Chatback 5

[Glutton4...]

Eeeeeeeeeeeeevenin' Peeps - yes, I've been out playing with pencils. Then Horsey chores, and dog walk, and finally Chook chores. Think that's it.

You lot OK?

[rustylady]

Afternoon all, or evening all. Tis pitch black here, and it's been damp and drizzly all day. Fed up with it I am.

[Glutton4...]

*Waves.

We've had a lovely weekend, weather-wise, and today started well, but has gradually become damp and dank and drizzly. My laundry was out all weekend, but didn't dry, and it didn't get any wetter either, so when it started raining this evening, I brought it in, and hung it indoors. Supposed to get colder overnight and tomorrow. I don't mind, as long as it's dry.

[rustylady]

I don't mind cold and dry - it's the grey dampness that we've had for days that gets on my nerves.

Never mind, the forecast is for sunshine tomorrow - I do hope they're right.

[susieq100]

Evening everyone. I have working on my domestic goddess status and have made Mango Creme Brulee for supper (we have some friends visiting since we can't go out much at the moment). I have made the caramel for the topping and it's a bit thick and crunchy. OH says it is 'artisan' ie rough as a bear's artisan!

[RedThorn]

Just like anything when cooking.... It's rustic

[Glutton4...]

Just send any spares my way, Susie!

[Jeanied]

Had a great run in the park this evening - Rosie is getting the hang of the ball flinger and is bringing them back pretty well - we had 7 dogs playing the game by the time it got dark - all romping round after each other and the ball - and mostly Rosie came back with the ball. Then she politely drops it, only for Sasha an elderly golden retriever to grab it and trot off with it - the trouble is she is a ball chewer and destroyer! Many cheers, shouts and chuckles from the owners and lots of bribes for Sasha.

[Tripmeup]

Evening all... Tired tonight, so think I'll get an early one...

[bearded bloke]

I'm lurking between domestic jobs

[Feral007]

Awesome looking day today out there.

Coffee gone sorry, off to fill in wombat holes, let the chooks out, let the dogs off, and...start mowing marathon! Looks like a good day for mowing.

And I have some bean seeds so will hopefully be planting them later today or tomorrow (as I have to start work on one of the horses.

Cucumber seeds. I've got used to buying seeds, and I've let things self seed.
I've pulled seeds out of gramma's, punkins, and zuchinni's, and I've even planted some zuchinnis complete in themselves. But I am struggling with the thought of cucumbers. I've just realised I'm begging seeds for cucumbers from everyone, but I have a cucumber in the fridge...I'm going to chop it in half and let it warm up outside, then take the seeds out and plant them. I've just got so used to dried seeds, but surely the plants propogate themselves from seed by just dropping on the ground?

How silly of me! Wish me luck. Have a good one everyone.

[bearded bloke]

Hi Fez
Re your cucumber seeds,might be a good idea to give them a bath ....

To save cucumber seeds, the fruits must be allowed to mature far past the stage they're usually eaten – until they're ripe and have turned orange or yellow. Remove the seeds and let them ferment in a pail for three days the same as tomato seeds to remove the gel around them. Then they can be cleaned by repeatedly filling the pail with water and pouring off the top layer. The good seeds will remain on the bottom while the debris will float and can be poured off. Dry the seeds thoroughly before storing.

The rest of the cucurbits are easier to do as the seeds don't have the gel coating and don't need fermenting.

Taken from .... Seed Saving - Natural Life Magazine - frugal, green family living

[Martin H]

I've never tried saving cucumber seed either, but I spotted this:

Always harvest mature seed. For example, cucumber seeds at the eating stage are not ripe and will not germinate if saved.

[Feral007]

Thanks BB and Martin, taking a look now.

Martin I've taken seeds from pumpkins that are eaten, and it's possible that the cucumber in the fridge is a bit overripe anyways so a cheap way of finding out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Martin H]

Sorry, I didn't mean to p**s on your parade, just wanted to keep expectations under control. Good luck!