overwintering question

[Jan]

having an end of season seed clearout, I decided to set a couple of things just to see what would happen... set 4 outdoor cucumber seeds in 6inch pots in an unheated lean-to last week of August and now have 16 cu's in early stages from 2.5inches to largest at 4inches! and haven't started feeding them yet! They're currently looping thier way round wires accross the plastic roof

having looked at the overwintering runner bean thread my question is, if the roots are kept warm will vines fruits like cu's continue to grow and produce, or do they need the whole place heated?

The reason I'm asking is because looking through a copy of one of Geoff Hamilton's books it gives advice about how to make a large propogator from an electric blanket which I thought I might try.
I'm not looking to have yields the same as summer, but like someone else said 'anything to keep the interest going is great!' And, I've never seen any info anywhere that seeds like cu's etc will even germinate never mind produce fruits in such a quick time out of season without heat- shows that anything's worth a try I guess

[Paulottie]

The temperatures are similar to spring at the moment if not warmer...but the days are shortening. So whilst it is easy to germinate a cucumber it is difficult to get one to grow let alone fruit without lights/heat. That quickly works out an expensive cucumber....sorry to be a pessimist.

The runner bean thing is different...Some veg can be kept snugly dormant throughout the winter (as roots) for an early start next spring.

I am/was a great Geoff Hamilton fan but frankly to me an electric blanket anywhere damp sounds lethal.

[BeatTheSeasons]

It's not too late to sow broad beans (e.g. Aquadulce) or peas (e.g. Feltham First) if you want something that will overwinter successfully and definitely give you an eary crop next May/June.

[Two_Sheds]

As Paulottie says: the thing is light, not heat. Nothing will grow much in the short dark days of winter. Winter sowings proper (broadies, onions, peas etc) don't do much actual growing, but they put down good roots so they get a head start when the days lengthen again in the spring.

[Croila]

having looked at the overwintering runner bean thread ...

Hello, I'm sorry to be so dim but I've looked for this thread and can't find it. Would you be kind enough to let me know whereabout it is?

Sorry I can't shed any light on the cucumber issue - I've never grown any. That's on next year's list though

[Shadylane]

here you go. Not much going on there. I think it's cos you basically just dig up the roots and store them in th garage for the winter.

[Croila]

here you go. Not much going on there. I think it's cos you basically just dig up the roots and store them in th garage for the winter.

Thank you! Much appreciated

[Shadylane]

welcome

[Jan]

Thanks for the info, thought it might be too good to be true that my cu's will just carry on regardless anyway, I'm hoping I might get 1 or 2 before it gets too cold for them as I didn't get any at all this summer.

as for the heated blanket thing as per Geoff Hamilton, the instructions seem pretty safe to me as the blanket doesn't come directly into contact with any water, being covered with a plastic sheet and polystyrene. Also, having just taken delivery of my propogator, the instructions say that you have to remove the trays before watering with tepid water and let them drain anyway, so I suppose using the blanket method would be the same?

[BURMARSH20]

I noted a number of posts relating to Aquadulce Broad Beans and when best to plant the seed? I live in the 'sunny south east', so I delay my sowing until after mid October - usually during the last couple of weeks of that month. This method appears to prevent too much top growth before Christmas but the plants are well established by the time the really severe weather is likely from January onwards.
Hope that this may help someone

[BURMARSH20]

In the South East I plant my 'winter beans' after mid October and before mid November. The plants are usually strong enough by Christmas to withstand the severe weather from January until Spring. Aquadulce is a good variety to try - hardy and an early cropper before the 'black fly' season gets going!
Good Luck