Scoundrel's gardening thread

[billybunter]

I'm a newbie to growing veg etc, so i'm enjoying any tips.

[scoundrel]

Originally Posted by billybunter

I'm a newbie to growing veg etc, so i'm enjoying any tips.

Now, February, is exactly the right time for planning and basic preparation. If you have a plot and haven't dug it over yet, this is the time. Unfortunately, it's pissing down with rain here in London right now and it's worse than useless to dig soaking wet soil, it actually spoils the texture and turns it to compacted mud.

Tip number one: Don't experiment with growing funny vegetables. Do grow stuff you already like eating. If you want to try anything off beam, buy it and cook it first. If you liked it enough to buy it a second time, then it's worth growing. It can be dispiriting to work on an experimental crop, bring it flawlessly to maturity, then chuck it all on the compost heap because you ate one lot and it tasted like crap.

[billybunter]

Originally Posted by tony_grego

I totally agree, man.

I am happy to say here has already begun to work on that topic (of course, not to the extent that it would be necessary), but many schools have workshops on agriculture, planted their own gardens in class, often making trips to agricultural areas (near my village, for example) to see "in situ" what they do in class.



Not too much, but at least it's a good concept for city children

Salut !

I don't have kids. But I know enough friends who do. Nature is denied to kids today. Not just gardening, but the beauty of our world. Kids walk to school looking at litter and dog shit. They never get to see the beauty of this world. I was lucky. I was taught Irish, and went camping. My old man moved out of the city. I'm not ready for that yet. But I will retreat to the country if I last. I live on a very small Island; it has a lot of history and problems. But come and visit! It is a small wonder. Ireland is the last stop before America on a boat. We are gentle folk, drop in I'll buy you a pint.

[kelio]

I agree Elise Harris is very sexy. As a matter a fact, I'd love to take gardening lessons with her - preferably at night

I love gardening but I've gotten lazy with the constant work and attention it requires.

Everything I know, I've learned from my grandfather. I used to spend all my free time with him when I was little in that lovely garden. i especially liked the orchard in the spring time, the fragrance of apples and pears, fresh cut grass...

Oh and that quote from Voltaire's Candide came to my mind: "one must cultivate one's garden" ("il faut cultiver son jardin").
Intended as a metaphor, of course.

[gtos4ever]

Originally Posted by scoundrel

If you have a plot and haven't dug it over yet, this is the time.

Clearing the 20" of snow from my garden plot might not be too hard. But trying to turn soil that's frozen 36" deep seems like... WORK!!!!

[tony_grego]

Originally Posted by billybunter

... ... I live on a very small Island; it has a lot of history and problems. But come and visit! It is a small wonder. Ireland is the last stop before America on a boat. We are gentle folk, drop in I'll buy you a pint.

Do not dismiss, friend ... I've always loved to travel, as my wife, although we can not do it often ... you know ... budget...

I've always thought that if one day I can, my favorite trips would be Australia, Ireland, Canada, and the Fiords.

On the other hand, I love Celtic music and culture and I think the Irish are very friendly people. But I do not see feasible to collect your invitation in the near future.

I'll settle for one of these days closer to an Irish pub in Barcelona and raise a pint to your health.

Salut !

[scoundrel]

Originally Posted by gtos4ever

Clearing the 20" of snow from my garden plot might not be too hard. But trying to turn soil that's frozen 36" deep seems like... WORK!!!!

Bad luck gtos4ever. Actually, clearing the snow might be a tactical error. Something I learned when skiiing in Austria in late March; to advance the grazing season for cattle which are cooped up in barns all winter long, Austrian farmers often spread soil or dark organic matter (such as manure) on top of the snow. Snow reflects the heat of the sun but soil etc absorbs the heat of the sun, acting like a passive solar oven to melt the snow and ice beneath that bit quicker. This method can advance the growing season by a fortnight or even longer; but timing is important. You need to be confident that the winter snow will not revisit and cover the soil which you spread, or all your labour is wasted and you might have used up all the soil you saved and missed your one chance to speed the effect of spring weather for that season.

[kelio]

Gardens come and many forms and varieties. I've come to really appreciate Zen gardens such as this one



I like the feeling of the space, emptiness and peace

Also available in miniature format



for those who like a minimalist approach

[IngramJohn]

To be honest Scoundrel ... I f**kin* hate gardening!!!

The only bit of 'greenery' in my garden is my GREEN COUNCIL WHEELIE BIN!

But I did bury our pet cat in the garden so I suppose it comes in handy sometimes.

I let my missus do it mate ... she is just so much better with her hands.

[rustler]

Originally Posted by kelio

Gardens come and many forms and varieties. I've come to really appreciate Zen gardens such as this one



I like the feeling of the space, emptiness and peace

Also available in miniature format



for those who like a minimalist approach

Absolutely! Me, I couldn't tell a campanulla from a carrot, but bonsai, that is a different matter.......

The weeding is easier, as is all the grass cutting etc.! I got rid of my collection some years ago, but I am seriously thinking of starting again. It is the best stress reliever that I know of!