Thanks @biofreak. I've managed to get an appointment to see a GP tomorrow so I can be referred to specialists and get better pain meds. No idea what the French system does with spines but in Belgium I successfully had a cage fitted in my neck to keep 3 naughty vertebrae apart and cortisone infiltrations to sort out 3 naughty lumbar vertebrae.
Anyway, beetroot - the RHS offers this advice which includes best varieties. I tend to grow Boltardy which I buy as plugs. They do fine here. I like choggia, especially in salads, but haven't seen it either as plugs or seeds here.
My soil isn't as wet as yours but we do get early spring dry spells and heatwaves now so best to get onions and garlic in early for me. Even so, shallots were a failure this year as they just didn't swell at all and the white onions were small. I didn't grow garlic last year as the previous year's crop didn't store well. We'll see how they do this year.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
No I haven't seen Choggia as plugs either, but it grows brilliantly from seed especially if you soak it for a couple of hours first. So so relieved to get phonecall from Doctor to say O/H has suspected lung cancer but can be treated with pills and has 100 percent success rate. Sun shining this morning and we saw a double 🌈 rainbow during heavy shower. Must be a message there somewhere. That damn polytunnel roof is off again!! Wellies on and swear words ready!!!
No onions or garlic for me this year, too much trouble with white rot. I might try a new raised bed with bought in soil, but it's an expensive way to get a basic staple crop we can get organic ones in local SM. I find boltardy get a bit big for us, we like baby beet Action, chioggia, cylindrica (a long one) and bulls blood. All grown at various times over the last 3-4 years.
Hello all , hope those who aren’t well are soon better
I’m pleased to say onions , shallots & garlic did well this year Have bought onions & shallots and will probably plant after Christmas as the soil is so wet At the moment can’t get any garlic locally
The meds are finally kicking in and my back is feeling a bit more free so I persuaded OH to dig me 3 big holes for my apple trees and we got them in, watered and staked. The Cox and Braeburn lend themselves to being fan-trained but the Bramley has been given space to do its thing. Supposed to be heavy rain tonight too. Let's hope they all do well.
Cabbage plugs still to plant out and garlic too and I need to fond some broad beans. Lots of garlic in one pack so, assuming it grows, there'll be plenty for making garlic sprays to keep pests like snails and slugs from munching my treasures and veggies.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Romanesco heading up nicely. Bought six as plants and three survived caterpillar attack. Old Brocoli plants left in ground which I thought had been decimated by caterpillars have now lease of life so may get a few purple spears in March. Have decided to buy in Bio brassicas as waste too much seed, and never as good. Garlic not in yet..I agree, just too wet. Dry day predicted at last so shall continue picking through branches of Silver Birch for twiggy Pea Sticks. Dog went out last night and has not come back, searched fields and river plus pond banks this am .Nearly Blind and deaf as a post, happy in himself but only a little while to go before we would have to put him down. I can't help wondering if he has not taken himself off to die (17yrs old next week) like our stray cat Boysie did when he hit 21. Blue has never gone off before. Neighbours alerted plus he is chipped do we might hear something. Off to look again after writing this. Have a good weekend.
Local vet admitted Blue 5am Monday at Surgery..found him on main road none the worse for wear
(No idea how he got up there...6 country roads to negotiate!!! )Anyway picked him up from the Mayor yesterday afternoon when Mairie (town hall) opened. He is very shaken up plus does not want to go outside but generally ok. Thank you for your concern. Two cats busy washing him at the moment! Fabulous Spring like Day today. Excellent Market with people booking Christmas Puddings and Mince Pies. Homemade Rowanberry and Sloe Jellies very popular. So rewarding when one makes things oneself. Spring Onions ready to pull left over from last year's crop. Had half a Raspberry each last night..think it is the last one.Still some Beetroot left to lift, and hope to make a start on Jerusalem artichokes this w/e.
Sounds like he had a senior moment and lost his way @biofreak. Glad he's home and safe.
No mince pies here unless I make some mincemeat and that means a trip to a covered market for dried fruits as the SMs here only do raisins, apricots, prunes and cranberries.
It's been sunny, mild and still here today and perfect for gardening except I have done myself a damage and have a stiff upper back and trapped nerves. Bummer.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Posts
Anyway, beetroot - the RHS offers this advice which includes best varieties. I tend to grow Boltardy which I buy as plugs. They do fine here. I like choggia, especially in salads, but haven't seen it either as plugs or seeds here.
My soil isn't as wet as yours but we do get early spring dry spells and heatwaves now so best to get onions and garlic in early for me. Even so, shallots were a failure this year as they just didn't swell at all and the white onions were small. I didn't grow garlic last year as the previous year's crop didn't store well. We'll see how they do this year.
I find boltardy get a bit big for us, we like baby beet Action, chioggia, cylindrica (a long one) and bulls blood. All grown at various times over the last 3-4 years.
I’m pleased to say onions , shallots & garlic did well this year
Have bought onions & shallots and will probably plant after Christmas as the soil is so wet
At the moment can’t get any garlic locally
Cabbage plugs still to plant out and garlic too and I need to fond some broad beans. Lots of garlic in one pack so, assuming it grows, there'll be plenty for making garlic sprays to keep pests like snails and slugs from munching my treasures and veggies.
Fabulous Spring like Day today. Excellent Market with people booking Christmas Puddings and Mince Pies. Homemade Rowanberry and Sloe Jellies very popular. So rewarding when one makes things oneself. Spring Onions ready to pull left over from last year's crop. Had half a Raspberry each last night..think it is the last one.Still some Beetroot left to lift, and hope to make a start on Jerusalem artichokes this w/e.
No mince pies here unless I make some mincemeat and that means a trip to a covered market for dried fruits as the SMs here only do raisins, apricots, prunes and cranberries.
It's been sunny, mild and still here today and perfect for gardening except I have done myself a damage and have a stiff upper back and trapped nerves. Bummer.