Broad beans

Good point I've grown The Sutton once before, and was disappointed with it - probably because it was small and didn't crop like I was used to. I think I bought the seeds without checking the packet, so I completely failed to Caveat Emptor !

 

Ha!

Not all that much but bog roll tubes are not a marketable branded consumer semi-disposable, and gardening needs lots more of those, doesn't it?

They can work well especially if you are on top of your seedling care and move the plants on to new quarters quickly. But then ordinary pots work well then, too.

I find them fiddly to fill and they get damaged easily. Some early ones I had only lasted a season as the folds deteriorated quickly. In a way, I'd rather pay more for a really sturdy version, not just paper-thin plastic as they would be easier to use and last for many years.

It's true that they promote root development and root damage can be avoided at planting out time with a bit of care.

Cunningly folded tubes of newspaper can also form good plantable containers.

http://gardenplotter.com/rospo/blog/2007/05/newspaper-pots.html

Feel free to comment on the Emperor's new grow-tubes.

 

Not sure about the use of tape in that article - I'm thinking a) more faff and b) not very bio-degradable?

I don't seem to need to bother with tape to hold mine together, I stand the aerosol can's lid on the table and push the base of aerosol can, and thus the bottom of the pot, onto it to squish it firm:

http://kgarden.wordpress.com/tips/how-to-make-pots-from-newspaper/

 

I read recently that rhubarb leaves can be used a pesticide, ie soak the leaves for a few weeks and use the liquid to spray on plants to kill off white fly and blackfly. Has anybody tried this? It would be a good use of the usual wasted rhubarb leaves if it works.

 

It's a well know old fashion remedy ... however, if it worked well the pesticide companies would be fresh out of luck!

 

Plastic cups is fine ... my way is more faff, of course, but I resent putting a seed in a pot and then some of them don't come up ... I have space demands so for anything to grow it has to show willing! hence my damp-paper and chit-them-first approach.

 

personally I would have them indoors until they germinate, it speeds up the germination and stops the mice eating them (well, it will do in most households!)

They don't want any heat after that though, so move them out to the greenhouse once they have sprouted, and when 2" high I would start hardening them off ready for planting 2 or 3 weeks later.

 

Broad bean tops , Did you know they make a very tasty Veg, Just drop them into boiling salted water about 5 mins drain knob of butter think of all those vitamins !