Winter crops

[Stroppy scotte]

Can anyone tell me where to get hold of plants for winter crops to grow on the allotment. We are too late to start from seeds!!!

[nick the grief]

Try the main seed merchants(Dobbies, Fothergills Marshalls etc), thay may do some, Local garden centres - you may have a good one or Deflands

http://www.organicplants.co.uk/index.htm

I'm sure others will be able to hel too.

[Stroppy scotte]

Many thanks. Having been bitten by the bug and realised that without winter crops we will be unable to avoid kids 3 times a week minimum over the next few months!!!

[supersprout]

It's not too late to plant or sow strops:

If you can get seedlings, there's plenty of time to plant out leek and brassica. You can also sow carrots - pick an 'early' variety like Parmex?

Delfland are far and away the best - they resell through the main seed catalogues, so you may as well buy from them direct. If you can get to their nursery shop in cambs, many of the plugs are available at 5p each it's the postage that adds cost.

Overwintering onion seed goes in this week. Garlic will go in in November. I sowed Beetroot, Cylindra and Burpees Golden Globe, Chinese Cabbage Michihili, Choy Sum, Purple Flowering, Komatsuna (Mustard Spinach), Lettuce Winter Density and Rouge d'Hiver, Endive, Spinaches Bordeaux and Riccio d’Asti, Broccoli Raab, and Gai Lan in modules today. No reason why they shouldn't be sown direct outdoors if you have space

[dexterdoglancashire]

Wow Supersprout! You have been busy! I'm impressed! Hope it all goes well for you - I'm going to have a look to see what I can do. Thanks dexterdog

[dexterdoglancashire]

thanks once again Nick - I've just checked out the link you had in your message for defland nurseries - cheers! dexterdog

[Stroppy scotte]

Have planted Leeks and cabbage, some seedlings and some from seed !!
Are we too late and will they need winter protection. Know I sound thick, but does over-wintering mean with protection. Sometimes I just wish I knew what we are doing!!
Liz

[nick the grief]

Don't worry SS, you'll get there.

The Leeks & cabbage should be fine as they are a hardy crop (assuming you've planted wihter varieties)

The Over wintering Onions are planted now & left in ...... Over winter touch of the ronseals. You'll only need protection for more tender crops or those that you want to bring on early by giving them a higher temp. e.g. Carrots, some Broad beans etc

[Stroppy scotte]

Thanks Nick
That helps a lot. Having wanted an allotment for a while and got one to give us time out we are now unsure as to what we should be doing!! Have managed onions, peas, beans and potatoes so far since Easter, but are also continuing the fight with Mares tail and Couch. Thought we had it sorted but are still having to redig some areas. Hence the need to feel we are at least doing the right thing over the next few months. Thanks again
Liz ( SS)

[nick the grief]

Hi Liz,

Keep at it & you get there. It can be daunting when you first start, but you soon get the hang of things. Keep a diary that'll help as you can look back & see what you did when & why.

[Stroppy scotte]

Thanks Nick.
Will do our best and let you know the next problem!!
Certainly enjoying the challenge though ( I think )
Liz

[Snadger]

Ebay is a good resource for plants and seeds

[Stroppy scotte]

Hi Snadger
Will look this afternoon. Thanks for your help

[dexterdoglancashire]

hi SS
Ebay useful for lots of gardening things, just type in what you want and bid to your hearts content! dexterdog

[Stroppy scotte]

Thanks Dexterodog ( don't think I'll ask where that name came from )
Will look there now for green manure and other crops.
Thanks for the ideas.