old tricks?

[raine]

I was reading through some old posts this morning and came across one that suggested putting an apple with potatoes to stop then sprouting. i love stuff like this and just wondered if anyone else has old methods that their dads or grandads used to use. (before you say it ,of course i mean mums and grans too!) I'm up for giving this stuff a go next year. my dad always used to say plant 3 runners round the base of each cane. 1 for the birds,1for the slugs and 1 to grow. i still do it now!
Sorry if we've already had this kind of thread but i'd still find it interesting
Raine

[terrier]

I've just been reading a book called 'Tales of the Old Gardeners' by Jean Stone and Louise Brodie. It's all about past gardeners who started off as young lads doing menial tasks in the big gardens of the rich and made their way up to being head gardeners themselves. The book is full of anecdotes and tips. These people realy did have to use their wit and guile to get the best out of their charges. Ages of knowledge passed on from man to boy(women to girls as well). Also some fine old photos of bygone days. It's a lovely dreamy book for those inclined to tackle nature on its basic level head on.

[raine]

thanks terrier, seeing as it's horrible and rainy today and seeing as im on hols and seeing as i don't fancy all doing all the million and one jobs that I've got lined up I think I must just get on to amazon!
Raine