growing veg... from veg

[mick2me 3,033]

Newbasfordlad, no problem, specialised forums are the places for getting information.

Now if you were putting links in to a forum about Nottingham Nottstalgia

Compost: I have riddled and reused compost for several years. I add Growmore granules and bonemeal after taking all the roots out.

You cant get peat based compost anymore?

[NewBasfordlad 3,599]

Mick I always used Growmore till this year.

This year I tried Organic Extra its a highly concentrated form of dried farmyard manure with added seaweed and trace elements. So far the results have been very good. With great crops of peas and brassica's.

Colin

[mick2me 3,033]

Where do you get it Colin?

I have read that for great flower display use tomato fertilizer, due to its content.

Potash maybe?

[NewBasfordlad 3,599]

As to peat based compost B&Q Verve 58% peat in compost. Its not as good as the old stuff but its better than nowt.

If you try any be careful as the Verve brand also do a peat free which is bladdy awful.

Colin

[NewBasfordlad 3,599]

Mick I got my Organic Extra from Marshalls Seeds. It seem a bit expensive when you first look at it but when you realise its applied at a handful to the square metre it goes a long way.

As to tomorite there ain't much I don't use it on. Even my spuds get a good dose in the last few weeks when the tubers are forming.

Colin

[mick2me 3,033]

Clearing out my shed I found an old plastic container of tomato feed which I am using.

Woolworth's own brand.

[NewBasfordlad 3,599]

You'll not get anymore of that then LOL

Colin

[Compo 10,328]

Going back to teh original thoughts..... Second cropping potatoes mean that you can have freshly dug spuds for your Xmas dinner. They are still for sale here but if you want them you will have to hurry - planting time is almost over:

http://dtbrownseeds-news.co.uk/interface/external_view_email.php?A9211565545718643345136386342921&varId=&utm_campaign=Second+Cropping+Potatoes&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=

[Compo 10,328]

Don't worry about depleting peat bogs by using peat based composts - the wind turbine boys are destroying the bogs faster than any number of gardeners can.

[Pixie 162]

Where do you get it Colin?

I have read that for great flower display use tomato fertilizer, due to its content.

Potash maybe?

I use tomato feed on my flower beds, my flowers are huge and full of colour, brill results.

[Pixie 162]

I'm planting some spuds today. Iv left a two different spuds in the cupboard to sprout some roots - charlottes and kind eddies. These are the two I use the most. Which ones would anyone reccomend are best for growing in the garden?

[Ayupmeducks 1,730]

Potash is just one ingredient if chemical fertilizer Mick, potash, so we were told, is for the roots and to help stop plant diseases during drought conditions.

If the soil is calcium deficient, use gypsum, tomato fruits will let you know if the soil is deficient in calcium, they get "blossom end rot".

Magnesium is another common additive.

Certain plants need certain mixes, hence some for veggies, tomatoes and flowers... Common mixes are, Nitrogen, Potassium, (as potash) and Magnesium, then other mixes have trace minerals and salts.

I might post a couple of photos of what raw potash looks like in the seam at Boulby.

[Compo 10,328]

Pentland Javelin grow well as a second early in my garden.

[NewBasfordlad 3,599]

Here in the UK commercial fertilizers are given an NPK rating to show the level of the three main ingredients. This makes up the bulk of the mix with added trace elements in varying degrees.

N Nitrogen is good for green growth and foliage but over use it and you can get big weak plants that are susceptible to disease etc.

P Phosphorus is good for root growth on all plants and for flowers.

K Potassium also known as Potash is good for overall plant health and fruit production. By fruit I mean the fruit of any plant from tomatoes to spuds.

Therefore decide what you want your fertilizer to do and check the NPK rating to find one to suit.

The main cause of 'blossom end rot' is erratic watering, this prevents the available calcium being taken up by the plant. If your watering is good but you still suffer a quick fix is an antacid tablet dissolved in water.

Magnesium deficiency will show its self with yellowing between the veins of the leaf as said before spray with Epsom salts 1/2oz to the pint.

Colin

[Compo 10,328]

I get magnesium deficiency a lot in teh tunnel. I use a lot of horse pooh in there and it seems to be short of the stuff. I only need a couple of teaspoons to a watering can to do the trick, but I have to do it annually.