Thanks Fidget. We eat no end of salad but I've never gotten myself organised to grow it properly myself for more than a couple of weeks worth at once. This has to change!! I shall dig out my collection of seeds this weekend and start my first set. At least this is something that will grow in pots too so the fact that the vegetable garden is going to take a lot more work wont stop us from getting healthy (cheap) meals!
The italian firm ??Franchii? do big packets of mixed salad seeds. they seem to be a lot cheaper overall than some of the british firms, which don't have many seeds in a a packet. You can sow a fresh tray every three weeks or so, there are some oriental mixes that are good for stir fry as well.
The other thing that I think is good value, is a few plants of kale. Again, they are cut and come again, A square metres worth has been giving us plenty for the last year. Just remember to net to keep off the pigeons.
Edd that's a lovely idea! But I fear my partner has "issues" eating home grown food at the best of time I can't see him being too impressed seeing me pull something from the patio cracks!
I'll have a look out for them Fidget. I'm sure I've a couple of packets here to get me started.
My two compost bins have arrived (I was starting to doubt I had ordered them) so weather / health willing I shall be cracking on with that project for the garden this weekend. I've now three new compost bins to install (going to level the area with rubble that's currently in / on the vegetable garden), two old wooden bins to empty and dismantle (they're very very rotten and up against the hedge which is doing it no favours I'm sure), and then to decide how best to screen them from the garden (daleks are never the prettiest). I'm thinking about some removable trellis to grant emptying space come "harvesting" time but screen it the rest and perhaps some climbing plants in pots like sweet peas or even just broad beans. That said the likes of sweetpeas wouldn't even need to be in a pot once the bins are in place we wont be emptying them for a season or three so plenty of time for the plant to grow around the trellis, flourish, and then die back ready for us to gain access.
Need you lot to cross fingers and toes for me ...Veg Moroccan tagine ready to go, one problem! Ran out of olive oil so decided to use garlic oil but picked up the chilli oil instead, all very spicey and more heat from paprika in the recipe, ooops! Served with Mediterranean couscous and potato wedges, and green beans pan roasted with chopped hazelnut and honey. We have 'fruity raspberry roulade' for pudding and may have a starter of veg spring rolls on a bed of wild rocket and chard with sticky plum dip. (ps ; I'm only making the tagine, rest shop bought!). ***Daffodils on the table - can't go wrong then!***
I'm just hoping its hot and tasty and no one minds hot! 16year old not veg eater says he'll give it a go, 12 year old mr its too spicey will get spag bol minus the spag.
Posts
Thanks Fidget. We eat no end of salad but I've never gotten myself organised to grow it properly myself for more than a couple of weeks worth at once. This has to change!! I shall dig out my collection of seeds this weekend and start my first set. At least this is something that will grow in pots too so the fact that the vegetable garden is going to take a lot more work wont stop us from getting healthy (cheap) meals!
The italian firm ??Franchii? do big packets of mixed salad seeds. they seem to be a lot cheaper overall than some of the british firms, which don't have many seeds in a a packet. You can sow a fresh tray every three weeks or so, there are some oriental mixes that are good for stir fry as well.
The other thing that I think is good value, is a few plants of kale. Again, they are cut and come again, A square metres worth has been giving us plenty for the last year. Just remember to net to keep off the pigeons.
Hi Panda, good to see you. Hope you're ok. Love and hugs x Sending you a smile to put in your pocket
And a piece of cake 
Edd that's a lovely idea! But I fear my partner has "issues" eating home grown food at the best of time I can't see him being too impressed seeing me pull something from the patio cracks!
I'll have a look out for them Fidget. I'm sure I've a couple of packets here to get me started.
My two compost bins have arrived (I was starting to doubt I had ordered them) so weather / health willing I shall be cracking on with that project for the garden this weekend. I've now three new compost bins to install (going to level the area with rubble that's currently in / on the vegetable garden), two old wooden bins to empty and dismantle (they're very very rotten and up against the hedge which is doing it no favours I'm sure), and then to decide how best to screen them from the garden (daleks are never the prettiest). I'm thinking about some removable trellis to grant emptying space come "harvesting" time but screen it the rest and perhaps some climbing plants in pots like sweet peas or even just broad beans. That said the likes of sweetpeas wouldn't even need to be in a pot once the bins are in place we wont be emptying them for a season or three so plenty of time for the plant to grow around the trellis, flourish, and then die back ready for us to gain access.
Hmm.... decisions...
not read back yet, hope all ok.
Need you lot to cross fingers and toes for me ...Veg Moroccan tagine ready to go, one problem! Ran out of olive oil so decided to use garlic oil but picked up the chilli oil instead, all very spicey and more heat from paprika in the recipe, ooops! Served with Mediterranean couscous and potato wedges, and green beans pan roasted with chopped hazelnut and honey. We have 'fruity raspberry roulade' for pudding and may have a starter of veg spring rolls on a bed of wild rocket and chard with sticky plum dip. (ps ; I'm only making the tagine, rest shop bought!). ***Daffodils on the table - can't go wrong then!***
Off to have a read, may be back.
Oooh MrsG, sounds delish, is there room for a little one.
I'm sure all will be fine, but crossed fingers here anyway
Mrs G I'm positively drooling that sounds wonderful!!
Clari - that diet is far more extreme than any weight loss diet, poor you.
Star - missed you earlier - thanks and I'll set you a place.
No gardening done today. Hail storm passed through but it didn't seem to bother the ducks. Did a bit of h**** work instead.