Blog

02
Aug, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

3 Main Shapes of Parsnip – Bulbous, Wedge or Bayonet

There are 3 main shapes of Parsnip – (Latin name – Pastinaca sativa ssp. sativa) bulbous types with rounded shoulders wedge types which are broad and long bayonet types which are long and narrow John has grown these magnificent bayonet
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01
Aug, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

Parsnip Canker

Parsnip Canker is the most serious problem with parsnips. Latin name – Itersonilia pastinaceae Brown or black patches appear on the shoulder of the root which then become soft and rotten. The secondary rotting which follows the initial discolouration is
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31
Jul, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

Second Hand Garden Tools – Parsnip Digger

Good quality garden tools are expensive, so buying second hand is worth considering.  If a tool is well made, of good material, and has been looked after, it will last for years.  So a well maintained, quality second-hand tool is
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29
Jul, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

The Difference between Swedes and Turnips

The difference between swedes & turnips is evident when you see the two side by side. The turnip is smaller, smoother & rounder than the swede. Swedes have a whiter flesh than swedes. Swedes came from Sweden and were known
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28
Jul, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

Community Vegetable Garden Created out of Recycled Items

A community on the Holly Estate, Oldham, Lancashire, have created a vegetable garden using an interesting variety of recycled items. Oldham News reports: “RECYCLING residents in Royton have come up with some inventive ideas to create a unique community fruit
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27
Jul, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

How to Freeze Broad Beans

There are two schools of thought on how to freeze broad beans – some people blanch the beans before freezing and some don’t. Blanching involves plunging the beans into boiling water to stop all enzyme activity in the beans, so the
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26
Jul, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

Blackfly on Runner Beans

We do not usually suffer from blackfly on runner beans. Our vegetable garden is in the north of the UK where we normally have cool, damp summers. Blackfly, like all aphids usually thrive in hot, dry conditions! Blackfly are attacking the
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25
Jul, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

10 Reasons to Grow Baby Mini-Veg

Baby or mini vegetables are what the modern household requires – small, but perfectly formed vegetables. Baby or mini vegetables are becoming very popular and there are good reasons for growing them: space saving ideal for window box, containers, patios
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15
Jul, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

Black Sooty Mould on Sprouts

Black sooty moulds are a problem disease on Brussels Sprouts.   The black sooty mould can be sticky and is the result of a whitefly attack. Cabbage whitefly overwinters on brussel sprouts as adult insects. Adult whitefly and their nymphs
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14
Jul, 2017 By Sally Osgerby

Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count  is taking place from 14th  July – 6 August 2017. The big butterfly count is a nationwide survey to assess the health of our environment.  The numbers of butterflies continue to decline, & this survey will help work
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