Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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Faithmead
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Yin Yang BeansI've just become the very happy recipient of some Yin Yang Beans to plant.......but I can't find anything about how deep or how far apart to plant them? Also from the same lovely friends, some fab Jerusalem Artichoke tubers.......perfect for here in Wales...to make a wind break and have lovely flowers later in the summer (although I've never personally grown them before  ). 
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Fee
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I've got some in me seed box, in a packet, will post the info for you shortly 
In fact, I think they're coming to the foodie weekend for the seed swap this weekend!
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judith
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They are a bit on the tender side so, given your location, I would advise starting them off indoors unless we have a stormingly good summer. They are dwarf beans, so you will get away without staking and can plant at around 9" spacing.
As for the artichokes, I know they are often touted as windbreaks, but unless you are planting a few thousand tubers and if you get winds anything like the ones we get here, they fall over as soon as they are about 5 feet high. Be prepared to rig some sort of support to keep them upright.
Gawd. I sound like a right old Cassandra, don't I? 
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Faithmead
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Brill, thanks guys.
Hmmm....well, got plenty of Willow to use as Artichoke supports
OK - so Y-Y beans will need to go in the Polytunnel....I can keep a careful watch on them in there.
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gil
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| Faithmead wrote: | | Hmmm....well, got plenty of Willow to use as Artichoke supports |
No, nno, nooooo.
Not unless you're sure the willow is really dead.
The sticks come back to life, and suck all the moisture and goodness from the soil, and your artichokes will not thrive.
I tried using willow sticks as pea supports one year, and the pea plants went yellow and died. The willow grew nice green leaves and strong roots.
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Fee
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From the seed packet:
Sow in pots or trays on a windowsill or in a greenhouse using good quality, moist compost. Cover the seeds with 4cm (1.5") of compost. Grow on, planting outside in a warm, sunny spot from June to July allowing 20cm (8") between plants. Alternatively, sow direct outside into warm moist soil at a depth of 5cm (2") in rows 60cm (24") apart. (Germination 7 - 21 days). Thin as necessary to 25cm (10") between plants. Water well in dry weather .
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Faithmead
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| gil wrote: | | Faithmead wrote: | | Hmmm....well, got plenty of Willow to use as Artichoke supports |
No, nno, nooooo.
Not unless you're sure the willow is really dead.
The sticks come back to life, and suck all the moisture and goodness from the soil, and your artichokes will not thrive.
I tried using willow sticks as pea supports one year, and the pea plants went yellow and died. The willow grew nice green leaves and strong roots. |
Oooops....better forget that then 
Fee - have now planted the beans into a raised bed in the poly tunnel, so warm soil and hopefully will feel nice 'n' snug. Will water them as directed....and let you know when they show signs of germination.
Cheers all.
Mandy
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