[SA Chris]

 they were grown in pots, it was only compost in there. We fed them with tomato feed too which might have helped.
[/quote]

Do doubt both influencing factors.

[butters]

Does anyone want some broad bean plants - got about 6-8 at a guess that need a home or they are going in the compost bin. Also got some cauliflower plants going as well if any one is interested and maybe a few cabbages (not sure on those).

Sheffield based - drop me a PM if you are interested.

[LucyB]

We may have room for the broad beans, will ask 'im indoors.

We have some pea plants going spare if anyone wants them. Also Sheff based.

[Duncan Disorderly]

If Lucy dosent want em we'll have em, got this growing co-op thing going down in Sharrow where we're planting stuff into people's front and back gardens and we're putting all our seedlings in this weekend so are keen to get as much as possible to fill the spaces...

:D

[butters]

We may have room for the broad beans, will ask 'im indoors.

We have some pea plants going spare if anyone wants them. Also Sheff based.

Lucy - Would certainly be interested in a few pea plants to add to the allotment - let me know on the beans and we shall work out a plan from there.

Dunc - will drop some random stuff off tomorrow.   

[andy_e]

We've got a garden for the first time and are wanting to grow stuff. The soil tends to be quite heavy clay and has low permeability. Can anyone recommend any good veg to grow and when to plant it? We've got no experience as gardeners (although I once helped r-man remove loads of plants in various quarries).

[SA Chris]

Turn in a load of compost (either bought, or from compost bin) then see how you get on. The little onion bulbs are really easy to plant and grow, also throw some lettuce seeds about and see what happens. Fresh herbs are always nice, you can just buy yhr potted onse from the supermarket, use them for a bit and then plant out. Mint, rosemary, corriander (goes to seed quickly), basil, parsley. Make sure the mint is established and a decent size before stripping it bare for mojitos though, as it may not recover.

[Probes]

Stuff that doesnt grow in it! Sweet corn, caulys, runners stuff like that. If you want spuds, growing them in pots is easily the easiest and best, especially for lazy bones like you, especially when digging, just up end the pot.

My ma has started growing oranges at the mo... ummmm, could be a challenge up there tho.

[butters]

Turn in a load of compost (either bought, or from compost bin) then see how you get on. The little onion bulbs are really easy to plant and grow, also throw some lettuce seeds about and see what happens. Fresh herbs are always nice, you can just buy yhr potted onse from the supermarket, use them for a bit and then plant out. Mint, rosemary, corriander (goes to seed quickly), basil, parsley. Make sure the mint is established and a decent size before stripping it bare for mojitos though, as it may not recover.

Make sure that if you plant mint you do it by planting it into a pot sunk into the ground to stop it going everywhere, also making sure that you don't allow coriander to dry out will help prevent it going to seed too quickly!

[LucyB]

Cheers, butters. Probably best to let Dunc have the beans. Pop round when you like to get the peas.

[LucyB]

There's also some squash and some peppers.

[butters]

Please put a couple of squashes to one side for me please Lucy - ours caught the late frost and the few that I thought might survive are looking dubious at the best. 

Got more broad beans than I thought so can supply a few of those to you and still keep Dunc happy. Will pick the peas up at the weekend if that is OK with you. Cheers

[Bonjoy]

We've got a garden for the first time and are wanting to grow stuff. The soil tends to be quite heavy clay and has low permeability. Can anyone recommend any good veg to grow and when to plant it? We've got no experience as gardeners (although I once helped r-man remove loads of plants in various quarries).

If you are going to be at the property for some years it might be worth investing some effort in improving the soil as a priority this year and then get planting properly next. Adding sand/grit improves drainage (sounds like you might need it), it's quite likely you're soil will be a bit on the acid side too and would benefit from a bit of lime and of course the more compost/manure the better. Manure is the cheapest option but you need to be sure your source is pesticide free (look on local gardening forums for info on safe source). Dig the soil to a decent depth (at least one spade blade) and remove as many stones as poss. Don't dig too soon after rain as it will do more harm than good. Once dug avoid treading on the turned soil.
If all that is a bit OTT and it may well be if you are in temporary rental property there are a few things that will do well in poor soil. Stuff like rocket, perpetual spinach, radish. Growbags and pots are also a good option if you are sure you'll be diligent with the watering.

[SA Chris]

After being on the go for 4 years, our compost bin is finally producing great compost. And worms by the hundred.

[LucyB]

I'll be around Sunday, Butters. Do you still have my number? Best to text when you want to come over. Cheers.

[Dolly]

long time no post
We ate the first of our home grown onions tonight. Apart from lettuce its the first crop of the season. Lovely sharp crunchy texture but slighlty sweet as well.
Grown from sets from the wonderful Reighton nurseries near Filey. People travel from all over to go there. Must be one of the best nurseries in the north. Not for the casual gardener lots of choice from widespread beds and glasshouses, a great place to turn 10 minutes into 90

[Grubes]

Garden is coming along nicely this year the peas are almost read and corgettes are starting to flower.
Planted
French beans
Runner beans
Pea
Garlic
Tomatoes
Sweet corn
Courgette
Chard

Still to plant sqaush
Lots of chilli's and peppers in hydroponic

herb garden is looking a little messy though


Looks like we are on for a good year.
Lesson learned don't put choy or squash plants in with a bearded dragon

[Paul B]

I can't find the other thread I posted in. Apologies.

My tomatoes are in the in-laws (rented house) greenhouse. They'll be moving out shortly <1 month and my tomatoes are still v. green. Is there anything the good people of UKB can suggest to bring them along or is time to sterilise a kilner jar for some green chutney?

I also have two measly looking courgettes.

[Jim]

they will ripen on the window sill after being picked.
We've still got some tomatos outside....

[andy_e]

Do chillis do the same? Got a load of green ones which haven't reddened at all...

[Paul B]

they will ripen on the window sill after being picked.
We've still got some tomatos outside....

Excellent, this:

http://garden.org/learn/articles/view/374/

suggests heat not light is what's required?

[Fultonius]

Just spray them with some Ethylene gas...surely you've got some lying around?

[Ally Smith]

Hi Paul - i'm having mixed results with ripening tomatoes that have fallen off the vine, on the windowsill.

I suspect i'll be making green tomato chutney too this year - i've at least a hundred green cherry toms sitting outside with only a coupe ripening each day.

Got a decent chutney recipe you can share?

[Paul B]

Hi Paul - i'm having mixed results with ripening tomatoes that have fallen off the vine, on the windowsill.

I suspect i'll be making green tomato chutney too this year - i've at least a hundred green cherry toms sitting outside with only a coupe ripening each day.

Got a decent chutney recipe you can share?

I've tagged you on FB but the James Martin one on BBC Good Food is what I've been recommended:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/green_tomato_chutney_41573

I haven't checked my River Cottage handbook for one but the general recipe I used previously (v. curried) was good.