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what is the best thing i can use to warm up soil outside ready for planting without spending money lol will tarpaulin work ?.
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All My Spare Time Is Spent On The Plot .. Gardening Is What I Love To Do..sigpic -
I have used polythene in the past. Black is best! -
ok thank you i will try that if i can get hold of any
All My Spare Time Is Spent On The Plot .. Gardening Is What I Love To Do..sigpicComment
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Many garden centres sell black plastic sheet on a roll but depending on the size you want it can work out pricey.
Your post said you had a tarp? Try putting that down on the area you will want to sow first. It will add extra warmth to the soil.
Many people use cardboard (normally de constructed boxes) but I prefer not too as the last (and first) time I tried it they just ended up all mushy.
Anyhow give the tarp a try and you will be pleased at how quick the soil wil warm.I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
Outreach co-ordinator for the Gnome, Pixie and Fairy groups within the Nutters Club.Comment
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Do folk use cloches to warm soil (as distinct from, then, protecting planted plants) these days?
I've got black weed suppressing membrane down to ... ermmm ... suppress the weeds over winter
so I guess that will warm the soil sooner, but I haven;t got any cloches ... perhaps I should get some?
K's Garden blog the story of the creation of our gardenComment
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I use cardboard covered in spent hops. I just make a hole in the cardbord when cabbage plants are ready and plant through it. The cardboard will slowly rot and the hops help keep the slugs away.Comment
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I wait until the soil has warmed up on its own - I've never really found it's worth the faff trying to steal a march on Mother Nature, and anything sown later in more suitable conditions soon catches up.Comment
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Although that sounds like a good idea, assuming that you have access to hops.Originally posted by arpoet View PostComment
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Yep, I agree.Originally posted by Hazel at the Hill View Post
There's very few things I would directly sow in the ground before April here, and even stuff I grow indoors, I wait until threats of frost have passed.
I'm even going to try parsnips indoors this year in newspaper pots as they have been a disaster over the last few years........because you're thinking of putting the kettle on and making a pot of tea perhaps, you old weirdo. (Veggie Chicken - 25/01/18)
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Once there have been a few days sun on the soil, I cover with either clear, or the green windowpane type plastic. As well as warming, this makes any weed seeds germinate so I can just gently hoe them off before planting or sowingOriginally posted by marcofez View Post
I found if I used the black stuff there was a rush of weed seed growth when uncovered, which competed with the veg seedlings
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Yes, i get them from a local brewery. In the winter they have far more than most gardeners want.Originally posted by Hazel at the Hill View Post
When i am driving past i chuck a few sacks full in the car. I keep an old shower curtain for that and picking up manure.
Have a look in your local phone book and find a micro brewery near to you. There are lots about.Comment
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My black plastic covering is weed suppressing membrane, and I will be planting "through" that, so will avoid the weeds - hopefully!Originally posted by Thelma Sanders View PostI found if I used the black stuff there was a rush of weed seed growth when uncovered, which competed with the veg seedlings
I ought to buy a couple of soil thermometers and compare one in the bed covered by black membrane, and one in a bare-soil bed. I've never seen soil thermometers at a price that I wanted to afford though (I don't want something that is rubbish ... but maybe there are solutions that are reasonably priced? I'd be happy to do the experiment )
K's Garden blog the story of the creation of our gardenComment
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Genius! Thank you, turns out there is one just up the road in Twickers and I can get some todayOriginally posted by arpoet View Post
http://mudandgluts.com - growing fruit and veg in suburbiaComment
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Reading this thread about 'hops,' and 'breweries' , I've just had a great idea!! Well it's not me who drinks the beer in this house!, wonder if other half would like to go visiting local breweries?DottyRComment
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what are hops ?.All My Spare Time Is Spent On The Plot .. Gardening Is What I Love To Do..sigpicComment
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