Grow Your Own Magazine

Jillyreeves · #36 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 12:42 PM

This year I only grew a few of varieties of french/pole beans, but as we have cleared more land I am planning to grow a lot more in 2010. It goes without saying that I want to save seed from them, to use myself and share. I am however concerned about cross pollination so want to make doubly sure that it is not a problem with french/pole bean as I know Runners and Broadies cross readily.

I have copied this for the Real Seed Website -

The physical seed-saving is easy, but the need for isolation (to keep the seed true to type) depends on the species:
French Beans don't usually cross with each other, so you can save seed from several varieties without worry.
Runner Beans DO cross very easily, so only grow one type if you want to keep the seed.
Broad Beans also cross A LOT and are hard to keep for seed as you need to isolate them from others with 1/2 a mile or so.
Also, be sure that you don't plant types with similar-coloured seeds next to each other, otherwise you'll not be sure which plant they come from!
More detailed seed-saving instructions are included with your seeds, so you can do all this yourself at home.

Just looking for reassurance as dont want to muck things up

its hilly · #37 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 10:16 PM

Ooo, Jilly, that is really helpful. I had sort of thought about x-pollination and thought that meant I could only grow one variety of anything I TRY to grow

for heritage saving.
So I wont try heritage runner beans cos Ive already got ordinary seed for 2/3 varieties. Will check around to see of anyone near is growing broad beans, intended to grow these as heritage cos i love the flowers but hate the beans, so no hardship to leave these for seed

.

FROSTYFRECKLE · #38 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 08:50 AM

it's hilly, I've got spare Green Zebra if you still want some. PM me your details.

zazen999 · #39 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by its hilly

Ooo, Jilly, that is really helpful. I had sort of thought about x-pollination and thought that meant I could only grow one variety of anything I TRY to grow

for heritage saving.
So I wont try heritage runner beans cos Ive already got ordinary seed for 2/3 varieties. Will check around to see of anyone near is growing broad beans, intended to grow these as heritage cos i love the flowers but hate the beans, so no hardship to leave these for seed

.

Hi.

If you have a look at the 'how to save seed' link that I put in the first post - it is all in there which crosses with which - it goes through each veg type and explains how to save it and the problems with cross-fertilisation in each case.

Jillyreeves · #40 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 10:46 AM

I have been mulling over saving seeds from Peppers and Chillies but know that they easily cross. Not wanting to limit my self to one variety I started thinking about isolation cages and building my own.

Great info on Zaz's first link on this but then I though of this

Wilko Laundry Hamper Pop Up at Wilkinson Plus

Do you think it would work, in door use only I suggest, up turned over a plant

SarzWix · #41 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 02:01 PM

I can't see why not, if the material is just net-curtain type stuff, which is what it looks like! Probably a lot cheaper than trying to make a frame too

Jillyreeves · #42 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarzWix

I can't see why not, if the material is just net-curtain type stuff, which is what it looks like! Probably a lot cheaper than trying to make a frame too

Glad you agree, perhaps its not a crazy idea after all

Probably a lot cheaper that trying to make one myself as I would probably mess up on my first attempt and need to start again knowing me

RedThorn · #43 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 02:32 PM

Proberbly cheaper than buying the materials, never mind making, they look brilliant. Thanks Jilly

zazen999 · #44 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 02:57 PM

Looks great - cue all of us trundling to Wilko's to pick one up!

RedThorn · #45 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 02:59 PM

only 1 Zaz?

thinking of my poor cabbages too

Jillyreeves · #46 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 03:00 PM

Glad you all like my idea, I was also going to post it on the forum to share with everyone, as I guess not everyone will be reading this tread, but not sure what area to put the tread under ?????

Jillyreeves · #47 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 03:03 PM

Just another though on the pop up laundry baskets, I used the link to Wilko as an illustration of the kind of thing I was thinking about, easier than trying to explain. But I bet if we all have a look around in places like Home Bargains, Poundstretch or Pound shops some one could find them cheaper than £3. I will keep my eyes peeled and let you know if I see any.

RedThorn · #48 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 03:35 PM

seeds indoors now, will check through tonight...

its hilly · #49 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 10:46 PM

memo to self.....read links

Thanks zazen.

RedThorn · #50 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 08:42 AM

Here's what I'm saving from in 2010

Toms
Cherokee purple(h)
Snow White Cherry(h)
Lemon Tree(h)
Banana Cream(h)
Christmas Grape(h)
Brown Berry
Cherry Yellow Pear

Beans
Dwarf French
Peewit(h)
Peewit(inverse pattern)

Climbing
Safari (normal white/cream)
Safari (black)

Peas
Table Talk(h)

Squash
Little Gem (and yes Zaz I've learnt from my mistakes - I hope!)

Chilli
White Hab
Peach Hab
Orange Hab
Chocolate Hab
Dorset Naga

Aunty Flum (please can you grow the Red Zebras too, I gave away my last packet by accident

)

For the chooks

I have loads and loads of p/spinach and Chard seeds mixed

FROSTYFRECKLE · #51 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 09:24 AM

Flum, where did you get your Red Zebra I've only seen Red Zebra for sale on moreveg but it's an F1

Flummery · #52 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FROSTYFRECKLE

Flum, where did you get your Red Zebra I've only seen Red Zebra for sale on moreveg but it's an F1

I've got Green Zebra - not red.

poly · #53 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 11:00 AM

I've got a few spare Red Zebra seeds, from Real Seeds if anyone wants to grow them this year. I've always seen them listed as Heritage or open pollinated, perhaps there is an f1 sort too?

FF, Real Seeds and Nicky's nursery sell them.

Jillyreeves · #54 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FROSTYFRECKLE

Flum, where did you get your Red Zebra I've only seen Red Zebra for sale on moreveg but it's an F1

Nickys Nursery sell Red Zebra as a Heritage seed , heres a link

Seeds Tomato Red Zebra

Wish I had some then I would send you a few, might be worth holding off buying any and seeing is you can get some on a swap from some else, failing that they may well be on my wish list for 2011 and if I buy them you can have some then

Jillyreeves · #55 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 11:19 AM

Must have been typing and didnt see Polys post

FROSTYFRECKLE · #56 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 01:07 PM

Sorry Flummery

Flummery · #57 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FROSTYFRECKLE

Sorry Flummery

No problem! I grew green tiger this year but I didn't save any seeds. I found them tough and not particularly tasty.

Jillyreeves · #58 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flummery

No problem! I grew green tiger this year but I didn't save any seeds. I found them tough and not particularly tasty.

Oh dear, Im growing them this year, but then taste is subjective and I remain positive

Did you grow them under cover or outside Flum?

Flummery · #59 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010, 11:16 AM

One in the greenhouse and one in a tub near the back door. True about flavour though. It's hard to get 2 people to agree on their favourite tom!

bobleponge · #60 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010, 11:34 AM

Sorry for the delay but here is my somewhat shorter than most list:

Toms:
Super Roma
Outdoor Girl
Moneymaker
Marmande
Red Cluster Pear
Chiapis Wild
Green Sausage

Squashes:
Blue Banana
Waltham Butternut
Pink Banana
Black Futsu
New England Pie
Turk's Turban
Jaspee de Vende
Thelma Sanders Sweet Potatao
Burgess Buttercup
Summer Crookneck
Early Golden Crookneck
Spaghetti
Atlantic Giant
Early Golden Hubbard
Triamble
Marmalade
Poitimarron
Serpenta di Sicilia

I think these should all fit the criteria? Please feel free to erase any that dont cut the mustard.

Jillyreeves · #61 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010, 11:35 AM

Wow Bob - loads of squash seeds there :-)

jackyspratty · #62 (**permalink**) 06-01-2010, 08:28 PM

Sorry for the delay but I have misplaced my file/seeds!!

Plus we hav had connection problems and my children are at home moving everything about.
However I hope to get back to you all by the wekend if thats ok?

Just a query really. I have a shared quarter plot and a garden which I could grow things in pots happily. I'm wondering how much space would be needed ideally on the plot to do this as we are trying to plan what we are doing at the moment.
Its not in great condition as its a new overgrown one, trying to tckle couch grass etc. probably depends on what we will grow to seed share I supose? has to be easy and straight forward!

Also ideaas as to what is suitable for container growing usual too. Sorry I'm such a novice
All ideas graatefully received.
Will get bcak to you as soon as stuff located, but just the usual.
Thanks guys
Sorry for the delay

Donna

zazen999 · #63 (**permalink**) 06-01-2010, 08:31 PM

Hi

Just pick something that you know you have space for - so a winter squash or maybe courgettes or something low maintenance but with good ground cover.

Bex · #64 (**permalink**) 07-01-2010, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillyreeves

I have been mulling over saving seeds from Peppers and Chillies but know that they easily cross. Not wanting to limit my self to one variety I started thinking about isolation cages and building my own.

Great info on Zaz's first link on this but then I though of this

Wilko Laundry Hamper Pop Up at Wilkinson Plus

Do you think it would work, in door use only I suggest, up turned over a plant

This looks to be a good idea if you have room indoors for it. I might get one if I see any for outdoors use providing I can peg it down some how.

Janek · #65 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 05:20 AM

I reckon this Seed Swap Circle is a great idea.

I'm intrigued by the tomato called Piglet Willie's French Black. Does anyone have any history of this variety, and a description of shape, size, colour etc? Pardon my inquisitiveness; I have cat genes so am curious about everything I don't know. LOL

zazen999 · #66 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janek

I reckon this Seed Swap Circle is a great idea.

I'm intrigued by the tomato called Piglet Willie's French Black. Does anyone have any history of this variety, and a description of shape, size, colour etc? Pardon my inquisitiveness; I have cat genes so am curious about everything I don't know. LOL

Piglet Willie is a Moderator on here, he picked these up on a trip to france. They are lovely tomatoes, really tasty. We don't know their original name so continue calling them PWFBs as if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have them ourselves.

Janek · #67 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 08:17 AM

Many thanks for this, Zazen. It all makes sense now.

its hilly · #68 (**permalink**) 09-01-2010, 10:01 PM

Well so far I've been given (thanks Flumm and FRosty Freckle)
Tom. Green Zebra
Alice Russian
Dwarf French Bean. Soldier
Warwick early
and will be growing these for me and seed anyway, OH is unimpressed as he will now have to sort the greenhouse, which got semi-killed in the winter gales.
I really want to grow courgettes, yellow if poss, and spring greens, spinach. Any suggestions?
And can someone explain the difference between heritage and heirloom?
I'm so excited now, why isnt it spring yet..(said in faintly whimpering tone)

jackyspratty · #69 (**permalink**) 12-01-2010, 07:38 PM

Sorry for the delay.
Here's a list of seeds we have to pass on/grow this year. Got them from a nice lady on freecycle. Number after name is packets we have!

Leaves
Mizuna - 8
Rocket mixed -6
Radish, edible leaf red stem - 2
Lollo rossa - 1
salad bowl red - 4
lettuce green leaves mixed - 3
Little Gem - 17, yes thats right 17!!!
lambs lettuce jade - 7
mixed salad - 3

Veg
Toms - moneymaker - 4
- alicante - 4
Chillis - hot thai culinary 5
- hot mixed 3
sweet pepper - marconi rosso -1
california wonder 1
Leeks - musselburgh -2
Spring onion white lisbon

Herbs
Chives -2
Thyme -3
Parsley moss curled - 15!!
parsley plain leaved 2 - 16
Watercress aqua - 9
parsley giant of italy - 4
Basil minette - 2
Dill -2
rosemary 3

We have 2 quarter plots on different allotments that are shared. The new one will have 5 and a half beds. And we can give one bed to seed saving. The other beds will be

1. red cabbage, petit posey, collard vates

2. beetroot - boro f1, ruby queen, bulls blood, celeriac (not sure on variety yet?)

3. Spinach, chard, peas (varieties to be decided!)

4. Sweet corn (varieties tbc)

5.Seed collection??

6, A smaller bed due to compo bin (to be made!) Comfrey and cut and come again cauliflower.

Still not sure what to do for seed collection! If the above looks rubbish pplease let me know, all advice greatfully taken. Also have some achocha I'm gona try which flummery and frostyfreckle gave me gave me so fingers crossed on that,decided gainst the exploding type tho!. Have differnt stuff on lotty 1 mainly spuds, squashes, root veg, onions/garlic .

Donnax

PS Am thinking of maybe doing squash as we were quite successful this year, but we foolishly ate all the seeds! Thinking of uchiki kuri (just ordered from more veg, only 3 seeds though? will that be enough?) Or maybe potimarron? haven't ordered seeds yet though?
Decided against the petit posey as seed a bit pricey for needs, so need somehing to put with red cabbage and collard vates! The search continues.....

SarzWix · #70 (**permalink**) 20-01-2010, 05:33 PM

Okay, my seeds arrived from HSL, and Real Seeds.

So my growing list (of OP varieties) this year:

Peas:
Telephone
Gladstone
Robinson
Pilot
Purple Podded
(and a bunch that Poly already listed)

Beans (Climbing):

Madeira Maroon
Bridgewater
Cherokee T of T
Cosse Violette
Purple Giant

Beans (Dwarf):

Brighstone
Cannellino

Tomatoes:

Purple Ukraine (purple plum type)
Amish Paste
Auntie Madge's

Peppers and Chillis:

Pepper: Nardello
..........Soror Sarek
..........Mini Orange
..........Sweet Red Pointy
Chillis: Mushroom
.........Rocoto Red
.........Rocoto Yellow

I have to share now:

Beans (climbing): Bridgewater and Borlotti
Broad Beans: Crimson Flowered
Peas: Carruther's Purple Podded

and a handful of Brighstone Dwarf Beans.

PLEASE could anyone who'd like any of the above, speak now or hold your peace coz they'll be listed on the swap board very soon

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