Beans, blackcurrant and seed compost

[watervole]

Went down the local nursery at Naked Cross.  I say nursery deliberately.  To call it a garden centre would be an insult.  There isn't a patio heater in sight.  No garden chairs, no chimineas, not even an ornametal sundial.  Just lots of real plants and compost and seeds and staff who grow most of their own stock and can give advice on a wide range of issues.

Bought two blackcurrant bushes - Ben Sarek
and was given good advice on how to plant and initially prune them.

Will also get some redcurrants in a few weeks time - they have them in stock, but say that the roots aren't firmly grown into the container yet and that they'll be better in three to four weeks time.  If they are planted out before then, they may suffer from root rock.  That's what I like about this nursery - they could have just fobbed me off with the plant that looked fine in the pot - they give me all the facts.  I'll be back in a few weeks to get my redcurrants from them.

Bought runner beans - Lady Di.  I never had any time for her as a person, but I decided not to let me put this off the variety as it's stringless and supposed to have pretty flowers and a good flavour.  We've planted them into individual modules and put them in our mini-greenhouse (a bit like a greenhouse cupboard with three shelves)

French beans - Royalty - also planted into mini-greenhouse in modules.  The idea of planting in modules is to reduce root disturbance when planting them out.  We're using a peat-free compost called Gem.  We've no idea if it's any good, but it does seem a little coarse textured for the finer seeds.

Does anyone have recommendations for a good peat-free compost for seeds?

Comments

[quasi-hayley.livejournal.com]

We had to have blackberries in our old vegetable growing patch. I say 'had to' because despite the fact we repeatedly dug them out, there were always blackberries again the following year. Not that I minded, I loved them, but my mum wanted the space for leeks or something equally boring that doesn't go especially well with ice cream.

[emmzzi.livejournal.com]

You're making me jealous. I'd *love* to be home enough for growing edible things!!

Aiming for a house move and job close to new house within 4 years.. then I'll be round for tips!

I'm very impressed with your enthusiasm, and look forward to hopefully some piccies of the produce later in the year.

(And jam! I think jam from things you've made should be in the Orbital auction, if not in your online shop.)

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I intend to eat it long before it has a chance to become jam!

I'm also fully expecting to lose half of everything to pests/lack of some vital nutrient - this year will be a big learning curve.

[reapermum.livejournal.com]

We have Ben Sarek and another one I can't remember the name of (I have it written down somewhere) and it is a good variety on our soil (light and hungry)