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Topic ID 1260

10/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow

Allotments

Are any of you a seasoned allotment holder? I've had mine for a year and have had having trouble sourcing really interesting types of veg seeds/sets (pink fir apple potatoes, jerusalem artichokes to name a few). Is there anywhere locally I can go to get these (other than waiting for the artichokes to appear on the shelves then plant them) so I have a chance of a crop this year? Are there any trading schemes around? Be it plants or small bits of equipment or the ever useful empty 2 litre bottles?


0 replies

Archived Replies

Reply ID 14952

10/01/2006 by Jackanapes

Not sure about locally but Google knows everything http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=jerusalem+artichoke+seeds&btnG=Search&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7CcountryGB


Reply ID 14964

10/01/2006 by sloopjohnb

quote:
Are there any trading schemes around?
As before try Carol Skidmore at East Herts.It sounds a good idea that some agencies should be involved in. Part of my own remit (but not a very high priority)is to foster the rural economy in the hinterland. If I see Carol before will mention this.


Reply ID 14967

10/01/2006 by Spotty Dog

I seem to remember that Tops Pots had pink fir apple seed potatoes last year - thats pretty local. They can normally get stuff in as well if you ask.


Reply ID 14968

10/01/2006 by skanky

quote:
Are there any trading schemes around? Be it plants or small bits of equipment or the ever useful empty 2 litre bottles?
We have a load of old, plastic plant pots you can have if they help? I have far more than I need for my usage.


Reply ID 14975

10/01/2006 by Rabbit Rabbit

Pink Fir Apple - my favourite, Van Hages have them at the moment, look out also (at VH) for Anya - they are like PFA but don't have the knobbly bits, also like Ratte.


Reply ID 14987

10/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow

quote:
We have a load of old, plastic plant pots you can have if they help? I have far more than I need for my usage.
That sounds great Skanky. My email is on the Biog if you would care to drop me a line about meeting up for an exchange? I feel Saturday is going to be hectic, what with going to Van Hagues to buy a load of 'taters (precious). And a heated propogator! Whoohooo!


Reply ID 15016

11/01/2006 by skanky

Is it worth me dropping them off one lunchtime this week? If not, I'll email.


Reply ID 15089

11/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow

quote:
Originally posted by skanky
Is it worth me dropping them off one lunchtime this week? If not, I'll email.
That would be lovely! I'll warn P about it so that he knows what I'm getting him into. I really appreciate this, Skanky.


Reply ID 15122

12/01/2006 by skanky

I'll try and remember to drop them in tomorrow lunchtime.


Reply ID 15232

14/01/2006 by Stan

Ah Pink Fur Apple, great tasting potato.. Have grown them a few times on the "Lotty" Roasted in there skins...fabulous [:D]


Reply ID 15266

16/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow

Skanky, you left your cheese behind! It's still in the fridge waiting for you. As you're in Hertford we'd be willing to drop it off on the way home, just say the word. Phone Paul on 01995 558 780 (shop No.) should you so desire. If not, pop in whenever you like. And a sincere thank you for the pots.


Reply ID 15267

16/01/2006 by skanky

quote:
Originally posted by farrowandfarrow
Skanky, you left your cheese behind! It's still in the fridge waiting for you. As you're in Hertford we'd be willing to drop it off on the way home, just say the word. Phone Paul on 01995 558 780 (shop No.) should you so desire. If not, pop in whenever you like. And a sincere thank you for the pots.
I was going to ask about that! Thanks for keeping it. I should be in tomorrow at some point. No problem about the pots, I was more than amply (and unexpectedly) rewarded. [:)] Oh and the chillie chocolate gets a thumbs up.


Reply ID 15277

16/01/2006 by Ewoowar

Why do you need 2 litre bottles?


Reply ID 15278

16/01/2006 by alison

Miniature greenhouses - when the base is cut off.


Reply ID 15282

16/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow

quote:
Originally posted by Ewoowar
Why do you need 2 litre bottles?
Runner beans are notoriously thirsty, if you plant cut off bottles along the row then the water goes direct to the roots and means that there's also a little reservior of water to carry on watering the plants while your back is turned.


Reply ID 15283

16/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow

quote:
Originally posted by skanky
quote:
Originally posted by farrowandfarrow
Skanky, you left your cheese behind! It's still in the fridge waiting for you. As you're in Hertford we'd be willing to drop it off on the way home, just say the word. Phone Paul on 01995 558 780 (shop No.) should you so desire. If not, pop in whenever you like. And a sincere thank you for the pots.
I was going to ask about that! Thanks for keeping it. I should be in tomorrow at some point. No problem about the pots, I was more than amply (and unexpectedly) rewarded. [:)] Oh and the chillie chocolate gets a thumbs up.
which one did you go for?


Reply ID 15307

16/01/2006 by skanky

There was more than one type?


Reply ID 15318

17/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow

quote:
Originally posted by skanky
There was more than one type?
Yup, there's the south devon chilli farm slab (P tells me that was the one you had; one small piece for me got my mouth tingling for a good few hours) and the Rococo. Haven't tried that one yet.


Reply ID 15353

17/01/2006 by skanky

Yes hadn't spotted the Rococco one. The South Devon stuff is very good, but maybe just a little too moreish (up to a point).


Reply ID 15393

18/01/2006 by codek2

where is tops pots? i've just been to van hages - they had pink fir apple... quite good actually, 2.99 for 2.5kg bags, and they had loads of different ones! or smaller 1kg bags for £1.99


Reply ID 15420

18/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow

Top Pots (or Toppots) is on the A106. Westmill Farm. Take the A10 past Hertford and take the Stevenage/Ware exit. Turn left onto the A106. The entrance to the site is on the left (opposite the dump). You can't miss it, there are loads of signs about art centres etc within. I drive past it every day - just goes to show how much attention I'm paying!


Reply ID 15503

22/01/2006 by codek2

ah excellent thanks, found the place at the weekend, pretty spectacular views over the lakes! Shame top pots itself was closed tho!


Reply ID 15506

22/01/2006 by Rabbit Rabbit

That makes two of us...


Reply ID 15512

23/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow

Three...


Reply ID 15595

23/01/2006 by Rabbit Rabbit

I went there today, January hours are Monday to Friday 9-5. Potatoes are arriving during week begining 30th January.


25 replies