|
VEGETABLES WORK GROUP Vegetable Group Meeting – Thurs 19 April, 2012, La Borie Lusignac Present - Karin Weber, Margaret Foreman. Jane & Richard Evans, Meryl Evans, Gill Howl, Val Ford, Helen Gray, Helen Griffiths, Cilla Pickett, Helen Harrison Apologies – Christine and Martin Booth, Sheila Harris, Rita Vickery, Rosemary and Peter Robinson After a wander around my vegetable garden to see what had survived the harsh winter, we came inside and discussed what we would do this season. We decided to continue with monthly gatherings in different locations, as last year, and talk about problems and successes as they arise, while trying not to lean so heavily on Gill, this year. This should be possible as there are now several experienced gardeners in the group, as others who are very good at sourcing information on the internet. Richard is very keen to do some trials, but no definite program yet. We will also continue to bring along surplus seeds, seedlings and produce for exchange. The next meeting will probably be at Helen Gray’s on Thursday 17 May at 2.30pm, but a notice will go out closer to the day to confirm. Helen Harrison |
|
| Vegetable Group at
the "Hickens"21 September 2011 |
|
|
| Vegetable Group at Meryl Evans 25 August 2011 | ||
|
|
|
|
| Another
very successful meeting of the Veggie Group at Meryl Evans house in St
Astier. There were 13 present, and that is proving to be about the right
number to have a lively discussion, without being too onerous a number for
our host to cater for, or for people to feel involved in the exchange. So,
for those who have sometimes been unable to attend, don’t worry, it has left
a place for someone else!
Meryl showed us around her amazing property, and provided us with a delicious tea. I think we were all very impressed with what they have achieved. Her veg patch is new, and while she has experienced difficulties with her courgettes and squashes, she has certainly produced amazing results with her aubergines. Perhaps in part, due to all the goodies she added to the soil and the presences of a “source” which enables her to have a drip system for watering. Rather than discussing the storage of produce, we focused on problems we had experienced with our crops, in particular tomatoes and the marrow family, due to the unusual weather we’ve experienced this season. And despite the absence of our resident “expert”, I think we did very well in finding explanations. We finished off with a great display and swap, of some of the vegetables that members have had success with, this year. Next meeting is planned for Thursday 22 September at Heather and Michael Hickens', when we hope to help them plan the layout of their new veggie garden. |
||
|
|
 |
|
| The
Vegetable group at Chez Calou 14 April 2011 A great deal of valuable & informative information emerged from the group: Present: Helen Harrison, Gill Howl, Jane & Richard Evans, Val Ford, Meryl Evans, Roger Hadfield, Karin Weber, Sandie Dearlove, Sheila Harris, Diana & Julian Roberts, Sarah Tyley, Heather & Michael Hicken, Carelle Sherwood, Rita Vickery, Peter Robinson, Gill Sullivan, Sue Whitehead Apologies: Christina & Martin Booth, Carol Temple The third meeting of the IGC vegetable work group was hosted by Jane & Richard for which we all thank them very much – and for super cakes. Helen wants advice on growing globe artichokes. The Gardeners' World programme showed Monty Don planting some and he recommended rich soil, but well drained in a sunny spot. The plants do not survive much more than three to four years which is why Gill H. has lost all hers. Side shoot cuttings should be taken in autumn, potted up and kept just moist under cover until next spring. Sheila gave us a good tip – put nettle leaves at the bottom of all planting holes – very good natural fertiliser which kick-starts plants into growth. She asked if peas & beans are worth the trouble. Broad beans definitely are. Rita wondered if they can be eaten whole as mange tout and we think they can. Black fly are avoided by pinching out the tips of the plants, wiping the pests off with one's fingers or spraying with soapy water. Gill H. has started off nettle tea. Chop off the young tops of nettles and place into a container, pushing down lightly. Add rain water to the same volume. Stir daily for a fortnight then leave for another week. Strain and use at a ratio of 10% as a drench for foliar feeding or by usual watering in cans. Peter asked which variety of French beans we recommend. No one variety was suggested as the choice is vast. They should be germinated in water for a few days as not all seed is fertile. Meryl has just planted new rhubarb plants & Jane asked if 2 year old ones are pickable. Consensus was yes, but don't overdo it. Sheila suggested forcing. She cooks hers chopped in a saucepan with butter for a few minutes before adding sugar. This technique avoids using water and prevents the fruit becoming mushy. Sarah struggles to grow lettuce. They prefer dappled shade and she could search for varieties that cope with heat. Gill S. discussed companion planting. We were advised not to plant iris anywhere near vegetables. Roger's butternut squash seedlings have bolted – should he continue to bother with them – yes do, but try potting them on in bigger pots up to the leaves. Rita was given advice on how and when to cut down autumn fruiting raspberries – in spring. Carelle's peppers and aubergines started off OK, but are now static. Gill H. has the same problem and it may be due to continuing cold nights. Start fertilising. Meryl - the grapes on her new grape vine last year rotted off. The plant should have been kept well watered and fed. One foot of vine supports one bunch of grapes, so cut off the excess. Julian has problems germinating parsley. According to Jekka McVicar (the herb specialist) sow parsley seed as soon as the soil is warm enough to sit on naked. Gill H. starts hers off in the greenhouse in warm compost and waters in with warm water. Richard wasn't sure if he had planted endive or chicory – it is definitely the lettuce sort. Val asked if anyone used sulphate of potash which is available here. A good web page that explains the properties of fertilisers is:- www.nvsuk.org.uk/growing_show_vegetables_1/fertilisers.php Organic fertilisers such as bone meal, dried blood and hoof & horn are 20%, 12% and 13% nitrogen respectively which is good for stem & leaf growth. Phosphate is needed for root growth and potash for flower & fruit production. Peter is finding grubs in the bottom of pots – and he thinks caterpillars, which wasn't thought possible. The grubs are usually those of cockchafer beetle and/or vine weevil and should be destroyed. Sandie green manured with rye grass and wonders if it will re-grow now that it is dug in. Gill H. searched the internet to find that it is an annual grass, so shouldn't regrow. A goodly amount of plants and seeds were swapped and Rita brought potted up Salvia Sclarea Turkestanica the common name of which is White Clary Sage, so a specimen for the herb bed. What to do in May – Floralies at St. Jean de Cole 7th & 8th May. Start sowing seed outdoors, such as lettuce, carrots etc. Plant out tender crops. Hoe regularly. Mulch strawberries. Take softwood cuttings from herbs. Protect against slugs using fire ash, broken egg shells or coffee grounds if you don't like slug pellets. Date of Next Meeting 19th May in Edon hosted by Heather & Michael Hicken. Directions will be sent with the reminder nearer the date, but could you please remember to R.S.V.P. - lafermet@nordnet.fr Please bring any seedlings, plants or bulbs you may have available for swapping. we were also treated to a demonstration by Gill Howl on how to make very clever & eco friendly bio degradable planting pots... see photos to the right. |
|
|
|
Present: Helen Harrison, Gill Howl, Jane Evans, Val Ford, Meryl Evans, Roger Hadfield, Karin Weber, Sandie Dearlove, Sheila Harris, Christina & Martin Booth, Carol Temple Apologies: Diana & Julian Roberts, Peter Vining, Sarah Tyley, Richard Evans, Heather & Michael Hicken, Marc Mallender, Carelle Sherwood, Rita Vickery The second meeting of the IGC vegetable work group was hosted by Helen for which we all thank her very much – and for the great cake. Helen has started chitting her potatoes and has sown tomato seeds indoors. She has prepared an asparagus bed and will get the crowns planted this weekend. Sandie asked where she can obtain different coloured carrot seed. Nicky's Seeds and eBay.co.uk were recommended. Graines Baumaux, the French seed supplier, was deemed too expensive at 4,50 euros a packet plus 7 euros postage. She also asked which are the best main-crop potatoes available here and Charlotte, Spunta, Nicola, Desirée and Bintje were suggested. Several of us still prefer to grow Pink Fir Apple and are keeping our own seed potatoes as they are not available in France. Martin asked if anyone else used companion planting in the potager which he recommends and he gave a brief summary of the practice. Jane asked how to keep slugs at bay. Not possible was the answer! Martin said that strewing rhubarb leaves around plants does deter pests. Karin told us how she germinates peas & beans by soaking them in water until sprouted. They must be planted by St. Patrick's Day according to folklore. She also asked if it is advisable to grow sprouted potatoes this year from those left over from last season. The consensus was that there is no reason why not. Also, when should she plant rhubarb – answer is now. Meryl is also going to start an asparagus bed. She has chosen patio vegetables for this year and especially those which are bred to be disease resistant. Val asked if anyone has seen green spiders in their greenhouse. No-one else has seen them. Research necessary? Gill is trying Chinese Broccoli (or (Kia Ian) this year to use in stir-fries. Web pages – the following French web pages contain gardening calendars which are useful for understanding local conditions and when to plant.
www.gerbeaud.com/jardin/calendrier Tip of the Month we should buy net curtains, as recommended by Katie Butler for covering crops, from Emmaus in Perigueux. What to do in April – continue to prepare plots for sewing at the end of the month. Start off pumpkins and squashes indoors. Prick out seedlings and pot on as necessary. Watch out for local Floralies - the one at St. Jean de Cole on 7th & 8th May is highly recommended. Further meetings. (2pm unless stated otherwise):-
19th May at Heather & Michael's in Edon 23rd June at Diana & Julian's in St. Michel de Double 21st July hosted by Rita in Bellon 25th August at Meryl's in St. Astier 22nd September hosted by Gill S. in Riberac Date of Next Meeting 14th April – Lusignac at Chez Calou. Richard will send directions to the Veg group members? Gill provided Jane with the list of email addresses. Please bring any seedlings, plants or bulbs you may have available for swapping.
|
