GMG Green Thumb Club

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Hi PD

You mention eggplants, I am growing them for the first time, five plants in my greenhouse. Possibly not suited to our UK climate but they seem happy and you are right, the flowers are nice. I love them as an accompaniment to a hot curry.

Today at allotment planting 45 leeks. Allium leaf miner has ruined my crop for the last two years so this year invested in insect mesh at a cool £30, expensive leeks! But guaranteed for ten years so should see me out.

Toms growing well. 15 "Crimson Crush" which I grow every year as blight resistant and nice flavour. Also a French beefsteak  variety, that I extract seeds from the previous year's crop. Six plants, along with a couple of "cherry" type.

Like yours, our weather all over the place. During an unusually hot spell early last week my brassicas were literally infested overnight. I had a fit! Sprayed the blighters and I think the plants are coming back but they were hit hard.

Only one cucumber plant in the greenhouse which is about four times bigger then two at the allotment protected by a discarded shower door. No action yet from either far as crops are concerned. Do not know of the bush type you mention.

Picked strawberries today, and tomorrow will be harvesting blackcurrants which is our favourite.

You mention Neem oil P. I have just purchased some. Does it work and what crops do you use it on? I mentioned it to my allotment friends and they have no idea what I'm talking about! Neem what!

Enjoy your garden.

Meant to ask, what varieties of eggplant did you plant Irons...always curious about things like that.    And I don't recall every having eaten fresh black currants before?  Or due you turn them straight into things like jams?

PD

[Irons]

I thought as daffodils are so early slugs are not active.

I agree that flowers are not the greatest attraction of hosta, it is all about the leaves. Pots didn't work for me as the onset of flowering is far advanced then in open ground. May try the lettuce trick, I have far too many seedlings so nothing to lose.

[Biffo]

I thought as daffodils are so early slugs are not active.

I agree that flowers are not the greatest attraction of hosta, it is all about the leaves. Pots didn't work for me as the onset of flowering is far advanced then in open ground. May try the lettuce trick, I have far too many seedlings so nothing to lose.

Slugs are about as early as daffodils and they do not attack daffs at any stage. Tulips, which start shooting later than daffs, get attacked as soon as they appear.

I had forgotten about Hostas. I did grow them for a time but eventually gave up. Growing them in pots makes no difference, they still get devoured by slugs. The foliage is very attractive but as others have pointed out the flowers are non-descript.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I stumbled across this website and wondering whether or not anyone here has tried it?  Haven't seen any reviews of it though I didn't google for them:  http://www.pestproducts.com/sluggo.htm  Ooh!  And "Sluggo Plus" on Amazon...a number of good reviews there.  https://www.amazon.com/Monteray-Monterey-Sluggo-Plus-2-5lb/dp/B000WB02DC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

and also found this about daffodils which I found to be quite interesting:  https://homeguides.sfgate.com/daffodils-dangerous-69188.html

Need to go outside soon and weed and cut down some brush...not looking forward to it this morning I must confess!  Yesterday I worked on repotting my lemon verbena (which had outgrown it's pot) and also my sage plant (same thing there) and potted up my last plant (golden lemon thyme)...hurrah!  No more 6-packs or 4" pots staring at me and 'making me' feel guilty every time I go into my house via the front door.   

Best,

PD

[Irons]

Meant to ask, what varieties of eggplant did you plant Irons...always curious about things like that.    And I don't recall every having eaten fresh black currants before?  Or due you turn them straight into things like jams?

PD

I do apologise, P. Don't know how I missed your post but I did. The type of eggplant, or what we call them aubergine, is Long Purple. I am surprised you have not sampled the delights of blackcurrants. Delicious boiled with custard or ice cream or even better in the form of a pie. 

[Herman]

This talk of eggplant varieties reminds me of this dinner I had back in my USA days, 25 years ago, with a group of fellow writers, none of them native English speakers  -  and some of them pretty bad English speakers.

This was Chicago. A fancy Italian restaurant. Some alcoholic beverages had been consumed before sitting down to dinner (where more quaffing occurred) and one of the guests insisted eggplants grew actual eggs. Why, otherwise, would they be called eggplants?

Saying that in other locales they are called aubergines did not help.

In this same group was a guy, bless his heart, who spoke of a 'umbrello,' which I have since used as the male variant of the word.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I do apologise, P. Don't know how I missed your post but I did. The type of eggplant, or what we call them aubergine, is Long Purple. I am surprised you have not sampled the delights of blackcurrants. Delicious boiled with custard or ice cream or even better in the form of a pie.

Irons,

I did a tiny bit of googling yesterday and found out that the growing of black currants had been banned in many states in the US; it seems that this is changing though.  Here's one article here:  https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2006/07/welcome-back-black-currants-forbidden-fruit-making-ny-comeback

This talk of eggplant varieties reminds me of this dinner I had back in my USA days, 25 years ago, with a group of fellow writers, none of them native English speakers  -  and some of them pretty bad English speakers.

This was Chicago. A fancy Italian restaurant. Some alcoholic beverages had been consumed before sitting down to dinner (where more quaffing occurred) and one of the guests insisted eggplants grew actual eggs. Why, otherwise, would they be called eggplants?

Saying that in other locales they are called aubergines did not help.

In this same group was a guy, bless his heart, who spoke of a 'umbrello,' which I have since used as the male variant of the word.

  Quite funny Herman!  Oh, I know that common names makes things so confusing for discussion purposes!  And Irons, when I googled the variety that you are growing, it listed it as an Italian variety rather than an Asian one--which surprised me as the photo looked to be to me of an Asian variety.   

These are the ones that I'm growing this year:  2 X Orient Express (a dark purple, long Asian variety), 2 X Nadia (a dark purple and oval I believe Italian variety)  and hopefully, if the seedlings get big enough in time, a few of a beautiful and very tasty old Spanish variety called Listada de Gandia:  https://www.seedsavers.org/listada-de-gandia-organic-eggplant



I was late planting the seeds...plus chippies digging at the soil didn't help the seeds to germinate either!

Was going to spray with Captain Jack's last night but pooped out as was hot and tired and taking forever for the sun to start going down (and for the pollinators to go to bed for the night); I should have prevailed as even more cucumber beetles on plant along with a Colorado potato beetle I think!  Will have to do it tonight!  Zucchinis and summer squash plants also being hit, so time to fight back!  And another hot day here:  supposed to get back into the nineties....too hot for me!

EDIT:  I forgot to say that either yesterday or this morning (heat is getting to me!), I noticed that my Orient Express is developing its first eggplants (about 1 inch long at the moment)....yeah!   

[Irons]

Thanks for link, P. I had no idea. Do not recommend redcurrants as best used for jam.

I was going to challenge you - who grows the biggest eggplant. Then had second thoughts as I think you will win.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Thanks for link, P. I had no idea. Do not recommend redcurrants as best used for jam.

I was going to challenge you - who grows the biggest eggplant. Then had second thoughts as I think you will win.

LOL Now Irons, you must certainly be joking considering your gardening expertise and result rates!     And I thought that it was only us silly Americans who had competitions as to who can grow the biggest_______(whatever)?  I certainly don't care about that at my end--just want to grow good-tasting, healthy and preferably attractive food.  Some years ago, I went to a dermatologist and we started yakking about both enjoying gardening.  And when it came to eggplants, she asked me in all seriousness if I really enjoyed and cooked with eggplants?  I was rather puzzled and answered in the affirmative and asked her why that question?  She said that she knew people who just liked to grow it because they loved the look of it.  The eggplants are really beautiful to look at, I do agree there.  And you?  I know that you like to eat them, but are you also enamored with their beauty?    By the way, I have seen at least one site (probably more) who when talking about the differences between Italian types and Asian ones that the Asian ones have a more tender skin.

And, no, I also was unaware of the problem with currants in the US!  Glad that things are changing.

And, I did do a bit of spraying today...praying that we don't get overnight thunder showers but I was desperate!  Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Best wishes,

PD

[Irons]

LOL Now Irons, you must certainly be joking considering your gardening expertise and result rates!     And I thought that it was only us silly Americans who had competitions as to who can grow the biggest_______(whatever)?  I certainly don't care about that at my end--just want to grow good-tasting, healthy and preferably attractive food.  Some years ago, I went to a dermatologist and we started yakking about both enjoying gardening.  And when it came to eggplants, she asked me in all seriousness if I really enjoyed and cooked with eggplants?  I was rather puzzled and answered in the affirmative and asked her why that question?  She said that she knew people who just liked to grow it because they loved the look of it.  The eggplants are really beautiful to look at, I do agree there.  And you?  I know that you like to eat them, but are you also enamored with their beauty?    By the way, I have seen at least one site (probably more) who when talking about the differences between Italian types and Asian ones that the Asian ones have a more tender skin.

And, no, I also was unaware of the problem with currants in the US!  Glad that things are changing.

And, I did do a bit of spraying today...praying that we don't get overnight thunder showers but I was desperate!  Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Best wishes,

PD

Firmly crossed! You are right eggplants not only taste good. A beautiful rich colour and a shiny skin, you feel the urge to caress them, least I do. Never entered, but competitions for the biggest and perfectly shaped vegetable are rife this side of the pond. Apparently the sunflower challenge is a big one - so is the sunflower! The judges need scaffolding to inspect them - that is a joke.      

[Mandryka]

I need to get some sort of sack truck for moving large and heavy pots - more than 50L, terracotta, JI, and some of them with quite large plants.

Anyone had any good experiences, or bad experiences? Advice appreciated!

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Firmly crossed! You are right eggplants not only taste good. A beautiful rich colour and a shiny skin, you feel the urge to caress them, least I do. Never entered, but competitions for the biggest and perfectly shaped vegetable are rife this side of the pond. Apparently the sunflower challenge is a big one - so is the sunflower! The judges need scaffolding to inspect them - that is a joke.      

Your finger must have worked Irons!  No rain overnight (there was a 30% chance of thundershowers); I feel rather guilty as I know that we need it!  I did notice this morning whilst watering that I had startled a cucumber beetle...I single-handedly managed to squish it against some screening with one hand whilst watering with the other.     I didn't spray my pepper plants (which was what it was on...may have to rethink that).  I did spray my cukes, squash/zucchini, potato and eggplants.  And, yes, their beautiful shiny skin is lovely!  I do also fondly remember growing this variety (haven't for a few years)--https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/eggplant/italian-eggplants/rosa-bianca-organic-eggplant-seed-2605G.html  Love the ribbing!   

So you also have the 'Grow the biggest' comps too?! lol

Another really hot day here...humidity a bit on the rise too.  Hope to work outside for a bit late this afternoon.

I need to get some sort of sack truck for moving large and heavy pots - more than 50L, terracotta, JI, and some of them with quite large plants.

Anyone had any good experiences, or bad experiences? Advice appreciated!

Boy, I'd take some measurements of your tallest and maybe also widest pots firstly.  I moved a huge rosemary plant outside this spring using an old luggage carrier of my parents believe it or not!  I folded down the bottom part (where you would set your suitcase) and used some bungie cords to tie my plant onto it.  Mind you, I was only moving it from a room in the first floor of the house to the front door and then (and this was the hardest part) onto the front porch--had to go down a step.  Big 'kaboom' here but it landed fine and even the luggage rack survived it!  I also have a quite old metal (think like mover's or delivery guy) one with a wooden platform on it which you can use a couple of different ways too.

Do you have to move the plants just on the same floor?  Or are you trying to move them outside for the summer?  If so, what kind of stairs are involved?  If so, you might also think of getting some wooden planks (and a friend or two to help) and use them to navigate stairs.

In terms of brands and shops, I suspect that your European friends might be of more use here than myself.  Good luck!

PD

[Irons]

I need to get some sort of sack truck for moving large and heavy pots - more than 50L, terracotta, JI, and some of them with quite large plants.

Anyone had any good experiences, or bad experiences? Advice appreciated!

I purchased three of these at Lidl two or three years ago. The wheels swivel and they have been up to the job at whatever I have wished to shift. If you are stuck you are welcome to borrow them. 

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I purchased three of these at Lidl two or three years ago. The wheels swivel and they have been up to the job at whatever I have wished to shift. If you are stuck you are welcome to borrow them.

Oh clever Irons!  Any idea up to what weight they might hold?  About how big are they?

PD

p.s.  Confession:  Have retreated from garden heat into room with A/C!

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I did also just find these online--rather more limited than your...not quite certain what you call them Irons.  These are listed as 'plant caddies' though your dollies? could be used for other things too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfwVAj6qmQA

These supposedly hold up to 450 lbs.  Don't know what they cost but they look nice.  You are also limited to how big of a pot would fit into them.

PD

p.s.  I see that Lidl has a number of stores in the south/southeastern US?  Couldn't find yours listed there though.

[Mandryka]

I purchased three of these at Lidl two or three years ago. The wheels swivel and they have been up to the job at whatever I have wished to shift. If you are stuck you are welcome to borrow them.

That's a very kind offer. Here's the pot I need to move, I put a chair near it so you can get a feeling for the Herculean nature of the task. It's filled with loam based compost.  Do you think that tool would be up to it?

[Pohjolas Daughter]

What is that pretty shrub Mandryka?

[Mandryka]

Hydrangea quercifolia.

[Herman]

Hydrangea quercifolia.

It's a funny one. I could tell it's a hydrangea (ubiquitous in the Neths) but the leaf shape (I'd rather say it looks like maple as in the Canadian flag) is new to me.

[Mandryka]

It's a funny one. I could tell it's a hydrangea (ubiquitous in the Neths) but the leaf shape (I'd rather say it looks like maple as in the Canadian flag) is new to me.

Oak leafed hydrangea. It's a good one. It tolerates dryness and sun better than other hyderangeas, when the flowers fade they don't go all manky and most autumns the foliage turns red, sometimes spectacularly. Semi-evergreen in fact, I find it grows best in containers presumably because it gets coddled with lots of nutrients and water - but it needs a big one. There are many varieties.