tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79124689188477153972024-03-05T18:52:32.450+00:00A Woman of the Soilelaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-84533143796045807622017-01-12T15:31:00.000+00:002017-01-12T15:31:15.712+00:00Indoor Gardening ...January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With spring still a few weeks away, and the bulbs only just pushing through the cold, wet earth - it is always a pleasing thought that way back in the autumn you had the foresight to plant some bulbs in pots indoors to bring spring just a little closer. As you can see the Tete a Tete Narcissus are coming along nicely; the Hyacinth are just beginning to flower as is the Amaryllis. Crocus aren't far behind, but there will be quite a wait for the Bridal Crown Narcissus which have only just broken through.<br />
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Then, hopefully, when these pots are just about finished the bulbs in the ground should be well on their way and we can begin to look forward to the spring display in our gardens once more. I don't know about you but I am ready for a bit of colour in the garden to brighten things up a bit.<br />
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Now is the time for a bit of armchair gardening too - going through your seed box, thinking about which seeds to buy - which did well last year, which you won't bother with again etc. I went looking for seed potatoes today but couldn't find the variety I wanted; also wondering whether it is too early to start sowing tomato seed on the windowsill. Perhaps I am being a little too forward but I just can't wait for the new gardening season to begin - OK take a deep breath and relax, it will all fall into place when the time is right.<br />
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<br />elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-2989207537539283592016-04-07T19:17:00.000+01:002016-04-07T19:17:11.794+01:00Pots of Potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have eight florists buckets in the cold frame planted with Vivaldi earlies. It means they are protected against the cold wind and frosts. I am using home made compost to cover them as they push through. I haven't bothered to sieve it and as you can see there are bits of stems that haven't quite rotted down in the mix, but I don't really think it matters. One thing I look forward to is the first harvest of potatoes some time in late May/early June. They grow pretty well in containers as long as they are well watered. I have been growing them this way for the last four or five years very successfully. Just enough for a couple of meals per pot. I usually grow Charlotte but couldn't get hold of any at my local garden centre so bought Vivaldi instead - a similar tasting potato and hopefully just as versatile. Fresh from plot to pan to plate - totally delicious. To my mind this is what growing your own veg is all about.<br />
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<em><span style="color: red;">"The flowers of the potato, delicate petals whose stamens bunch together to form a point, are amongst the most charming in the vegetable garden. Marie Antoinette wore them in her hair. The flowers of the Salad Blue are perhaps the most beautiful of all, an ethereal lavender and white, with deep orange-gold stamens often heavy with pollen. Charlotte, a soft candy pink; Kestrel, a piercing lilac and white. Summer rain and even cloud makes their flowers close and droop like a swan in repose. As dusk falls, they gently close."~ Nigel Slater</span></em><br />
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<br />elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-47900505974969672062016-04-06T19:26:00.000+01:002016-04-06T19:26:26.296+01:00Chard / Leaf Beet ... Cut and Come Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Saturday I sowed some ruby chard seeds. Today I noticed that they had germinated. Now that was quick! Four days. Proof that the weather has definitely warmed up and a good time for seed sowing. A welcome addition to the kitchen garden if only for its colourful stems. I rarely use this as a vegetable on its own but use it more like spinach added to the dishes I cook.<br />
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Chard grows well in containers, and overwinters in all but the coldest areas. A very decorative vegetable, choose ruby red or rainbow coloured varieties for maximum interest in containers.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><em>Germination period: 10-20 days</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Sowing to harvest time: 8-12 weeks</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Soil requirements: Virtually any humus-laden soil</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Climate: Chard thrives in cool northern climates, but can bolt if it gets too dry</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Cultivation: Sow in autumn or spring, thinning plants when they are about 4in. tall. Plants crop almost all year round, pull outer leaves of and more will grow. you can even cut back to the crown in winter for an early crop in spring.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Watch out for: Slugs</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">In the Kitchen: Salads, steamed vegetable, stir fries, pasta dishes.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Varieties: Swiss chard, Rainbow chard and Ruby chard</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">(Taken from The Edible Container Garden by Michael Guerra)</span></em><br />
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<em>"Swiss, ruby and rainbow chard are one of the few vegetables that remain in this plot in deepest winter, while I let the soil take a rest. The earthy, mineral notes of chard are detectable even in the youngest sprouting seed but get stronger as the leaves age. I have eaten the jewel-coloured stems at every stage of their maturity, from when they are as young and fragile as mustard-and-cress right through to the point at which the stems are so old and thick that they need to be cooked separately from their leaves, less the latter fall apart. " ~ Nigel Slater</em><br />
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Try a chard gratin or a soup of lentils, bacon and chard; chard with olive oil and lemon; potato cakes with chard and Taleggio; chard and cheese tart or chard with black pepper and cream. My favourite way of using it is shredded in fish pie or with smoked haddock and mashed potato with a poached egg on top - delicious!elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-42636445815226740772016-04-05T23:06:00.000+01:002016-04-05T23:06:25.976+01:00Purple Sprouting Broccoli ... Simply the Best<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No kitchen garden should be without it. One of my favourite vegetables. So expensive to buy at the supermarket - £2.00 for five spears. Pictured above is a colander full, that is about £10.00's worth by supermarket prices. And yet it is a wonderful brassica that keeps on giving and giving and so easy to grow. Admittedly it stays in the ground for nine months or so before you can actually pick anything - but when it starts producing stems it just goes on and on. We have had countless meals from just three plants - that can't be bad, and still there are more to come - what's not to like! I did say in my last post that I wouldn't be planting any brassicas this year - but maybe I could find space for one or two of these somewhere - it would be a shame not to - they are still going strong when everything else has finished and fill in that hungry gap in the garden. So if you are wondering what veg to grow this year I would definitely recommend putting purple sprouting broc on your list - it's a no-brainer.<br />
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<em><span style="color: red;">"The whole lightly trimmed stems can be dropped into boiling water, steamed, or pampered like asparagus with the tips slightly out of the water, so that the buds steam whilst the stems boil. Whichever way you go, the stems are ready when a knifepoint inserted into their thickest part goes in without pressure. [...] I must put in a word for the leaves. I never discard them. Slender, quietly flavoured, elegantly fringed, they cook in seconds. It would break my heart to see them sent to the compost." ~ Nigel Slater</span></em><br />
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elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-1004896563767549622016-03-31T22:47:00.000+01:002016-03-31T22:47:30.956+01:00The Beginning of Another Growing Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After the planning, now comes the sowing. Tomatoes are making progress in the greenhouse. Parsnips, beetroot, carrots and chard seeds are in the ground. It's a start. I'm going to grow as much as I can in the raised beds and less in containers this year. A decision that I have made due to the poor quality of potting composts and the cost of lots of containers needing to be filled. With careful planning and successional sowing I should be able to grow the food we enjoy and have a plentiful supply. There won't be room for brassicas, unfortunately, because of the limited space - but I will just have to live with that and because you need a lot of pea plants for a decent harvest I won't be growing them either - maybe just a few for pea shoots. The blog is now just a record for me and because of time restraints I will be closing the comments. Sorry about that but needs must - I have a lot of other things to cope with right now, if you read my other blog you will know what I am talking about. Let's hope this is a productive growing year for us all.elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-85784754670993835822015-07-04T18:54:00.000+01:002015-07-04T18:54:09.126+01:00A Kitchen Garden Miscellany ...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfcDZTwiXoqWeeevdrp-uT5LxuhvfhO2wspjBvGd0puo8Jmy3g0yIRUTGsQa1dsHr6TnVjH2xbLCI9R05VjeZdtsrM962hfPAxKpltzUi__Ok1FG7BHIPhSC7ibAPbU4UWHIw1OhD8u3r/s1600/SDC15462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfcDZTwiXoqWeeevdrp-uT5LxuhvfhO2wspjBvGd0puo8Jmy3g0yIRUTGsQa1dsHr6TnVjH2xbLCI9R05VjeZdtsrM962hfPAxKpltzUi__Ok1FG7BHIPhSC7ibAPbU4UWHIw1OhD8u3r/s640/SDC15462.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the kitchen garden looks like at the moment - full of flowers, but yes, there are vegetables in there somewhere!</td></tr>
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I thought I had better do a post over here as I have been included in a list of Top 20 Gardening Blogs to follow <a href="http://www.gardenaware.com/top-20-gardening-blogs-to-follow-in-2015/">(see here)</a> - listed as a seasoned veteran - HA! Unfortunately one or two of the facts aren't quite right - apparently I tailor my blog to all things associated with Italian cooking - <em>not sure where that came from! </em><br />
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Anyway, here are a few pics of how the kitchen garden is progressing in July - the month when everything starts coming to fruition - signs that all the hard work is paying off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBajOQQBT5VtTGoAhJV9GAIzE1WHLV7ickb6iCRcNH6crNejFq3FZfjIuaEeiCinYNHFwdKh26-cZQuKlbVQQV7tqeyhtjXdyMpQoltJy-WAcTXSLvErifo6VIT2sJXamk-1_JJYekjTpB/s1600/1-SDC15479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBajOQQBT5VtTGoAhJV9GAIzE1WHLV7ickb6iCRcNH6crNejFq3FZfjIuaEeiCinYNHFwdKh26-cZQuKlbVQQV7tqeyhtjXdyMpQoltJy-WAcTXSLvErifo6VIT2sJXamk-1_JJYekjTpB/s640/1-SDC15479.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte potatoes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHqu88MWW7Rx5g_1LvqIqwJSgike2-ptZt6KAoV826FVDOIaCF1jtg_M1NkhDZDfMzcdkRhPtKACSBy83nkXlRhgCeswZMXsI7ck9ynx_bzCI6RG1VjFDSofalDO9YqEowchPMPZNPZIo/s1600/1-SDC15506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHqu88MWW7Rx5g_1LvqIqwJSgike2-ptZt6KAoV826FVDOIaCF1jtg_M1NkhDZDfMzcdkRhPtKACSBy83nkXlRhgCeswZMXsI7ck9ynx_bzCI6RG1VjFDSofalDO9YqEowchPMPZNPZIo/s640/1-SDC15506.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple TeePee French Beans</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw0lPf-LgNMKv1CVZCULiBbD3gsPkecdJLK5rM9qvxBngOxJ6q0dpvVGH4UlzJzKBmHxaXuRMk75xXB7PLS_fH6ggSJIQrnvadyeuQAUVF2OHE5Ptgp2wQXL35E36J8JdRV9FGAf1scCq/s1600/1-SDC15498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw0lPf-LgNMKv1CVZCULiBbD3gsPkecdJLK5rM9qvxBngOxJ6q0dpvVGH4UlzJzKBmHxaXuRMk75xXB7PLS_fH6ggSJIQrnvadyeuQAUVF2OHE5Ptgp2wQXL35E36J8JdRV9FGAf1scCq/s640/1-SDC15498.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurst Greenshaft Peas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKg1ypiRzN2K0nuaDR_n6G6QIog3H0TbmNA2HAurdOt_HFcdKvUjUDRjuaHzBLbkjhURO4ei9tncPQvRe61FyI-Fm5pN854BXDbYCmxqymVo2ecRjW7FToCvgOShCqiKgwZwqQWxlvwDf/s1600/1-SDC15507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKg1ypiRzN2K0nuaDR_n6G6QIog3H0TbmNA2HAurdOt_HFcdKvUjUDRjuaHzBLbkjhURO4ei9tncPQvRe61FyI-Fm5pN854BXDbYCmxqymVo2ecRjW7FToCvgOShCqiKgwZwqQWxlvwDf/s640/1-SDC15507.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sungold Tomatoes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo2Xx419-Ni3pRAKKUGjrjqnTGcFr45K2jngUypPfOmYRnBuzo3USAIjillIa4wX3cVXkWf1P6QstbYTp2Cd-eQFt-_r9SkkS3dPlRYlA9immm_vvMb6TEjgfngVYQcisVp952Tm3vTDX/s1600/1-SDC15500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo2Xx419-Ni3pRAKKUGjrjqnTGcFr45K2jngUypPfOmYRnBuzo3USAIjillIa4wX3cVXkWf1P6QstbYTp2Cd-eQFt-_r9SkkS3dPlRYlA9immm_vvMb6TEjgfngVYQcisVp952Tm3vTDX/s640/1-SDC15500.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">various Lettuce</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0tLlqo5kAZ3tvtf4lnUNb81kY5G5kYJCZSs5zb2BNpzBcNAg_tA4Z3GKyQyV7o-xt8pMIobImzo__MOmMdMuMHFHld509UJMj4Hp6Mgc2wqquggMEDhRnHm3hdlsFwZAcpBiTRnGB6Rm/s1600/1-SDC15504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0tLlqo5kAZ3tvtf4lnUNb81kY5G5kYJCZSs5zb2BNpzBcNAg_tA4Z3GKyQyV7o-xt8pMIobImzo__MOmMdMuMHFHld509UJMj4Hp6Mgc2wqquggMEDhRnHm3hdlsFwZAcpBiTRnGB6Rm/s640/1-SDC15504.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Sprouting Broccoli</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80UJ8_Yta2WffOQI_kuD1XDQCgN2Csg4f8n6swvWFhyphenhyphenuNYsndot8n4_QgjbyT6doNiGv_p-J9kS34zfJYHSu955ACPJSVi8CgqKUFUtQ8PoQOgdzl1NZO-QYoeEUdz-qiJaY-4-3deXi-/s1600/1-SDC15501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80UJ8_Yta2WffOQI_kuD1XDQCgN2Csg4f8n6swvWFhyphenhyphenuNYsndot8n4_QgjbyT6doNiGv_p-J9kS34zfJYHSu955ACPJSVi8CgqKUFUtQ8PoQOgdzl1NZO-QYoeEUdz-qiJaY-4-3deXi-/s640/1-SDC15501.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">runner beans</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEOhqsLTIn29ivpYHUxg5OJ6p4B-TKHWdfeuD0iFq5SO8deXlZHNcUu21v_UcdI6eK4RJW31DJxQxQ7WnNUNpDg5ya6hT7nR4J23ddLPLvf9paoo45aSXs4iAkEVfP1g0kd6mRzmXOv3M/s1600/1-SDC15502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEOhqsLTIn29ivpYHUxg5OJ6p4B-TKHWdfeuD0iFq5SO8deXlZHNcUu21v_UcdI6eK4RJW31DJxQxQ7WnNUNpDg5ya6hT7nR4J23ddLPLvf9paoo45aSXs4iAkEVfP1g0kd6mRzmXOv3M/s640/1-SDC15502.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courgettes<br />
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So there you have it - proof, if proof were needed, that a tiny garden can produce plenty of veg - well, enough to keep two people fed throughout the summer anyway.elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-42957298927573462932015-05-10T08:52:00.001+01:002015-05-10T08:52:25.181+01:00State of Play in the Kitchen Garden …<p>It has been a busy week in the veg garden. Because it has been so cold outside most plants are still-in-waiting in the greenhouse but because they are putting on rapid growth I have had to do a lot of potting on.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wmN4Jerp6aE/VU8Nmq_a4fI/AAAAAAAAPB0/DfShUPhaVMQ/s1600-h/1-SDC14568%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14568" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14568" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DivDp7LkVhs/VU8NpKBK9MI/AAAAAAAAPB8/9Vm7oVZpRkY/1-SDC14568_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="477"></a></p> <p>The runner beans, for instance, are growing like crazy – so I have potted them on till it gets a little warmer – I have been caught out before with strong, cold winds that caused leaf burn – it just isn’t worth the risk and I would hate to lose them at this stage in the game.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Mi0aGEkYuQ/VU8NrqnX63I/AAAAAAAAPCE/QKkyM3PV5OU/s1600-h/1-SDC14565%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14565" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14565" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zcwg_Hhjh3A/VU8NuZ86TYI/AAAAAAAAPCM/H04Z2r9YGWI/1-SDC14565_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="477"></a></p> <p>The purple sprouting broccoli has been outside hardening off and have now been planted out into their final positions, sprinkled liberally with slug pellets and covered with netting.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ivRnNA8XF4U/VU8NwwjtmOI/AAAAAAAAPCU/5h23UQSRp0w/s1600-h/1-SDC14570%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14570" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14570" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yq-gsbXVrfs/VU8NzIedQiI/AAAAAAAAPCc/dEBthmjpnN8/1-SDC14570_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="477"></a></p> <p>Cucumbers have been planted out into large pots but they will be staying in the greenhouse and the courgettes will be staying where they are for a couple of weeks – I still have the ground to prepare for them adding manure to the planting holes to ensure a bountiful harvest – hopefully!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s0cwkothrkc/VU8N2cvGh0I/AAAAAAAAPCk/dqM7twkFk5Q/s1600-h/1-SDC14578%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14578" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14578" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uNj82vl7Cfw/VU8N5PJofHI/AAAAAAAAPCs/eNxxoTXrXVg/1-SDC14578_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="477"></a></p> <p>The peas are coming along nicely in the open ground and the ‘twiggy peasticks’ (old fuschia prunings) have been inserted for support.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDgI0AiDM0o/VU8N8L4BquI/AAAAAAAAPC0/UXuiSPbBFAU/s1600-h/1-SDC14569%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14569" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14569" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sEm_SSxd_r0/VU8N-myslpI/AAAAAAAAPC8/9vXIomXLr0U/1-SDC14569_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="477"></a></p> <p>The indoor toms are making good progress and I have planted out the Sungold outdoors with a polythene grow house over them for protection – the Gardeners Delight which are also going outdoors have been potted on until the risk of frost has passed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kzVgDJONfnk/VU8OBdn6xQI/AAAAAAAAPDE/RVvUVA4Jb6s/s1600-h/1-SDC14574%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14574" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14574" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nIuvZuzjQcw/VU8OD9NTDfI/AAAAAAAAPDM/BKb1Fgoh6O4/1-SDC14574_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="477"></a></p> <p>Chard is growing in containers which have been covered with a frame and fleece till they got themselves established – seem to be doing ok and look pretty healthy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ny-CYtUrodE/VU8OGU5JNZI/AAAAAAAAPDU/OIAAcxQfLmo/s1600-h/1-SDC14576%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14576" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14576" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hs2Fj6jtKVg/VU8OIgCYT1I/AAAAAAAAPDc/mQLyBe8bW-0/1-SDC14576_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="477"></a></p> <p>This is the salad bar – these lettuce and salad leaf are growing in washing-up bowls which have been covered for protection at night, the first lot of Little Gem suffered with stem rot (over vigorous watering I think) so I bought some plug replacements to keep me going.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuZU0aeTu2Y/VU8OLei6DzI/AAAAAAAAPDk/FGf-nU4Vo_4/s1600-h/1-SDC14573%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14573" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14573" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2uMCVz5wb1M/VU8ONjj3TgI/AAAAAAAAPDs/AgLQBN0DZKs/1-SDC14573_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="477"></a></p> <p>Growing rapidly in the containers, potato Charlotte – the bell jars have offered overnight protection – just one more covering with compost and we have reached the top. The potatoes in the ground have been given their first earthing up to keep them covered – I was caught out with a frost when they first appeared and one or two leaves were scorched but it doesn’t seem to have done them any harm.</p> <p>So there you have it the Rosebank kitchen garden in full swing.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-45990525949525995712015-05-03T13:34:00.001+01:002015-05-03T21:14:48.055+01:00Rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb…<p>Yes, it’s that time of year again.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dzk5888xFXI/VUYVizKtGFI/AAAAAAAAO-A/xWBYk6GmB7A/s1600-h/1-SDC14475%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14475" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14475" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NkD_KdtMRAY/VUYVlSmHqmI/AAAAAAAAO-I/f2fn28VM3gs/1-SDC14475_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="477"></a></p> <p>I don’t know about you but I always look forward to the first <font color="#ff8040" face="Bookman Old Style">rhubarb <font face="Arimo"> <font color="#008000">of the season. Seeing the leaves grow bigger and bigger, pushing them aside to find the juiciest sticks and giving them a gentle tug is one of life’s simple pleasures.</font></font></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hb6BWpq_24k/VUYVn7yA43I/AAAAAAAAO-Q/fm-UbnnZ5p8/s1600-h/1-SDC14503.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14503" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14503" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g-tmgvZAj64/VUYVqKn24RI/AAAAAAAAO-Y/-AcG41Vpez4/1-SDC14503_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="477"></a></p> <p>I pulled a dozen sticks – which in supermarket terms is £4.50’s worth – surely it must be one of the most worthwhile crops to grow. It just keeps coming and coming – the more you pull the more you get. I know some of you have more than one type planted but I personally think one crown is enough.</p> <p>I soon get fed up with the constant supply – even though I have tried many ways of eating it; <font color="#ff8040" face="Bookman Old Style">rhubarb and strawberry compote; rhubarb pie; rhubarb gingerbread puddings; rhubarb and banana fool; rhubarb and ginger jam; rhubarb chutney <font color="#008000" face="Arimo">there are plenty of different ways to use it up – you only have to take a look at <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=rhubarb&term_meta%5B%5D=rhubarb%7Cautocomplete%7C0">Pinterest</a> under the heading of <font color="#ff0000" face="Bookman Old Style">Rhubarb <font color="#408080" face="Arimo">to see just how many recipes there are.</font></font></font></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifaBzvoYS8dwNnB87Izi7Ipn5a5p_fG8ZUJPkWL8XIt_7EJUwcswDVb-m1xBfpS6a0HsFFliGbMNa35NH9-tO0cBHn_gNXGKPXgEy4dMQouimUgxjuPDDP7El8W0BgI6s3aBTZSJHrkpF/s1600-h/1-SDC14504%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14504" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwzaPm2oBeR-2a-qJQ4gOjVUuWh7HTZ81gWl_JIeOCUI8tjZURQAis-bS1_EirEPdbq1hRNvvY1VRUiT19ftS2wcuNYcMDsSCMQvLsQKnLYHJ1WT7-YX5bP63hXPnwwandCeC0l9Rbuiw/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="477"></a></p> <p>I personally don’t bother forcing mine but I do try to pull the stalks before they get too big and stringy. I don’t bother freezing much either as it takes too much room up in the freezer but I do have a daily bowlful during the season – which for me is up until July – then I leave it alone, generally, to give the plant a chance to recover. I once read an article on some long-lived gentleman who said that his secret to a long life was <font color="#ff8040" face="Bookman Old Style">rhubarb – <font color="#408080" face="Arimo">so you never know – it may work for me too!</font></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="Bookman Old Style"><em>“The first ‘forced’ rhubarb, those gently tart stalks that appear in the market around Christmas time, came to prominence in the 1800’s, thanks to an ‘accident’ at Chelsea Physic Garden. The story goes that it was <a href="http://www.highgrovegardens.com/">here</a> in the winter of 1815, when the garden’s rhubarb patch was accidentally covered with builder’s rubble, that this particularly fine-tasting form was first discovered. The pale pink stalks that were unearthed by the gardeners in early spring were found to be extraordinarily mild and sweet, and a new kitchen ingredient was born.” ~ Nigel Slater</em></font></p> <p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSM9uNccFqkVPOrG9utCWPDiXZoeKzlib7txyet8DB6kBMPR1xahMr2tpXM0pV2GLfv4X0q_LDV4UwmTCF0H2FtSTnsMonlNiy0aAAPsWKiO5KAAhzx-T2ySh4QvZXjKEiD0MmO7ldYA/s400/Girl+With+Rhubarb+C1880.jpg" width="345" height="400"></p> <p>I’m just away now to make a <font color="#ff8040" face="Bookman Old Style">rhubarb crumble <font color="#408080" face="Arimo">for Sunday lunch – happy days!</font></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="7" face="Vladimir Script"><strong>Elaine</strong></font></p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-31498938319868124722015-04-24T15:03:00.001+01:002015-04-24T15:03:27.176+01:00A Busy Time of Year for Veg Growers …<p> </p> <p>Well, it’s been almost six months since I posted – I guess you could say that I am a fair weather blogger as far as the kitchen garden is concerned. But I haven’t been idle – oh no – there has been lots going on in the background. Plans have been made and carried out, the raised beds have been cleared and are ready for planting and it’s all systems GO.</p> <p>One bed has been planted with potatoes - Charlotte earlies and another sown with Hurst Greenshaft and Kelvedon Wonder peas. I decided to direct sow this year, trying to keep the work load down and simplify the gardening tasks. The third bed is reserved for two Courgette plants and the fourth for PSB. Anything else I want to grow will be in containers – Runner Beans, French Beans, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Lettuce, Leeks and Chard. Have you noticed that I have reduced the variety of veg that I shall be growing this year – I am only growing veg that is obviously better tasting than shop bought or more expensive to buy.</p> <p>These are a few pictures of what is happening so far. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34ov__bhRRI/VTpMlpypEKI/AAAAAAAAO3E/0rMJ7mM8S_s/s1600-h/1-SDC14429%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14429" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14429" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W71Xz6prXD4/VTpMn8TxWSI/AAAAAAAAO3M/LidoVOhzma0/1-SDC14429_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xw8RptEf7ok/VTpMqrTNT8I/AAAAAAAAO3U/SigCu9VvQY0/s1600-h/1-SDC14430%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14430" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14430" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gp3TwHrOeqs/VTpMtGU-3ZI/AAAAAAAAO3c/zSSRDTIwNIU/1-SDC14430_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K9V1-tsl098/VTpMwBb1DVI/AAAAAAAAO3k/thnyUcDTtd0/s1600-h/1-SDC14448%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14448" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14448" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZJopZ1v-1A/VTpMyrka4pI/AAAAAAAAO3s/JdSCGlKPHg0/1-SDC14448_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DpRXt65-VW0/VTpM1ahK2FI/AAAAAAAAO30/nX-1-pHCZRk/s1600-h/1-SDC14446%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14446" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLYVD4-yu0gA8lAH-oIfe6YwPvWjkRjqSOfsT56vjQZ6x5iiyE9XEKBKmTpIQQOtjmMbJzTzG4fKrH4FDyCVZmKLbecP8iFMmHmDLdgf6_rxo89Lr8QKC3Km_FVn6Wkiz_5yg93L1QZD9/?imgmax=800" width="478" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-INYRknAieSc/VTpM6v_NgHI/AAAAAAAAO4E/DgYwg4z8TCQ/s1600-h/1-SDC14447%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14447" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14447" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iEu7sFrBSik/VTpM89GNY2I/AAAAAAAAO4M/1C_QBpkpY3c/1-SDC14447_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u6kno9nCMUw/VTpM_p1M7XI/AAAAAAAAO4U/JNes0-wTfuU/s1600-h/1-SDC14449%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14449" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14449" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x6NzZVfZ5e8/VTpNB1ePVMI/AAAAAAAAO4c/JTtPg5OW34Y/1-SDC14449_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hyyPIGYAfoQ/VTpNEAlF4CI/AAAAAAAAO4k/2uDsjnjglqw/s1600-h/1-SDC14450%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14450" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14450" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_6BLOJZGu0Q/VTpNGJkJLFI/AAAAAAAAO4s/Kk_7lGKS5Lw/1-SDC14450_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--iiD_WDYjWw/VTpNJO7B-iI/AAAAAAAAO40/OTfZNUoNlM4/s1600-h/1-SDC14452-001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-SDC14452-001" style="display: inline" alt="1-SDC14452-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m4dHn_8rbCU/VTpNLaOMhPI/AAAAAAAAO48/Gnpc3j0ouWE/1-SDC14452-001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="477"></a></p> <p>PSB, Greenhouse Toms, Sweet Peppers, Cucumbers, Courgettes, Leeks, Lettuce and French Beans.</p> <p>Most of these will be potted on before they are planted out – waiting for the last frosts.</p> <p>It’s good to be back in the swing of things again isn’t it and I hope we all have a successful veg growing season.</p> <p><em>To see what is happening in the flower garden <a href="http://rosebankramblings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/distracted-and-drifting.html">pop over to the latest post on Rosebank Ramblings</a></em></p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-65218731666608819322014-11-05T22:02:00.001+00:002014-11-05T22:02:27.145+00:00New Life …<p>Parsley seeds – saved from my own plants – sown a couple of weeks ago – have sprung into life.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bfV7RfYgSVg/VFqeUxd1kOI/AAAAAAAANfM/EJ8qn7Hl-pg/s1600-h/SDC12990%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12990" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12990" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K2JeZXYfjCg/VFqeXGbLPQI/AAAAAAAANfU/zwL_AJP6HkQ/SDC12990_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>Elsewhere – everything vulnerable has been cloched as the weathermen predicted frost – it never happened.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_AjUVzyUXww/VFqeZ_iNAiI/AAAAAAAANfc/AzLY2mqZjXU/s1600-h/SDC13003%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC13003" style="display: inline" alt="SDC13003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uOnQJeE4dbA/VFqecdZ5r7I/AAAAAAAANfk/SY73vwqvyjs/SDC13003_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>The weather is still incredible for the time of year – encouraging growth. Even the stump of a tomato plant has started re-growing.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-92079591352326450892014-10-29T13:55:00.001+00:002014-10-29T13:55:59.183+00:00The First of Next Year’s Crops Maybe …<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qa7zuJqzO1s/VFDx2a8UYOI/AAAAAAAANZ4/IrCaCz2a1ZA/s1600-h/SDC12923-0015.jpg"><img title="SDC12923-001" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12923-001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegUfMnsKSpsiTNNsq7WmsSAAYgOjf8NuYtnwkjdI26fVBawzmfyqWbayHQvYhos9t54bQcftc2wE_8hK_eQ4h28do927f81yjekgjrC99XqVd0AjfalSrEGH2KJk3-MznZXF-b-S5R5rp/?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">Thinking ahead to next year and an early crop – I sowed broad beans – which have now mostly germinated. I will soon plant out and cloche them to help protect against the worst of winter – who knows, they may even survive. Ever looking forward.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-46209242388046936082014-10-22T07:40:00.001+01:002014-10-22T07:40:31.627+01:00Multiple-root Parsnips …<p align="justify">Last Sunday I dug my first Parsnip. It was pretty much perfect. I had high hopes for the rest of the row. This Sunday – my hopes were dashed. Parsnip after parsnip was stunted and multi-rooted. After several pullings I finally came upon normality.</p> <p align="justify">Did you apply manure to the bed – I hear you ask – <strong><em>NO</em></strong> – is the answer. The soil was friable – no hard pan to make the roots divide – so what went wrong – and why?</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o7THejuC_ZE/VEdRFxxW0GI/AAAAAAAANU4/OAMfsb7eLy0/s1600-h/SDC127535.jpg"><img title="SDC12753" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12753" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--puEU-jN5-8/VEdRJFPWuMI/AAAAAAAANVA/RSKG9ORLDPA/SDC12753_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p2lORmA9GOw/VEdRNJqT1YI/AAAAAAAANVI/ORuH0uSn4tM/s1600-h/SDC12843-0015.jpg"><img title="SDC12843-001" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12843-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DPt4__jY1g0/VEdRQyJYOMI/AAAAAAAANVQ/qK_XZ-FTDl0/SDC12843-001_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zzBiAYmTcG4/VEdRUZx8_QI/AAAAAAAANVY/uy1GcE-ef64/s1600-h/SDC128415.jpg"><img title="SDC12841" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12841" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaJh13XdP_U0yns41_yf4DjWsXmxQTnY4ZDCG6Xgoa_yjqVG31RaZxCpgGAoumpSPZ3ZarVGq9g7aB259xdoCZBQVtrFnI_Ykb2y4CUZjwKFWHPE1W5Faaq6HzgRm8n4p5ACcubi1EzaQ/?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center">I have no idea – have you?</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-42023896028396911262014-10-15T16:48:00.001+01:002014-10-15T16:48:22.029+01:00Windowsill Gardening …<p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a33T_PIC8y4/VD6XNxAyYQI/AAAAAAAANSw/l_wZSppDRqM/s1600-h/SDC12768%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12768" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IzxppkhOId8/VD6XRA_Uu9I/AAAAAAAANS4/vb1Qo1XkGl0/SDC12768_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">Behold – my indoor Herbary. Basil, Parsley, Chives and Thyme. Brought indoors to thrive in the warmth over winter. A convenience – definitely – who wants to trudge to the top of the garden during a snowstorm – not me. And they look pretty good on the window sill too.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-35080168628760329012014-10-08T09:41:00.001+01:002014-10-08T09:41:35.515+01:00Just a Few Last Jobs …<p align="justify">A Robin sat in the plum tree watching me work in the veg patch on Sunday – singing for all he was worth. I whistled back at him, trying to mimic his song – he laughed in the face of my pathetic attempt and flew off. Oh well you can’t win ‘em all.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2_aOUcLN9mc/VDT4f99oKGI/AAAAAAAANPQ/DIKLEFKBwH0/s1600-h/SDC12697%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12697" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12697" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lXoy0ZL4V58/VDT4iTvk4pI/AAAAAAAANPY/OmJNewt7odc/SDC12697_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">I set myself the task of clearing the courgettes and planting out the cavolo nero kale. Let me tell you – those courgette plants are vicious brutes when you are working amongst the leaves and stems – my arms were cut to ribbons.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q2T6-uJOIS8/VDT4k8Y_G8I/AAAAAAAANPg/7_OTTScSKJM/s1600-h/SDC12715%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12715" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12715" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yad4PoK0gz4/VDT4nsm4QOI/AAAAAAAANPo/7_MqhmWJ5PY/SDC12715_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">I left one plant in as it was on the edge of the bed and not in the way.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I_7_fFihO68/VDT4sW7L1MI/AAAAAAAANPw/IgJEuoKLhbY/s1600-h/SDC12714%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12714" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12714" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kT9w7n5YOIE/VDT4vfB7dAI/AAAAAAAANP4/sHSddXAyIQw/SDC12714_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">The bed cleared of weeds, refreshed with compost and kale planted, pelleted against slugs and snails and netted against pigeons and badgers.</p> <p align="justify">Job done.</p> <p align="justify">Beetroot seedlings have been planted in the spare troughs and broad beans sown in the greenhouse.</p> <p align="justify">Now all I have to do is wait for everything to mature and enjoy the fruits of my labours. Maybe I’ll pull a couple of parsnips this weekend – see how they are faring.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-34921511280986319922014-10-01T07:41:00.001+01:002014-10-01T07:43:46.103+01:00September Roundup …<p align="justify">Well, another month bites the dust – and what a month. Best September for a long time don’t you agree. I have been trying to get everything in order before the weather turns nasty – which it is bound to do – no matter how much we don’t want it too. But there is still a lot to do and only so many daylight hours to do it in – but I’ll get there somehow.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-imos2NtrHP8/VCuhQ_4tYoI/AAAAAAAANIs/w6y9svsa3xw/s1600-h/SDC126485.jpg"><img title="SDC12648" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12648" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uNzqr4doBwI/VCuhTgsdpvI/AAAAAAAANI0/pH2_zGuYcgQ/SDC12648_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <blockquote> <p align="center"><em>The cabbages that just survived the slug attacks</em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify">Trouble is, everything is still growing and producing, so there hasn’t been a chance to get the beds cleared and replanted – so I have been using the troughs as a sort of holding area. The courgettes are still going bananas, as are the summer squash, and even though I am sick of the sight of them I haven’t the heart to pull them out when they look so healthy – I’m just going to have to wait for the first frosts.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bHdPC6cabWo/VCuhX33BdeI/AAAAAAAANI8/z1nQmBQs7VA/s1600-h/SDC126425.jpg"><img title="SDC12642" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12642" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YvsgAEsFXWY/VCuhanHsrzI/AAAAAAAANJE/SPiwXnKqLls/SDC12642_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Summer squash propped up by a crate so I could get down the path</em></p> <p align="justify">I have pulled up all the bean plants now, and kept the big bulgy beans for next years seed of both the runners and the French beans. The parsnip foliage has grown so lush that it is swamping everything else – so next year I am going to have a good think about where to put them – possibly in bottomless florists buckets as they worked well last year, and keep them in the now defunct flower border, even though it is possibly a bit too shady for them – we’ll see. It’s all a bit of a juggling act.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KHm0nM0-yf4/VCuhegqHQiI/AAAAAAAANJM/gEsbK102P10/s1600-h/SDC126405.jpg"><img title="SDC12640" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12640" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S13rtET2eeU/VCuhhQDaieI/AAAAAAAANJU/ZK-qFc4U8VU/SDC12640_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>One psb plant dwarfing the short curly kale</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G0JPOuunkuE/VCuhkexCHAI/AAAAAAAANJc/KGVLpc1TRyA/s1600-h/SDC12643-0015.jpg"><img title="SDC12643-001" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12643-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UYfsqfdxnL8/VCuhm3_FSUI/AAAAAAAANJk/Rg0nBcSfSwI/SDC12643-001_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <blockquote> <p><em>More psb plants in the border that desperately needs the forget-me-nots weeded out</em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify">The psb plants weren’t touched by the cabbage whites this year for some reason so they are growing big and strong, the kale which was kept under cover looks pretty healthy too, a bit shorter than normal but that’s probably because I didn’t plant them till late. Just waiting for space to put the black kale in once the courgettes have finished.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pzmNvQlYL50/VCuhqz5cUSI/AAAAAAAANJs/15NC3LkQpRU/s1600-h/SDC126375.jpg"><img title="SDC12637" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12637" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aVVRJKrpB8U/VCuhtnuIuGI/AAAAAAAANJ0/xLljz81WY1Y/SDC12637_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Parsnips, leeks, chard, spinach and spindly cabbages</em></p> <p align="justify">The leeks are looking a bit pathetic but they were transplanted late as well, there’s always time for them to catch up. And that’s about it – the winter onions are sprouting nicely, but the cabbages suffered from slugs, even though they were covered and pelleted, hopefully they’ll make a full recovery and begin to heart up a bit.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-a_2tiLpFaOnRI4PujU-oFK5jhyphenhyphenjM3mnquWLojlgwacAztD0QSQpNzfqok39bn1v_BCQ3qx1HfJdjOnmzW95WGzf2r3sJrqRZknrAIRbLD0CIdmuCwnOJkOIst36INTBQyKa2GBlupTL/s1600-h/SDC126365.jpg"><img title="SDC12636" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12636" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FyHHfB0nZL4/VCuhzx7udbI/AAAAAAAANKE/ezI7eWyPG10/SDC12636_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Cold frame with florists buckets of beetroot, carrot, chard and spinach</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c83px9-GIPU/VCuh3g2lUQI/AAAAAAAANKM/FwlsmcxFFYM/s1600-h/SDC126355.jpg"><img title="SDC12635" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12635" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0pk7FOX1kv0/VCuh6pvzwXI/AAAAAAAANKU/lO4amPSxs00/SDC12635_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><em>Troughs with winter onions, the last of the French beans and rainbow chard – the beans will be pulled and replaced with something else, not quite sure what yet.</em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify">I still have a few outdoor Sungold to pick but they are almost over – I never thought I would be saying that it has been a great year for tomatoes!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lgwy1XFGVKc/VCuh9CV6GVI/AAAAAAAANKc/F6OpsuvLE2M/s1600-h/SDC126155.jpg"><img title="SDC12615" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12615" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CelOfxNsP0U/VCuh_1xZaNI/AAAAAAAANKk/Dm9hTUytJrY/SDC12615_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>So, that’s my September roundup – not bad considering it hasn’t rained properly for weeks. How does your garden grow?</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-20028740205718627182014-09-24T13:27:00.001+01:002014-09-24T13:27:09.224+01:00Izzy Wizzy Let’s Get Busy …<p align="justify">Processing garden produce into winter preserves is a time-consuming business. This week it has been the turn of windfall apples, the last of the cherry tomatoes, and an over-abundance of courgettes.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HoLIvnWs5cc/VCK3q4B-ogI/AAAAAAAANBs/_62yH59vtlA/s1600-h/SDC12542%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12542" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12542" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DklwX3mQdx4/VCK3tWo1vDI/AAAAAAAANB0/juE3FBJzKo4/SDC12542_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RaVxoDO2ZDw/VCK3vi1dq9I/AAAAAAAANB8/0TTHKJ1MNm4/s1600-h/SDC12574%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12574" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12574" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xhUFVuymAiE/VCK3x29q8vI/AAAAAAAANCE/9FHHDSWvi8Q/SDC12574_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>The last of the Cherry tomatoes turned into pasta sauce</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fFjfTG9Tfek/VCK30LCRhiI/AAAAAAAANCM/AZQTztl3Fdc/s1600-h/SDC12575%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12575" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12575" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sgknf1MNx20/VCK32BkE5cI/AAAAAAAANCU/FEdgAXyjTT0/SDC12575_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6eEWafmRRxQ/VCK34u4W9qI/AAAAAAAANCc/lXik2y3p_3Y/s1600-h/SDC12598-001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12598-001" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12598-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YMJibVvAlxE/VCK36zDDI9I/AAAAAAAANCk/QGdaahagXm4/SDC12598-001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XaOibHQd8y8/VCK39bouXaI/AAAAAAAANCs/io6Id7G9HSc/s1600-h/SDC12599-001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12599-001" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12599-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-df737phQVGY/VCK3_9im2QI/AAAAAAAANC0/VdSJpVZXFwI/SDC12599-001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VYGRPVgI0QY/VCK4B4nfrYI/AAAAAAAANC8/PW0o5cTMv14/s1600-h/SDC12600%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12600" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CpLKRjo7g0c/VCK4EEA7FaI/AAAAAAAANDE/k7ly-xnoRJY/SDC12600_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SXcuQdntpps/VCK4GWDYHBI/AAAAAAAANDM/ROvWL-7ph7Y/s1600-h/SDC12601-001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12601-001" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12601-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c1bpVC_rGqw/VCK4IoxjZ6I/AAAAAAAANDU/yl9RKWoxi7o/SDC12601-001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>Windfall apples turned into apple sauce</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d1Q1QzwU0Lg/VCK4LY6_S9I/AAAAAAAANDc/TMlBFlAmrSA/s1600-h/SDC12539%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12539" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12539" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HkvaxU4RmoE/VCK4OCkkeaI/AAAAAAAANDk/nRa2WPpgNLI/SDC12539_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JZ1egf2yUeM/VCK4btGJQSI/AAAAAAAANDs/Oy1ioMM2Xs4/s1600-h/SDC12576%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12576" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12576" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-599AFmBlipk/VCK4d_PaQXI/AAAAAAAAND0/KfMo7YDdywM/SDC12576_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>Rose hips ready to be turned into syrup</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kFAo-7Xe8K4/VCK4gZ6ClhI/AAAAAAAAND8/DgDwWmEbYvg/s1600-h/SDC12578%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12578" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12578" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SkTDwWyEaL4/VCK4imfH9_I/AAAAAAAANEE/qDS3WVK1V_w/SDC12578_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vddDo9kRFls/VCK4kwtQUgI/AAAAAAAANEM/c6GFpv_Z0XM/s1600-h/SDC12577%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12577" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12577" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KDfrI6WKdZc/VCK4m3Wf8MI/AAAAAAAANEU/e1FMWtHgq8w/SDC12577_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>Patty pan squashes and courgettes cooked and pureed ready to be turned into soups.</p> <p>That’s it now – no more – I am quite happy with what I have achieved this autumn in preparation for winter. And may I say that if I don’t see a courgette ever again it will be too soon.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-76212840566449830432014-09-16T14:01:00.001+01:002014-09-16T14:01:01.910+01:00Home and Away …<p align="justify">When we are away from home taking a break at the coast – I think about the garden – will my neighbour keep everything well watered – will I have huge marrow like courgettes to come back to – will all my new seedlings have withered in my absence.</p> <p align="justify">I needn’t have worried. I harvested as much as I could before we went away – told my neighbour to concentrate on the greenhouse should she be pushed for time – and kept my fingers crossed that everything would be okay.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cb99n3UC9t4/VBgz6i-4ksI/AAAAAAAAM4Y/RqnkFSuEhiY/s1600-h/SDC12523-0015.jpg"><img title="SDC12523-001" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12523-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JYOyKujb_ao/VBgz9aLy-II/AAAAAAAAM4g/qTYg8NoLqIw/SDC12523-001_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">And as you can see – no huge marrows – a few beans from the greenhouse – loads of patty pan squash – and all the chillies ripened.</p> <p align="justify">There were one or two problems though. My two wigwams of late sown runners had serious problems.</p> <p align="justify">One was infested by blackfly – I have never seen anything like it – unfortunately I couldn’t get a good photo to show you – and the other has an infestation of green beasties (shield bugs maybe)? These are eating the buds as they emerge.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FSZ9mW_Et3o/VBg0Aci61wI/AAAAAAAAM4o/eI63NGIEPyA/s1600-h/SDC125265.jpg"><img title="SDC12526" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12526" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--uctuKUww10/VBg0Cy-x-DI/AAAAAAAAM4w/TQCAw3e6Sos/SDC12526_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>So the whole crop is ruined and will have to be pulled out tout suite.</p> <p>I still have masses of Sungold tomatoes ripening outside – no sign of blight (touch wood).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-97k9ZCzKqgY/VBg0FVp31uI/AAAAAAAAM44/3UIdZ0RcVCY/s1600-h/SDC125135.jpg"><img title="SDC12513" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12513" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iipBsJuVXws/VBg0IMUkY3I/AAAAAAAAM5A/7b3_XfB3nRA/SDC12513_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>The patty pan squash plant is rampant and full of what look like baby space ships – so cute.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwg5FToct_ApjXjJ0oe9WBYKkM00pZIzFUfeINx23q2gdC17_hTDVKm0ziSpSfQBH0AXdrHNvzycdYEr_9IoTDwXs3sEIkHZo1RhPxeuUPQzNvaEXJG1h-s9FDXCillujXoDebgQvF3sf/s1600-h/SDC125096.jpg"><img title="SDC12509" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12509" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KhcMHzEdC7s/VBg0NH-aWWI/AAAAAAAAM5Q/UK2hPnpTURc/SDC12509_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>The seedlings in the greenhouse have doubled in size – although something has eaten the baby lettuce (on inspection I found a big slug sleeping under a pot).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lkz_kvhiSZM/VBg0QxuxxGI/AAAAAAAAM5Y/8qOQ6OhNYXw/s1600-h/SDC125165.jpg"><img title="SDC12516" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12516" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HUJCrofaak0/VBg0TSD-M8I/AAAAAAAAM5g/bz3ye_VlKSA/SDC12516_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FtkA6SX2lEo/VBg0V0dAluI/AAAAAAAAM5o/czfbVDDMY0A/s1600-h/SDC125215.jpg"><img title="SDC12521" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12521" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ydRNNsEokhE/VBg0Ytw3xMI/AAAAAAAAM5w/alJzOGuHUZ8/SDC12521_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">And the kale plants that are waiting to be put in the courgette bed are looking pretty healthy and don’t seem to be suffering from being kept in pots. I have put them outside now to harden off.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4mADrrM-1xU/VBg0bMl3AvI/AAAAAAAAM54/EuXnUVWpbNw/s1600-h/SDC125185.jpg"><img title="SDC12518" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12518" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-33_kpXrJ34w/VBg0dwdWyTI/AAAAAAAAM6A/XAOCKgl0HWI/SDC12518_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>The winter onions have sprouted too – so very soon I will have to find space for them in the raised beds. Has anyone ever grown onions in containers? – did they do okay? – that is something I may have to resort to – it’s all going to be a bit of a tight squeeze out there.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4uhjmzPqgnE/VBg0glb4pwI/AAAAAAAAM6I/nYDxUvtD61A/s1600-h/SDC125195.jpg"><img title="SDC12519" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12519" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wxrU85SJvEo/VBg0jCWpRVI/AAAAAAAAM6Q/_CPdjA5X0J0/SDC12519_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">So, all in all I can breathe a sigh of relief. I did get a veggie garden fix whilst I was away though. In Wells there is a fantastic allotment area - just one field away from the sea. The plots are on the whole beautifully kept and one in particular that you can see from the lane is a model of perfection – I didn’t have my camera with me (slapped wrists) – I am sure you would have been as impressed as I – talk about busman’s holiday! </p> <p align="justify">The other thing I wanted to mention is why are restaurants so stingey with veg? They never seem to include them with the meal – sometimes they are listed as a side order – when the meal could really do with a bit of green on the plate. The fashionable thing seems to be to put on the menu where all the meat and fish is sourced locally – on one menu in particular the veg was supplied by Fred So-and-So from his allotment. Well, all I can say is, that Fred was having a bad year with his veg, or he was keeping the best for himself. Where were the runner beans, where were the French beans, where were the spinach and chard - surely he must have had loads to sell on – one meal we had, included some curly kale, which was as tough as old boots and certainly didn’t add any flavour to the meal at all. I know in the main restaurants like keep things seasonal, but even I, with my limited means, could have found something green to add to the meals – they all seemed to be very keen to add salad leaves to everything though. Sorry – rant over – you have discovered one of my ‘bete noirs’.</p> <p>‘Til next time – happy harvesting.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-78279922211846220552014-09-02T07:46:00.001+01:002014-09-02T07:46:20.944+01:00Gardener Cook ~ Waste Not Want Not<p align="justify">I seem to have been doing a lot of pressing, squeezing, chopping, cooking and tasting – all in the name of filling the freezer and preserves cupboard.</p> <p align="justify">Is it some deep-felt need to go through this every year – originally in case of times of hardship. Well, not really – I mean, everything is readily available in the shops – so what makes us keep on with this ancient practice of hoarding food against the shortages of winter – when we know there won’t be any.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0vTJemPXgSk/VAVm-s9-V7I/AAAAAAAAMlg/qWSfgSkaDIo/s1600-h/SDC122806.jpg"><img title="SDC12280" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12280" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YdDiTS2seOU/VAVnBHxttdI/AAAAAAAAMlo/5FSfUOUcBYQ/SDC12280_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="576" height="768"></a></p> <p align="justify">To be quite honest, even if we don’t really need to do it – I quite enjoy the whole thing of gathering in the surplus crops and trying to make something tasty out of them – and I do get quite a kick out of opening the cupboard and freezer and seeing them full to the gills of homemade produce.</p> <p align="justify">Anyhoo, what did I spend the last week doing.</p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Mixed Berry Jam</div> <li> <div align="justify">Damson and blueberry jelly</div> <li> <div align="justify">Vegetable Mulligatawny Soup (for the freezer although we did have a bowl each first)</div> <li> <div align="justify">Apple Juice </div></li></ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KVhFlcNDjik/VAVnDm_snoI/AAAAAAAAMlw/DutJjVbDPAs/s1600-h/SDC12275-0015.jpg"><img title="vegetable mulligatawny soup" style="display: inline" alt="vegetable mulligatawny soup" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1W2vpgU7xPM/VAVnFxOQhOI/AAAAAAAAMl4/NIqJYSh7Z9A/SDC12275-001_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="637" height="431"></a></p> <p align="justify">I thought I would get the (seldom used) juicer out of the cupboard and make the most of the over-abundance of James Grieve apples on my tree. I was going to get rid of the juicer as it is only taking up cupboard space – then I thought – why not turn the apples into juice. The result is one glassful from about ten large apples. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1y6mZkZbXAk/VAVnIBbeiBI/AAAAAAAAMmA/Y_gndLxK5vo/s1600-h/SDC122785.jpg"><img title="SDC12278" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12278" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OvMykoSt4bU/VAVnKe-D-RI/AAAAAAAAMmI/EUlWHhxd4Qo/SDC12278_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">When you drink this tart-sweet juice, the sharpness makes you salivate, and look at the lovely pinkness of it. It smells and tastes just the same as the apples, which I guess is no surprise – I found it really refreshing – but was it worth all the mess, and the washing of all the parts of the machine just for a glassful? The jury is still out on that one – but I won’t throw the juicer out just yet – it has earned a reprieve for now.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hjmVC7RZzRs/VAVnMjPP2zI/AAAAAAAAMmQ/_1qDgCOQnyU/s1600-h/SDC122795.jpg"><img title="SDC12279" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12279" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kn2VHJ1bFZ8/VAVnPD6oR6I/AAAAAAAAMmY/Nw1-iZI1EJA/SDC12279_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="576" height="768"></a></p> <p align="justify">I think that’s me done for this year a) because I have no room left anywhere to store anything and b) because I have run out of freezer containers and jam jars.</p> <p align="justify">The evening on Sunday was glorious – I took a couple of pictures of the veg patch just as the sun was going down ~ as you can see it wants a good sort out ~ it all starts to look a bit messy at this time of year with the runners dying back ~ tomatoes needing to be taken down ~ foxgloves that have seeded themselves into the beds need digging up and transplanting, all jobs that I will get on with when we come back from our September break at the coast.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-27ywY5Erm88/VAVnRic7nzI/AAAAAAAAMmg/sxBHbs2jfLQ/s1600-h/SDC123015.jpg"><img title="SDC12301" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5CQnqjUyTN0/VAVnULs6thI/AAAAAAAAMmo/mNxonhppdCM/SDC12301_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UfMG7c3ZsYc/VAVnXUN3MEI/AAAAAAAAMmw/UAzziha9FWg/s1600-h/SDC122985.jpg"><img title="SDC12298" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12298" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-irYO1D_PzNs/VAVnafqt1EI/AAAAAAAAMm4/4DjsD9t8h3k/SDC12298_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify"> I have planted some onions in modules in the greenhouse – they were in the shop so I thought I would give them a try as I have never grown them this early before – but it seems a good time of year to get things going – the seeds I sowed last week are all through already ~ even the carrots which usually take an age to germinate ~ I’m dead chuffed because my original sowing of carrots got munched by the badgers and I haven’t had a single one this year.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uSsgvmy68yA/VAVndPd3WmI/AAAAAAAAMnA/lsy8foIRMhY/s1600-h/SDC122845.jpg"><img title="SDC12284" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12284" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qdTw8qbfX1c/VAVnfp4x64I/AAAAAAAAMnI/NYjiKmK3AG4/SDC12284_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VevNioBZ0QI/VAVniUj03vI/AAAAAAAAMnQ/iTb8DpKB4k4/s1600-h/SDC122835.jpg"><img title="SDC12283" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMR5x1z8zK6jEUZ41epE-5PoTYrmQfX8Zv2VbtrZyLS8wwVJryI1MTERLRATkk0qcGBzlF9LH8K_kemDSC9KfK4gPz5mRUFN2dJAz01iwj8uIXBBVYYlGgQ8wV_QBK7AAUT42xtCo1wqz/?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZGabnPZBlmA/VAVnno4apVI/AAAAAAAAMng/5oT1YW6j-IQ/s1600-h/SDC122815.jpg"><img title="SDC12281" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12281" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-56tGeiu6Lyk/VAVnqXgYqUI/AAAAAAAAMno/9yOP5AsNu1U/SDC12281_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p align="justify">And finally – I was reading an article in Gardens Illustrated last month about the Great Dixter vegetable garden and Christopher Lloyd’s book ‘Gardener Cook’ was mentioned. I purchased it for the princely sum of 1p. It has lots of recipes on how to use up the vegetables you have grown all given in Christopher’s own inimitable style – I shall definitely be trying plenty of them out during the course of the gardening year.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sDyQiCX4Ikk/VAVnsgC2IxI/AAAAAAAAMnw/jppS7hfnBqw/s1600-h/SDC123095.jpg"><img title="SDC12309" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12309" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jwz1Gv-1TBE/VAVnu754HAI/AAAAAAAAMn4/mpjV-AhuvnQ/SDC12309_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="477"></a></p> <p>‘Til next time – happy veg growing …</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-25352382835019807402014-08-26T16:41:00.001+01:002014-08-26T16:41:34.147+01:00Autumn Preparations For A Bountiful Winter<p align="justify">As the weather has turned colder, more blustery and extremely wet over the last couple of weeks – my thoughts have turned to preparations for autumn and winter. A little early for that I hear you say, but I say, best be prepared a little early rather than leaving it too late.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-COmwW_8DHRE/U_ypgw2hO2I/AAAAAAAAMJE/amF-i-ajZMQ/s1600-h/SDC12215.jpg"><img title="SDC12215" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12215" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-az4no9bCU9U/U_ypkgipf5I/AAAAAAAAMJM/6Vhg2x1Zv6g/SDC12215_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">I have been transferring operations into the greenhouse where it is obviously sheltered and warmer than outdoors. The tomato plants have been unstaked and laid down so that the rest of the tomatoes on the vine get a chance to ripen - and I have stopped watering – a bit risky – not really, they have reached full size now and just need to redden – possibly too much water at this stage would affect the flavour. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lNMgxHFw72E/U_ypoVs5CBI/AAAAAAAAMJU/8en6Yj2C_tU/s1600-h/SDC12219.jpg"><img title="SDC12219" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12219" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H1qswTQ1D-0/U_yprMO8s6I/AAAAAAAAMJc/8hJWhOUh25Y/SDC12219_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">I still have Sungold outdoors where they have grown beyond their canes and are venturing over the fence into next doors garden – if they don’t get a chance to ripen now it has turned colder then I will strip the plants and bring the fruits indoors.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mXzzsJ_AWLM/U_yptjSYAsI/AAAAAAAAMJk/8RwnuhYaUdc/s1600-h/SDC12217.jpg"><img title="SDC12217" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12217" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VSPhHNCHU-M/U_ypwIAxfAI/AAAAAAAAMJs/T_NHmL8SwgE/SDC12217_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-krT8LkNugqs/U_ypzo7X2BI/AAAAAAAAMJ0/P3RQsmpqppk/s1600-h/SDC12212.jpg"><img title="SDC12212" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12212" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--KPNgEr_JpI/U_yp13qUV7I/AAAAAAAAMJ8/xWWv4idhb6Q/SDC12212_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">The French Beans left in plant pots have been transferred into the greenhouse away from the cold and the slugs and already these late-sown plants are forming tiny beans.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nsY3XXZyprU/U_yp4wq-CRI/AAAAAAAAMKE/DFiKcjLy6zM/s1600-h/SDC12227.jpg"><img title="SDC12227" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12227" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YAHqit8QB84/U_yp7aNwbmI/AAAAAAAAMKM/0IwQcWIapxQ/SDC12227_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a> </p> <p align="justify">The runners have just about finished now but the ones I planted in the flower bed, which haven’t performed very well, are just starting – they obviously don’t seem to like being amongst the flowers and maybe haven’t had as much water as the others – I won’t experiment like this with them again as the beans are difficult to harvest in the flower bed.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wQInAcSLdj0/U_yp_DDNhKI/AAAAAAAAMKU/fF0bWyfwNlA/s1600-h/SDC12221.jpg"><img title="SDC12221" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12221" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oGBLEADvXXs/U_yqB2oAHSI/AAAAAAAAMKc/0Dede1sxRks/SDC12221_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4XOnXAA9uV0/U_yqFwlHTbI/AAAAAAAAMKk/kKM3EHiF96Y/s1600-h/SDC12220.jpg"><img title="SDC12220" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12220" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P3SPJ28jKqM/U_yqIkywAfI/AAAAAAAAMKs/Ln7lrKIK8gc/SDC12220_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">I have had to buy plug plants of all the brassicas due to the slug invasion that wiped them out – but maybe this is no bad thing, later plants means that they have missed the onslaught of caterpillars – they have been covered with nets and dome cloches until they establish – and liberal doses of pellets have been applied – I am taking no chances.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j7eU7LQuuTI/U_yqMa2ABJI/AAAAAAAAMK0/rFWbuzq18KM/s1600-h/SDC12214.jpg"><img title="SDC12214" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12214" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZD4BFnFlE7w/U_yqPPC3EAI/AAAAAAAAMK8/8S6PlZH0KI4/SDC12214_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">The grow-bags that the tomato pots were standing on have been sown with lettuce and radish seed – the pea troughs also, with spinach and chard, and the potato containers have been re-sown with carrots. These are all in the greenhouse where they will stay all winter in the hope of harvesting fresh crops. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1ezUCkU5mgY/U_yqSA66tsI/AAAAAAAAMLE/2Bych4ScQ84/s1600-h/SDC12213.jpg"><img title="SDC12213" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12213" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x840b0NcGIE/U_yqU2s96NI/AAAAAAAAMLM/h1pOlHi6hYw/SDC12213_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">Once the courgette plants have been hit by frost I have some small cavolo nero kale seedlings to plant in their place – so that the raised beds stay productive all through the winter.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b5ULNfCjqO8/U_yqXX4wowI/AAAAAAAAMLU/NTFiOKryb5Q/s1600-h/SDC12218.jpg"><img title="SDC12218" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12218" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RKJBC6R4g5c/U_yqZ1QD0RI/AAAAAAAAMLc/_0FnryRaeng/SDC12218_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">And finally, I have cleared the strawberry bed, applied fresh compost and manure and re-planted with the plants that were growing in containers in the greenhouse. There is only enough room for a dozen plants which is plenty for us - I have covered them with a mesh cover as we are having problems with badgers in the garden at the moment, and with freshly dug soil – they are likely to dig all the plants up to use the area as a latrine.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yb7bpe4EArQ/U_yqcbvu7hI/AAAAAAAAMLk/Pr8g9jl-5fA/s1600-h/SDC12222.jpg"><img title="SDC12222" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12222" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HDRpN7VoS1U/U_yqfE7t5KI/AAAAAAAAMLs/9aOkECoCqS4/SDC12222_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">I think I am getting the hang of this small scale gardening – it has been an interesting exercise to get as much as I can out of a small space – the secret seems to be to have plants-in-waiting, ready to pop in when a crop has finished - let’s hope all my plans are successful and we have a plentiful supply of food right through the autumn and winter.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BYUmAzpZxwo/U_yqiSF4dHI/AAAAAAAAML0/DY30YEAoHUI/s1600-h/SDC12211%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12211" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12211" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pFYvANvxi88/U_yqlIgJ24I/AAAAAAAAML8/BfBDN1jAxX0/SDC12211_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3dnA369fp2M/U_yqnvqmDtI/AAAAAAAAMME/JU_9v-K5nU4/s1600-h/SDC12210%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12210" style="display: inline" alt="SDC12210" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RFm4MapZ0w4/U_yqqs0tOfI/AAAAAAAAMMM/yyhxv0_1VAc/SDC12210_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="477"></a></p> <p>‘Til next time – be prepared.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-8417781996839984692014-08-18T14:36:00.001+01:002014-08-18T14:36:43.755+01:00Plumple – Plum and Apple Jam<p>I have the plums ~ I have the apples ~ I’m going to make Plumple.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hJL_lYvs6Jg/U_IAp4eJWgI/AAAAAAAAMEc/6qiGovDOpKs/s1600-h/SDC121225.jpg"><img title="damsons" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="damsons" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UFYgSdNZhDs/U_IAuhJXF9I/AAAAAAAAMEk/-NVsgVpbfZY/SDC12122_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8QxJeKiYzmI/U_IAynydymI/AAAAAAAAMEs/VL1HLBsz7zc/s1600-h/SDC121325.jpg"><img title="eating apples - variety unknown" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eating apples - variety unknown" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2bCoAkRDJtQ/U_IA2w6KqpI/AAAAAAAAME0/DE6-cHQUvog/SDC12132_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--47UZekA9jA/U_IA6zLFC0I/AAAAAAAAME8/4Fj4fG3udcA/s1600-h/SDC121265.jpg"><img title="eating apple - James Grieve" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eating apple - James Grieve" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MhwhIIh7DQM/U_IA_KSunGI/AAAAAAAAMFE/yHfYxPrTqz4/SDC12126_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UfR6_ciYqWQ/U_IBDpnFxgI/AAAAAAAAMFM/cKoLC1fjqYE/s1600-h/SDC121315.jpg"><img title="cooking apples - bramley" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="cooking apples - bramley" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mkrbdiLWuUs/U_IBH7bkUwI/AAAAAAAAMFU/NoqtLUKE7JY/SDC12131_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">Take equal amounts of both ripe plums and cooking apples or under-ripe dessert apples. De-stone the plums and cut into four or more pieces. Peel and core the apples and cut into slices. Place into a pan, just cover with water and cook until soft. Alternatively, simply chop all the fruit roughly, cover with water and simmer till soft enough to sieve out the stones, pips and so on. In either approach, weigh the puree and add the same amount of white sugar to the pan and simmer gently, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved. Turn up the heat until it nearly boils and the puree turns jammy, take off the heat and pour into hot, sterilised jars. You could add a little lemon zest along with the sugar for an extra tang.</p> <p align="justify">(<em>Taken from Bob Flowerdew’s – Grow Your Own – Eat Your Own)</em></p> <p align="justify">‘Til next time – happy Plumpling.</p> <p align="center">--oo0oo--</p> <p><font size="4"><font size="5">Runner Bean and Sweet Red Pepper Chutney</font></font></p> <p>I thought I would try a new recipe for chutney – a way of using up a few surplus runner beans. Great with a curry or maybe a strong cheese. If you are interested I have put the recipe on the Preserves page on my side bar.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-40nh9okd9bg/U_IBK0xTfBI/AAAAAAAAMFc/iUc8F06I0KI/s1600-h/SDC12029-001_thumb22.jpg"><img title="SDC12029-001_thumb2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12029-001_thumb2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e510ZPvLh14/U_IBOGDQZVI/AAAAAAAAMFk/MVb1oClzp4Y/SDC12029-001_thumb2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-unXkznpHPy0/U_IBRWpSxhI/AAAAAAAAMFs/zGc4QhUacZQ/s1600-h/SDC12030-001_thumb22.jpg"><img title="SDC12030-001_thumb2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12030-001_thumb2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LsxuZgcP_KU/U_IBUxg9wkI/AAAAAAAAMF0/TN8POTdDp6Y/SDC12030-001_thumb2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JLWHfaOzGIE/U_IBXgSBZVI/AAAAAAAAMF8/WUM_qz30AFE/s1600-h/SDC12032-001_thumb22.jpg"><img title="SDC12032-001_thumb2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12032-001_thumb2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LklF0ubRkos/U_IBabVCfiI/AAAAAAAAMGE/vDSU-6F_DMU/SDC12032-001_thumb2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="480"></a></p> <p>‘Til we meet again – happy chutney making.</p> <p align="center">--oo0oo--</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-10236783127465552492014-08-12T14:30:00.001+01:002014-08-12T14:30:08.701+01:00The Errant Veg Grower Returns<p align="justify">You will have to forgive me for taking so long to decide whether to carry on with this blog. It has been eleven months since I posted mainly because I wanted to see if I would have enough to blog about given my reduced circumstances of four small raised beds instead of a much larger plot that I had to give up. So, after much mulling over, cogitating and pondering – I have decided that maybe I could manage a monthly post – to show what I have been growing and its progress – successes and failures both.</p> <p align="justify">Sadly, this growing season seems to have been mainly about failures.</p> <p align="justify">Every living creature seems to have been out to get my crops. I have never actually seen them in action but they have had a good go at ravaging everything and anything edible. I have replanted my brassicas three times now, only for them to disappear – the same with the French beans and the Rainbow Chard – I can’t ever remember a year where the chard has been eaten before – the possible suspects are sparrows and pigeons – but I can’t swear to it because they do it sneakily.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Oom4lZFBgA/U-oVmAGTJrI/AAAAAAAAL_M/V-REJmsfZhk/s1600-h/SDC12056%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12056" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12056" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S36rCCIjO58/U-oVpvdDK6I/AAAAAAAAL_U/T1Odl-GZgfc/SDC12056_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <blockquote> <p align="center">Container grown Rainbow Chard – not a pretty sight.</p></blockquote> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8lxOu4rDMBE/U-oVsaGc_9I/AAAAAAAAL_c/BCLZMTQLpQA/s1600-h/SDC12051%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12051" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12051" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h_xdP-2TbPk/U-oVvcxleOI/AAAAAAAAL_k/xkWi2I9GeHc/SDC12051_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">Perpetual Spinach – not in quite as bad a state as the Chard but not looking very appetising either.</p> <p align="justify">I have also had to sow, re-sow and re-sow again the French beans – slugs and snails are the culprits this time – this is another phenomena that has never occurred before – why this year when it has been much drier – why have they come out of their secret hiding places to attack the beans – it’s a mystery to me. The space allocated to beans has now been given to something else – so the last sowing remain in their pots. French beans are a favourite of mine so it has been a bitter disappointment not to have a crop – may be this last sowing will produce beans before the first frosts – who knows.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5XGH6rZNGc4/U-oVyVnyQII/AAAAAAAAL_s/hcb1labO7Uc/s1600-h/SDC12046%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12046" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12046" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SlTxMnb8uYQ/U-oV1Vc8ZpI/AAAAAAAAL_0/9RkTMlZuXMI/SDC12046_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>Then there are the tomatoes. The worst crop I can remember. The flowers just dropped off before setting. Another disappointment. I only grew five varieties this year Ferline, Cuor di Bue, Gardeners Delight, Sungold and Tigerella. Except for Sungold all the others were grown in the greenhouse and this is where I have had the most problems. Not sure what the problem has been but the crops have been pathetic compared to other years. Sungold is a clear winner once again with much healthier plants full cropping and no disease. Whew.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3uQ7Vj0Z4mE/U-oV4UiaqXI/AAAAAAAAL_8/OwbIFwzJaVA/s1600-h/SDC12059%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12059" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12059" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZXR9gxWPq0s/U-oV7cLQmhI/AAAAAAAAMAE/KGeV83PRYig/SDC12059_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">Greenhouse tomatoes</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cW8vL29pj9Q/U-oV93bm96I/AAAAAAAAMAM/wyscjZ8hsso/s1600-h/SDC12057%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12057" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12057" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-THouoj7gqr0/U-oWARp4HEI/AAAAAAAAMAU/oyiJEOg0ExE/SDC12057_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">Sungold grown outdoors – leaves pulled off below the fruits to encourage ripening but left on at the top of the plant.</p> <p align="justify">The carrots which were doing well were all dug up by a badger and eaten – so I don’t even have a picture to show you. </p> <p align="justify">The early brassicas that were planted have all been munched to death by slugs and snails – so I have a final planting of kale, cabbage and purple sprouting broc which I had to buy as plugs, they have been liberally sprinkled with slug pellets and covered with mesh cloches in the hope of keeping them pest free – only time will tell if I will be successful this time.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9C2D56s-UCo/U-oWE4nCenI/AAAAAAAAMAc/MvlQ2IjXTFA/s1600-h/SDC12055%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12055" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12055" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I1Mi4odtm1c/U-oWH3UrRDI/AAAAAAAAMAk/0SEFb85dRaA/SDC12055_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QollwRfTQ8A/U-oWKtY4oQI/AAAAAAAAMAs/DHnAcunQ_KY/s1600-h/SDC12052%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12052" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12052" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-na1VtF8U15o/U-oWNVCy72I/AAAAAAAAMA0/z0P4NGMedq8/SDC12052_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DIDRj9D9n1g/U-oWRdfa44I/AAAAAAAAMA8/HndwvZYHx2k/s1600-h/SDC12050%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12050" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12050" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LudskCe1ih4/U-oWT1lq9sI/AAAAAAAAMBE/tfn45VC4Ssw/SDC12050_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">Sorry that so far it is a catalogue of disasters, if you are new to veg growing, I don’t want it to put you off – but when growing your own food you just have to take the bad with the good I’m afraid.</p> <p align="justify">On the success side there are the runner beans, grown in deep containers and trained over an arch – a plentiful supply has been forthcoming – so much so that I am getting slightly fed up of eating them.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tPjCaULi7bY/U-oWXNr3etI/AAAAAAAAMBM/ewK-Ju8PMV0/s1600-h/SDC12054%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12054" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2VePnXTNQzk/U-oWaqD-STI/AAAAAAAAMBU/_8gDJ3NO_bs/SDC12054_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p align="justify">And of course there are the courgettes – thank goodness for courgettes – which have performed beautifully – a constant supply from just two plants.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j2GHRHFPtAk/U-oWdiETwgI/AAAAAAAAMBc/iVYgEbk1Tn4/s1600-h/SDC12045%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12045" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12045" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ht3dv6OuVas/U-oWgZWIYLI/AAAAAAAAMBk/idTYBHsgqrQ/SDC12045_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ba_94NI1fBE/U-oWj4biTVI/AAAAAAAAMBs/GB-ke--5B3I/s1600-h/SDC12047%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12047" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u_Heok_f3CI/U-oWmtWxo-I/AAAAAAAAMB0/xASOzg_2p7g/SDC12047_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>Sweet peppers and chillies in the greenhouse are slow to ripen but I’m in no hurry.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-96Qrl2FAf4E/U-oWpYo9abI/AAAAAAAAMB8/4UL7ph2lhKk/s1600-h/SDC12058%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12058" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12058" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TkcX0NkXI5s/U-oWsCnBUSI/AAAAAAAAMCE/DmEK2CNTtsU/SDC12058_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>And lastly Cucumbers – a nice steady supply – better than last year when I didn’t manage to grow any at all. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-503kDxsRfqU/U-oWul6oBsI/AAAAAAAAMCM/jaxfZ4e0398/s1600-h/SDC12061%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12061" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12061" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s17sNjF2fw8/U-oWxaDEk5I/AAAAAAAAMCU/VaBLdQcF_xo/SDC12061_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>The early container grown potatoes have all been eaten – Charlotte and Foremost – I grew eight containers, four of each – and they performed well. The only veg that I won’t be able to tell you about are the Parsnips – they germinated successfully and the foliage is abundant – but I won’t be pulling any till later in the autumn, fingers crossed I get nice long fat roots.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZoQQ91NWxVU/U-oW0XyptHI/AAAAAAAAMCc/RrTUwlCMEYo/s1600-h/SDC12049%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC12049" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SDC12049" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_1p2JE7Ek6g/U-oW3r4euII/AAAAAAAAMCk/i2C3ttxBBs0/SDC12049_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>So, that has been my veg gardening year so far – it has been a learning curve - I am slowly adapting to less space – when one crop is finished in goes another one – for instance, when the beetroot was pulled I spread fresh compost over the area and re-planted with leeks. Hopefully by next year I will know what is possible and what not to bother with.</p> <p>‘Til next month – happy veg growing! </p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-53794521283394479032013-09-04T11:27:00.001+01:002013-09-06T14:29:47.968+01:00Change is afoot . . . Downsizing, big time . . . New Challenges ahead . . .<p>This will be the last season at my plot. The field is being sold. The reasons are complicated and out of my control. It will be a sad day when I close the gate behind me for the final time. I raised hens and chicks, ducks and pigs and sheep and lambs and my beloved goats and kids up there. I have visited it every day for nearly twenty five years and tended the plot which has provided much of our food.</p> <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhGy6Kwc680/Tq5RV5tJZ7I/AAAAAAAAB_w/FCr0YQgYNgo/s1600/SDC12762.JPG"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhGy6Kwc680/Tq5RV5tJZ7I/AAAAAAAAB_w/FCr0YQgYNgo/s400/SDC12762.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>I will still have my small veg garden at home which has four raised beds and lots of container planting - but everything will be scaled down considerably – a quart squeezed into a pint pot. I’m thinking that this blog will be difficult to sustain under the circumstances – so perhaps I will close it down and just post veg-related pieces to my other blog <a href="http://rosebankramblings.blogspot.co.uk/">ramblings from rosebank</a> as and when they arise – I will give it a bit more thought and keep you posted.</p> <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7u25jEKFzA/UCvf9iRpd-I/AAAAAAAAEy4/Uu2qWoQLhuY/s1600/SDC15130.JPG"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7u25jEKFzA/UCvf9iRpd-I/AAAAAAAAEy4/Uu2qWoQLhuY/s400/SDC15130.JPG" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>Meanwhile, I missed my two year blog anniversary, which was in August. The first post <a href="http://awomanofthesoil.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/in-beginning.html">here</a> was in 2011, since then there have been 180 posts, 3092 comments and 63,806 page views. The most popular post was about tomatoes <a href="http://awomanofthesoil.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/tomato-heaven.html">here</a> which has had 1171 pageviews since it was posted. It seems any post about tomatoes is always popular. It has been a pleasure to read all your encouraging and entertaining comments – I should like to thank all of you who comment for sticking with me - particularly Flighty <a href="http://flightplot.wordpress.com/2013/08/15/august-flowers">at Flighty's Plot</a> who has commented on every single post – a loyal follower indeed.</p> <p>‘Til the next time – maybe!</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Lao Tzu" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/10/43/6e/10436e6cfc13a5a63356af6429aa27f8.jpg"></p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-4539474931043427962013-08-28T14:12:00.001+01:002013-08-28T14:12:58.906+01:00Just a trickle of tomatoes . . .<p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3F4VrRP0aMQ/Uhs_WO_fTQI/AAAAAAAAIrc/k2YbgM0lfpU/s1600/SDC18609.JPG"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3F4VrRP0aMQ/Uhs_WO_fTQI/AAAAAAAAIrc/k2YbgM0lfpU/s400/SDC18609.JPG" width="357" height="400"></a> <p>You would have thought that with nine tomato plants in the greenhouse and twelve outdoors that I would be inundated with tomatoes – not so. This year has to be the worst I can remember for a tomato crop. No huge trusses – just the odd tomato here and there, hardly any ripening just the odd one. I have a feeling that by the end of the season I am going to be left with a helluva lot of green toms that I will have to bring indoors to ripen.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCz_xe2EvRwbGeliNLwXkHCm4-lhKpKB4fg16boi6Tr9QvANoxBldiRjz01v3wkIKwkLTn2v2QViL96pAJJf9i0jc__xkTGzIy15kyf0k6aLeOJ-CkJo7K104I65HsLwJ1ceRWGdhcmFF/s1600/2013-08-28.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCz_xe2EvRwbGeliNLwXkHCm4-lhKpKB4fg16boi6Tr9QvANoxBldiRjz01v3wkIKwkLTn2v2QViL96pAJJf9i0jc__xkTGzIy15kyf0k6aLeOJ-CkJo7K104I65HsLwJ1ceRWGdhcmFF/s640/2013-08-28.jpg" width="640" height="640"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And if I show you a collage of my daily harvest you can see just how few tomatoes there have been.</p> <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03t8_m1ALgk/UhtgqVYdONI/AAAAAAAAItk/C9_nW9a6tWY/s1600/2013-08-24.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03t8_m1ALgk/UhtgqVYdONI/AAAAAAAAItk/C9_nW9a6tWY/s640/2013-08-24.jpg" width="640" height="462"></a></p> <p>Beans, beans and more beans – but tomatoes – no.</p> <p>All in all – a bit of a disaster, to say the least.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-66297422220466477462013-08-18T20:19:00.001+01:002013-08-18T20:19:27.143+01:00Let’s have a beanfeast . . .<p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLPf9Ccym2Q/UhEWUz4fZeI/AAAAAAAAIo8/76l6httBgD0/s1600/SDC18488.JPG"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLPf9Ccym2Q/UhEWUz4fZeI/AAAAAAAAIo8/76l6httBgD0/s640/SDC18488.JPG" width="640" height="395"></a> <p>As far as I’m concerned – this year has been an exceptional one for runner beans. I only planted out ten plants; two each of five varieties. The usual method of growing up canes was changed – I grew them straight up over a nylon net with cross-pieces as support. This meant that the beans hung down rather than inwards on the usual sloping cane method, and it doesn’t take up as much space. You know how difficult it is to find all the beans that are inside the wigwam or cross-cane tied-at-the-top method – this way I haven’t missed any, so none have grown to a huge size to stop production of other beans. After they had established and started climbing I mulched with grass clippings and made sure I watered every day. The trench they grew in was filled with well-rotted horse manure and topped with home-made compost.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7P1wor034sg/UhEV_KgsbfI/AAAAAAAAIo0/L8xywFS5aE8/s1600/SDC18483.JPG"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7P1wor034sg/UhEV_KgsbfI/AAAAAAAAIo0/L8xywFS5aE8/s640/SDC18483.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>There are still a few flowers left to be pollinated right at the top – the plants have been covered in bees for weeks.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcyx8gyjqlE/UhEVtzRrBxI/AAAAAAAAIok/G41LFwysvD0/s1600/SDC18479.JPG"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcyx8gyjqlE/UhEVtzRrBxI/AAAAAAAAIok/G41LFwysvD0/s640/SDC18479.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>To be honest, I have more beans than I know what to do with – friends and neighbours have benefitted from the bean bounty.</p> <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tW2m1k8y0IQ/UhEVlf8dHDI/AAAAAAAAIoc/7oy2lUbX7ow/s1600/SDC18502.JPG"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tW2m1k8y0IQ/UhEVlf8dHDI/AAAAAAAAIoc/7oy2lUbX7ow/s640/SDC18502.JPG" width="480" height="640"></a></p> <p>And still they keep on coming – I have been harvesting a few pounds weight every day – I definitely have a surfeit that I just don’t know what to do with – the freezer is full. Maybe I could add them to picalilli or runner bean chutney. We have them with our meals two or three times a week, and although I love them to death and could eat bucketsful – it is starting to wear a bit thin. I can hear my husband thinking – Oh no – not beans again. But what a nice position to be in - and all for so little effort really. Definitely a must-have crop for me.</p> elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912468918847715397.post-64215631462681970722013-08-12T11:15:00.001+01:002013-08-22T19:05:36.212+01:00Some bumper crops and, erm, some not so bumper ones …<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBvvzP6YJ2E/UhZSTS5ZjrI/AAAAAAAAIpg/SFMJL1ZeBVw/s1600/SDC18410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" qsa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBvvzP6YJ2E/UhZSTS5ZjrI/AAAAAAAAIpg/SFMJL1ZeBVw/s640/SDC18410.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucumber close up</td></tr>
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The veg garden is going crazy, especially the runner beans. It seems as though the garden knows that autumn is coming and it is pushing out everything it can before the weather starts turning colder and the hours of light get shorter.<br />
This is my harvest for last week – many pounds of runner beans, french beans, three greenhouse cukes and four outdoor ones (found lurking under the foliage). Nine courgettes, four summer squash, the last of the beetroot.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eQr2wOW0y8/Ugixf5lq3BI/AAAAAAAAIjE/gKJFTed45WY/s1600/SDC18416.JPG"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eQr2wOW0y8/Ugixf5lq3BI/AAAAAAAAIjE/gKJFTed45WY/s640/SDC18416.JPG" width="640" /></a>
Looks like I have got some serious kitchen-work ahead. All the recipe books are spread out – trying to find enough different ways to use everything up before the next batch are harvested.<br />
Of course not everything comes in huge quantities. Five blueberries, half a dozen tomatoes and a few cucamelons – look pitiful don’t they.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WYBnwQmRr4/UgiwTRJ4gsI/AAAAAAAAIi0/MhRUFT4ylvc/s1600/SDC18419.JPG"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WYBnwQmRr4/UgiwTRJ4gsI/AAAAAAAAIi0/MhRUFT4ylvc/s640/SDC18419.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Oh well, you can’t have everything!<br />
Till next time – HAPPY HARVESTING.<br />
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elaine http://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com36