HSL Seeds arrived

[gojiberry]

Recieved my six packets of HSL seeds this morning and got my six first choices. They are Achocha, Climbing French bean Oregon giant, Kale westphalian, Leek collossal, Lettuce bronze arrow, Pea latvian.
I grew the bronze arrow last year and they are excellent and take a long time to run to seed.
The one thing I am looking forward to is the Achocha, never grown it before. So any tips on growing or recipes would be appreciated.

[HappyMouffe]

I grew achocha this summer - I think it was a bit cool & wet for it, but by late September I did get a crop. A bit weird to look at and to eat. It is supposed to taste a bit like green pepper when fried and I suppose it does, but I wouldn't bother again.
It did have good curly tendrils and was a discussion point at the plot!

[Hazel at the Hill]

OH YES!!! I got my seeds!! (*see Haze do a dance!)

First six choices too - and a lucky dip of 20 Tomato Broad Ripple Yellow Currant seeds. Wonder if Manda wants a couple to try...?

[la cebolla grande]

We grew achocha this year. I would agree that it was a bit cold and wet, even here in hot dry EAnglia. The plants grew well and cropped well, but little or no leaves, so very weedy in appearance.

They were nice in stir fries, on pizza etc - anywhere you might use green pepper in cooking. It has to be said they taste like COOKED green pepper, not raw - I know that sounds daft but it is a big difference!!

I didn't mind the shape, but what I did dislike was the very strong smell when handled and raw. It goes on cooking, but I found it very off putting. Certainly wouldn't want to eat them raw, although apparently you can. The ripe seeds inside are impressive, and easy to clean out to prepare and the 'spines' are soft and of no consequence.

I would grow them again (have seeds), but we have limited space and I fancy growing climbing beans up the trellis next year (this year!!) instead. We certainly got more than enough fruit from the achochas (we had 6 plants)- they crop well, but most was wasted if truth be told.

They are worth a go though!

LCG

[crichmond]

Ive seen the heritage seed library, what do you actually get for the £20 membership? It seems a bit expensive for 6 packets of seeds heritage or not.

Cheers Chris

[Flummery]

It is expensive if you just think of it as a way of obtaining seeds. It is still possible to pay £4 for specialised seed though. However, you are supporting the work of the Seed Library, work to collect 'new' old varieties and check on them for stability etc. I think of my £20 as a donation to the work of the Library and the seeds as a bonus.

[HeyWayne]

Haven't chosen mine yet. I think that'll be tonights task...

[SarzWix]

When did you send off your request form Gojiberry? Haven't got mine yet, and I sent the form the day after the catalogue arrived! I've still got some Bronze Arrow seed from last year, hope they're still viable
I'd better get my ass in gear, and get my potting room (the porch!) cleaned up, organised and ready to go!

[Hazel at the Hill]

I sent my request form off on the 17 Dec, Sarzwix, and the seeds arrived this morning.

[Snadger]

It is expensive if you just think of it as a way of obtaining seeds. It is still possible to pay £4 for specialised seed though. However, you are supporting the work of the Seed Library, work to collect 'new' old varieties and check on them for stability etc. I think of my £20 as a donation to the work of the Library and the seeds as a bonus.

Don't do donations!

[SarzWix]

I sent my request form off on the 17 Dec, Sarzwix, and the seeds arrived this morning.

Oooh, mine shouldn't be so far off then ! Really hope I get the pepper seeds...
Did they send the ones you requested Hazel?

[Hazel at the Hill]

Oooh, mine shouldn't be so far off then ! Really hope I get the pepper seeds...
Did they send the ones you requested Hazel?

Yep I got:
French Beans: Birds Egg, Purple Giant and Early Warwick
Peas: Robinson and Pilot
Carrots: Early Warwick.

Had Tomato Broad Ripple Yellow Currant as my 'lucky dip'

[seasprout]

Mine should be due any day then.

I requested a pee.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Mine should be due any day then.

I requested a pee.

Did you put your hand up??

[seasprout]

up what..?!?

ohh noo. Stop it.