastic as opposed to wood and cardboard fruit trays.

Can't remember how I came by these..perhaps they fell off the back of a bread van many years ago  ;)

Quote from: Barnowl on January 07, 2009, 15:47:02

Quote from: Emagggie on January 07, 2009, 13:47:45
I had thought I would treat myself to some this year but I think TeeGee's right.
Not neccessary really. ;)

Surely a treat is 'not necessary' by definition  :)

Aha, but now, Barnowl, I can 'treat' myself to something else instead. ;)

Root trainers are much easier no need to pot on :) and the root systems are wonderful !! I would say not a treat as much as an essential aid !
I use the sherwood ones they are great for peas, beans, sweetcorn ect.