Because P is replacing some of the floor in the shed I had to have a bit of a sort out to expose the floor. I found a packet of old but in good condition Fyba ring culture pots. Basically floppy pots with no bottoms.  I see they recommend using them with growbags.  The query is:  are they of any benefit placed on the gh border soil that is dug down to  say 2ft?  If so I'll experiment next season, if not they'll probably get shoved back into  the hidey hole they came from

Names........and why

Browsing our tablets while having our morning coffee in bed....as you do, P came across something that tweaked his interest. 'Have you ever climbed a Graham'?  Now in all  my years I'm not sure I've even met  Graham, let alone attempted to climb him!

SC may have an inkling of what I'm talking about (that's a clue folks)

So the first question is, what the dickens am I talking about, and the second is WHY?

So boys & girls when you put your trousers into the wash, what do you empty out of your pockets?

Mine looks like this   .

   

 Things at the bottom of the pile you can’t see. Loose change, another 2 pencils, builders chalk. Plus keys & phone which go straight into the next set of pockets.  Not forgetting the usual sawdust, rust, bits of rubbish and fluff that always finds it’s way into my pocket. Does anyone else turn pockets inside out, into a bin before putting in the washing machine? 

What you got?

You've made it to another year Can. Happy birthday have a good one. A good excuse for a few bevvies,  if you need one.

I've been sorting through my Leek seed collection and they all look very similar to me! Some are described as "blue" or "yellow", some boast about their size but basically, a leek is a leek, whichever way you look at it. 
Do you have a favourite leek please?

I'm also wondering whether they can be sown in autumn for overwintering, instead of January onwards as the seed packets advise. If some onions can be sown now, why shouldn't leeks?

Is there an easy way? Can you thresh them once dried ? If I have to hand shell my beans I will be on forever!

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Sorting through a heap of beetroot seed packets and thinking aloud about the differences between varieties - or not.

Beetroot come in different colours - red, yellow, white and stripy (Chioggia).
They come in different shapes - small ball, big ball, flattened and cylindrical/conical.

There are several with similar names - starting with BO - Boltardy, Bono, Boston, Boldor (which is yellow)

Detroit 2 is the same as Crimson Globe

Real seeds say that Beetroot seeds are viable for 2-3 years.

Beetroot leaves are edible as well as the roots. use like chard or leaf beet.
Bulls Blood beetroot is grown primarily as a cut and come again salad leaf. 

Anything you can add? Favourite varieties? How to grow? When to sow?

Any ideas?

   

How many of us do big batch cooking? 
I do sometimes. But not often. I’ve stopped big batch soup making. It’s never as good from the freezer as it is just cooked. I do like to chilli & lasagna ( meat or veg ) big batch. But it doesn’t happen as often as it could. 
Yesterday I did a big batch of Staffordshire oatcakes.

         

The quality control area
   

Cooling racks filling up
   

35 oatcakes later. 28 made it to the freezer. A couple sampled and some for tea.
         

I want to know all about your Bells, Flaps and Knockers - but, you'll be relieved to know, there's no need for photographs.

As you know, I've been out and about recently, calling at strangers' homes to collect their unwanted items. The assortment  of Bells, Flaps and knockers I've  had to touch is quite amazing. 
This morning, I was forced to stand on tiptoe to reach the lady's knocker. Why she needed it that high I've no idea.

Anyway, tell me what you have and whether its user friendly please - just in case I ever come to visit.