tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72868740797750988012024-03-14T05:33:27.206+00:00From a Worcester AllotmentThe thoughts, experiences, ramblings and jottings from an allotment in Worcester, England.Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-14856592073560624142012-08-24T20:08:00.001+01:002012-08-24T20:08:53.165+01:00From a Worcester Allotment relocatesThe From a Worcester Allotment blog has now relocated to its own server at <a href="http://www.worcesterallotment.co.uk/">http://www.worcesterallotment.co.uk</a>.<br />
There will be no new postings on this site, but it will remain live as an archive of our old posts, which have also been imported into our new site.<br />
Why not visit our new site and subscribe for post updates?<br />
Look forward to seeing you at our new web site.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-32293150547832984582012-03-13T01:16:00.000+00:002012-03-13T01:16:22.561+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SYW7bwNW30c/SwHMpOJtIKI/AAAAAAAACrM/jR_6naqdH0E/s1600/080528+Allotment.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SYW7bwNW30c/SwHMpOJtIKI/AAAAAAAACrM/jR_6naqdH0E/s320/080528+Allotment.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some good news for Worcester allotment holders, I hear from Dan Robb the Site Rep of Droitwich Rd, Allotment site that the council have come to their senses and dropped all charges for tunnels and sheds, something which he has fought vigorously against.<br />
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Well done Dan, we paid for 2 poly-tunnels this year and I was seriously thinking about taking them down altogether, and I know that others in Worcester were thinking the same way as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-42033752941155689552012-03-09T11:17:00.002+00:002012-03-09T11:29:19.428+00:00Genetically Modified Foods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2quyNc93WQ/T1npd9ZezJI/AAAAAAAAABI/KMpBbIiY3a0/s1600/No-GMO.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2quyNc93WQ/T1npd9ZezJI/AAAAAAAAABI/KMpBbIiY3a0/s200/No-GMO.png" width="193" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Genetically Modified Organisms have been in our food chain for about 20 years, but most people aren’t aware, or for that matter, don’t know, what GMO foods are. Foods that are genetically modified are created in a laboratory by splicing genes from one organism into another.<br /><br />For instance, splicing a gene from a pesticide, namely BT toxin (bacillus thuringiensis), with corn gives the plant a built-in component to kill insects that would eat the corn. But what does that do to the person who eats the corn or food made from the corn?<br /><br />The corporations that engineer these foods would like you to think they’re harmless. Studies to the contrary have recently been published showing traces of BT toxin in the bloodstream of 93 percent of pregnant women and 80 percent of their umbilical cord and fetal blood.<br /><br />Other independent studies concluded that testing done on laboratory animals fed GMO foods showed organ damage, low birth weights, infertility, and in some cases, death.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So that has to be one of our main incentives to get out in the fresh air, get healthy exercise and grow your own food, safe in the knowledge that giant US corporations are not poisoning your foods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.wakeup-world.com/" target="_blank">Wake up World</a></b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Worcestershire WR3, UK52.2292869 -2.195601552.1903844 -2.2745655 52.2681894 -2.1166375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-52262464488341474182012-02-29T00:01:00.000+00:002012-02-28T20:52:03.053+00:00March Jobs on the Allotment<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SYW7bwNW30c/S9K2LJlTryI/AAAAAAAAC80/ixmIjvdYI6w/s1600/Month+March.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SYW7bwNW30c/S9K2LJlTryI/AAAAAAAAC80/ixmIjvdYI6w/s400/Month+March.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Vegetables</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Sow under cold frames</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Beetroot, broad beans, Brussels sprouts, early carrots, lettuce, radish, spring onions, spinach, turnips, parsnips, early peas and salad leaves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Sow indoors</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cauliflowers, celery, leeks, onions, summer cabbage and early tomatoes for the greenhouse.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>March jobs</b></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Plant out autumn sown onions.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last chance to order seed potatoes this month.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hoe frequently for weed control & soil aeration.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Clean & weed asparagus bed.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Add manure or fertiliser in final soil preparation.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Fruit</span></span><br />
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<li>Finish all pruning & planting.</li>
<li>Feed & mulch young trees & cane fruits.</li>
<li>Plant strawberry runners.</li>
<li>If you have one, use your fleece net for frost protection on early blooms on fruit trees.</li>
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</span></div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-47658580109080369522010-11-12T14:56:00.000+00:002010-11-12T14:56:24.631+00:00Seed discounts for allotment societiesAllotment societies wishing to save some money could do far worse than take a look at the web site of Vegetable Seeds.net.<br />
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Seed we purchased from them had a high rate of germination, unlike some seed from the "big-names" which was also much more expensive. So, our recommendation is based on personal experience.<br />
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We have no financial links with this seed company, but with times getting harder many of us are becoming conscious of costs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.vegetableseeds.net/Discounts_For_Allotment_Societies_s/95.htm">http://www.vegetableseeds.net/Discounts_For_Allotment_Societies_s/95.htm</a>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-86750531728188239972010-11-09T00:01:00.001+00:002010-11-09T10:06:01.857+00:00Growing cucumber<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-cucumber/how-to-grow-cucumber/Cucumber_ClimbingFrame091003_0989.JPG?height=300&width=400" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cucumbers growing up a climbing frame made from bamboo canes</span></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Cucumbers are straight forward to grow and grow up they will as they are a climbing vine. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They are a member of the <i>cucurbitaceae</i> family which includes melons and squashes and so like a warm well drained soil.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or they can be pickled.<br />
Cucumbers that are eaten fresh are known as Slicing varieties and cucumbers that are pickled are known as pickling varieties.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Cucumbers contain nutrients that are especially beneficial to our skin, hair and nails.</li>
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How to grow Cucumber - Crop Rotation</h2>
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<img border="0" height="397" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-cucumber/how-to-grow-cucumber/Plant%20Families.JPG?height=397&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Cucumber is a member of the Melon Family, and it is recommended that it should not be grown in the same soil as other family members for at least three years.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Ideally, if they are following a crop from the Pea and Bean Family, then they should not need further nitrogen at the time of planting.</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How to grow Cucumber - Soil Preparation</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Dig a fair amount of organic compost into the soil. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The soil should be turned over down to about a spades depth.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Growing cucumbers are best in a pH range of 6.0-7.0 and do enjoy moderate amounts of nitrogen and high amounts of phosphorus and potassium. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They grow better in fertile clay soils with a lot of humus.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Do not to plant your cucumbers in a constantly wet area as they dislike the roots being constantly soaked in extreme amounts of water.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">At this point you can decide which method to use to grow your cucumbers: grow up a climbing frame or leave to sprawl on the ground.</li>
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Grow up a climbing frame</b></h3>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-cucumber/how-to-grow-cucumber/Cucumber_ClimbingFrame091003_0989.JPG?height=300&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Grow up a climbing frame, trellis, netting or wigwam of canes. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">This allows a large number of plants to grow in a small area. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Cucumbers grown on some type of trellis produce two-three times more cucumbers. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Cucumbers grown on a trellis have the tendancy to be healthier and more uniform in size and also in shape. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They are also cleaner at picking time and the air circulation certainly assists in the prevention of many diseases associated with growing cucumbers. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The trellising actually makes room for planting other crops that require shade such as lettuce under the trellis.</li>
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Grow direct in the soil</h3>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Grow direct in the soil or make a small mound and grow on top of that, allowing the plants to sprawl along the ground in your garden. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">This is a sound technique, because secondary roots will develop along the vine at the junction between the vine and the leaf. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Secondary roots are a source of additional nutrients for your plant and fruits' growth.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">At picking time the cucumbers will have the dirt of the garden attached.</li>
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Other growing techniques</h3>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">In addition, thought can be given to two other techniques that have been proven to be successful:</li>
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<li>Grow the cucumber plants plants through a plastic or non-woven membrane mulch.</li>
<li>Water the cucumbers by drip irrigation, using a porous pipe on a low-pressure watering system. </li>
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How to grow Cucumber - Sowing Seed</h2>
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<img border="0" height="148" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-cucumber/how-to-grow-cucumber/Cucumber%2002.JPG?height=148&width=200" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="200" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">You can start your plants off indoors by sowing in biodegradable seedling pots that will ensure the seedlings roots are not damaged when you plant out the plants. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Sow the seeds in a good quality general purpose peat compost.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Water daily, and do not allow the seedlings to dry out, but do not drown them, just keep them damp.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Do not plant out before the last frost. </li>
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How to grow Cucumber - Planting Out</h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Leave a gap of around 40cm between seedlings. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">If growing direct from seed you can group sow 3 seeds in each hole to increase chances of germination success. Seeds should be planted 2.5cm deep.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">If you are planting more than one row then rows should be spaced at around 90cm.</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How to grow Cucumber -</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Care & Cultivation</span></h2>
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Cucuumber growing as a sprawling vine on the ground</div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">After the plants germinate, add a thick layer of mulch to conserve moisture. Be careful to keep the mulch away from the stems of the plants so they do not rot. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Feed the young cucumber plants every two weeks with liquid fertilizer. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It’s is important to maintain sufficient moisture throughout the growing period. The cucumber fruit itself has a very high water content.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Weed regularly but be careful not to go below a couple of cm's with your hoe as you may damage the root system which will slow down plant growth.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The plant has both male and female flowers and the female flowers give rise to the cucumbers. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">With some old varieties, you can aid pollination and increase the fruit count by using a cotton bud to transfer pollen from the male flowers onto the centre of the female flowers. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The female flowers distinguished from the male flowers as the females have a tiny cucumber at their base.</li>
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How to grow Cucumber - Harvesting</h2>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-cucumber/how-to-grow-cucumber/Cucumber%2003.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">You can harvest the cucumbers when they are a suitable size, this is normally around 50-60 days after planting. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The skin should be dark green in colour, do now wait until the cucumbers have turned yellow as this indicates that they are over ripe and their quality of flavour will decline.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Twist the cucumbers off the plant or cut the stalk just above the cucumber tip.</li>
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</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-207725104333335092010-11-06T00:01:00.006+00:002010-11-06T19:27:53.639+00:00Storing vegetables for the winter<br />
Storing Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, parsnip and beetroot can be a bit of a headache if, like us, you have grown far too many.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SYW7bwNW30c/TNWr-iqDp2I/AAAAAAAADnU/7EoC2S2UrWs/s1600/Tomato_Crate.summ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SYW7bwNW30c/TNWr-iqDp2I/AAAAAAAADnU/7EoC2S2UrWs/s200/Tomato_Crate.summ.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li>Hessian sacks are useful, hung from hooks in the garden shed, they even smell good and traditional.</li>
<li>Generations of gardeners have layered harvested roots in sand or compost in small dustbins.</li>
<li>We have acquired a large number of tomato crates over the years, and these can be stacked and covered in fleece to guard against frost. </li>
<li>Indeed, all stored vegetables should be protected from freezing. </li>
<li>It's a question of balance: neither too warm nor too cold. </li>
<li>Winter squash can be laid on a shelf but hardy vegetables such as swedes and leeks are best left in the ground and dug as required.</li>
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<br />Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-54771806473181392692010-11-05T00:01:00.000+00:002010-11-05T11:29:31.298+00:00Growing Welsh Onion<br />
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<br /><img border="0" height="392" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-welsh-onion/how-to-grow-welsh-onion/welsh%20Onion%2001.jpg?height=392&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">A member of the Onion family, Welsh onion are well worth cultivating in the vegetable and flower garden. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They take up very little space, and the whole plant can be eaten from top to bottom.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion are cultivated both for their culinary uses and their ornamental value; the violet flowers are often used in ornamental dry bouquets.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion are perennial evergreen plants, and keep their leaves in most winters. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">In colder winters, the leaves may die back completely, but don't despair - their roots are still alive and they will begin new growth next spring.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Welsh onion - Crop rotation</span></h2>
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<img border="0" height="397" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-welsh-onion/how-to-grow-welsh-onion/Plant%20Families.JPG?height=397&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion is a member of the onion family, and it is suggested that it should not be planted in soil that has grown a family member in at least the last three years.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Welsh onion - Position and Soil</span></h2>
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<img border="0" height="200" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-welsh-onion/how-to-grow-welsh-onion/welsh%20Onion%2008.jpg?height=200&width=150" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="150" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion thrive in well drained soil, rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6-7 and full sun. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">However, Welsh onion will grow in almost all soils. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Work in a handful or two of bonemeal per square metre (yard). </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Full sun or partial shade suit them equally well.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Although they are fairly tolerant of drought, don't plant them in very dry places. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Welsh onion - Propagation</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">How to grow Welsh onion - Sowing seed</span></h3>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion can be grown from seed and mature in summer, or early the following spring. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Sow the seeds indoors using normal potting compost in March time (or directly outside in April) . </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Typically, Welsh onion need to be germinated at a temperature of 15°C to 20°C and kept moist. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The seedlings will appear a week to ten days later. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Transfer them outside a month after sowing with 10cm (8in) between each plant.</li>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">How to grow Welsh onion - Propagating by Division</span></h3>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion are very similar to other onions, in that they have a bulbous root and green leaves. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The bulbs multiply quickly over a few years and this bounty of new bulbs provides the easiest method of propagation. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Simply dig up the clump of bulbs in March or October, carefully separate them into individual bulbs and replant with the tips of the bulbs level with the soil surface. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They thrive on this method of propagation, because it relieves the congestion in the bulb clumps.</li>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-welsh-onion/how-to-grow-welsh-onion/Welsh%20onion%2004.gif?height=320&width=292" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="292" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion are not greedy feeders, so it is not necessary to feed throughout the year if the soil has been prepared as described. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">In cold regions, Welsh onion die back to the underground bulbs in winter, with the new leaves appearing in early spring.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion starting to look old can be cut back to about 2–5 cm. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Either lift the whole onion, as above, or just use the leaves.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Cut the chive leaves with scissors when required, starting with the outside leaves (those nearest the edge of the pot) and working your way inwards. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">When harvesting, the needed number of stalks should be cut to the base.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The leaves rapidly grow back and can be cut several times in the growing season, so giving a continuous harvest. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Plants grown from seed should be left alone (although remove the emerging flower heads) until July in the first year to allow a good root system to establish itself. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion should be used fresh and uncooked, otherwise they loose almost all their flavour. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">When used with cooked foods, add them after cooking. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Welsh onion can be used to add flavour to a huge range of food, probably best known for adding to baked potatoes with butter. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Foods it goes well with include mixed vegetables, egg dishes, salads and dressings, broiled poultry, stews, casseroles and baked fish.</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They can be dried, but their is little point because they then have no flavour. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">One way to store them is to chop the leaves into 1cm (half inch) lengths and place them in ice cube containers with some water. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Freeze them, and then defrost an ice cube or two when need to use them. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They are almost completely free of disease, but they occasionally suffer from onion fly, however this is almost always because they have been planted near onions which have been attacked - the solution is not to plant Welsh onion near onions.</li>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-welsh-onion/how-to-grow-welsh-onion/a_garden_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
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</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-58940788397287492612010-11-04T00:01:00.001+00:002010-11-04T08:44:11.220+00:00Growing shallots<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-shallots/how-to-grow-shallots/Shallots%2007.jpg?height=307&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></span>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Although it is possible to acquire shallot seeds, they are normally grown from sets. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They grow into a small clump of bulbs joined at the base.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Traditionally shallots are planted, like garlic, on the shortest day to harvest on the longest but in reality they can go in as late as the end of March and still produce a respectable crop.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In subtropical areas March - April is a better planting time. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In cooler areas the recommended planting time is late winter or early spring. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Shallots -</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Crop rotation</span></h2>
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<img border="0" height="397" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-shallots/how-to-grow-shallots/Plant%20Families.JPG?height=397&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Shallots are susceptible to bacterial diseases, pink root, white rot, downy mildew, purple blotch, onion maggot and thrips. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">To avoid or minimize these problems, it is suggested that you do not plant shallots in the same soil where other members of the Onion Family have been grown in at least the last three years</li>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7286874079775098801&postID=5894078839728749261" name="TOC-How-to-grow-French-Shallots---Site-" style="color: #0080bb; cursor: text;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Shallots - Site and Soil</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plant in a sunny, well-drained position. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">For a good crop, shallots require a rich, loam soil. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check the pH and add lime to correct acidity. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">The pH should be at least 6.5. </span></li>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7286874079775098801&postID=5894078839728749261" name="TOC-How-to-grow-French-Shallots---Soil-" style="color: #0080bb; cursor: text;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Shallots -</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Soil Preparation</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Soil is best prepared a few months before planting. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Avoid using manure, as too high a nitrogen content will reduce the keeping quality of the shallots. </span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span></li>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7286874079775098801&postID=5894078839728749261" name="TOC-How-to-grow-French-Shallots---Plant" style="color: #0080bb; cursor: text;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Shallots - Planting out Sets</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Separate multiple bulbs and plant each individual bulb, root end down. </span></li>
<li style="font-size: 13px; list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do not plant the bulbs too deeply, push them into the soil roots side down, so the tops are still visible. </span></span></li>
<li style="font-size: 13px; list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Space the bulbs 15-20 cm (6-8") apart and space rows 30cm (1 foot) apart.</span></span></li>
<li style="font-size: 13px; list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shallots will form a cluster of 5-12 bulbs around the original bulb. </span></span></li>
<li style="font-size: 13px; list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This cluster will spread out more than a garlic bulb and therefore requires more space between plants. </span></span></li>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7286874079775098801&postID=5894078839728749261" name="TOC-How-to-grow-French-Shallots---Care-" style="color: #0080bb; cursor: text;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Shallots - Care and Cultivation</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-shallots/how-to-grow-shallots/shallot%20golden%20gourmet.jpg?height=320&width=240" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="240" /></span></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Do not use mulch as it may rot bulbs, which are not strong enough to push through mulch. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">After planting shallots, water well or lightly in heavy soils, and only water again when the soil is dry. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Remember, shallots love water and food, but they must have good drainage or the bulbs will rot. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">In the spring, feed the shallots with either composted manure or a well-balanced fertilizer before the bulbs begin to enlarge. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Keep the bulbs well watered and weeded; they grow best with at least 1" of water per week. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Remove any seed stalks that form to focus the shallots' energy into forming bulbs. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Shallots should be spring planted in very cold areas. </li>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7286874079775098801&postID=5894078839728749261" name="TOC-How-to-grow-French-Shallots---Harve" style="color: #0080bb; cursor: text;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Shallots - Harvesting</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-shallots/how-to-grow-shallots/Shallots%2006.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" /></span></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Harvest the shallots when the tops are drying. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">You can tell the bulbs are mature when the tops yellow and die (most plants can be harvested after 3 months).</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pull up the clusters and cure in a warm but shady place with ventilation. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Regardless of what you read elsewhere, do not leave your shallots in the sun to cure, because they might sunburn and rot. </li>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7286874079775098801&postID=5894078839728749261" name="TOC-How-to-grow-French-Shallots---Stora" style="color: #0080bb; cursor: text;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Shallots - Storage</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Store your shallots in mesh bags (like onion sacks) in a cool dry area.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">You should let the bulbs dry for about a month. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They can be stored for up to 12 months if kept at their optimum storage temperature of 35°-45°F.</li>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-shallots/how-to-grow-shallots/a_garden_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-75450952586733429042010-11-03T00:01:00.001+00:002010-11-03T00:01:00.435+00:00How to grow broad beans<br />
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<br /><img border="0" height="301" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-beans/know-your-broad-bean/how-to-grow-broad-beans/Broadbeans%2002.jpg?height=301&width=320" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="320" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Broad bean plants comprise square sectioned hollow stems with leaves divided into 2-7 leaflets. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">These leaves are bluish-grey or green in colour. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The plants usually stand 90-120cm (3 to 4ft) tall.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Leathery bean pods are produced once the white-and-black coloured flowers are spent. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The 15 to 20cm (6 to 8 inch) long pods can be expected to contain upwards of four slightly kidney-shaped beans, light green in colour.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Broad beans are nitrogen fixing plants that enrich the soil in which they are planted.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Broad Beans -</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Varieties</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Commonly cultivated broad beans mainly fall into two classes. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Longpod broad beans</b> feature eight beans per pod and are more durable to different climatic conditions. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Windsor broad bean varieties</b> have four or five beans per pod and are considered by some to have a finer flavour.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Broad Beans -</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Crop Rotation</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="397" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-beans/know-your-broad-bean/how-to-grow-broad-beans/Plant%20Families.JPG?height=397&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Broad beans are a member of the Bean Family, and it is wise not to grow a new crop in soil that has grown a family member in the last three years.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Potatoes, cucumbers, corn, strawberries, celery, and summer savory all make good companion plantings. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Do not plant broad beans with onions or garlic.</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Broad Beans - Site and Soil</span></h2>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Broad beans grow best in a sunny spot.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shelter is also beneficial. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Avoid soil that waterlogs or conversely dries out rapidly</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Broad beans don’t grow very well in a strongly acid soil preferring instead neutral to slightly alkaline soils (6.0 - 7.5 approx). </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">If the pH (relative acidity or alkalinity) of your soil is not suited to the vegetable, then soil nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, iron, boron, copper, manganese and zinc start to become unavailable, leading to poor crops.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can use a home soil test available in most garden centres to determine your soils ph. By taking account of the test results you can then decide how much if any amendments are required to bring the to pH of your vegetable garden soil in line.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">The application of ground lime will be helpful in countering the acidity. Consult the pack for the application rates, as that varies between commercial products.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Broad Beans - Soil Preparation</span></h2>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">For long term feeding of your crop, every 10m2 of growing area should have one wheelbarrow load of well-rotted homemade compost or farmyard animal manure spread over its surface sometime during the autumn/early winter before planting/sowing. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dig this in to a spades depth all over the proposed growing area to enrich it for your crop. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whilst digging, remove any stones and other obstacles that might obstruct roots.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a rule of thumb, well-rotted manure/compost will be over six months old, and tend to be dark brown will little if any smell. You should not be able to distinguish individual pieces of straw, hay, vegetable peelings, grass etc., as it will all be rotted down.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">A week or so before sowing the seed add a nitrogen feed to the soil. Although Broad Beans produce their own nitrogen in little nodules along the roots, this does not happen until the plants begin to grow strongly. So a little extra nitrogen at the beginning will get them off to a good start.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Broad Beans - Sowing Seed</span></h2>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0.3em;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Sowing broad bean seed directly in the soil</span></h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Broad beans are very frost hardy and will germinate in a soil temperature as low as 2°C (35°F). </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sowing time is around late March in England. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">However if your soil is free draining they can also sow in early autumn when the weather is cooling down. This will give a crop about three weeks earlier than a spring sowing, but a winter-hardy variety must be used.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Dig out a drill in the soil to a depth of 6cm (2in) and 20cm (8in) wide. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sow the seed in two rows, one row down one side of the drill, the other row down the other side. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Each bean in a row should be spaced 25cm (10in) apart from the next bean.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Close the drill with soil, then water well and label.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Create as many double rows as you like at 24in (60cm) intervals. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you haven’t much space you can always sow single rows if you like, but the double rows do provide each other with support and also improve germination. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">A helpful tip is to sow a few extra bean seeds at the end of some rows to be used as transplants if gaps appear.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another tip to prevent gaps is to discard all seeds which display small, round holes, as these seldom germinate of if they do they produce weak plants. The small, round holes are created by seed beetle grubs</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">The expected seed germination time approx is 7-14 days. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Any seed not required for sowing that year should be kept dry as it has a life expectancy of 2 years.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0.3em;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Sowing broad bean seed indoors</span></h3>
</span><div>
<div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-beans/know-your-broad-bean/how-to-grow-broad-beans/Broad%20Bean%2003.jpg?height=320&width=291" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="291" /></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The other alternative is to sow the seeds in peat pots and initially grow them in a greenhouse, polytunnel or on the windowsill until all danger of frost has passed.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Then plant them, peat pots and all, directly into the ground, using the same spacings as described above.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Remember to soak the peat pots in water prior to planting so that they will quickly break down in the soil.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Before planting out, ensure that the soil is warm, and this is best done by covering the growing site with a sheet of clear polythene at the same time as sowing the seeds in their pots.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Starting the plants into growth before the frosts have finished will provide a crop earlier than sowing direct outdoors.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Broad Beans - Care and Cultivation</span></h2>
<div>
<div>
<div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-beans/know-your-broad-bean/how-to-grow-broad-beans/broad-bean-optica.jpg?height=320&width=240" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="240" /></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Keep the soil around the broad bean plant weed-free. Take care when weeding because the roots are easily damaged.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">During a prolonged spell without rain (week or more) you should water gently but deeply once a week. As a rough rule of thumb apply approx 10 litres per metre squared of soil area. Carry out this watering in the morning and try to avoid splashing the leaves, watering the soil instead. Water reserves must be adequate once the bean pods start to form, or else they may end up empty.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">At about the sixth or seventh week after seed germination and while plants are growing strongly you can apply a second application of a well balanced fertilizer. Although not essential, a further scattering of Growmore or fish blood and bone can increase the vegetables vigour and make the less susceptible to plant ills. Once scattered the fertiliser should be lightly scratched into the soils surface followed by gentle but deep watering of the soil.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as young beans appear at the base of the plant it's time to 'pinch out' the growing tips. Go to the very top of the plant and remove the tip with two leaves attached, you can compost these or steam them as a leaf vegetable.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Spacing shouldn't be compromised as good airflow is essential for combating fungal disease.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">As the plants grow you will need to stake them to prevent the fragile stems from bending or breaking and pods being damaged. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Stake after the seedlings are up and use anything from pea sticks to bamboo with string to support the plant.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Dwarf varieties will need less space and less staking and are well worth considering especially on windy or small sites.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Broad Beans - Pests and Diseases</span></h2>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-beans/know-your-broad-bean/how-to-grow-broad-beans/Broad%20Beans%20Black%20Fly.JPG?height=400&width=300" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="300" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A bad attack of black aphids down the stem of a plant</span></div>
</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Black bean aphids and green aphids are the main pests of broad beans. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">They are mainly attracted to the soft and succulent tips of the shoots, but will eventually roam all over the plant sucking sap and stunting growth.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">To discourage them simply pinch off the growing tip of each plant by one inch as soon as the first aphids are spotted. Reducing this attractiveness reduces the number of green and black bean aphids that show up. Any stragglers remaining can be sprayed with the following soapy water solution….</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">8ml of plain washing up liquid mixed into 1 litre of water.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do not use detergent or any soap containing detergent as it will burn the plants and possibly leave a residue in the soil.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apply liberally to the pest using a plant mister or spray bottle.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is best to use a fresh soapy mix of this each time you spray.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Broad Beans - Harvesting</span></h2>
<div>
<div>
<div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-beans/know-your-broad-bean/how-to-grow-broad-beans/broad%20bean%20seeds.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" /></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pick broad beans for fresh use like snap beans when seeds are about the size of a pea. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Commonly broad beans are grown to maturity and used as shelled beans. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Time from spring planting to harvest is from 10 to 12 weeks. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pods are ready for picking once they have reached about 15-20cm (6-8in) in length. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">You can let them grow longer but realise the larger the pod the less palatable the swelled beans inside will be. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Once the shape of the beans starts to show through the pod then you can harvest.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">To harvest the pods, give them a sharp twist in a downward direction away from the plant. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Check back and harvest every couple of days, as regular picking will force your plants to keep up production for about 6 weeks.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pick from the bottom up when ripe and continue to harvest frequently. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finger-thick beans can be eaten whole or wait until the pod bursts open to harvest the fully ripe beans inside.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">When finished, cut off stems for compost and dig roots back into the soil to make use of captured nitrogen.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Broad Beans - Storage and Preservation</span></h2>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">For short-term storage (one week), place unshelled beans in the salad crisper compartment of your refrigerator.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Broad beans are great for storing. You can dry or freeze the beans, when they will keep for twelve months.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">To freeze, pick fresh, pod, place in a plastic bag and freeze. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/599a31/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: small;">To dry, pick, pod and lay out the beans in a dry place. Leave beans to completely dry and store in an air tight container. These can be sown next year or rehydrated for use in cooking.</span></li>
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</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-86566136159235008102010-11-02T00:01:00.000+00:002010-11-02T00:01:01.139+00:00About Pak Choi<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-chinese-cabbage/know-your-pak-choi/Pak%20Choi%2002.jpg?height=320&width=240" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;" width="240" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><b>Pak Choi</b>, <i>brassica rapa</i> var. <i>chinensis</i>, is a type of <b>Chinese cabbage</b> and is widely used in East Asian cuisine.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pak choi is a distant relative of broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It is a cool season crop and grow best in the spring and autumn. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Seeds are sown directly into rich organic soil and start to germinate 5 to 10 days later.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It is a fast-maturing vegetable (which means they grow quickly) ready to harvest 6 to 7 weeks after sowing. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Harvest by hand in the morning (or in cool weather) to prevent leaves from wilting.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Pak Choi - Common names</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">This member of the cabbage family has a number of different names, including <b>bok choy</b>, <b>horse's ear</b>, <b>Peking Cabbage</b>, <b>Chinese Cabbage</b>, <b>Chinese Celery cabbage</b> and <b>white mustard cabbage</b>. </li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">Know your Pak Choi - Botany</span></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Its structure looks like a squat celery, with either white or very pale green short, chunky stalks and glossy, deep green leaves. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Each plant will have 10-14 stalks 8” to 10” long. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The texture of both leaves and stalks is crisp, and the flavour is somewhere between mild cabbage and spinach. </li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;"><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Pak Choi - Cuisine</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">If very young it can be eaten raw in salads, but is best when briefly cooked. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It's commonly used in stir fry and spring rolls.</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Because both Pak Choi's stalks and leaves can be used in salads, it also provides a delicious and healthy meal for those who are on a diet. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pak Choi is also easy to prepare. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">You need only wash the Pak Choi, chop it, then use it as you desire; for example, you can microwave or steam it for a simple and quick side dish or main meal.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pak Choi is a vegetable that will continue to be used in many international kitchens because it is a tasty alternative to cabbage as well as a healthy dietary addition. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Being in season from October to March makes it a common autumn and winter veg box ingredient.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Pak Choi - Nutrients</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Another reason that Pak Choi is becoming popular to use, besides its similarity to cabbage, is because of its nutritional value. One half cup of raw Pak Choi, which is approximately 56 grams, contains only 10 calories. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Additionally, Pak Choi contains no fat or cholesterol and is a good source of calcium. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It is also low in sodium and high in vitamins C and A. </li>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-chinese-cabbage/know-your-pak-choi/a_garden_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-9959966061367067172010-11-01T00:01:00.001+00:002010-11-01T00:01:00.946+00:00How to grow Chard<br />
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<br /><img border="0" height="257" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-chard/how-to-grow-chard/Chard%2003.jpg?height=257&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard is a green leafed vegetable that makes a good alternative to <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-spinach" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; cursor: text;"><span style="color: #333333;">spinach</span></a>. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Growing chard can be easier than growing spinach as it is better able to withstand higher temperatures and water shortages. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">As well as its value as a food crop chard also has a very striking value as an ornamental plant and so often appears in a gardens ornamental borders or ornamental pots. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It's stalks can be of various colours.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard is known by a number of different names including Swiss Chard, Spinach Beet, Perpetual Spinach and Leaf beet.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to grow Chard - Crop rotation</span></h2>
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<img border="0" height="397" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-chard/how-to-grow-chard/Plant%20Families.JPG?height=397&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard is a member of the Beetroot Family, and it is recommended that it should not be grown in the same soil as other family members for at least three years.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to grow Chard - Site and Soil</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">When growing Chard you should position the plants in a spot that receives a good amount of sunlight. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard will tolerate partial shade but will give a better yield when in a sunny spot.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard is a cool weather vegetable and may withstand a very mild frost.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard doesn't like a soil that is too acidic, an acidic soil will stunt growth. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard grows well in a soil of around 6.5 - 6.8.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The soil should be able well drained but be able to hold moisture well so a soil with a good amount of organic matter is ideal.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to grow Chard - Soil Preparation</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Dig over the soil and dig in some organic matter a number of weeks before sowing. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">This will help soil moisture retention and soil aeration. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Make sure to break up any large clods of soil with your fork and rake the soil to obtain a fine soil structure in which to plant your Chard seeds.</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Remove any large stones, as chard cannot compete with them.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">A mechanical tiller is excellent at producing the fine tithe needed.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to grow Chard - Sowing Seed</span></h2>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-chard/how-to-grow-chard/Chard%2006.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Sow Chard in early spring to avoid the final hard frosts. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard is normally sown directly into the soil, not in pots or seed trays for later tranplanting. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They can be sown in pots under cover for an earlier crop but the advantage gained is not much.</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Sow the Chard seed in rows around 45cm apart and about 5 cm apart. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The seeds should be sown at around 1 - 1.5cm depth. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Germination can take anywhere around 1-2 weeks.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The plants will need thinning to about 15-25cm between plants. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">If left until around 15cm in height before thinning then the thinned plants can be treated like an early harvest and the young leaves will be extremely tender and tasty.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to grow Chard - Cultivation</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The main need is for weeding. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">This can be done by regular hoeing. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">An alternative is lay black plastic and let the plants grow through this. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Black plastic is particularly useful for Swiss Chard because they stay in the ground for so long.</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">To extend harvesting past the first hard frost you can put the plants under a cloche or polytunnel to extend the growing season.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard is sturdier than spinach and can cope better with water shortages, however you should still water regularly to ensure optimum growth and prevent bolting. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Bolting leads to premature flower and seed production and will divert the plants energies away from leaf growth.</li>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">If a flower stalk develops then clip it off to extend the harvest.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to grow Chard - Harvesting</span></h2>
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<div style="display: block; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="258" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-chard/how-to-grow-chard/Chard%2004.jpg?height=258&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard is a pick and come again crop. </li>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">For multiple harvests from the same plant simply pick the outer leaves and leave the inner younger leaves. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">You can pick leaves after they have reached around 15cm in length. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Chard can be harvested until the first hard frost this way.</li>
</ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Whenever you harvest Swiss Chard, use a knife rather than pulling off the leaves. </li>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Grasp the leaves you want to harvest with one hand and cut them off at about 3cm (1 inch) above the point where they join the stem. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">This will ensure that more leaves grow. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">If you take the leaves off too near the stem then the leaves may not grow again.</li>
</ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The best leaves for salads are the younger leaves, about 8cm (3 inches) long. </li>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They are tender and have no bitter taste. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">If you want to cook leaves as greens then leave some outer leaves to grow larger and harvest those.</li>
</ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">In winter the outer leaves may be damaged by a hard frost. </li>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">If this happens, leave the outer leaves in place to protect the inner leaves. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The inner leaves can then be harvested for use in salads throughout the winter.</li>
</ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Be sure not to damage the central terminal bud at the centre of the young growth.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">You can also, if you wish, harvest the whole plant.</li>
</ul>
<div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to grow Chard - Kitchen Notes</span></h2>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-chard/how-to-grow-chard/Chard%2005.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">After picking the leaves simply wash and add to salads or wash and then quickly heat in a pan using only the water that clings to the leaves after washing. This will avoid overcooked soggy chard leaves.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to grow Chard - Storing & Preserving</span></h2>
</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Chard does not store well so should either be eaten within a few hours of picking or stored in the salad box of the fridge for a maximum of 3 days.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-chard/how-to-grow-chard/a_garden_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
</span></div>
</div>
</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-62299167656562361752010-10-31T00:01:00.001+01:002010-10-31T00:01:00.742+01:00Discover Tepary bean<br />
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<img border="0" height="266" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-beans/know-your-tepary-bean/Tepary%20bean%2001.jpg?height=266&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><b>The Tepary bean</b>, <i>Phaseolus acutifolius</i>, is native to the south-western United States and Mexico and has been grown there by the native peoples since pre-Columbian times. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It is more drought-resistant than the common bean (<i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i>) and is grown in desert and semi-desert conditions from Arizona through Mexico to Costa Rica. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The water requirements are low and the crop will grow in areas where annual rainfall is less than 400 mm (16 inches). </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It has recently been introduced to African agriculture.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Tepary bean - Common names</span></h2>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Other names for this native bean include<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Papago Bean</b>, </span></span></span>Pawi</b>, <b>Pavi</b>, <b>Tepari</b>, <b>Escomite</b>, <b>Yori mui</b> and <b>Yori muni</b>. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The name <b>tepary</b> may derive from the <b>Tohono O'odham</b> phrase <b>t'pawi</b> or "<b>It's a bean</b>".</li>
</ul>
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<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Tepary bean - Cuisine</span></h2>
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<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Tepary beans are cooked like other dry beans after soaking. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Some Native Americans toasted the dry beans, then ground them into a meal which was mixed with water before eating.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Recent studies from the United States and Mexico suggest that lectin toxins and other compounds from tepary beans may be useful as chemotherapy for treating cancer. However, further research is needed.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It is an ingredient in the Indian snacks '<b>bhujia</b>' and Punjabi Tadka by Haldiram.</li>
</ul>
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<div style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-beans/know-your-tepary-bean/a_garden_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-52628786995245552952010-10-30T00:01:00.000+01:002010-10-30T09:51:06.775+01:00Discover Anaheim pepper<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-peppers/know-your-anaheim-pepper/Anaheim%20Pepper%2001.jpg?height=320&width=168" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="168" /></div>
<ul style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">An Anaheim pepper is a mild variety of chile pepper. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The name "Anaheim" derives from a farmer named Emilio Ortega who brought the seeds to the Anaheim, California area in the early 1900s. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">They are also called California chile or Magdalena, and dried as chile seco del norte.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">While the Anaheim pepper usually has a Scoville Heat Index around 1,000, some varieties can have a rating as high as 5,000, which is not very hot. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">As these peppers mature they turn from green to red. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">They can be used for cooking at any stage but are most often used when still green. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Choose fresh chiles with deep colors, avoiding those that look wrinkled or soft.</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-peppers/know-your-anaheim-pepper/a_food_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
</span></span>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-33788125508236692832010-10-29T00:01:00.001+01:002010-10-29T00:01:01.157+01:00About Pumpkins<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<br /><img border="0" height="289" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-pumpkins/Pumpkin%2001.jpg?height=289&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">
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<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><b>Pumpkins</b> belong to the Melon (<i>Curcurbita)</i> family. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They are typically orange or yellow and have many creases running from the stem to the bottom. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">They have a thick shell on the outside, with seeds and pulp on the inside.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Pumpkins - Botany</span></h2>
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<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pumpkins generally weigh 9–18 lbs (4–8 kg) with the largest (of the species <i>C. maxima</i>) capable of reaching a weight of over 75 lbs (34 kg).</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The pumpkin varies greatly in shape, ranging from oblate to oblong. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The rind is smooth and usually lightly ribbed.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Although pumpkins are usually orange or yellow, some fruits are dark green, pale green, orange-yellow, white, red and grey.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pumpkins are monoecious, having both male and female flowers on the same plant. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The female flower is distinguished by the small ovary at the base of the petals. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">These bright and colourful flowers have extremely short life spans and may only open for as short a time as one day. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The colour of pumpkins is derived from the orange pigments abundant in them. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The main nutrients are lutein and both alpha and beta carotene, the latter of which generates vitamin A in the body.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Pumpkins - Varieties</span></h2>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">There are a wide range of varieties falling into these categories:</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Cucurbita Moschata</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-pumpkins/Pumpkin%2003%20moschata.jpg?height=240&width=320" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="320" /></div>
</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">This group of primarily squash includes the pumpkins frequently used for commercially canned pumpkins. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Commercial pumpkin varieties usually have a tan-coloured skin.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Cucurbita Pepo</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="171" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-pumpkins/Pumpkin%2004%20pepo.jpg?height=171&width=200" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="200" /></div>
</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">These are the Jack-o-Lantern pumpkins you carve on Halloween, as well as the cute little miniature pumpkins that fit in the palm of your hand. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The traditional Jack O'Lantern is a particular variety officially known as the Connecticut Field Pumpkin.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Some of the most popular varieties include:</li>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Connecticut Field pumpkin</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Howden pumpkin</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Howden Biggie</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Jack B. Little Miniature pumpkins</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0.3em;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Cucurbita Maxima</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-pumpkins/Pumpkin%2005%20maxima.jpg?height=320&width=236" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="236" /></div>
</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Maxima, as it's name implies, are the giant pumpkins. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Giant pumpkin growing has become a very popular hobby. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Giant pumpkin growers are among the most devoted, and perhaps fanatical of gardeners. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The uniqueness of this variety lies in its production of fruits more massive than those produced by any other plant in the world. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Fruit can exceed 6 feet (1.8 m) in diameter. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The heaviest Atlantic Giant on record weighed 1,810.5 pounds (821.2 kg) and was grown in Wisconsin in 2010.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Popular giant pumpkin varieties include:</li>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Atlantic Giant pumpkin</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Big Max pumpkins</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Pumpkins - Cuisine</span></h2>
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<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Pumpkins are very versatile in their uses for cooking. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Most parts of the pumpkin are edible, including the fleshy shell, the seeds, the leaves, and even the flowers. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">In the United States, pumpkin is a very popular Halloween and Thanksgiving staple. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Although most people use store-bought canned pumpkin, homemade pumpkin purée can serve the same purpose.</li>
</ul>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-pumpkins/a_garden_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-21217669543042248812010-10-28T00:01:00.001+01:002010-10-28T00:01:01.111+01:00How to tell whether mushroom is friend or foe - Telegraph<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningadvice/8080658/How-to-tell-whether-mushroom-is-friend-or-foe.html">How to tell whether mushroom is friend or foe - Telegraph</a>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-72732186649349064192010-10-27T00:01:00.005+01:002010-10-27T09:29:25.950+01:00Savour the flavour of garlic - Telegraph<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningadvice/8066208/Savour-the-flavour-of-garlic.html">T</a>his is a really great article on garlic that I want to share. Just click on the title line above to visit and see for yourself.Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-88035497819079958722010-10-26T10:23:00.000+01:002010-10-26T10:23:26.152+01:00Worcester weather forecast - Met Office<a href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/wm/worcester_forecast_weather.html">Worcester weather forecast - Met Office</a>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-31576517643540517972010-10-26T00:01:00.001+01:002010-10-26T10:34:06.195+01:00Discover Cowpea<br />
<div style="color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;">
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<br /><img border="0" height="266" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-peas/know-your-cowpea/Pea%20Cowpeas%20field.jpg?height=266&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The <b>Cowpea</b> (</span><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Vigna unguiculata</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">), aka <b>Field Pea</b>, is one of several species of the widely cultivated genus </span><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Vigna</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Four cultivated subspecies are recognised:</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">
<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"><ol style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Vigna unguiculata</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> subsp. </span><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">cylindrica</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://sites.google.com/" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; cursor: text;"><b>Catjang</b></a></span></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Vigna unguiculata</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> subsp. </span><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">dekindtiana <span style="font-style: normal;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-peas/know-your-cowpea/know-your-african-cowpea" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; cursor: text;"><b>African Cowpea</b></a></span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Vigna unguiculata</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> subsp. </span><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">sesquipedalis</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> <b><a class="disabled" href="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/system/errors/InsufficientPrivileges?suri=wuid:gx:5154c66c4e782be4" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; cursor: text; text-decoration: none;">Yardlong bean</a></b></span></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Vigna unguiculata</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> subsp. </span><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">unguiculata</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> <b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-peas/know-your-cowpea/know-your-black-eyed-pea" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; cursor: text;">Black-eyed pea</a></b></span></li>
</ol>
</ol>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Cowpeas are one of the most important food legume crops in the semi-arid tropics covering Asia, Africa, southern Europe and Central and South America. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Cowpea - Common names</span></h2>
</span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cowpea</b>, <b>crowder pea</b>, <b>clack-eyed pea</b>, <b>couthern pea</b>, <b>atimbawini</b>, <b>boeme</b>, <b>boontjie</b>, <b>catjang</b>, <b>caupí</b>, <b>frijol de vaca</b>, <b>field pea</b>, <b>imbumba</b>, <b>isihlumaya</b>. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">A subcategory of field peas is </span><b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">crowder peas</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">, so called because they are crowded together in their pods, causing them to have squarish ends.</span></li>
</ul>
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<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Cowpea - Botany</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-peas/know-your-cowpea/Cowpea%2001.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" /></div>
</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It is a herbaceous, prostrate, climbing, or sub-erect to erect legume, growing 15-80 cm high. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Erect and bushy to prostrate and creeping growth habits exist depending on cultivar and growing conditions. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Cowpeas develop strong root systems that have many spreading laterals in the surface soil. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The stems have circular sections and are pock marked. They are sometimes slightly grooved and are glabrous. The texture is fibrous and hard, firm and not inflated when young. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Leaves are alternate and trifoliolate and the leaflets are oval, pointed (6-15 cm x 4-11 cm). They are generally entire and sometimes lobed. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Genotypes vary in the degree of pubescence, but all cultivated cowpeas are less glabrous than other legumes such as common bean and soybean. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Stipules are spurred at the base, stipels are hardly visible. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Inflorescence racemose, flowers white, cream, yellow, mauve or purple. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Pods usually occur in pairs forming a V, and are non-dehiscent. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Pod orientation is mostly pendant and vertical. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Pod length ranges from 6.5-25 cm and the width ranges from 3-12 mm. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Under warm conditions, pod development is rapid and may take only two weeks from pollination to pod maturation. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Each pod holds from 8 to 20 seeds in a crowded orientation. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Seed length is between 6-11 mm and the width is from 4-9 mm. The testa colour also varies from white, pinky-white, pink, tan, brown, and black. The hylum is often ringed black or brown, strongly contrasting with the shade of the testa and hence the name "blackeyed beans" of the Antilles. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It is susceptible to frost. </span></li>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It is an annual. Some cowpea varieties may start flowering 30 days after sowing and are ready for harvest of dry seeds 25 days later; others may take more than 90 days to flower, and 210-240 days to mature. </span></li>
</span></ul>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Cowpea - Uses</span></h2>
</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Cowpea is one of the most important grain legumes in Africa and in parts of the Americas and Asia. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In addition to its dry grain, fresh-shelled 'peas', fresh pods, and fresh and dried leaves and flowers are consumed in some regions. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The plant is used as cut and carry forage, and for hay and silage. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Cowpea forms highly effective associations with a wide range of native nitrogen fixing strains of Rhizobium bacteria and with mycorrhizae that allows the species to tolerate poor soils. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Used as a green manure, it can be incorporated into the soil 8-10 weeks after sowing, and can provide the equivalent of 80 kg/ha N to a subsequent crop. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Cowpea - Origins</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It is native of West Africa and cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics between 40ºN and 30ºS at elevations between sea level and 2,000 metres. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Occurs in areas with annual rainfall between 400-2000 mm and summer temperatures between 25-35°C. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Cowpea - Cultivation</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Found on a wide range of very acid (pH 4) to strongly alkaline also low-fertility soils from sands to heavy, well-drained clays, with a preference for lighter soils. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">A drought-tolerant and warm-weather crop, cowpeas are well-adapted to the drier regions of the tropics, where other food legumes do not perform well. </span></li>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It does not tolerate extended flooding or salinity. </span>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Most cowpea accessions exhibit classic short-day responses with respect to time of flowering, although a range of sensitivities occur and the effect is modulated by temperature. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It is mainly autogamous and in most environments outcrossing is low (less than 5%), but in the presence of bumble bees or other large insects, out-crossing can be much higher. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Flowers open early in the morning, close by noon and may fall off during the same day. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It also has the useful ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules, and it grows well in poor soils with more than 85% sand and with less than 0.2% organic matter and low levels of phosphorus. </span></li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In addition, it is shade tolerant, and therefore, compatible as an intercrop with maize, millet, sorghum, sugarcane, and cotton. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This makes cowpea an important component of traditional intercropping systems, especially in the complex and elegant subsistence farming systems of the dry savannas in sub-Saharan Africa. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Cowpea - Cuisine</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Cowpeas are a common food item in the southern United States, where they are often called </span><b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">field peas</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In Gujarati, these are called </span><b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Chola</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">/</span><b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Chowla</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">(ચોળા). In Marathi, these are called </span><b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Chawali</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">/</span><b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Chavali</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">(चवळी). (Kārāmani or Kārāmani Payir or Thatta Payir Tamil) are an integral part of the cuisine in southern region of India. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In <b>Tamilnadu</b> during the Tamil month of Maasi (February) - Panguni (March) called <b>Kozhukattai</b>/<b>Adai</b> (steamed sweet cake) prepared with cooked and mashed cowpea bean mixed with jaggery, ghee and other sub ingredients. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In Hindi, it is called 'Lobhia'.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">According to the USDA food database, cowpeas have the highest percentage of calories from protein among vegetarian foods.</span></li>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-peas/know-your-cowpea/a_garden_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
</span></div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-46420715988566038522010-10-25T00:01:00.009+01:002010-10-25T00:06:13.871+01:00Growing garlic<div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /><img border="0" height="379" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-garlic/how-to-grow-garlic/Garlic%2009.jpg?height=379&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></span></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Garlic (</span><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Allium sativum</span></i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">) is one of the easiest and most satisfying crops you can grow. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">For best results start with a head of garlic bought from a reputable grower, or from a garden centre or gardening catalogue.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">You can use garlic bought in a supermarket at a pinch, but the crop is very likely to be inferior. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Traditionally garlic is planted on the shortest day of the year and harvested on the longest day of the year, but only use that as an indicator as even December is fine for planting, although then in most years it then takes until mid-July for the heads to be ready for lifting.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Garlic - Crop Rotation</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="373" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-garlic/how-to-grow-garlic/Vegetable%20families.jpg" style="cursor: move; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Garlic is a member of the Onion Family, and it is recommended that it should not be grown in the same soil as other family members for at least three years.</span></li>
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<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/underline-h1.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: verdana !important; font-size: 2em; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.03em; padding-bottom: 7px;">
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Garlic - Site and Soil</span></span></span></span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Garlic doesn't need a very rich soil, but does prefer a free draining soil - if yours is heavy dig in some sand or plenty of organic matter like compost before planting.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Ideally, a deep, fertile, very well drained soil is needed. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Add (and incorporate well) a good dressing of a general garden fertilizer before or at the time of sowing. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Your soils pH must be above 6.0, ideally, pH 6.5 -7.0. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Unless you are gardening on limestone country, most soils will benefit from a liming at least a month or so before planting. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Garlic - Planting Out</span></span></span></span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Break the head into individual cloves, and choose the biggest and fattest seed cloves, and sow them root end down, standing erect, and far enough in the soil that they are anything from 25mm (1 inch) to being 50 mm (2 inches) or so under the soil surface. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Put them about 150 mm (6 inches) apart. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If planting in rows then keep them 15cm (6 inches) apart to allow easy hoeing and hand-weeding later.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">For some of the jumbo varieties you'll need to increase this spacing, but for your standard garlic this will be fine. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Plant with the flat end down the way - the new green shoot will emerge from the pointy end (a horticultural term) and by spring you'll have a good few inches of growth. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If you are troubled by crows or pigeons you may wish to net your newly planted cloves as the birds may lift them just for fun. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Warm temperate areas</span></b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> - generally speaking, it can be planted in autumn through to early winter. </span></li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Under warm temperate climatic conditions autumn planted garlic will remain dormant for a few weeks, then develop roots and a shoot. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With the onset of the cold of winter growth is fairly slow until temperatures warm in spring. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The cold of winter is needed to initiate the side buds that will ultimately grow and swell to become cloves (and in some types, to initiate the flower bud). </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The lengthening days of spring are the signal for the initiated but undeveloped side buds to start forming into cloves. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It is possible to sow in early spring and get a reasonably good harvest, but everything is against you - wet, difficult to work soil; no early root growth; less exposure to winter chill. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Early Spring is possible, but definitely a second choice.</span></li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Temperate areas</span></b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">- plant after the first good frosts of autumn. </span></li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Spring planting is possible in the higher latitudes, as the longer day lengths promote bulbing, but the shorter season means the bulbs are often smaller. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Autumn garlic will produce roots, but either no, or short, top growth. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If the garlic sprouts have emerged, they will survive freezes and snowfalls, but they should be mulched heavily (about 15 cm/6 inches) to prevent heaving. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Pull the mulch aside in spring. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Autumn planted garlic will have strong roots by winters icy grip, and these roots will help prevent the 'seed' being pushed out of the ground as the soil alternately freezes and thaws ('frost heave'). </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Garlic - Care & Cultivation</span></span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-garlic/how-to-grow-garlic/Garlic%2004.jpg?height=200&width=197" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="197" /></span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Once they have started growth in spring, give them regular - say fortnightly - very light side dressings of urea (or other high nitrogen fertilizer), spread 100 mm/6 inches either side of the plants. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Some authorities encourage the application of sulfur to encourage healthy leaf growth. </span></li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">There is some evidence that the sulfur also assists in the formation of higher levels of allicin, the sulfur compound which is at the centre of the medicinal properties of garlic and also for the sulfurous combinations which make up garlic's pungent aroma.</span></li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Liquid manures are also beneficial. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Garlic competes poorly with weeds. Keep them as close to meticulously weeded as is possible. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Be careful with the hoe; it is embarrassing to be responsible for a beautifully growing garlic plant being sliced off at soil level by a hurried hoe! </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If the weather is dry, mulch them to conserve water. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Garlic - Watering</span></span></span></span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">In the garden, garlic needs water in the early stages of growth (between March and June) and unbroken warmth.</span></li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">No water will produced a poor crop because garlic, being a member of the allium family, is shallow-rooted and unable to seek out water from the depths.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Mulch is one way of maintaining an even moisture regime. </li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Not enough moisture means that garlic does not develop a full sized bulb. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Over watering results in garlic with poor keeping qualities - poor wrappers, burst skins and mould. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Also, it is harder to cure garlic that has been over watered.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Garlic - Harvesting</span></span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-garlic/how-to-grow-garlic/Garlic%2005.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></span></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Lift the bulbs as soon as the leaves begin to yellow, or when they lie prostrate on the soil.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If it is very wet near harvest time, consider lifting them a bit earlier and drying them under cover. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Left in wet soil, the outer parchment often rots. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If there is disease in the root plate, it may develop too far and cause the bulb to fall apart when it is lifted. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Garlic "Rocambole" is almost always ready to harvest a month or so before common garlic. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Always the state of the foliage is the indicator, not any particular date. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How to grow Garlic - Storing & Preserving</span></span></span></span></h2>
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<a class="disabled" href="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/system/errors/InsufficientPrivileges?suri=wuid://defaultdomain/knowyourgarlics/gx:2d8811e02d971b74" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; color: #0080bb; cursor: text; text-decoration: none;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-garlic/how-to-grow-garlic/Garlic%2006.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" /></span></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Store garlic in a dry place, the kitchen is fine, and towards autumn (if there is still some left) check for soft bulbs (rotting internally), and sign of insect damage. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Throw out damaged bulbs. </span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The ideal storage conditions are temperatures of around 10C/50F, dry, and well ventilated.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Soft-neck garlic can be braided into strings of garlic that can hang in the pantry or kitchen, providing both convenience and a style statement, but also preserving healthy garlic heads.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hard-necked garlic, or if you can't be bothered to braid your soft-neck crop, can be tied together with string to provide the same effect.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Garlic strings, however they are constructed, will keep the garlic usable for up to two years.</span></li>
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</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-37435896886419174272010-10-24T00:01:00.008+01:002010-10-24T19:14:10.962+01:00Botany of garlic<div style="display: block; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="150" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-garlic/botany-of-garlic/Garlic%2008.jpg?height=150&width=200" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="200" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">There are many different kinds of garlic and they're almost all different in size, color, shape, taste, number of cloves per bulb, pungency and storability. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Most consumers aren't aware of the many kinds since they seldom see more than one kind in the local supermarket. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">There are said to be over 600 cultivated sub-varieties of garlic in the world, although most of them are selections of only a handful of basic types that have been grown widely and developed their own characteristics over the centuries as local growing conditions changed.</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"> Botanists classify all true garlics under the species <i>Allium sativum</i>. There are two subspecies:</li>
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<li><i>Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon</i>, the hard-necked varieties.</li>
<li><i>Allium sativum var. sativum</i>, the soft-necked varieties.</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The hard-necked garlics were the original garlics and the soft-necked ones were developed or cultivated over the centuries by growers from the original hard-necks through a process of selection.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The latest research in 2003 shows that ten fairly distinct varietal groups of garlic have evolved.</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Five very different hardneck varieties called:</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Porcelain</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Purple Stripe</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Marbled Purple Stripe</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Glazed Purple Stripe</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Rocambole.</li>
</ul>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Three varieties of weakly bolting hardnecks that often produce softnecks:</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Creole</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Asiatic</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Turban</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Two distinct softneck varietal groups:</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Artichoke</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Silverskin</li>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Dr. Gail Volk of the USDA in Colorado and Dr. Joachim Keller of the Institute of Plant Biology in Gaterslaben, Germany, independently performed DNA analysis of garlics and classified them in 2003. Previously it had been thought that there were only five varietal groups.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">All of the hundreds of sub-varieties (separate cultivars) of garlic grown all over the world came from these ten basic groups or sub-varieties of hardnecks that evolved in the Caucasus Mountains between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The individual characteristics of varieties have been altered over time by careful (or accidental) selection and changing growing conditions, such as soil fertility, rainfall, temperature, altitude, length and severity of winter, etc. as they spread across Asia and Europe.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The Asiatics and Turbans developed in the East, while the Creoles developed in Spain and southern France and Artichokes and Silverskins developed in Italy and elsewhere in Europe.</li>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-garlic/botany-of-garlic/a_garden_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-50892300652267525482010-10-23T00:01:00.001+01:002010-10-23T00:01:00.319+01:00About garlic<br />
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<br /><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-onions/know-your-garlic/Garlic%2002.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Garlic, <i>Allium sativum</i>, is a species in the onion family <i>Alliaceae</i>.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, scallion, chive, and rakkyo.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Garlic has been used throughout history for both culinary and medicinal purposes. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The garlic plant's bulb is the most commonly used part of the plant. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Garlic - Botany</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">With the exception of the single clove types, the bulb is divided into numerous fleshy sections called cloves. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The cloves are used for cloning, consumption (raw or cooked), or for medicinal purposes, and have a characteristic pungent, spicy flavour that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Garlic is an upright plant that grows up to about 60 cm tall. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The long, sword-shaped leaves grow from the bulb beneath the surface of the soil. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The bulbs are rounded, composed of several smaller bulbs called cloves. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Cloves and bulbs are covered by a white papery coat and are used in both cookery and medicine.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Garlic - History</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Only known as a domesticated crop in cultivation, it is not known which species was the originator.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The word garlic comes from Old English <b>garleac</b>, meaning "<b>spear leek</b>." </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Dating back over 6,000 years, it is native to Central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Egyptians worshiped garlic and placed clay models of garlic bulbs in the tomb of Tutankhamen. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Garlic was so highly-prized, it was even used as currency. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Folklore holds that garlic repelled vampires, protected against the Evil Eye, and warded off jealous nymphs said to terrorize pregnant women and engaged maidens. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">And let us not forget to mention the alleged <b>aphrodisiacal powers</b> of garlic which have been extolled through the ages. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Garlic - Cuisine</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The leaves, and flowers on the head (spathe) are also edible, and being milder in flavour than the bulbs, they are most often consumed while immature and still tender. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Additionally, the immature flower stalks (scapes) of the hardneck types are sometimes marketed for uses similar to asparagus in stir-fries.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The papery, protective layers of "skin" over various parts of the plant are generally discarded during preparation for most culinary uses, though in Korea immature whole heads are sometimes prepared with the tender skins intact.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The root cluster attached to the basal plate of the bulb is the only part not typically considered palatable in any form. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Garlic - Uses</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The sticky juice within the bulb cloves is used as an adhesive in mending glass and china.</li>
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</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-4431825455307290632010-10-22T00:01:00.002+01:002010-10-22T15:15:28.775+01:00Discover Corn salad<br />
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<img border="0" height="293" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-corn-salad/Corn%20salad%2001.JPG?height=293&width=400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Corn salad, Valerianella locusta, is a small dicot annual plant of the family Valerianaceae. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Corn Salad - Common names</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It is also called <b>Lewiston cornsalad</b>, <b>lamb's lettuce</b>, <b>fetticus</b>, <b>field salad</b>, <b>mâche</b>, <b>feldsalat</b>, <b>nut lettuce</b> and <b>rapunzel</b>.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Corn Salad - Botany</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Corn salad grows in a low rosette with spatulate leaves up to 15.2 cm long.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It is a hardy plant that grows to US zone 5, and in mild climates it is grown as a winter green. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">In warm conditions it tends to bolt to seed.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Corn Salad - Distribution</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Corn salad grows wild in parts of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">In Europe and Asia it is a common weed in cultivated land and waste spaces. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">In North America it has escaped cultivation and become naturalized on both the eastern and western sea-boards.</li>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-corn-salad/a_garden_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
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</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-7604398833481059642010-10-21T00:01:00.001+01:002010-10-21T09:45:01.744+01:00How to cook Marrow<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-marrow/how-to-cook-m/Marrow%2006.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">A member of the squash family, the marrow is a distinctive looking vegetable. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Its edible shiny skin can be any shade of green and its flesh is tender with a subtle flavour. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">When buying marrow choose the smallest one that you can. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Over-sized marrows tend to have watery, bitter-tasting flesh. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It should be firm and heavy for its size.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How To Use Marrow</span></h2>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-marrow/how-to-cook-m/Marrow%2004.jpg?height=320&width=123" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" width="123" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Marrow is always served cooked. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It can be baked in halves with the centre scooped out and stuffed with a filling such as sausage-meat and tomato or Bolognese sauce. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It can be sliced into rounds and topped with cheese and baked. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Or it can be cooked with onions, peppers and tomatoes to make a version of ratatouille. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Serve steamed or fried marrow as a side dish to accompany chicken or fish dishes. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Marrow can also be combined with ginger to make jam or included in the mixed summer vegetable preserve, <b>piccalilli</b>. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Herbs and spices that go particularly well with marrow include sage, thyme, chilli and cumin.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How To Prepare Marrow</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Top and tail the marrow and slice or cut into chunks as desired and remove the seeds.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> How To Cook Marrow</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Marrow can be baked, steamed or sautéed. </li>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Baking the marrow</span></h3>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">To bake, preheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5, place the halved, stuffed marrow or marrow rings with topping in a roasting tin and cook for 35 - 55 minutes or until tender. </li>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Steaming the marrow</span></h3>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">To steam, place prepared marrow chunks in a steamer and cook for 10 - 15 minutes or until tender. </li>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Sautéing the marrow</span></h3>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">To sauté, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and cook the prepared marrow chunks for 5 -10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How To Store Marrow</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Keep refrigerated after purchase.</li>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-marrow/how-to-cook-m/a_food_bar.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></div>
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</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286874079775098801.post-30931516909918030392010-10-20T00:01:00.001+01:002010-10-20T00:01:00.547+01:00About Marrows<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-marrow/Marrow%2002.jpg?attredirects=0" imageanchor="1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; clear: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important; cursor: text; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-marrow/Marrow%2002.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-style: normal;"></span>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><b>The vegetable marrow</b>, <span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><i>Cucurbita pepo </i>var. <i>ovifera</i></span>, is cultivated extensively in England, and can grow to be up to 1 metre (3 foot) in length.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The name vegetable marrow is often shortened to just <b>marrow</b>.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Marrow is always served cooked. </span></span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It is closely related to the courgette and can be cooked in any manner suitable for that vegetable. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">A member of the squash family, the marrow is a distinctive looking, large vegetable.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">While related to many varieties of the squash family the marrow is grown to a much larger size than those would normally be grown, while still retaining an acceptable taste.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Marrow - Common names</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Called </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">marrow squash</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> in the US.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The vegetable marrow is closely related to </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">courgette</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">zucchini</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">squash</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and overgrown specimens of these are often mistaken for it. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Marrow -</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Botany</span></h2>
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<img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/knowyourvegetables/know-your-marrow/Marrow%2003.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px;" /></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The vegetable marrow plant is a half hardy annual, vigorous trailing plant.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">The marrow is shaped like a slightly curved cylinder, a bit smaller at the top than the bottom. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Its edible shiny skin can be any shade of green, sometimes with yellow markings that give it a striped or mottled look, and its flesh is tender with a subtle flavour. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Know your Marrow - Cuisine</span></h2>
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<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">When buying marrow choose the smallest one that you can. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Over-sized marrows tend to have watery, bitter-tasting flesh. It should be firm and heavy for its size.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">Because of its bland flavour, vegetable marrow (sometimes called marrow squash ) is often stuffed with a meat mixture. </li>
<li style="list-style-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/sites/p/934749/system/app/themes/notebook/bullet.gif); list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;">It is available in limited supplies in some speciality produce markets during the summer months.</li>
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</div>Thor Daleböhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10777689933284140790noreply@blogger.com0