Experiments For 2017

[Bigmallly]

Are you doing any experiments this year?

As Moles & Voles have been a major pain previously, I am trying some experiments this year:

1) Growing Spuds in wire cages as apposed to the ground.
2) Comparing crops grown in MFB's as opposed to the ground.
3) Growing Parsnips in part buried tubes for easier harvesting.

I'm also trying out home made LED Growlights which so far have been a success.

[veggiechicken]

Thanks BM!
Links to the http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ads_87648.html
If anyone would like to add an update to their 2016 experiments and provide a link to their 2017 one here, please do so

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

As last year was a complete "Washout" with family and personal issues, am gunna try "Lumpster's" idea of cutting square holes in MFB's n sitting one inside the other, a little like.......

Buy Potato Grow Pots x3 | Marshalls Seeds

Although not the 35ltr buckets I normally use, just thought it would be fun to try on a smaller scale! id of

[Lumpy]

I am so pleased I had an 'idea' D!

My experiment for this year is to see if I actually manage to grow anything.........the lovely Carl, a neighbour has moved all of the raised beds for me although I will need to get them partially refilled.

On Wednesday he is coming to slab an area for the wheelies so they are not too far from the gate and then his Dad Doug (bless his plastic hip) said that him and Mark (snotty next door neighbour who has no idea yet) will build the greenhouse for me.

People really are lovely.........

So, anything that gets shoved in - sorry gently planted will be a bonus.

Oh and can I use the top of the shed roof? It would mean the tall step ladders for me but.....well if you hear a crash and then a thud you know I'm off to the fracture clinic for a snazzy pink plaster.

[Elfeda]

My experiment for this year is mainly, straw mulch. mulched with 5 bales already in my 2 plots @late autumn and took 10 more bales today. if this works, I can stop buying manure or compost for allotment and just continue mulching with straw.

[happyhumph]

I'm experimenting with winter squash planted through membrane on the bank between us and the field next door. Hoping it will solve the problem of grass and weeds growing 2 feet tall and free up space in the veg plot.

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

"Lumpster" Notice my "Fat Finger Syndrome" after the smily face! Honest! There not meant to be there!

He say's before pressing "Send"

[Mr Bones]

Experimenting with wood mulch (back to Eden method) across most of my 500 square metre plot including using it to earth up potatoes.

[Greenleaves]

I am going to pinch VC's flower pallet from last years show but going to plant it with cuecumbers one side and Cherry Cascade toms the other

[Cadalot]

I'm testing Soil Fixers Compost Humification Agent and SF60 this year details of the test can be found at Alans Allotment: Compost Humification Agent

[Snadger]

I'm going to try a few extra early spuds in pots with a 50/50 mix of hoss muck (mainly sawdust and hoss pee) and MPC. All in pots under the summerhouse bench initially and once greenery shows bringing into the light, but still inside.
Also aim to use more straw mulch this year on selected areas.

[vixylix]

My only experiment this year will be to try and sort some kind of growing space out in the new garden... whilst renovating the house... £££

And sorting out the soil - its awful. I miss my lovely raised bed!!

[Potstubsdustbins]

NO experiments this year it looks like all you nice folk are doing it for me.

I will just read this thread and pick out the good bits.

[Bigmallly]

Thought you was toying around with increasing your vertical spuds Potty.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I am really and using rock dust for the first time ever, just having a bit of fun at others expense