Jersey to Chelsea - The National Vegetable Society

Volume 18
Part 1
N
£3.99
50 Years and Still Growing
the quarterly magazine of the National Vegetable Society
WINTER 2012
Cracking
carrots
PAGE 20
Restoration
PAGE 28
Peaches
PAGE 30
The Vegetable and Fruit Company
NVS
0
Prize Sponsors 2 11
Jersey to
Chelsea
PAGE 24
simply
vegetables
…52 years
and still growing
The Quarterly Magazine of the National Vegetable Society
Volume 18 Part 1 January 2012
Charity registered 1088979
National
President
Medwyn Williams MBE
AHRHS FNVS
01248 714851
e-mail:
medwyn@llanor.fsnet.co.uk
or medwynsofanglesey.co.uk
National
Chairman
Barry Newman FNVS
01403 711598
e-mail:
barry-yvonne@tiscali.co.uk
the team
For Your Horticultural,
Landscaping & Irrigation Supplies...
National Vice Chairman
Malcolm Evans FNVS
01924 271869
e-mail: mhe1@hotmail.co.uk
Chairman of Strategic Policy Working
Group, & Chairman Northern Branch
General Secretary
David Thornton Msc FNVS
07778 622628
e-mail:
davidthornton969@btinternet.com
Assistant Secretary
Mark Hall FNVS
07768 290122
email:
mhall@harper-adams.ac.uk
Treasurer
Denis Barry Bsc (ED) FNVS
01633 440876
e-mail; denisbarry@btinternet.com
Web Manager
John Harrison
01286 880847
e-mail; john@weboneuk.com
...all in one concise buyers guide
Request a copy today, call 01282 873333
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Head Office: Standroyd Mill, Cottontree, Colne, Lancashire BB8 7BW
Over 400
pages with
new products
for 2012
DVD Distribution
Executive
Gordon Francis FNVS
01622 710486
e-mail;
gordonjfrancis@googlemail.com
Chairman of the Judges
Examination Board
Jim Williams FNVS
01875 320644
e-mail; jimtwilliams@yahoo.co.uk
Also Chairman and Newsletter editor of the Scottish
Branch
Articles, notices, meetings etc relative to
your Branch and DA should be sent to the
sub-editors below.
Scottish Branch
Sub-Editor:
Jim Williams
01875 320644
e-mail:
jimtwilliams@yahoo.co.uk
Northern Branch
Membership Registrar for
Scottish, Northern and
Welsh Branches
Grant Cathro FNVS
01382 580394
e-mail; jgrant.cathro@sky.com
Also Trophy Secretary
Ian Stocks FNVS
Scottish Branch Treasurer
01324 821274
ian.stocks@blueyonder.co.uk
Bob Herbert FNVS
Vice Chairman, Northern Branch
0114 2484004
vera@veraherbert.wanadoo.co.uk
John Croot FNVS
Secretary Northern Branch
01773 834213
j.croot@btinternet.com
Don Owens FNVS
Chairman Welsh Branch
01978 852453
unnidon@tiscali.co.uk
Mary Thomas FNVS
Temporary member representing the
Welsh Branch
01691 780420
maryfron2005@yahoo.co.uk
Membership Registrar for
Midland & Southern
Branches
Neil Hope FNVS
01932 844183
neil_hope@hotmail.com
John Branham, FNVS
Chairman Midland Branch
01296 681307
johnbranham@btinternet.com
Sub-Editor:
Tony Featherstone
01482 631110
e-mail:
tony@featherstone24.karoo.co.uk
Midland Branch
Sub-Editor:
Mrs June Davies FNVS
01531 822750
e-mail:
june.davies03@btinternet.com
Southern Branch
Sub-Editor:
David Wall
01747 85410
e-mail:
dorsetnvs@hotmail.com
Welsh Branch
Sub-Editor:
Mrs Ann Griffiths FNVS
01678 520391
e-mail:
griffiths.r6@sky.com
and finally, myself…
National
Magazine Editor
David Allison FNVS
18 Sandholme Drive,
Burley-In-Wharfedale,
Ilkley, West Yorkshire,
LS29 7RQ
01943 862106
e-mail; drallison@hotmail.co.uk
…to whom all articles for inclusion in the
magazine should be sent.
simplyvegetables 3
contents
Kitchen Garden and
the National
Vegetable Society –
together helping the
nation to grow better
vegetables
The Team Movers and Shakers in the NVS............................................................................................................... 3
Chairman’s Thoughts.............................................................................................................................................. 5
Editor’s Ramblings A bit of everything...................................................................................................................... 6
DVD Library............................................................................................................................................................ 9
Recipe page......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Editor’s Postbag Your chance to have your say on any matters horticultural............................................................. 12
News from Preston............................................................................................................................................... 14
Membership Applications and Renewals.............................................................................................................. 15
Welcome to the world of trace elements – 4th and final part.................................................................................. 16
The Edible Garden Show 2012 – a must-see show............................................................................................... 19
Readers’ Advice................................................................................................................................................... 20
Confessions of a stingy gardener.......................................................................................................................... 22
Jersey to enter Chelsea next year......................................................................................................................... 24
The Gardens of Chateau de Villandry.................................................................................................................... 26
Allotments for the disabled................................................................................................................................... 27
Restoring an Old Walled Kitchen Garden.............................................................................................................. 28
Peaches and Nectarines....................................................................................................................................... 30
Herbs – to flower or not to flower............................................................................................................................ 33
Jobs in the kitchen gardening for the coming months........................................................................................... 34
Reflections of a growing year................................................................................................................................ 38
The Birth of a new District Association.................................................................................................................. 40
The Great Peat Debate......................................................................................................................................... 42
”The Scots Abroad”.............................................................................................................................................. 44
Branch Newsletters
Scottish Branch......................................................................................................... 48
Northern Branch....................................................................................................... 50
Midland Branch.......................................................................................................... 54
Welsh Branch............................................................................................................. 59
Southern Branch........................................................................................................ 60
Fidello Press Book Competition.
Issue 4.2011. Each winner received a copy of ‘What Will I Do With All Those Green Vegetables’ by Elaine Borish.
Dorothy Ambridge, Leeds • Jan Lovell, Suffolk • Peter Cross, Essex
Mark Taylor, Lancs • Mick Poutney, West Midlands • R Geldard, Skipton • Mrs L Barrett, Cheltenham
Mr J Procter, Lancs • Mr E Short, Co. Durham • Brian Parrott, Surrey
Competition terms and conditions
Competitions are open to all UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding employees or agents of the associated publishing
company and their families. One entry per person. The prizes and giveaways are as specified on the relevant pages. No
cash alternatives. Entries must be via post or email as stated (no purchase necessary). Illegible entries and those that do
not abide by these terms and conditions will be disqualified. No responsibility is held for entries lost, delayed or damaged
in the post, proof of posting is not proof of delivery. Your details will be processed by Crest Publications Ltd (publishers
of Simply Vegetables magazine on behalf of the NVS) in full accordance with data protection. Crest Publictions Ltd may
wish to contact you with information of other services we provide which maybe of interest. Please indicate on your entry if
you DO NOT wish to receive such information by post, phone or email. The decision of the judge is final and no corresponance will be entered into. Winners will be notified by phone, email or post, a list of winners is available on request from
Crest Publications Ltd, 20 Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP.
Barry Newman FNVS
19
20
24
29
www.nvsuk.org.uk
Website username: nvsmember • Website password: grower
Published by Crest Publications, 20 Moulton Park Office Village
Scirocco Close, Northampton, NN3 6AP
38
The views expressed by the authors/contributors are not necessarily those of the editor, the Society, or its officers.
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Untitled-1 1
25/6/10 15:02:29
chairman’s thoughts
Firstly may I wish you all a Happy New Year!
What for most gardeners is a reasonably quiet time
has not proved the case for me over the last quarter.
Whilst there has not been much growing it has certainly
been a busy period in the running of the Society.
Back in October I chaired my first meeting of the
National Executive, which was a heavy agenda with
many decisions being taken and policy being shaped
for the future. It was good to see those ideas that I
had asked for starting to materialise and influence our
future thinking. I was particularly pleased that following
a discussion on the National Championship schedule,
we decided to add a class for fifteen point and less
vegetables, prompted by a request to make the show
more accessible.
After much deliberation we have also agreed to
engage the help of a public relations consultant
to raise the profile of the Society and address the
attraction and retention of new members. Add to
that the start of a process to redraft the rules of the
Society to more properly reflect our charitable status
and I hope you will appreciate your executive has been
working hard on your behalf.
We have even ordered 10,000 plastic bags with the
NVS logo for you to sell off this year’s excess show
vegetables!!
In November I had the privilege of chairing the
inaugural meeting of the Jersey Association of the
NVS in St. Hellier. This has been a real success story,
due in no small part to the perseverance of Graeme
le Marquand who has worked hard with the Jersey
Farmers Union and the islands administration to form
and promote this latest addition to our Society. My
visit was interesting on several levels, and this small
paragraph would not do credit to the hospitality of the
island, so I have lodged a fuller report elsewhere in the
magazine
Meanwhile, here at home, I am busy with talks to
garden groups and affiliated societies anxious to learn
about vegetable growing. This is a particular part of
our hobby that I enjoy; it really is good to exchange
views with like-minded people, even better if you can
join them up to the cause. With that in mind, I was
recently talking to John Branham and David Thornton,
who like other executive committee members do
a lot of talks throughout the year. John was saying
that instead of taking his fee in full, he now reduces
it on the understanding that the group he is talking
to become affiliate members.... what a brilliant idea.
Something I will definitely be doing in the future.
With January now upon us it‘s the start of the AGM
season. A time when a lot of District Associations will
be looking for volunteers to fill committee posts and
members to take a more active role in the work of the
Society. Please think seriously about taking that more
active role. It really is true that the more you put into
something, the more you get out of it and it really is
unfair to leave it to the same old faces year in year out,
however willing.
‘It’s always good to have some new blood’......
something I remember Medwyn saying to me this time
last year!!!
Looking forward.... I have been pleased to accept
an invitation from Buckinghamshire DA to attend a
meeting of their committee next month, to talk about
the future of the Society and field a few questions
about the way we work. This really is the type of
democracy in action that I want to encourage and
I sincerely hope it will be the start of many such
exchanges around the country between National
Executive members and District Association’s. It is only
with this type of contact and information that we can
properly reflect your views in the running of the Society.
I’m sorry if this month’s
‘Thoughts’ is a bit heavy on
process, but as a new Chairman
I am anxious that we get these
things right and that you are kept
well informed.
Meanwhile back on the plot,
I’m pleased that I converted
to raised beds with wood chip
paths some years ago. I feel
really pleased with myself when
I see fellow gardeners, at this
time of year with their boots
caked with mud, compacting wet
ground and struggling to get the
spade in.
Whilst at the same time, I’m
just removing the lightweight
winter cover which has been
allowing the layer of manure I put on last November
to work in, ready for me to lightly fork it over while
I’m walking on a perfectly clean, dry and weed free
surface!
Regardless of the way you garden, I hope you get
the weather you want, the luck you need and the
results you deserve.
Barry
“ I was particularly pleased
that following a discussion on
the National Championship
schedule, we decided to add
a class for fifteen point and
less vegetables, prompted by a
request to make the show more
accessible.”
simplyvegetables 5
editor’s
ramblings
Welcome to the Winter edition of our quarterly
magazine, and the start of another gardening year.
I should start with an apology, a number of you
contacted me after receipt of your Autumn issue to
say that you had difficulty in reading some of the text,
particularly the National Championship results on page
46, where every other line was dark green background
making the black print almost impossible to read
easily, particularly those of you with less than perfect
eyesight. This was purely a glitz by our professional
page designer, who recognised the problem, had
intended to change the print colour, but forgot. I can’t
promise it won’t happen again, simply
human error, but now we know we’ll keep
a closer eye on the proof copy before it’s
signed off. I’m not on commission with
specsavers – honest!
Our new Chairman Barry is starting as
he means to go on as they say, and has
a number of new initiatives up his sleeve
to ensure our beloved society is “fit for
purpose” for the 21st century. One of
his first major duties in his new role was
to preside over the inaugural meeting of
a new DA in Jersey, the lifeblood of the
Society, and his report of the very pleasant few days
he spent on the island appear elsewhere in this issue.
The new DA with help from the members of the Jersey
Farmers Union, are planning a display at Chelsea
Flower Show next May, not bad for a new DA! Again
please see elsewhere in this issue the plans they have
made for this major undertaking.
In our continuing effort to provide value for money for
our members, each member should receive with this
issue, two free gifts, a packet of vegetable seed, Pak
Choi, variety Glacier, and a free wall chart, as I know
that gardeners generally and NVS members in particular
like to plan ahead. The packet of Pak Choi seeds has
been very kindly provided by Marshall’s seeds, to whom
we are indebted.
Marin Harvey, Managing Director of Marshalls
advises on its cultural requirements as follows;
Your FREE Pak Choi ‘Glacier’ Seed Sample
Marshalls Seeds, who supplied our members with
a trial pack of the Chinese Kale / broccoli cross,
Brokali Apollo last year, have selected another oriental
vegetable variety for us this year, Pak Choi Glacier.
So many of the vegetables used in oriental cooking
White Pak Choi 4 JC Glacier
are really easy to grow
and Pak Choi is no
Membership Renewals for 2012
exception. It’s one of
Members and Societies are reminded that renewal
those vegetable that
forms for 2012 were distributed with the Autumn
just keeps on giving.
Magazine.
So many gardeners
Subscriptions were due on January 1st, and if
reject these wonderful
renewals are not received by the time the Spring Issue
varieties, simply because
of this magazine is distributed, then they will reluctantly
they assume that
be removed from the mailing list. If in doubt please
because they are not
contact the relevant Membership Secretary for your
native, they need special
Branch, as per the information on page 3
growing conditions.
If necessary, please use the application/renewal form
Nothing could be further
on page 15,or for individual/joint members renewals
from the truth.
can now be made on-line via the NVS Web site at
One of the best
www.nvsuk.org.uk
things about this oriental
“ Our new Chairman Barry
is starting as he means
to go on as they say, and
has a number of new
initiatives up his sleeve”
6 simplyvegetables
vegetable is its surprising hardiness and ability to grow
throughout the winter, providing you with almost a
year-round crop that can be used fresh or cooked in
number of different ways.
Pak Choi, variety Glacier is a new variety with fresh
green leaves and wonderfully crispy, fleshy stems that
taste great eaten raw in salads and sandwiches, or
steamed, braised or stir-fried.
It’s fully winter-hardy and, being British-bred, is
ideally suited to the UK climate, meaning it can be
sown directly outside and will do well in virtually any
garden.
Sow between March and September for a harvest
of young leaves you can start enjoying in just 3–4
weeks. Whole heads take just 6 weeks to form, but it’s
recommended that Pak Choi sown between late April
and July are harvested at ‘young leaf’ stage (at around
4cm tall) to avoid bolting. Start harvesting whole heads
of Pak Choi from July through to February.
Pak Choi is a cut ’n’ come again vegetable, so
whether you harvest them as young leaves or as mature
or semi-mature heads, once they’re cut they’ll re-sprout
over and over again! Sow a new row every couple of
months or so to maintain a continuous harvest.
Difficulty:
Easy – suitable for beginners
When to sow:
Outdoors in Late March –
September (sow a new row when
more is desired)
When to harvest:Late April – February (harvest as
young leaves until July)
Soil:
Grow in well-dug soil or good
quality compost.
Site:
Full sun/partial shade.
Growing info:
Keep well watered throughout the
summer season.
I am pleased that in this edition that we have a
further three questions from our members as part
of our reader’s advice page. This not only hopefully
answers the questions raised, but provides information
to all on what can go wrong and how to correct/
prevent it from happening in the first place, at any level.
From three articles in October on veg growing by
schoolchildren, we have none this time, so if any
member has any involvement with either school or
community gardens I would love to hear from you.
As advised in my last ramblings we were invited to
attend a debate on the Government’s plans to ban the
use of peat in composts, by 2020 for amateur use,
and by 2030 by the trade/professional use. A report of
the seminar is to be found elsewhere in this issue. I am
told by the members who attended on our behalf that
it was a very useful meeting, so much so that a follow
up meeting is planned for the New Year.
I am delighted that Rob Foster, the “Lazy Gardener”
has, after a long break, agreed to re-commence his
articles on jobs for the Kitchen Garden for the coming
months, and long may this continue as I know that
readers welcomed his advice on growing for the dinner
plate not just the show plate.
Examination successes
I am delighted to advise that the following candidates
have recently passed their judges exam.
Wales: U Owens, C Jones new judges.
Midlands: S Smith new judge
Southern: D Pride, M and D Miles, G Baker new judges.
Scotland: A Cruikshank new judge.
Commiserations to those who just missed reaching
the pass marks required, good luck next time.
Congratulations to all the above, if you wish to avail
yourselves of their services and put their new found
skills to the test, please contact your Branch Secretary
for their details.
What happened to the Northern Branch?, according
to the Branch Chairman the Northern Branch is the
power house of the NVS, not on this occasion.
My growing season has already started for 2012,
Pendle Improved leek seedlings from David Metcalfe
I’ve taken delivery of some Pendle Improved leek
seedlings from David Metcalfe, the raiser, to ensure my
own stock remain disease free and healthy, collected
from him mid November, and Onions for overwintering
were sown in September and are now ready for
pricking out into 4" pots to grow on over winter in a
cold frame ready for planting out next spring.
Finally, as I pen these notes early November, we are
enjoying a mild open autumn, with many tender crops
still flourishing in my garden here in Yorkshire. Shown
on the right are a few examples.
All were late sown, to follow early crops, and were
shown in Leeds on Sat 26th November, my last show
of the year. I have been asked by one or two members
that when we publish show results and pictures that we
include the variety names of the winning dishes, so could
I please ask all contributors that when you send in the
results, you also include, if possible the variety names.
We are delighted that Steve Ott editor of Kitchen
Garden magazine and an NVS member, has agreed
to continue the arrangement with us for a further year
in that all new members of the NVS who join during
2012 will receive a back copy of Kitchen Garden
magazine, compliments of Steve. Thanks Steve this
is really appreciated, and thanks to Neil Hope one of
our membership registrars who sorts out the admin. I
received my Jan copy of KG magazine recently, and
its still only November as I write these notes !, and had
to smile as I read a piece on page 7 in their “News”
section on how you can save an estimated £1,300
on your grocery bills by growing your own, according
to NSALG. However the photo of a basket of veg
included a pineapple, orange, lemon, dessert grapes,
and what look like bananas in the bottom of the
basket. How often do you see these growing on a UK
allotment Steve !! Apart from a couple of salad onions
and an apple, nothing in the basket would be grown
outside on an allotment or kitchen garden in the UK,
especially up here in Yorkshire. We can all dream.
I am delighted that the National Exec have agreed
to the NVS taking space at The Edible Garden Show
again this year, the UK’s first national grow-your-own
event, following our success at attending the first
event last year. Our stand will be twice as big as last
year, with loads of information, leaflets, DVD’s, mags,
books etc, and of course free advice on growing good
quality veg. March 16th to 18th at Stoneleigh, see you
there. Please see advert elsewhere in this issue for full
details, and our competition for free tickets.
I trust you are all planning for the growing year ahead,
full of anticipation, ready to celebrate your successes,
and learn from your failures, but from me for now I hope
you all had a very pleasant Christmas and New Year.
David. Editor
Onions for overwintering were sown in September – Variety Toughball
From the allotment…
…to the Show plate or dinner plate
Brussels Sprouts, variety Brilliant F1
Celery, variety Morning Star F1
Parsnip, variety Pinnacle
Beetroot, variety Pablo F1
simplyvegetables 7
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Untitled-1 1
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DVD TITLE
MRF11 68x94 F12CNVS3 NVS Classified.indd 1
21/9/11 11:19:35
simplyvegetables
9 14:06
29/11/2011
From the Kitchen
By Mary Thomas and Linda Hargrave
Winter comforts
Mary Thomas
Oven-baked Squash.
Mary Thomas
1 squash or pumpkin of your choice
1 tbs. olive oil
2 cloves garlic
Sprig of Rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese to serve
Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds,
then cut into wedges.
Place on a baking tray and cook at 200°C/Gas 6
for about 45–55mins until soft and lightly browned.
Meanwhile rinse and pat dry the rosemary, remove
from stalk and chop. Peel and chop the garlic.
Heat the oil (not too high) and lightly fry the chopped
garlic and rosemary. Add some salt and pepper to
taste. Remove the pumpkin/squash from the oven,
put on warmed serving plates and drizzle the oil over
them. Grate some Parmesan over them and serve
with the Black and White cabbage.
Tenderstem Brokali
While on the subject of Brassicas, like many of you,
we liked the Tenderstem Brokali. We kept cutting and
eating for weeks on end. The very short cooking time
was an added bonus. I have no nutritional information,
but I’m quite confident that it should be very good. We
know that Broccoli is very nutritious and Kale as above
is also very beneficial, I have therefore every reason to
believe that that Brokali is also very nutritious.
Some picture in a magazine inspired me to try
something different with these stems and I tried the
following idea. (I don’t know what to call it!!)
Preheat oven to 200°C.
Trim the Brokali and rinse. Plunge into boiling lightly
salted water for two minutes only. Drain and refresh
in cold water. Drain well and pat dry with kitchen paper.
Roll out some puff pastry according to quantity
required (mine was about the size ofA4).Put on a
baking tray. Mark a slit border, not right through, all
round the pastry about 2cm. from the edge. Slice
some tomatoes and arrange over the middle, season
with a little salt and pepper and a scattering of basil.
Arrange the stems, head one way, tail the other,
every other all the way down the pastry. Tear up the
Mozzarella and scatter over the top. Brush the border
with egg & milk and bake for about 20minutes, until
the pastry edge is raised and nicely browned and the
liquid evaporated from around the tomatoes.
It made a lovely snack that had thumbs up from
Emlyn.
10 simplyvegetables
It’s that time of the year when we have
a bit of time for armchair gardening.
New seed catalogues will have now
been delivered and it is a good time to
plan ahead for the coming season. I
often have chats with members at our
shows and this year Richard Curtis
shared two of his favourite recipes,
using kale and squash.
Kale is a sturdy winter brassica with
a good earthy flavour. Their leaves
are frilly, a bit like savoy cabbage,
but have long narrow leaves growing
from the central stalk. It only needs
light steaming or boiling and it
remains a very dark green/purple
colour depending on the variety. It
is a very nutritious vegetable and
highly welcomed in the cold drab
winter months when other sources
of vitamins and minerals are in short
supply. We know that the deeper the
colour, the higher the antioxidants and
beta carotenes. It is also rich in foliate
and Vitamin C, richest vegetable
source of calcium as well as iron,
magnesium and potassium.
The cabbage recipe, from Richard,
can be made with any of the dark
varieties e.g. Cavolo Nero or Black
Tuscany. Marshalls and Medwyn’s
both have seeds.
Braised Black and White Cabbage
Mary Thomas
250g/8ozs dark kale
375g/12ozs white cabbage
1 large or two small cloves of garlic
300g/10ozs approx. smoked gammon steak
1fresh chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
3–4 peppercorns
3–5 cumin seeds
500ml/1pt water
Stuffed Pancakes
Linda Hargrave
4 Pancakes preferably made with buckwheat flour.
1 Onion finely chopped
4 cloves Garlic chopped
2 sticks celery chopped
8 medium mushrooms cut into quarters
8 Chard leaves and stalks chopped, or equivalent amount of
spinach,
½ pack of Boursin cheese.
1 cupful of puree from slow roasted tomatoes, if you don’t
have this any other well flavoured tomato sauce would do.
50 gms grated cheese.
Salt and pepper to taste
Fry onion slowly until turning brown.
Add garlic and celery to the pan fry for 2-3 minutes
Add mushrooms and fry for a further 2 minutes.
Add chard, fry until wilted.
Add Boursin cheese and seasoning stir until well combined.
Divide the mixture between the pancakes, fold the pancakes, and
tuck into a lasagne dish.
Pour the tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake in a moderate oven for 10 minutes until warmed through.
Serve with green vegetables.
Slow roasted tomatoes.
Cherry tomatoes roast whole, larger ones cut in half.
Put tomatoes on to a baking tray and sprinkle with a pinch of
brown sugar, a little salt and black pepper.
Drizzle over a small amount of oil.
Roast at 100°C for one and a half hours.
Puree in food processor and push through a sieve to remove
seeds.
Freezes well and can be used for pasta, pizza etc.
Spring Allium Collection
for just £17.90 inc P&P
(usually £33.60 inc P&P)
Rinse the kale and cabbage, cut out any thick woody stems and shred into narrow
strips. Cut the Gammon steak into short strips or small pieces. Put a glug of olive
oil in a heavy based pan, add the gammon and fry for a few minutes to soften but
not coloured, add the crushed garlic and cook a little bit longer taking care that the
garlic does not burn. Add the water and all the other ingredients to the pan, bring
to a simmer, cover and cook gently for about 15 minutes, then remove the lid and
continue cooking until cooked but not too soft and most of the liquid evaporated.
Tip: It also works quite well with a mixture of Savoy and white cabbage, but nothing
beats the contrast of textures and colours of the Kale and Cabbage. Any gammon
ham can be used, but the smoked flavour works well with the Kale.
To accompany this dish, Richard likes oven-baked squash (see left). He used
Buttercup squash and Ann finds that this is quite substantial, but if you find that you
need that little bit more, then a small baked potato or a chunk of bread would do.
Garlic - Solent Wight – 6 bulbs
A popular UK softneck variety giving a good
crop with large, plump tasty cloves. Can be
sown February-April. RHS Award of Garden
Merit winner.
Onion - Centurion - 400gms
Borscht
Linda Hargrave
1 onion, finely chopped
500 Gms beetroot peeled and
chopped
2 celery sticks chopped
1 small red pepper chopped
4 ozs mushrooms chopped
1 large cooking apple chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Few sprigs of thyme
2 bay leaves
Juice of 1 lime or ½ lemon
2.5 pints of vegetable stock.
Salt and black pepper
A little oil and butter for frying
Heat the oil and butter in a large pan on a low heat. Fry the onion
slowly until it turns light brown.
Add the celery and fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the cumin seeds stir and fry for another 2 minutes.
Add the remaining vegetables and apple, stir and cook gently with
the lid on for 5 minutes.
Add thyme, bay leaves, lemon juice and stock season to taste.
Simmer gently for 30 minutes until the beetroot is tender.
Strain the vegetables reserving the liquid. Remove the bay leaves.
Puree the vegetables in a liquidizer with enough of the stock to
make it run well.
Return to the pan, add the reserved stock and re-heat.
Serve garnished with a swirl of soured cream.
Large onion that crops heavily. An impressive,
large, hybrid variety producing a heavy early
maturing crop, so valuable in our indifferent
British summers. Uniformly globe-shaped bulbs
with even skin colour - excellent for eating or the
show bench. RHS award of Garden Merit winner.
Shallot - Yellow Moon - 800gms
An attractive and tasty, round, yellow shallot,
with excellent skin quality and a low sensitivity
to bolting, enabling early planting. Produces a
good crop of healthy shallots.
Delivery - January/February/March 2012.
Telephone 0844 701 7625 quoting DA112
or contact www.dobies.co.uk/DA112
Alternatively write to
Dobies (DA112), Long Road Paignton TQ4 7SX
www.dobies.co.uk
simplyvegetables 11
editor’s postbag
The NVS Members Website
– Good, Bad or Indifferent?
As a regular user of the Members’ Section of
the website, and recognising the benefits it can
bring, I thought I would put pen to paper –
makes a change (or a challenge!) to write about
other things rather than growing vegetables for
show – and give you my view.
The Members’ Section currently gives you
access to 3 sections – Welcome, Help and
Announcements, Growing, and Showing. It also
gives members access to send Private Messages to each other and
also has an Album section that allows photographs to be placed into
it. So all in all a very powerful tool to allow members to provide advice
to each other on all aspects of growing, place details of meetings
and talks for members benefit, etc etc. – oh and one other subject
– perhaps the most controversial – actually communicate with each
other re ordinary every day matters, including some that can be
construed as “banter”. Accessing the members’ only section is easy
and pain free – just use the user name and password that you will find
in Simply Veg and that will take you into the section. After that you
can create your own login details that lets you create a user name
and some details on your profile (the profile can be as little or as much
as you want). What this does is allow your user name to be displayed
when you are on the site. Once you have done all this you are up and
running – allowing you to post messages.
As with any forum on the internet there are various views held by
people as to their suitability and whether they bring any benefits.
Think of how you communicate within the Society if you don’t use
the Internet. What do you do?? Well you might speak to each other
on the phone, you might attend a DA or Committee meeting and
speak face to face, and you probably go to a show and meet fellow
exhibitors. What do you talk about? I can guarantee that you will
not always be straight-faced and straight-laced. You will talk about
vegetables, the weather, the family, and probably engage in a bit
of leg pulling and banter. Well in this technological age what the
members do on the website is exactly what I have described above.
Yes maybe sometimes the “trivia” overtakes the vegetable stuff, but
it soon gets back to vegetables! All that happens on the website with
the postings members put on is exactly what you are doing face to
face – communicating with each other!!
Like any website forum a lot of people might be put off participating
by seeing a group of members who seem to be
regularly posting topics and replies (as someone
said to me “hogging it”). Well again this is no
different to DA, Committee, or indeed NEC
meetings. All these meetings have the people
who are more vocal than the rest, the ones who
contribute a little less but when they do it makes
sound sense, and the remainder – those who are
happy to sit back, say nothing, and watch what
is going on – so the forum is in effect a mirror
reflection. As an example there are currently
some 226 registered users, of which some 60
members have made posts of double figures or
more – on the converse there are some 110 members who registered
and have made no posts (some 55 of those are before May 2009
when the forum really took off). So all in all a fair representation of
what happens in communication outwith the Internet.
Part of the Society constitution is “To advance the culture, study
and improvement of vegetables”. Well in my opinion the members’
section certainly meets that objective. Advice is readily given on all
aspects of vegetable growing, but is I accept, more predominant
towards exhibition. So what’s the benefit to an exhibitor? Well think
back to when you started growing to exhibit. If it was anything like my
experience you had limited access to advice, plants, seed etc unless
you had some mentors around you. It could also be quite daunting
asking the top growers for advice and help (though totally unfounded I
subsequently found). The member’s site has provided a large number
of people with an information bank that you will struggle to find
anyplace else within the society (and potentially any place else). There
are quite a few members who have won at National and Branch
Championship level who are only too willing to impart any advice
that is required on the site, and indeed have been given advice back
that has been beneficial to them!! One thing that always amazes me
is the speed that most of the queries etc are answered – in fact one
member posted a question seeking advice and had the answers he
was looking for in 30 seconds. Apart from the advice given (that has
resulted in a number of users winning at shows due to that advice)
my own very strong view is that the website has the power and ability
to bring members together, and to create camaraderie and friendship
that would never have been possible without it. A prime example
is the recent Scottish Branch seminar where there were some 20
regular website members who attended from all parts of Britain, with
a lot meeting for the first time. Seeing them all talking together, and
being introduced to various other members of the
Scottish Branch just reinforced to me that this is
what our Society is all about.
So it’s all rosy on the forum and it’s a place
where Nirvana seems to be breaking out! Well
not quite – yes there are disagreements at times,
yes there will always be people who are afraid
of the technology and don’t think it`s the way
to go, yes there are people who think that the
website is a dangerous place, particularly for the
NEC because members dare to criticise, and
yes people think that it is an unregulated free
for all because the members don’t just stick to
vegetables and discuss nothing else. Maybe some of these issues are
perception in my view but they are not insurmountable if they do exist,
however the website overall brings tremendous benefits to those that
choose to use it – after all it’s not mandatory to use it!!
As a long standing member of the Society, and having watched it
struggle at times with providing exactly what the members want,my
own view is that the members only section is one of the biggest
steps forward by the society (together with Simply Veg) that has
happened in recent years. I can fully appreciate all the views that
people hold, whether for or against the members section, however it
has to be said that in the last 5–10 years or so the use of technology
to communicate with each other has just gone ballistic. Twitter,
Facebook, Internet Forums – the list could go on but the one
escapable fact is that a large number of members use technology to
communicate in their everyday lives, and more importantly the current
generation that we have to try and bring into our Society to keep it
viable are almost totally technology dependent – so it’s not going to
go away.
So in summary the members’ section is a great source of advice,
help and friendship. It is only another method of communication
within the Society, including the positive and negative views that
members proffer (which we at Committee and NEC level should
recognise for such and take into consideration – but not beat
ourselves up about because it is on a website). So for those of you
who have registered and not posted anything, and for any member
considering using the site – the advice and friendship is there – give it
a go – it’s not difficult, it’s not daunting and it’s well worthwhile.
Ian Stocks, Scottish Branch.
Is the NVS a show society?
Well a lot of members apparently think so,
(Paul French editor’s postbag 2011 autumn
edition). It is a perennial question that has
been asked by so many new members to the
society over the years. With the recent surge
in allotment gardening many gardening
societies have record numbers of members.
The NVS has probably missed a golden
opportunity to attract, and keep, new
members some who would have progressed into the world of
The Vegetable and Fruit Company
12 simplyvegetables
showing. There is room in the NVS journal to cater for the
ordinary kitchen gardener that would like a bit of guidance. I
wrote basic gardening articles for the NVS Journal for a number
of years that did help to redress the balance. These were very
well received so I have started submitting articles for inclusion
again if the editor thinks they are suitable.
Rob Foster FNVS
re.foster@btinternet.com
www.thelazygardener.org
Membership No. 126
NVS PRIZE SPONSORS 2011
simplyvegetables 13
News from Preston
THE NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIETY
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM
Mark Hall FNVS – National Assistant Secretary
Mr, Mrs Ms, Miss ..............................................................................................(name)
Barry Newman our new National Chairman
opened the meeting on the 15th October 2011 at
the Ashwood Hotel Preston, and welcomed the
members present. He said it is an honour to be
sitting here leading our Society. Barry reflected
on the work that his predecessor Medwyn had
done over his twelve years in office. Barry felt that
Medwyn had left the Society in a healthy state which
he hoped to build on. In recent years there has been
a great upsurge in the growing of vegetables and we
need to capitalize on this to build the NVS further.
David Thornton our National Secretary has been
part of the team building some strong business links
with Marshalls Seeds and was able to confirm that in
the vegetable section of their seed catalogue due to
go out in January 2012, there would be a section on
Exhibition Varieties as endorsed by the NVS. 400,000
copies are to be sent out. It is hoped that this will
increase the profile of the Society.
Marshalls were the main sponsors for the 2011
championships in Wales; they have already agreed
to sponsor the 2012 championships at Malvern.
Our relationship with
Marshalls is good.
John Harrison
tabled his 5 page Web
manager’s report prior
to the meeting. Due
to a potential conflict
of interest, John has
agreed to stand down
as a trustee and NEC
member, but will
continue to run the NVS
web site and report to
the NEC.
Denis Barry our
National Treasurer, had circulated figures relating
to the National Executive committee prior to the
meeting. Members of the NEC accepted the figures
for the NEC accounts, but noted that there was no
access to the full accounts of each Branch on an
annual basis, members of the NEC requested that as
Trustees for the Society they should have updates on
Branch accounts, Denis Barry agreed to look into a
way forward for presenting financial figures from the
Branches to all Trustees.
Grant Cathro had circulated a Membership report
prior to the meeting.
He emphasised the need for Branches to pass
newly signed up members onto himself or Neil Hope
as soon as possible for a speedy return, comments
were made on the amount of members that are being
signed up from the website.
Following on from the July meeting David Thornton
was asked to find out what areas Claire Hart could
help the NVS and what the cost is likely to be. David
Thornton read out a reply letter from Claire Hart, listing
nine points and the various ways in which the Society
could improve its public relations and marketing, along
with some proposed timings and costings. Members
of the NEC discussed this matter raising many points
“ Marshalls were the main sponsors
for the 2011 championships in
Wales; they have already agreed to
sponsor the 2012 championships
at Malvern. Our relationship
with Marshalls is good.”
14 simplyvegetables
of interest, from the type of modern technology we
could be using to promote the Society further, to
work that we had done in the past, it became clear
that we need new blood within the NEC to steer the
Society on. It was resolved that we use some of the
suggestions on Claire Hart’s list which could raise the
profile of the Society and increase membership, it was
agreed that the Branches would help the NEC with
the cost of offering Claire a contract that would have a
fixed cost. This would start in the spring 2012.
Barry Newman talked about the constitution review
and gave some background history to the matter. It
seems that the Society’s constitution and its rules
are mixed together within the present governance
document; The NEC would like to separate
the Constitution from the Rules, and put a new
constitution forward for approval at next year’s AGM
in Malvern, having sought the Charities commission
approval first. To achieve this Barry Newman will gather
information from members of the Strategy Group,
with a view to circulating a paper which highlights the
changes required to our rules and regulations prior to
the January NEC meeting; this would then become a
single item on the agenda for January.
Mary Thomas gave a report on the National
championships at Llangollen, from a financial point of
view the Welsh Branch hopes to break even thanks to
our main sponsor Marshalls
It was a fantastic show, set in an excellent venue,
but it was disappointing from the point of view of the
numbers of general public attending. The NEC noted
the hard work that was done by the Welsh Branch
and asked that thanks be passed onto members of
the Welsh Branch that made the 2011 championships
possible.
John Branham gave details of the planning for the
2012 championships which will be held on 29th & 30th
September 2012 at the Malvern Show ground, he
recommended that anyone seeking accommodation at
Malvern should book early.
A Space of 6'x4' for each of the five inter – branch
displays has been allowed. This will follow the same
lines as Dundee where Branches will be able to make
up a display from vegetables and herbs of their choice,
A letter from a member in Scotland has been
received by our secretary David Thornton; it requests
that the numbers of vegetables that make up
classes in the National championships be reduced.
The chairman asked the views of all NEC members
present. There was a difference of opinion with some
members agreeing that numbers should be reduced
and others stating that the numbers should be
greater than Branch shows, because it is the National
championships After much debate a vote was taken
and numbers will remain as they are.
The committee did agree on introducing a new
class for a vegetable of fifteen points or less, this was
to be chosen by the hosting branch each year, the
idea is to encourage new up and coming growers to
exhibit at the National championships, the class for this
coming year at Malvern is three table Marrows.
N
GIFT AID DECLARATION
Address ......................................................................................................................
Name of Charity:
...................................................................................................................................
THE NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIETY
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1088979
....................................................................................Postcode................................
Details of donor:
Telephone:.....................................email:....................................................................
Please accept my application for membership of the National Vegetable Society for
Surname: ................................................................
Address: .................................................................
................................................................................
the period ending 31st December 2012…………….. .
................................................................................
I enclose a cheque/postal order/standing order for £ ……………..
Payable to The National Vegetable Society
Branches: Scotland/ Northern/Welsh please complete and return to:
Mr J Grant Cathro FNVS, Bracklinn, 14 Dronley Road, Birkhill, Dundee, DD2 5QD
Tel: 01382 580394 Email: jgrant.cathro@sky.com
Branches: Midlands & Southern please complete and return to:
Mr Neil Hope FNVS, 82 Hare Hill, Addlestone, Surrey. KT15 1DN
Tel: 01932 844183 Email: neil_hope@hotmail.com
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Juniors (up to 16yrs).....£5.00
Individuals ..................£17.00
Couples .....................£19.00
Title: ………. Forename(s):…………………………..
Affiliated Society...........................................£19.00
Educational establishments..........................£15.00
Society Medal & Card ....................................£7.60
Payment can be made via the NVS website www.nvsuk.org.uk under the “join
the NVS” section, where there is a renewal form for existing members as well.
Postcode:................................................................
Telephone:...............................................................
Email: ......................................................................
I want the charity to treat (delete as appropriate)
• my annual subscription
• the enclosed donation of £ ………………
• all donations I have made since 22nd
October 2001, and all donations I make from
the date of this declaration until I notify you
otherwise.
as Gift Aid donations.
Signed: ...................................................................
Date: …………………………………………………
Diary dates for 2012.
14th – 15th February
RHS London Plant and Design ShowContact
0845 612 1253
RHS London Orchid and Botanical Art Show.
16th – 17th March
16th – 18th March The Edible Garden Show, Stoneleigh, Warwicks
Contact 0844 338 8001
RHS Great London Plant Fair.
10th – 11th April
RHS Show Cardiff
20th – 22nd April
th
th
Harrogate Spring Flower Show
26 – 29 April
Contact 01423 546158
Malvern Spring Gardening Show
10th – 13th May
Contact 01684 584 924
RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
22nd – 26th May
Gardening Scotland, Ingliston
1st – 3rd June
13th – 17th June
BBC Gardeners World Live
Contact 0844 338 0338
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
3rd – 8th July
The Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate
10th – 12th July
Contact 01423 541000
Lakeland Rose Show
14th – 15th July
Contact 01524 720706
RHS Tatton Park Flower Show
18th – 22nd – July
Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells
23rd – 26th July
NVS Southern Branch Championships
24th – 26th July
As part of New Forest Show, Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Contact Chris Neel 01425 629694
Bakewell Show, Derbyshire
1st – 2nd August
Contact Mrs L Baines 01629 812736
Ayr Flower Show
3rd – 5th August
3rd – 5th – August
10th – 11th August
RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show
Shrewsbury Flower Show.
Contact 01743 234050
Includes NVS Midland Branch Championships
Contact Mrs Pat Brown 01782 566395
Southport Flower Show
16th – 19th August
Contact 0844 847 1555
NVS Scottish Branch Championships
26th August
Contact Grant Cathro 01382 580394
Dundee Show.
31st Aug – 2nd September
NVS Welsh Branch Championships
1st – 2nd September
Contact Mary Thomas
Bryngarw Country Park 01691 780420
RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show.
6th – 9th September
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
14th – 16th September
Contact 01423 546158
Includes NVS Northern Branch Championships
Contact John Croot 01773 834213
Malvern Autumn Show
29th – 30th September
Includes NVS National Championships
Contact Mrs Pat Brown 01782 566395.
RHS London Autumn Fruit and Veg.
9th – 10th October
Harvest Show.
Scottish Branch Seminar, Penicuik
17th November
Contact Jim Williams 01875 320644
For further information on all RHS events/shows,
tel 0844 338 7526, or go online at www.rhs.org.uk/shows
The above details are believed to be correct at the time of going to
press, but the NVS accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions,
and visitors are advised to contact the organisers before travelling.
simplyvegetables 15
Welcome to my World
of Trace Elements –
4th and final part
By W John Davies, Welsh Branch
Writing this article on the 8th November, I must say
our autumn has been much warmer than usual. My
Cos lettuce is still growing. The lawn needs cutting
again although last night we had our first slight frost.
Mid-august we Westwalians enjoyed the N.V.S
welsh championships show held at Pembroke.
The standards were
high throughout.
Congratulations to our
local competitors, Mal
Jones, Ron Mcfarlane and
Arwyn Edwards for doing
exceptionally well.
I was extremely pleased
to be told by a group of
visitors that Mr Malcom
Evans F.N.V.S had spent
up to an hour explaining
the ins and outs of various
exhibits. This friendly and helpful approach did a
power of good to the N.V.S. They were so impressed
and thankful.
This is now the 4th article to be written on the
benefits of adequate trace elements in our garden
soils. I will now merely touch on the last 4 main ones.
grow older.
Manganese
Availability of this is also affected by high PH in our soil.
Especially where organic matter is very high. Onions,
apples, peas and French beans are mostly affected.
If these are deficient, the
leaves will be yellow, with the
veins remaining green. Then
brown spots will appear,
before eventual withering
away. This indicates it is
essential to the process of
photosynthesis in plants.
That is the formation of green
pigment into leaves.
“ If these are deficient, the leaves
will be yellow, with the veins
remaining green. Then brown
spots will appear, before eventual
withering away.”
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is essential for many plant functions such
as converting Nitrogen to Amino-Acids. This reduces
the nitrates in the plants/veg we eat. It is an important
element for the Brassica family, lettuce, peas,
tomatoes and beans.
Indications of deficiency are yellowing of leaf
margins and poor setting of fruit. This is due to weak
pollen. Shortage can also cause whiptail of leaves and
distortion of cauliflower heads. Shortage is induced
below 6.0 ph.
Selenium
This is the most important trace element of all and
deficiency is prevalent in most soils, especially if heavily
fertilized. A shortage of Selenium affects our thyroid
systems.
It is essential as it interacts with copper and cobalt.
It also plays an important role in the reproduction of all
mammals. Supplimations in our diet keeps our joints
supple and helps with greatly with our eyesight, as we
Iron
Iron is essential for chlorophyll
formation. Not being very mobile in plants, the leaves
will become yellow usually from the ground level
upwards. But in stronger plants, it can happen from
the top down.
In severe cases the yellowing can turn even to
white. Soils are usually well supplied with Iron but lime
can affect its availability to the plants. A dressing of
Ammonium Nitrogen will help to release it. Clearly the
biggest culprit is too much Lime.
We use Lime without realizing it. Artificial fertilizers
used today are 75% cheap limestone, used as fillers
to bulk it up, thus making it easier for us to spread.
This is also the main cause of flash floods, which are
becoming more prevalent because this soapy Lime
clogs up the topsoil. Therefore it cannot soak up the
rainwater, as it should.
I would be pleased to answer any questions in
regards to what I’ve written in these four articles.
The cost of rectifying these deficiencies should only
be a few pence per square yard. Availability of trace
elements can be rather difficult but I will assist and
supply you with whatever you need.
Properly treated ground will amaze you even in the
first season.
Contact me if necessary on 01994 240059 –
evenings preferably.
W John Davies
savings, benefits and discounts
from your favourite horticultural retailers
t:01604 495495 e:feedback@grow2eat.com www.grow2eat.com
1
16g2e.indd
simplyvegetables
The NSALG’s origins date from 1901 as a members co-operative; we are the recognised national
representative of the allotment movement and have over 122,000 members in the UK. The
Society employs an ‘in house’ Legal Advisor and retains one of the top 1000 law firms in the country
to provide us with the most effective legal advice; we also have many years experience ourselves of
allotment issues. The Society is owned, managed and funded by it’s members to PROTECT,
PROMOTE & PRESERVE allotments for future generations to enjoy.
Visit our website: www.nsalg.org.uk for lots more information
Quarterly magazine
Allotment and Leisure Gardener magazine is a quarterly, members
only publication packed with allotment news from around the UK;
member’s letters and a wide variety of topical articles. We welcome
reader’s articles and letters for publication
Published end of January, April, July and October
Insurance
Specific allotment insurance cover is available through our brokers, Bluefin Group Ltd, to
affiliated members under the Society's Insurance Scheme, with Hiscox Insurance. Contact Bluefin on
01604 258915 or e-mail allotments@bluefingroup.co.uk. Specialist insurance includes cover for:
building and contents; plotholders sheds and greenhouses, public and products liability insurance
Seed scheme from
£5 off your first order
Quality vegetable seeds and fruit plants between a third and a half of high street prices
Further discounts of up to 22.5% for association buyers
Wide range of choice of over 500 flowers and collections—traditional favourites as well as
modern F1 varieties
Annual Membership Fees (per annum)
Individual membership@£20. Life membership@£300. Society membership@£2 per member (minimum
payment £20) Local authority@£55+VAT , Schools @ £10. If you would like an application form sent to
you, please complete the slip below:
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Please send this slip back to Head Office: O’Dell House, Hunters Road, Corby,
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Or visit our website and download details - www.nsalg.org.uk
22/9/11 11:00:32
simplyvegetables 17
IVE OFFERN! VSTEGS
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The Edible Garden Show
2012 – a must-see show!
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18 simplyvegetables
*No limit to tickets bought per person through this offer. Adult ticket price using offer £10.80 Offer runs from January 1st to February 29th 2012
It’s the show that has taken the gardening world by
storm! The Edible Garden Show is the only national
event dedicated exclusively to ‘Grow Your Own’ and
home produce.
Uniquely bringing together key experts and innovative
exhibitors from the worlds of gardening, home produce
and food, The Edible Garden Show is a one-stop shop
for those wanting a slice of the ‘Good Life’.
The 2011 launch event was an astounding success
and The Edible Garden Show is back again at
Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from March 16–March
18, 2012 and promises to be bigger and even better.
If you are not lucky enough to win our free tickets
competition, don’t worry! National Vegetable Society
members can buy specially discounted tickets to the
show giving you 10 per cent off the advanced adult
ticket price. It means you can attend the show for just
£10.80 and there is no limit per person. However,
tickets must be booked by February 29, 2012, quoting
the code NVSTEGS.
You can book online at www.theediblegardenshow.
co.uk or on the telephone ticket hotline 0844 338
8001. But don’t forget to give your special code!
The 2011 show – officially opened by Minister of
State for Agriculture and Food, Jim Paice MP, and
TV gardening expert
Diarmuid Gavin –
attracted gardening
and food lovers in their
thousands.
Diarmuid Gavin
described the inaugural
event as “fabulous” and
added: “The show was
thronged with visitors
and it was brilliant
browsing around the
stands at everything
the budding fruit and
vegetable gardener
could possibly require.
The Edible Garden Show
is a brilliant concept. It’s
a fantastic new addition
to the gardening world.
At last we have a show
totally dedicated to grow
your own. The crowds
were just incredible and
I think this show has a
great future.”
Now organisers are building on that success to
ensure the 2012 event will be packed with even more
exhibitors, more exciting features and crammed with
innovative ideas and fantastic products to get the very
best out of your garden.
BBC TV’s award-winning presenter James Wong
is on a mission to tempt gardeners into becoming
more adventurous by growing ‘exotic edibles’. The
renowned gardener and botanist, who will be giving
daily talks says grow-your-own doesn’t have to be all
about cabbages and cauliflowers.
Broadcaster and writer
Pippa Greenwood, celebrity
chef Rachel Green and The
Edible Garden Show’s own
‘Grow Your Own’ guru will all
be on hand to give invaluable
tips and advice.
If you are not lucky
enough to win our free
tickets Competition on
Page 39, don’t worry!
National Vegetable
Society members can
buy specially discounted
tickets to the show giving
you 10 per cent off the
advanced adult ticket
price. It means you can
attend the show for just
£10.80 and there is no
limit per person. Howeve
r,
tickets must be booked by
February 29, 2012, quoting
the code NVSTEGS
simplyvegetables 19
Protect
Finally, problems with cracking carrots. A member
had grown some superb short carrots, variety, sweet
candle.
In a raised bed filled with washed river sand, and
bore holes of compost. Looked to be growing well
during the summer, regular watering, no disease or
pest problems. When lifting the carrots for a show, after
a couple of minutes he could hear a cracking noise,
and a couple of carrots, (had to be the best two didn’t
it), split almost from top to bottom. What caused it.
Guy Barter, Chief Horticultural Officer at RHS
Wisley suggests:
The cracking looks like that associated with apple
scab disease, a fungal disease that afflicts foliage and
fruits. The russeting is less clear cut, but the usual
cause that we encounter is apple capsid. In both
cases comprehensive control information is published
on the RHS website.
Suggested Answer
Most cracks in carrots are usually caused by irregular
watering, i.e. the compost/soil is allowed to become dry,
followed by a good soaking by rain or the watering can.
This causes the cells to take up more water than they
can absorb, causing the cells to burst, and the carrot
to split open. If not too bad the split can heal, the carrot
continues to grow, and matures as an edible but not
showable carrot. However in this case, it is the pulling of
the carrot from the bed, which were perfect when pulled,
which releases the external pressure on the carrot, and
with no soil/compost to contain it literally bursts open.
Still edible if eaten straight away, will not usually store, as
bacteria enter the split and can cause the carrot to rot.
with our wide range of top quality garden netting & Hoops
Cucumber
A member who wishes to remain anonymous, (not
surprised looking at the pic of your cucs ***y) has sent
me a couple of photos of a sorry looking cucumber
plant. The leaves are mottled, veined, and look to have
been attacked by something, could be red spider mite.
Guy Suggests:
The leaf damage is certainly highly consistent with red
spider mite, but I would have expected the mites to be
all too visible beneath the leaves, not to mention their
webbing. We noticed an upsurge of similar damage
in summer 2011 and this corresponded closely to
a period when nights were on the cold side but the
days warm and sunny. This suggested to us that the
plants resented the alternation of heat and cold and
that investment in a min-max thermometer would
be wise so that the ventilation and heating could be
manipulated to avoid this fluctuation. There seems to
be no spotting of the leaves that would indicate fungal
disease of the foliage.
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This heavy duty soft netting will
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Designed by Gardening Naturally to
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Suitable for most crop covers. Reuse
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Available in
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Create your own garden tunnels with
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When erected at 1.2m wide they will
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Come complete with anchors for extra
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This is a lovely quality, double stitch
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Extremely versatile and can be laid
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Cracking carrots
This time its my own problem! On one or two apples,
variety not known, there are cracks appearing on one
side of the apple and on the reverse side of the same
apple “knobbly lumps” are the best I can describe
them, Most of the flesh is Ok to use, but guess they
would not store well. Fortunately, it’s only on one or
two, and the tree is carrying a tremendous crop.
us
your Crops
Readers’ Advice
Problem with cooking apples.
pl
Order online at
Please contact us for school & allotment
simplyvegetables 21
society discounts
Confessions of a
stingy gardener
John Murrell, Southern Branch.
I am one of the 1940s generation and am careful
with money; we had rather little in those times. So,
although I am very friendly with the managers of my
local Garden Centre, I am not a very good customer.
I am not seen at weekends wheeling out an instant
garden. But I am generous to members of my local
horticultural society and other good causes in the
village for which I am frequently asked to provide
plants for local plant sales, and this has the potential
of being an expensive activity.
So what is the evidence for my stingyness? Most
importantly it is the practice of knocking something up
myself, rather than buying it off the shelf. For example,
there are clearly many people buying an expensive
ready-made raised bed for vegetables, rather than
finding a few lengths of treated 6x1 timber (old units),
and putting this together with the miscellaneous
nails and screws that are found in most tool boxes.
Likewise, those plastic cloches which are expensive
and last only a few seasons; I find the embedded wire
supports soon break away. Your local DIY or Garden
Centre will have rolls of clear and bubble plastic about
5ft wide which can easily be spread over bent wire
supports and held down by old bricks or lengths of
timber.
Glass cloches are very valuable for early season
protection and I have used several types of cloche clip
over the years. My first purchases, forty years ago,
are still going strong. They are made of aluminium
(and marked, ‘patent applied for’), and they have
proved much better than later purchases made of
rubber or green plastic (sadly only the latter seem to
be commonly available now). What about my cold
frames? Like most people I have had replacement
windows over the years and the old windows had
plenty of useful life in them for that purpose. Amusingly
some of the structures of these frames are based on
discarded edges to graves from the local church; they
were keen to get rid of them to facilitate mowing.
Of course all this DIY takes time and perhaps the
result is less elegant than the ‘proper’ article. As my
wife says “why did you not invest in a decent fruit
DIY plant protection covers
22 simplyvegetables
Home made fruit cages
cage forty years ago rather than assemble that home
made effort every year in May (removed in August) to
keep the blackbirds and squirrels off your raspberries
and strawberries”. My response is that our local
squirrels could get into most fruit cages, but (with
improvements every year) not into mine.
Some things have to be bought, and one of my
luxuries is to spend more than £50 a year on seeds,
(using my local horticultural society to get a good
discount). Nearly all seeds are viable for more than the
year in which they are sold, and some, like tomatoes
and brassicas (which if F1 are quite expensive), seem
to go on for ever if you are careful to keep the packet
dry after first use. The only seeds I regularly use that
would fail after one year are parsnips, and there are a
few others that do not last too long. Of course, if you
use old seed you will get a few failures, so I do have to
buy new and sow again occasionally.
I am sometimes tempted by starter flower plants
that appear in early Spring in my local Garden Centre,
and if you only need a few plants they are a good
alternative to sowing seeds. I get these early, pot
them on, and usually take a few cuttings to increase
their number. I have not yet done the same for
vegetables, but if you forget to sow your leeks or
brussels in March, they are probably a good option. I
am an insatiable cutting taker, particularly in Spring of
chrysanthemums and dahlias, and in autumn to overwinter pelargoniums and fuchsias, and the excess
provides my main donations to plant sales.
You should never need to buy pots. This year I
became very short of small (first potting) pots but after
explaining my need at the local garden club meeting I
was overwhelmed with offers from people who were
delighted to clear out their sheds. I also find yoghurt
pots very useful for large seeds that I want to sow
individually, such as the marrow family. However, I do
buy a few plastic modules as they rarely last more than
a few uses, and they are such a space saver in the
greenhouse for early seedlings.
It is very easy to spend a lot of money on compost.
I have to buy a few bags because my home grown
effort has too many weed seeds to make it useful
Home made strawberry raised beds
for most first sowings. I also need to lighten my own
compost with peat (this now requires a special order
at my Garden centre), perlite, and grit, and I use this
for later pottings, particularly a very large amount for
the last potting of fuschias and late chrysanthemums.
But I also recycle old compost as long as it looks
useful. Last years chrysanthemum compost with a little
added John Innes base is used for the next year’s early
potatoes and carrots in pots. All compost eventually
ends up on the garden but it may have been used
several times before that.
Fertility in the garden is provided by a regular load
of cow manure from a nearby farm (one of the many
advantages of country life), and a large packet of
Growmore. I am sometimes tempted by a packet of
soluble fertiliser, but being deliquescent, if you only
use a little at a time, by the end of the packet you are
usually left with a soggy mess; this I find annoying.
I admit to the occasional purchase of a small spray
can of made up pesticide, which is so convenient
for giving a short spurt when you first notice some
Home made cold frames
aphids on a plant in the greenhouse, but I know that
this is much more expensive than buying a bottle of
pesticide or fungicide, and making up the solution for
a large sprayer. I am not a green gardener (that must
be obvious by now), but I use these chemicals very
sparingly, and only fungicides are used for prophylactic
protection (particularly on outdoor tomatoes).
Living in a very rural environment I have only a few
yards to go to cut a few bean poles or pea sticks.
Although I planted a fairly vigorous bamboo a few
years ago to provide supports for my sweet peas, it
can’t quite meet my needs so I usually have to buy a
few of these each year. However, when an 8ft sweet
pea support loses its bottom, it will find use as a 6ft
chrysanthemum or dahlia support; and after continued
use it may end up as a helpful three footer.
So, even for a stingy person gardening can be an
expensive hobby. But we are largely self sufficient in
vegetables and fruit, and that more than compensates.
John Murrell, Southern Branch
Win 2 bags of
Groworganic fertiliser
(15 pairs to give away)
Life began for Groworganic in 1974. Situated in the
heart of Somerset, not far from Glastonbury Tor, our
factory now produces 25 tons of composted, heattreated, concentrated natural fertiliser every day.
The composting technique is to mountain the
compost in a covered 1000 ton area and with regular
turning, extract the ammonia. The composting of the
deep poultry litter / wood shavings lasts for six weeks
with regular wet back treatment to prevent the material
from drying out.
The next process is to mill the product before the
oven heating. Finally the now composted product
enters the oven and is heat treated at over 200°C. The
product is now clean and stable and ready for bagging
as all composting is now complete.
Groworganic is a friable, fibrous and concentrated
natural fertiliser resembling a product that looks like a
coarse tea. This natural fertiliser is currently used by
over 500 UK allotment and garden societies and is
also shipped as far afield as the Orkneys Horticultural
Society, The Port Stanley Garden Club in the Falklands
and has even been used for vegetable and fruit
growing in the Middle East!
To enter this competition simply answer the
following question:
Q: Name the most southern
based garden club that
Groworganic is supplied to?
Send your answer along with your name, address
and contact number to:
Groworganic Competition – NVS.1.12,
Crest Publications Ltd, 20 Moulton Park Office
Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP or
email: daniella@crestpublications.com (subject line
Groworganic Competition – NVS.1.12).
Closing date: 15.2.12
Competition T&C apply
simplyvegetables 23
Jersey to
enter Chelsea
next year
Collette Bisson,
Jersey evening Post.
Encouraged by success at Chelsea Flower Show in
2009, gaining a gold medal at the first time attempt,
Jersey will be making a return visit to the show next
year showcasing the Island’s high quality produce.
This will be under the banner of the Jersey Farmers’
Union, which has been a member of the NVS for
several years and will be with the support of the States
of Jersey which will be providing sponsorship.
The display will feature the pick of vegetables
grown by leading commercial growers and amateur
gardeners with one of the main features of the
proposed design being geometric windows highlighted
with peppers in a variety of colours.
Jersey team co-ordinator, Graeme Le Marquand
explained that seeds were being
sourced from leading growers of
exhibition produce. These include NVS
member, Medwyn Williams, whom Mr
Le Marquand described as the team’s
guru on all vegetable matters and an
invaluable source of advice on Chelsea,
having won many gold medals for his
displays there in the past.
Medwyn’s contribution includes
Kelsae onion seed and leek pips
which arrived safely in the Island this month. These
are the new Pendle improved variety bred by David
Metcalf, named after the Pendle hills where David lives.
Another NVS member and leading exhibitor, Charlie
Maisey from Wales, is supplying Stenner runner bean
seed.
Commercial growers who have pledged support
include Paul Blake and David Blake who run separate
glasshouse holdings on the Island. Both have the
benefit of hi-tech computer controlled environments
and use environmentally friendly methods of pest
“ The display will feature the
pick of vegetables grown by
leading commercial growers
and amateur gardeners”
David Blake’s varieties of sweet and chilli peppers, Bird’s Eye, Scotch Bonnet and Basque chillies
Aubergine variety Taurus at Paul Blake’s horticultural unit
San Manzo a new small plum variety
David Blake’s tomato variety Romano, large plum
Sweet peppers
control as well as bees for pollination.
Paul Blake, based at la Chasse Vineries, Maufant, will
be producing peppers in a range of colours for the Jersey
team. Although some will be from his normal cropping
of green, orange, yellow and red, he will also be growing
two extra colours – ivory and lilac, just for the show.
He will also be able to supply aubergines, chilli
peppers and tomatoes which include beef steak, vine,
plum, baby plum and cherry. Supplying the Island’s
Waitrose and Sandpiper stores, he has over one and a
half acres of peppers and aubergines under glass, two
and a half acres with tomatoes and three quarters of
an acre with cucumbers.
David Blake, whose nursery is at Sion, St John,
supplies produce to the Channel Islands Co-operative
outlets. Crops include sweet and chilli peppers
including Bird’s Eye, Scotch Bonnets and Basque
varieties. There are also many varieties of tomato
including new variety San Manzo.
The Island’s prison has also come on board offering
the use of its heated greenhouse facilities for raising
and growing on seedlings. This will be an essential
requirement to ensure vegetables reach maturity within
the time frame for Chelsea. Inmates will also be helping
with care of plants.
Plants raised will also include much of the parsley
needed for Chelsea – an important component for
filling in displays and Jersey tall jack cabbages, which
Mr Le Marquand explained will reflect an aspect of
Jersey’s culture.
The prison, based in the west of the island, has
an impressive horticultural unit headed by vocational
training co-ordinator, Steve de Carteret.
As far as produce is concerned, it’s the largest noncommercial holding of tunnels and glasshouses on the
Island, providing inmates with a useful activity as well as
an opportunity to learn new skills and gain qualifications
which they can use after release.
The Vegetable and Fruit Company
Jersey Farmers’ Union’s first stand at Chelsea in 2009
24 simplyvegetables
Outdoor lettuce
The wide range of vegetables and fruit grown is all
consumed by inmates and yields everything needed
for the kitchens. ‘You couldn’t get a fresher diet,’ said
Mr de Carteret. ‘We pick in the morning and it’s on the
table at lunchtime.’
Excess produce, such as tomatoes, is made into
sauces or put into the deep freeze for use in the
winter.’
Everything is raised from seed assisted by use of a
temperature controlled germination box. Cultivation
is achieved without use of any sprays with this year’s
cropping including everything from chillies, cucumbers,
salads, beans, radishes and onions to tomatoes using
marigolds as companion plants. Pak choi has also been
in demand as stir fries are a popular dish on the menu.
Although not all inmates are eligible to take part in
gardening activities, around 25 are currently involved,
although not all at the same time. ‘We have a very
good bunch at the moment,’ said Mr de Carteret.
‘They are very hard working and very enthusiastic.
They keep the houses spotless, You won’t see a weed
anywhere.’
The unit also has a floral section which each year
raises Spring bedding plants, creates hanging baskets
and grows on pot plants such as poinsettia and
geraniums.
Both produce and plants from the prison have been
successful at local shows winning many trophies and
looking ahead, the prison plans to
apply for membership of the NVS.
Another section of the prison
assisting with the journey to Chelsea
will be the occupational workshops,
supervised by Chris Wilson. Here
inmates will be making special wooden
boxes to transport the long carrots,
long parsnips and long beetroots
grown by Mr Le Marquand.
Mr Le Marquand is also actively involved in the
growth of the NVS membership in Jersey and says
there are plans for the formation of a Jersey branch
later this year. Among members recruited this year
is the Jersey Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
Association which set up its first allotments at Les
Creux in the west of the island and has plans for more
in other areas. Please also see the creation of a new
DA in Jersey, page 40 – ed
Collette Bisson
Feature Writer
“ Excess produce, such as
tomatoes, is made into sauces
or put into the deep freeze
for use in the winter.”
NVS PRIZE SPONSORS 2011
simplyvegetables 25
The Gardens of
Chateau de Villandry
Barry Newman, FNVS National Chairman.
A Brief History
Villandry was built in 1536 by Jean Le Breton,
Minister of Finance for Francois 1st. Only the keep
remains of a medieval castle that was razed in order
to make way for the chateau.
In 1754, the Marquis de Castellane purchased the
chateau and had it redesigned to meet 18th century
standards of comfort.
The 19th century marked a turning point for the
property; the traditional garden was destroyed to
create an English-style park, around the chateau.
In 1906, the chateau was bought by Joachim
Carvallo, born in Spain in 1869 and the current owner’s
grandfather. He gave up a brilliant scientific career to
devote himself entirely to Villandry. He began by restoring
the chateau and then the Renaissance gardens.
The Vegetable Garden
at Villandry
Whilst a travelogue is not what you expect to see in
the pages of Simply Vegetables, I was moved to write
this article because this garden so impressed me that I
wanted to share it with other members.
To put what you are reading into context my visit
to the garden was made in mid October last year.
Villandry is on the banks of the Loire river near Tours
and as you will see from the photographs I was lucky
to have the sunshine and very few fellow visitors.
The Chateau has six gardens, the Ornamental, the
Water, the Sun, the
Maze, the Herb and the
Kitchen garden as well
extensive woodland.
All the gardens are
themed and based on
the squares, triangles
and circles which
make up the ‘parterre’
system of garden which
also became popular
here in England. Each
garden is impressive
and immaculately
maintained.
In the Kitchen garden,
two plantings take place
26 simplyvegetables
each year; one in the spring (remaining in place from
March to June) the other in summer (remaining from
June to November). About forty species belonging to
eight botanical families are used each year.
The garden is made up of nine squares of equal size
but with different geometric patterns in each. These
squares are planted with vegetables of alternating
colours (the blue of the leeks, purple of the cabbage,
gold of the celery) to create the illusion of a multi –
coloured chessboard.
The kitchen gardens date back To the Middle Ages.
The monks in the abbeys liked to lay their vegetables
out in geometric shapes, with a particular preference
for the cross. The standard roses, planted in symmetry,
symbolise the monks digging their squares.
The second influence comes from Italy and gave
this monastic kitchen garden its ornamental features,
fountains, arbours and square flower beds.
The French gardeners of the 16th century combined
these two inspirations, monastic and Italian, to create
the garden they needed for roses and vegetables
newly arrived from the Americas. They called this
garden a decorative kitchen garden.
I hope you will agree that the gardens at Villandry
are something quite special and well worth a visit at
any time of the year.
Barry.
Allotments for the disabled
Mick Poultney, Midland Branch.
Having completed the allotment for the kids of,
and at the grounds of Caslon Primary School (see
summer edition – ed), and liking another challenge,
I thought about doing allotments for the disabled,
the idea came from Dave Goodwin (a good veg
man) from Chesterfield, he works with people with
learning difficulties, I go up to see them all in the
spring and to check out their local beer! Dave had
his own plot & asked if his group could have one, the
best thing he ever did, the lads love it!
I thought I could do that! So I got permission from
our council to lease land next to our Abbey Road
allotment site in Halesowen.
This was then just an extension to our site, I wanted
to do one allotment for wheelchair disabled and one
for the walking disabled, I thought if I’m putting in for
land anyway, I may as well ask for more than what I
want then I can knock a few off our waiting list!! (I got
enough land for 8 plots), funding was well under way,
mainly lottery funded, if you look about there is loads
of money out there (funders like community projects), 7
funders in the end giving me £30,000.
The next job was to clear the ground then get it
fenced off.
Once fenced in, an entrance was made through our
fence into the new site, 2 tunnels were erected, 1 for
each plot.
For the wheelchair disabled plot we had to have a
tarmac pathway 4 ft wide from our old plot to the new
one, also around the raised beds, plus each tunnel
had a raised bed in the middle.
Our toilet block doors were replaced to
accommodate wheelchair
access. The pathways for the
walking disabled are covered
with a weed suppressant
then wood chippings, each
plot has 6 raised beds, fruit
trees around the edges, a
water dip tank with tap, they
come under the same rules
as every one else on site,
meaning £12 a year rent and
if you don’t look after your
plot you get thrown off !
The hardest jobs were
the red tape & paperwork
plus getting people to take
them on, as the groups
have to be looked after and not all carers were willing
to put themselves out for their group! In the end the
wheelchair plot went to the blind & partially sighted,
the walking disabled plot went to Dudley Green Team
This group works on the canal & gets no return,
here they are their own bosses & they love it – that’s
when you know it’s been worth the effort. Work is still
on going and by the time you read this I should have
finished it all, then it’s just helping out when they need
me!. This project will have taken 4 years to complete –
was it worth it?, yes. Would I do it again?, no.
Mick.
simplyvegetables 27
Restoring an
Old Walled
Kitchen
Garden
John Trim FNVS
Southern Branch.
In late September I had a call from a lady friend of
mine who had booked me on several occasions to
give talks to her society. As a keen gardener she
had been recommended to a young couple who had
recently bought a country hotel in the New Forest.
They though that as a proficient gardener she may
like a part time job of turning an old walled kitchen
garden into a going concern once again. Intrigued
she popped along to the hotel to view the garden.
After one look she was filled with horror at the
overgrown one acre site in which roamed a dozen
chickens, two sheep and was festooned with more
perennial weeds than you could shake a stick at.
She turned to the owners and said, ‘This is beyond
me, but I know a man who can”.
Suzanna ‘the lady in question” rang me one evening.
‘It is just the sort of thing you do, you will love it”. And
Michael & Richard hard at work. This is the proposed area for
the polytunnel. The apple trees will come in for a bit of vigorous
winter pruning. I have all ready identified two apple trees, a
Blenheim Orange & a Charles Ross.
The first crops are planted, or rather transplanted in the case
of this row of winter leeks. Alongside them are two rows of
‘Avignon’ garlic. This is a soft neck variety & a good keeper.
so with that sort of prompting I phoned the owners
Robert & Imogene Anglaret & arranged a meeting.
It was fortunate that they were such an engaging &
enthusiastic couple because when I saw the garden
I could see it was quite a daunting prospect. I gave
Robert my rates & he didn’t blanch too much, so once
again I was back working as a head gardener.
The only problem was that I had a full work schedule
into October, what with judging show’s & what have
you.
Finally the weekend arrived when with a team
composed of two my old apprentices, the owner
Robert & my new apprentice Michael we made a start
on the garden.
My first job was to draw up a plan of the bed
structure. The chickens & the two sheep were still on
site so we had to work around those. Fortunately the
The old poly tunnel
This was what we had to deal with. Rampant raspberries all suffering with cane blight & beneath that a carpet of couch grass.
I set the owner Robert to work on this section with Diana one of my old pupils. It took them a whole day to clear this area.
28 simplyvegetables
hotel grounds stretch over three acres so the sheep
were confined to their own paddock. By the way they
were called ‘Rambo & Minty”.
The old poly tunnel was still producing a plentiful
supply of ‘Moneymaker” tomatoes. But after tasting
one I knew why I had stopped growing that variety. This
part of the walled garden is facing west, so against the
wall there will eventually be a pergola & a potting shed.
The polytunnel will move to a sunnier part of the
garden where with a new cover & improved ventilation
it should be even more productive.
My plan is to make the hotel self sufficient in fresh
organically grown vegetables, all In season. On top of
that it is a beautiful location with direct access onto
the New Forest & is ideal to teach vegetable growing
to new gardeners. We shall expand on this by also
running courses on poultry & bee keeping.
Ongoing jobs. In will come some rare breed
chickens & quail. We have taken on an excellent tutor
Jeannette Owens to teach poultry keeping. Chris Neel
‘NVS show secretary to Southern Branch’ is bringing
in some of his bees & will be running the bee keeping
courses & I shall run the vegetable courses.
Check out the Woodlands Lodge Hotel website if
you are interested. Or phone 02380 292257 for more
details.
Look out for the follow up to this article in the
summer edition of Simply Veg.
John Trim fnvs
The strawberry plants were cleaned up & these found a new
home in the soft fruit section of the garden
Deep beds under construction. These are set up on pavers to keep
the wood off the soil. Michael is painting on a wood preservative
Even a head gardener can’t avoid all the hard work. Here I am skimming off the turf of just one of
four new beds. This will be the basis of a crop rotation system, ideal as a teaching aid for all those
prospective new vegetable gardeners. One of the beds will be capped with a deep layer of farmyard
manure. This will be for the potatoes. Ph tests have been taken & most of the plot is very alkaline. The
paddock tested at 6.75 on the Ph scale so the acidic manure on the potato bed should reduce that
somewhat.
simplyvegetables 29
Peaches and
Nectarines
Gerry Edwards,
Southern Branch.
I suppose that if asked what the most exotic fruit
that we can grow in our gardens is the majority of
gardeners would say the peach or nectarine due to
their outstanding quality. Asking the same gardeners
about how easy peaches and nectarines are to grow
then the answer would probably be to not try growing
them in the garden because they are so difficult to
grow! Whilst I would agree that to call peaches and
nectarines exotic is a very fitting accolade nothing
could be more untrue in saying that they are hard to
grow! Indeed the very opposite is true if attention is
paid to planting and growing conditions.
Before I start I want to nail down fallacies concerning
nectarines. I have read that nectarines are the result
of a cross between a peach and a plum, that they are
unreliable sports or even that they resemble peaches
but bear no real relation to them! None of these have
any truth in them whatsoever – nectarines are simply
smooth skinned peaches and botanically they are
the same – they all originated from the same species
prunus persica. Nevertheless it is usually found that
nectarines do not grow as large as peaches. Incidentally
is often said that nectarines are a little more tender than
peaches and perhaps need a little more warmth but this
is not something that I have ever found.
Peaches and nectarines are natives
of China despite their botanical name
suggesting that they originated in Persia.
Peaches, in particular, were recorded as
being cultivated in China some 4000 years
ago and have always been regarded with
high regard both a symbol of long life and
immortality and as a potent force against
demons! So NVS members be aware!
Although the Romans are reputed to have
imported quantities of this fruit into England
it is not until the early thirteenth century
that they are recorded as being grown in England.
However, once introduced they quickly became very
popular and as early as 1676 John Rea listed 35
varieties of peach and the Horticultural Society’s list
of fruits in their collection at Chiswick in 1826 listed
“ Peaches and nectarines
are natives of China
despite their botanical
name suggesting that they
originated in Persia.”
Peach blossom early March, under polytunnel cover. Leaves will follow later. Not snow on outside of cover!
30 simplyvegetables
224 peaches and 72 nectarines! Many of the peaches
and nectarines that we know today were bred in the
nineteenth century by famous nurserymen such as
Thomas Rivers and Laxton’s and included varieties
such as Early Rivers, Lord Napier, Sea Eagle, Duke
of York, Humboldt and Peregrine. It was boasted by
these nurserymen that the varying varieties of peaches
and nectarines meant that they could have a season
from the beginning of July until the end of October!
Peaches and nectarines are constantly being bred
and improved none more so than in Canada and
the USA where they are very popular indeed. It is a
shame that the majority of those grown in the UK
today are those bred so many years ago and little
experimentation has occurred since.
Having told you that peaches and nectarines are
easy to grow it is important nevertheless to recognise
a number of ground rules. Perhaps the most important
point to note about these fruits is that despite their
exotic background the trees themselves are hardy and
cold weather will not harm them. However, because
peaches and nectarines flower early in the year – usually
in March – the blossoms are very susceptible to fatal
damage due to freezing caused by frosts or freezing
winds. To be sure of a good crop and minimise damage
during frosts and periods of cold winds I would always
advocate growing peaches and nectarines outdoors
fan trained against walls – south or west facing where
they will receive plenty of sunshine during the day and
retained heat at night. Grown in this way they are easy
to cover when cold weather is forecast.
Although peaches and nectarines can be grown
as bushes in the warmer parts of the country – and
indeed they have in the past been commercially
cultivated in this way – it can be a risky business (it
can particularly annoying to lose a crop when growing
a single tree) and to my mind they are best managed
when all of the fruits can be easily seen as on a fan
trained tree which means easy thinning and good
exposure to the sun for ripening. It is possible to grow
bush trees in pots on patios and suitable varieties are
becoming available – I will note a few of these later
– but the pots must be taken under cover in times of
frost and cold wind and taken out again in warmer
weather to allow pollination unless this is done by
hand. All of this, to my mind, is very fiddly and they
don’t look very good in pots anyway! Nevertheless
there are obviously some gardens, particularly patio
gardens, where they can only be grown in this way.
Incidentally peaches and nectarines are self-fertile so
Fan trained False Peregrine Peach
a single tree will suffice although as with the majority
of other self-fertile fruits they will crop better if there is
another variety of the same fruit nearby.
Peaches and nectarines can also be grown as fan
trees under glass which was very common in the past.
Not only did this provide for good cropping in all parts
of the country – depending on the heat available –
but it also allowed for earlier cropping than could be
achieved outdoors. Although this was ideal for the
Victorian kitchen gardeners I would suggest that your
greenhouses are best used for other crops unless you
are in a cooler part of the country.
The second ground rule is thinning the fruits. A
well pollinated peach or nectarine will set a very large
number of fruits and it is vital to thin these out if good
size fruits are required – which, of course, they will be!
The final spacing between fruits should be around 9
inches but I suggest that you achieve this in a couple
of stages. Firstly the fruits should be thinned out in late
May/early June when the fruits are about the size of a
twenty pence piece. At this point all clusters should be
thinned to single fruits about 4 inches apart. At the same
time remove all fruits growing into the wall or where they
are in positions unable to expand. The second thinning
should take place around four to six weeks later when
they are roughly the size of a fifty pence piece. At this
stage peach fruits should be thinned to 9 inches apart
and nectarines around 6 inches apart.
The third ground rule is the avoidance of peach leaf
curl which is that very nasty disease which causes
blisters to form on the leaves of the tree which are
first red but later swell up and turn white. Infected
leaves usually fall early in the season. Not only is
peach leaf curl unsightly but it has been known to
spread to the fruits themselves. The constant early
fall of the leaves as well as their inability to perform
their necessary functions whilst infected can cause a
weakening of the tree and poor cropping. The main
reason for this disease spreading is dampness during
the winter months caused by rain or condensation
and this is easily prevented by covering the trees
during the winter months. In the case of fan trees
this is easily done by erecting a polythene cover over
them from the end of November until the end of May
remembering to lift it off during warm days when the
trees are in flower. Remember what I said earlier about
fan trees being easier to manage! In the case of trees
grown in pots they should be moved under the cover
of a greenhouse or conservatory during the same
period or if they are grown as outdoor bushes a more
ingenious arrangement will need to be
devised!
Having considered the above three
ground rules what are the best varieties to
grow? Let’s consider nectarines first.
Early Rivers is one of the best early
nectarines which ripens in early to mid-July
depending upon the season. It is a roundish
nectarine and is usually a large greenish
yellow fruit covered almost all over with a
scarlet flush. It has a pale yellow flesh which
is very soft and it is juicy with an excellent
flavour. Well worth growing!
Lord Napier which is possibly the best known
nectarine is another early nectarine which ripens in
early August. It has oval fruits which are large in size
and are pale yellow covered nearly all over with a
crimson/brown flush. The flesh of the fruit is very pale
green with a good flavour. The attractive fruits make
it a most decorative tree to grow and it also has the
benefit of being very hardy and ideal for cooler parts.
Humboldt is one of the best orange fleshed
nectarines which ripens in the middle of August. It
produces round/oval fruits which are large in size which
are orange with a deep red flush – very attractive for
growing decoratively. The flesh is very soft and juicy and
when fully ripe has a rich melting flavour. To produce its
best this nectarine needs to be grown in the warmer
parts of the country or in the greenhouse.
Elruge is an outstanding nectarine of the highest
quality ripening in mid to late August and as a result it
is grown in many parts of the world. It has round often
oval fruits which are medium in size and are a very
light green with a dark purple/red flush. The flesh is
greenish white which is very soft and juicy and has an
outstanding aroma. Like Lord Napier it is very hardy
and ideal for cooler parts of the country.
My final nectarine is the exotic sounding Pineapple
“ Having considered the
above three ground
rules what are the best
varieties to grow?”
simplyvegetables 31
flavour is not as outstanding as other peaches but this
variety is very hardy and can produce a good crop
outdoors even in cooler springs.
Peregrine is probably still the best known garden
peach but nevertheless it is well worth growing as it
will grow well in all conditions – I have even had this
variety fruiting after frost had damaged the blossom!
It is still a popular commercial variety of peach as it
is easy to grow and it has a good flavour. The fruits,
which ripen in early August, are round, medium/large
in size are crimson/red all over in anything other the
most concealed conditions. The unusual thing about
this peach is that the flesh is almost as smooth as a
nectarine and I have heard it described as a nectarine
on more than one occasion by a know-it-all! The flesh
of the fruits is white, firm very juicy and with a very good
flavour. Well recommended for the garden!
Avalon Pride is highly resistant to peach leaf curl. It has
round fruits which are medium in size and have a yellow
flesh and have a dark red flush on the side exposed to
the sun. The flowers are pink and the fruits, which are
ripe in August, have a very juicy, delicious flavour.
Rochester is
another well-known
peach and like
Peregrine is well
suited to the UK
climate. This peach
has the advantage of
flowering quite late
and is therefore more
suitable for growing in
frost pockets or colder
areas. The fruits, which ripen in mid-August can grow
quite large and the flesh is yellow and very juicy and in
good years the flavour develops very well.
Royal George is a very old variety having been
known as long ago as the 18th Century. This peach,
which ripens at the end of August is round, perhaps
slightly flattened at its top is large, yellow with a deep
red flush which is very decorative. The flesh is pale
yellow and is very soft with an outstanding flavour as
long as it is well ripened. Although it is very suitable
for garden growing it is perhaps best grown in more
southerly gardens as it has a longish growing season.
My final peach selection is unusual! The variety is
Saturne and it is a FLAT peach! Although it is unusual
in shape it is very sweet and it is said by some to have
a taste of honey in it although I have yet to notice this
myself! It has a white flesh which is very juicy. Although
a good talking point in the garden these peaches are
very good croppers and are very popular with children.
Go on – have a go at this one!
Finally I would like to mention those peaches and
nectarines that can be easily grown in pots. A number
of dwarf peaches and nectarines have been developed
and can be grown in pots on the patio where they
will receive plenty of warmth. The following are worth
considering for growing in this way –
Nectarines – Bonanza, Nectarella and Rubis (all
ripening mid-August)
Peaches – Amber, Crimson Bonfire (red foliage) and
Diamond (ripening August/September)
“ The flesh is greenish
white which is very soft
and juicy and has an
outstanding aroma.”
Editor’s winning dish of nectarines, variety Zeeglow at Leeds show early August
which as its name suggests has a flavour similar to
that of a pineapple! It ripens in early September in very
warm parts of the country and nearer the end of the
month in slightly cooler conditions. The fruits are round
and quite large, yellow/green and almost covered in a
bright red flush. The flesh is yellow, very soft and juicy
with distinctively pineapply flavour.
My first peach is Duke of York is a peach of the
highest quality which ripens at the end of July. It has
large, round fruits which are creamy with a bright red
flush and the flesh is pale green and is very soft, sweet
and juicy with a good flavour. This is a good garden
variety and is very decorative. This is another variety
which is very hardy and can be grown successfully as
a bush tree.
Hale’s Early is not as early as the name suggests but
it should be ripe by the end of July/early August. The
fruits are medium in size and pale greenish yellow with a
purple/red flush and some mottling in the parts exposed
to the sun. The flesh is white or a very pale yellow often
purple near the stone and it is very soft and juicy. The
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32 simplyvegetables
This is the eighth in a series of articles that Gerry has
agreed to write for our magazine on fruit growing, and
exhibiting, thank you.
He has written for Garden news, The Garden
magazine (RHS monthly publication for members) and
Kitchen Garden magazine, amongst others.
Gerry is Chairman of the RHS Fruit Group
Committee, a member of the RHS Fruit, Vegetable
and Herb Committee, and a member of the RHS Fruit
Trials Panel. Gerry has developed a garden design
and fruit related business and his website is www.
gerryedwardsgardenservices.co.uk, a man of many
talents! – ed
Herbs – to flower
or not to flower.
Emily Plumb, Southern Branch.
I was wondering whether anyone could shed any
light on the topic of exhibiting herbs with flowers
on. The NVS Handbook describes a meritorious
specimen as one which ‘...should be clean of
foliage with no sign of ageing, free from pest or
disease damage.’ The RHS Handbook describes a
meritorious specimen as one that is ‘fresh, healthy,
clean...’ and some defective characteristics are
‘material that is not fresh and clean is yellowing or
showing other signs of age or pest damage or has
any disease’.
Therefore, I was wondering whether I would be able
to get any clarification on whether you can succeed
at a show with herbs that have flowers on. Personally,
seeing a vase of herbs with flowers on makes me think
of a specimen which has passed its prime condition
– you would not show another vegetable, such as a
cauliflower or a lettuce, which had bolted.
I appreciate that the flowers on some herbs are
edible, such as those on chives, but when half of the
points that can be awarded to a specimen are given
for its condition, with the only guidelines on what is
‘good condition’ being that the foliage is clean and
fresh, it seems to me that the decision regarding
flowers at present is to the judge’s discretion alone –
neither judge’s handbook makes any direct reference
to flowers.
This means that if you choose not to show herbs
with flowers on, that you have a harder job when trying
to select a class of 6 vases of herbs, as you exclude
all the specimens you have grown which have got to
the stage of flowering. However, when judging takes
place, depending on the judge, you can be beaten
by an exhibit which contains one or more vases of
herbs which contain flowers. On the other hand, if
you choose to show herbs with flowers on, you can
again be penalised by a different judge, as they are not
tolerant of flowers on herbs. Therefore, I feel that there
is huge scope for inconsistency in the judging of herbs
at present.
Barry Newman,
National Chairman replies;
Emily makes a very good point and is something I
come across regularly both in judging and when talking
to groups on show preparation. Of course we try to
remove subjectivity in judging as far we can, but as
she observes there is no reference to flowers in either
the NVS Judges Guide or RHS Show Handbook for
cut Herbs, so at present a judge will adjudicate on his
particular preference.
Personally I agree that flowers have no part in a vase
of Culinary Herbs, but I am sure this will provoke a
healthy debate. The matter is exacerbated by our own
list found in the glossary of the Judges Guide which
examples the most commonly exhibited cut Herbs,
some of which are impossible to show without flowers!
I very much concur with Emily; flowers on the majority
of herbs we see on the show bench signify that a plant
is past its best from a foliage perspective and moving
in to the reproductive stage.
So, what do we do to remove the subjectivity and
provide helpful advice to both exhibitors and judges?
The short answer is we debate the matter (not
always the short answer!) reach a majority decision
and then make any necessary adjustment in the
handbook.
Whilst considering the exhibition of Herbs we might
also want to make the distinction between Culinary
and Medicinal varieties, as I feel our interest should
principally be with the former. A new glossary could
then be created which would be useful for schedule
makers, as well as judges and exhibitors.
Having said all that Emily is to be congratulated on
her observations and keeping us on our toes!
All the Best
Barry Newman, Chairman NVS
Our National President,
Medwyn replies;
This is really a mind blowing question and coming
from a young exhibitor as well. It really does open a
our minds to the issue of herbs in general when we
come to judge them. This is certainly a deep question
and one that Emily is to be congratulated on. With the
NEC’s permission, and after their deliberations, I would
like to take this one to the FV&Herbs committee of the
RHS where I have Jecka McVicar on my committee,
amongst others, a well known expert on herbs.
Perhaps it might make her think as well also showing
what an interest has been shown by a young member
of our Society. Hope that is of some help to you.
Regards
Medwyn.
President.
NEC Member Mary Thomas
from the Welsh Branch replies;
In response to Emily Plumb’s query, may I first
congratulate her for seeing into something that has
bugged many a judge.
I looked up The Cambridge Dictionary and a
definition of ’herbs’ reads: a type of plant whose leaves
are used in cooking to give flavour to particular dishes,
or which is used in making medicine.
The Oxford Dictionary reads: any plant with leaves,
seeds or flowers used for flavouring food, medicine or
perfume,
But a Botanist describes it as: any seed bearing
plant which does not have a woody stem and dies
down to the ground after flowering
I, like Emily agree that if it flowers that it is not young
and fresh also bearing in mind the fact that, flavour
wise, herbs reach their peak just before flowering.
Of course, flowers and seeds are used as culinary
ingredients in cookery, but personally I think this is
where common sense prevails as most schedules ask
for a vase or a number of vases. I would expect to find
fresh green foliage with no sign of flowers or seed and
free from any sign of pest damage etc. Should there be
one vase of bright green herbs with no sign of flowers
or seed but with some pest damage, it would be down
pointed in favour of a clean vase with flower buds.
Mary Thomas, Welsh Branch.
Thank you to the three experienced growers, judges
and exhibitors for their views, what do you think? – ed
simplyvegetables 33
Jobs in the kitchen garden
for the coming months.
Rob Foster, Northern Branch. Winter is not the time to sit on your laurels, what
you do now can make life much easier come spring
when things in the garden start to get a little hectic.
Retreating into the shed is very welcome on cold
and bitter days and it is an ideal time to clear out all
the rubbish that has accumulated over the past year.
Spades and hoes should be cleaned and sharpened
by running a file over the cutting edges then, if
they have wooden handles, rub the shafts with raw
linseed oil. Clean and oil secateurs and shears, with
just a little care you will be surprised how much
easier they are to use. A nice steady job, while you
are taking a break, is to knot your garden line every
six inches this eliminates carrying a tape measure
or a cumbersome measuring stick. Cleaning your
greenhouse glass is also a must do job at this time
of the year to allow maximum light in.
At the same time the greenhouse guttering will
need a clean. The rubbish that accumulates in them
is washed down into your water barrel encouraging
algae and disease. The sludge that accumulates
at the bottom of your water barrels should also be
cleaned out annually as it too can encourage disease.
Rain water, apart from acid rain, has an undeserved
reputation for purity when in fact it carries a lot of
Tel. 01282 501252
impurities and picks up a variety of contaminants, first
as it forms and then as it falls. It is because of this that
it is not a good idea to use collected water out of your
barrels to water tender seedlings. Until your plants are
established it is wiser to use tap water that has stood
for twenty four hours which if kept inside not only
takes the chill off it but allows the fluoride and chlorine
to dissipate.
Order your seed potatoes as soon as possible and
store them in a frost free place. Six weeks prior to
planting start the chitting process by placing them
rose end up in a standard sized seed tray, or similar,
that has been lined with several sheets of newspaper.
Water them with a Maxi-crop seaweed extract and
keep the paper moist. When planting out they will
have some nice shoots and a good root system.
Some of the paper will stick to the roots but this can
be planted with the potato. When do you plant them
out? Well never plant with the calendar, invest in a soil
thermometer and take the guesswork out of planting.
Insert the thermometer just below the soils surface
and when you have forty four degrees F (5C) for three
consecutive days then it is safe to plant the tubers and
the growing process will start almost immediately.
In February feed spring cabbage with a highnitrogen fertiliser such as sulphate of ammonia or if
you are organic pelleted poultry manure. However, you
can feed your soil with all kinds of fertiliser but if the
pH (potential hydrogen) is not right the plant will not be
able to take it up and you will be wasting your money.
Cheap and cheerful pH testing kits are available from
garden centres that are accurate enough and have
easy to follow instructions. If your soil is below 6.5 add
lime or ground chalk to increase the alkalinity especially
where you intend to grow brassicas as it helps to
reduce club root problems.
Warming a piece of ground with a sheet of plastic
will allow you to make an early start on sowing. Not
only will it increase the soil temperature but it will help
to dry out the surface. Put the cover on few weeks
before you intend to sow then hoe off any weeds that
it encourages to germinate, this will help to reduce the
weed problem later in the season and is particularly
useful to use prior to sowing carrots. It is extremely
important at this time of the year to ventilate the
greenhouse to avoid problems such as botrytis; if
the glass is covered in condensation then it requires
urgent ventilation. February is also a good time to sow
vegetables that will be ready to harvest when prices
in the shops are at a premium. The secret is to sow in
modules indoors for transplanting outside later. Broad
beans, leeks, onions, peas, summer cabbage and
summer cauliflower are all good types for this type of
growing.
In March gardeners up and down the country
will have their feet in the starting blocks ready for
the sowing season to get into full swing. However,
remember that the sowing dates on the back of seed
packets is a guide only, there is quite a difference
in temperatures from the north to the south of
the country and the seed packets, with the same
instructions, are sold nationally. In the fruit garden
plums, cherries and blackcurrants will all appreciate a
high-nitrogen fertiliser such as sulphate of ammonia
or pelleted chicken manure. Sulphate of ammonia can
also be added to your compost heap to effectively
speed up the rotting process. Sprinkle a little on your
heap every twelve inches or so. From early March you
can plant untreated onion sets just as soon as the soil
starts to warm up and isn’t too wet. Alternately plant
heat treated sets, which reduces the risk of the plants
bolting, in April. When planting any onions or shallots
never push them into the soil, always dig the hole out
with a trowel, otherwise the soil compacts under the
onion and this is one of the problems why you find
them lying on top of the soil a couple of days later.
Sow tomatoes for the cold glasshouse in a
temperature of 50F to 55F. A good tip is to cover the
seedlings with a thin layer of sand to help remove the
seed coat as the seedlings germinate, also a useful
tip when you are sowing cress in pots. Incidentally
if you do like cress you have to grow it yourself,
supermarkets do not sell it, if you think they do just
check the small print on the packs. Sowing peas in
March will give the first crops in June/July this is when
the pea moth is likely to cause the most
damage as it is very active during these
months.
A word of caution to anyone that uses
the old remedies, such as old carpets to
supress weeds. Old carpet patterns were
made up of vegetable dye as opposed
to modern day carpets that are made up
of chemicals and also treated with more
chemicals to make them stain resistant.
These could filter through onto your garden
when it is raining. Soot is not the same
with all the modern fuels that are available,
so if you are using soot make sure it originates from
coal. Mothballs are also made with a different recipe
so just be aware before you resort to some of the old
fashioned methods.
Rob Foster FNVS
re.foster@btinternet.com
www.thelazygardener.org
16 Hereford Ave, Mansfield Woodhouse,
Mansfield, NG19 8QF.
“ TSulphate of ammonia
can also be added to
your compost heap to
effectively speed up
the rotting process..”
Email. info@robinsonpolytunnels.co.uk
34 simplyvegetables
simplyvegetables 35
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simplyvegetables 37
Reflections of a
growing year
By Ivor Mace FNVS Welsh Branch
At the end of the season, I always like to reflect
on the plants I have grown. By giving careful
consideration I can decide if I want to try them again
or try something new. I love trying new varieties, but
I’m also loathed to give up something that is serving
me well.
This year I grew 3 coloured cauliflowers I got from
Medwyn’s of llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrn­
drobwllllantysiliogogogoch. (all Welshmen can say that
name and like to show off about it) Next year I only
intend to grow one and that’s Trevi F1 the green
cauliflower. It holds for a long time, it tastes good,
looks good and freezes well. The others I grew were
Graffiti F1, It’s a good grower, it doesn’t discolour even
if it’s uncovered, but the reason I will not be growing it
again is purely cosmetic. It looks blue on the plate and
that’s strange, but most of all, we steam them and the
juice which is coloured drips down onto the potatoes
and turns them pink. I also grew Sunset F1, this one is
yellow and tends to look like a white cauliflower going
old and I didn’t like to pass the surplus on to my
neighbours. I’m not trying to put you off having a go at
growing them because they are all good growers and
they taste terrific. It’s just me; I’m a bit of a fussy devil.
Marshals soft stemmed Brokali Apollo that came free
of charge with the N.V.S. membership was a great
success. I made one sowing that lasted a month.
Because of its ability to repeat from dormant leaf buds
after cutting, you get a very long lasting crop. Next
year I will make monthly sowings because we like it,
it’s easy to grow and not as demanding as growing
cauliflowers and more prolific than calabresse.
I tried two new potato varieties, Argos and Markies. I
was very pleased with Argos a very white oval second
early very much like the main crop Valor. Markies is a
yellow fleshed variety that I won’t grow again. They
tasted good but I have some wart disease on my
ground and I have had to give up growing my favourite
early Pentland Javelin, well Markies succumbed to the
same problem and there was a lot of wastage.
Over the years I have grown broad bean The Sutton.
The main reason for growing it is because it is dwarf
and doesn’t need staking. I tie my late chrysanths
weekly and just felt I could do without tying broad
beans. However I feel that in recent years they don’t
crop as well as they used to and I have had several
rouges amongst them in recent years, so I fancy trying
something else, but because I’ve grown The Sutton for
over 25 years I really don’t know what to try. If anyone
has any suggestions I would love to hear from you,
ivormace@hotmail.com I don’t mind if I have to tie
them up, I’ve retired now and have more time, as long
as they crop well and taste good that will do for me.
Have you noticed the seed catalogues offering
grafted tomato plants? I used to graft tomatoes in
the 1970’s to plant in greenhouse borders which
were susceptible to soil borne diseases. These seed
companies do not offer tomato rootstock seed and
their video clip of tomato grafting gives the impression
that it is difficult. Well their way is difficult but the way
I was taught at horticultural college is pretty simple.
I’ve obtained 50 seeds from Moles Seeds for about
£9. I’m quite looking forward to recapturing my youth
and grafting a few plants once again. I will capture it in
photographs so that I can show them to others who
would like to have a go.
My winter project is to remove 100 HT roses that
have passed their sell by date and move the vegetable
garden up into their place and create a mixed rose and
herbaceous border near the house. This will give me
new land to combat the potato wart disease and also
brassica club-root. Another project I need to undertake
is to make a better job of the insulation in my growing
cabinet for my large onions. With heating costs going
Cauliflower, Trevi
The start of a new year, my vegetable garden in Spring
38 simplyvegetables
Despite using Perlka, I still get some club root
Planting potatoes
Earthing up potatoes
up by 25% I think we will all have to re-think how we
grow our plants. I must say besides showing large
onions, I love eating them, I have some raw onion
nearly every day in salads, they are mild and therefore
it is easy to eat a fair portion, obviously we also cook
them as well. I think they promote good health. I can’t
prove this scientifically but never the less I believe it
strongly, so I would hate to be put off growing them
because gas & electricity prices have shot up.
I would like to get up on my soap box for a few
minutes. A thorny subject to me is the government
directive to withdraw peat from horticultural use.
The addition of renewable materials in multipurpose
composts needs looking into as far as I’m concerned.
I’m not against it, but I am against the way its being
done so far. What is needed is a good stable reliable
material like chopped composted bark, rather than
composted garden waste, which is unreliable and very
variable. If we are looking at carbon then restrict the
use of aeroplanes and food carried as freight half way
around the world. Most of you reading this grow your
own so why make growing vegetables difficult. My last
gripe is V.A.T. Food is exempt, vegetable seeds are
exempt and so are seed potatoes, shallots and onion
sets. It sounds good, encouraging us to grow our
own. Fertiliser has V.A.T. on it whether you use it on
the flower garden or the vegetable garden, and so has
everything else you use to grow your own vegetables.
The government hasn’t done very much to promote
vegetable growing and that includes all the political
parties. I think as a movement we should pressurise
the politicians to support growing your own far more
than they do.
Ivor.
Win tickets to
The Edible Garden
Show 2012
Following its phenomenally successful debut in
2011, The Edible Garden Show – the UK’s only
national event dedicated to satisfying the nation’s
hunger for grow-your-own fruit and vegetables – is
back in 2012 bigger and even better.
The show will be crammed with a thrilling mix of
celebrity gardeners, chefs, livestock experts, growers,
unique products and fun-filled events for the whole family.
Returning to Britain’s famous agricultural venue,
Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on March 16–18,
the event brings together key experts and innovative
exhibitors to create a one-stop shop for kitchen
gardeners, experienced growers and novice gardeners
– providing everything you need at the start of the
growing season.
From bees, chickens, goats and pigs to seeds,
sheds, wellies and wormeries – there is something for
everyone including an incredible range of innovative and
exciting products. The show will boast an additional
exhibition hall, larger animal marquee and food areas,
tips from a wide range of gardening experts, cookery
demonstrations and interactive displays.
TV Gardening presenters James Wong and Pippa
Greenwood will give daily talks along with celebrity
chef Rachel Green and a host of other leading experts
Show entry costs £15 for adults with concessions for
senior citizens, students and children. National Vegetable
Society has teamed up with organisers to offer you the
chance to win tickets to the 2012 extravaganza. We
have a pair of tickets to give away to the first five readers
who correctly answer the following question:
Which Government Minister opened
The Edible Garden Show 2011?
A. Jim Paice, Minister of Agriculture
B. William Hague, Foreign Secretary
C. Ken Clarke, Justice Minister
Send your answer along with your name, address
and contact number to:
TEGS/ Simply Veg 1.12, 20 Moulton Park Office
Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP or email:
daniella@crestpublications.com (subject line: TEGS/
Simply Veg 1.12 Competition). Closing date: 15.3.12
Competition T&C apply (see p4)
Please note that the judges’ decision is final and
no correspondence will be entered into. No cash
alternative will be offered. The usual NVS competition
rules apply. This offer cannot be used in conjunction
with any other promotion.
For more information about the show
visit: www.theediblegardenshow.co.uk
Media Contact: Paul Smith Associates 01420 22532
simplyvegetables 39
The Birth of a new
District Association
Barry Newman FNVS, National Chairman
JERSEY
Jewel of the Channel
Islands and home of the
Jersey Royal potato,
the island has become
the latest addition to
our network of district
associations.
Back in November,
I had the pleasure of
returning to the island
to chair the inaugural
meeting of the new
association. With
such a rich heritage of
growing it is excellent
news that the National
Officers, committee and active members of the Jersey DA. Sitting (left to right) Nora Trainer, Vice
Vegetable Society now
Chairman. Maureen Rondel, Treasurer. Graeme Le Marquand, Chairman. Barry. Val Marshman, Secretary
has a working and active
presence on the island.
Clearly these things do not happen overnight, and
pleasure of visiting HMP Le Moy at the invitation of
certainly would not have happened in the timescale
Senator Ian Le Marquand, Minister for Home Affairs
without the strong support of the Jersey Farmer’s
and Philip Anderson, Head of Learning Skills at the
Union (JFU) and its President John Le Maistre.
prison. Along with the NVS colleagues, a representative
This support together with the energy and
of the Jersey Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
persistence of ‘our man in Jersey’ Graeme Le
Association (JALGA) and the JFU, we inspected the
Maquand has seen the new association quickly
nursery site and growing areas being used. I particularly
establish from a small collective of members to a fully
enjoyed speaking with the inmates involved and was
fledged DA. A journey which has managed to secure
thoroughly impressed with their knowledge and the
the Inter Branch Trophy at Dundee in 2010 and now
production methods being used. They are clearly
sees the group as the principal partner in the JFU’s
enthusiastic about the project and are benefitting from
exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show later this year.
the supervision given by Graeme and Steve.
This latter involvement includes a brilliant initiative
Day two of my visit started with an interview at
with HMP Le Moy where, under the supervision of
Radio Jersey which featured the prison initiative and
Steve De Carteret the prison’s Horticultural Adviser, and
the establishment of the NVS on the island. On Jersey,
as part of a wider learning skills programme, selected
the radio really does have an impact, so it’s good news
inmates are growing vegetables for the Chelsea exhibit.
that the local NVS already enjoys good links which will
During my couple of days on the island I had the
be important in the future.
Geoff Hathaway (JALGO) and Graeme Le Marquand talking to plot holder Joy Cummings at Les
Creux allotments
40 simplyvegetables
Ian Le Marquand and Phil Anderson with NVS Chairman Barry
Medwyn’s Pendle improved Leeks and Kelsae onions at HMP Le
Moy (Not bad for November – ed !!
Next, a visit to one of Jersey’s allotment sites, a new
concept for the island which required a change in the
law for it to happen!
Les Creux is only one season old and I was very
impressed how quickly the site had established. On
this visit I was welcomed by Geoff Hathaway who is
Chairman of JALGA and an NVS member. He is clearly
proud of the site and with others in the pipeline it offers
the opportunity for some great partnership initiatives
and membership opportunities for both organisations.
Finally, and on behalf of Medwyn, can I wish the new
association well and sincerely thank its supporters.
We have both spent time on the island in the last year
and it is particularly pleasing to know that time was
worthwhile and that we now have an established DA
with some enthusiastic members.
Barry Newman FNVS
Chairman.
Another well laid out plot gets Graeme and Geoff’s attention
Senator Ian Le Marquand, Minister of Home Affairs enjoys “Simply Veg” with his cousin Graeme Le
Marquand, first Chairman of the new D.A
The Chairman explaining the finer Points of the Kelsae onion root system
simplyvegetables 41
The Great Peat Debate
The following are three reports from the representatives who
attended the debate on behalf of the NVS –ed.
Can Quality Plants be
Grown Without Peat?
This was the title of the conference held at Stockbridge Technology
Centre, and attended by representatives from major plant producers,
growers, international research and development agencies, DEFRA
and specialist societies such as the N.V.S.
The early speakers bombarded us with statistics showing how
misleading statements give peat users a bad press. As professor
Jack Rieley of the International Peat Society stated “There is a lot of
adverse publicity to counteract”
We heard from Gerald Schmilewski, a representative of the
European Peat and Growing Media Association, and Hein Boon of
the Dutch Horticultural Association, and it would appear that both the
German and Dutch are tackling the same problems in finding peat
alternatives. In producing a peat reduced product, other ingredients
used, are mostly bark, green compost and spent mushroom compost.
Other speakers, from growers who used peat – including Adrian
from the N.V.S. – stressed the need for quality control, and the need
to know the contents of the compost.
There was a display of trial results, set up by members of the
STC. These showed the growing of both Basil and Tomatoes, in
modules of peat free composts. These composts were from different
suppliers, and bought in different areas of the country. There was a
further display showing how the addition of fertilisers affected growth.
Another interesting display showed the potential problems which may
be encountered by users of green waste.
One of the major problems – as I see it – is that consistency does
not appear to be present in peat free compost. It can vary from batch
to batch, and even bag to bag.
As I’m in the loop that received the emails re the N.V.S. position at
this conference, I think that members, who wanted to hold meetings,
and trials, before we said anything, are creating a problem that isn’t
there. Tests on peat free products are being carried out under strict
scientific conditions. Firms who produce millions of plants, each year,
Win a set of
4 Growrings
will always have a greater influence than a small society.
Adrian put the case for a gardener being able to purchase a
product that could be relied upon to produce a good plant, very well.
The N.V.S. was not committed to any statement of policy.
So was the question “Can quality plants be grown without peat?”
answered? At the present time it would appear to be no. However a
further meeting is in the pipeline, when the alternatives will be looked
at in more detail. I trust that I shall be able to attend this forthcoming
conference.
Tony Featherstone, FNVS
Peat debate
The National vegetable society is small in size to other organisations
with approximately 2800 members, but what it lacks in size it makes
up for with members ability to produce superb Quality vegetables
which can be seen on show benches and displays throughout the
country from early spring to late November. In addition the majority of
our members are kitchen gardeners producing their own high quality
fresh food in their back gardens or allotments.
If the government goes ahead and phases out the use of peat
in horticultural composts, without, in our opinion an equivalent
alternative being available, this could lead to a significant reduction in
these activities.
We have seen vast improvements in the Quality, variety and
range of composts available to amateurs over the last decade
which has resulted in larger and better quality fruit, vegetables and
flowers. Since the introduction of waste materials now been used in
composts this trend has declined. This may be an early sign that peat
substitutes do not work as well when used by amateur growers.
Why is peat such a popular product for the ordinary gardener? It is
relatively cheap and its structure is consistent. It will retain moisture
and nutrients compared with current alternatives plus it is easy, clean
and safe to handle. The NVS has not found any alternatives to peat
that the ordinary gardener can use that will produce the same results.
The society is willing to work with compost manufacturers and
trial products to find a more successful peat substitute in readiness
for 2020. We have members in every part of the United Kingdom
GrowRings are instantly
assembled by the
customer at the point of
planting without tools.
Ten inches deep and
34" in diameter they
provide an immediate
and tidy option for
anyone wanting to plant a variety of veg in their back
garden or allotment.
A big advantage of the Rings is that the circle
diameter and height match the range of reach of an
average sized adult bending over weeding. So you
can weed the Ring comfortably and efficiently from the
same foot position without straining your back. The
rings can be placed on both grass and hard surfaces,
so there’s no trucking mud through the house if there’s
a shower of rain. Great for lettuce, carrots or onions
they’re also super for climbers like beans and peas.
The Growrings are naturally circular but need not be
so. They may be creased and folded by the user into
any geometric shape to suit available space. Many
Gardening articles feature readers plots with innovative
containers and spaces being used for growing
vegetables at home because of the unavailability of
allotments.
The Rings are dead easy to dig over as they lift
up like a sandcastle for the soil to be turned and are
perfectly adapted to anyone trying to create viable
growing space.
(12 sets to give away)
42 simplyvegetables
The Mini-Greenhouse attaches securely to the top
of the Growring with a couple of ribbons or cable ties.
Like a mother ship for early seedlings the greenhouse
can be set to ventilate for hardening off young plants
before they are transplanted out to other Rings or
beds. The Mini-Greenhouse diffuses the available light
and increases heat and humidity, seriously impacting
on growth.
The Rings are available in coloured or graphically
printed versions and are fully recyclable. They are
available from www.growrings.ie.
To win answer the following simple question:
Q: ‘Grow rings are circular, but
can they be made into any other
shape?’
Send your answer along with your name, address
and contact number to:
GrowRings Competition – NVS.1.12,
Crest Publications Ltd, 20 Moulton Park Office
Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP or
email: daniella@crestpublications.com (subject line
GrowRings Competition – NVS.1.12).
Closing date: 15.2.12
Competition T&C apply
including the Channel Isles who grow on many different types of soil
from sea level to mountain side. We appreciate the environmental
issues and cannot comment on their veracity, but we fear if peat is
not available to the amateur in future then a lot of growers will cease
practising this activity, which we feel would have a negative effect on
the social fabric of our country.
Our main concerns
What alternatives are there?
How reliable are they?
How safe are they?
How expensive are they?
What tests are made on them to ensure the safety?
What tests are done to prove the quality and ability to do the job
required?
Labelling! We need to know what we are buying and using!
Reasons
We don’t want disappointments or total failures which has
happened to myself.
One bag of multipurpose compost used to pot up strawberry
plants. All the plants died within 10 days. Onions failed to produce
any roots when potted up into it. Without testing I can only assume
the salt levels were abnormal!
A bale of peat purchased to grow potatoes produced severe scab
infection on the potatoes without any addition of lime in the mix. Only
fertiliser was added. Two further bales of a different brand produced
clean potatoes with the same mix!
Products found in bags of composts so far range from wood
shavings, (not composted) stones up to 2inch plastics, pencils, plus
the increase in weeds once in use.
We thank the organisation for asking for our contribution on such
an important matter.
A Read FNVS.
The Great Peat Debate, at
Stocksbridge Technology Centre.
The day kicked off with a presentation by Professor Jack Rieley
of the International Peat Society. He gave a very thorough resume
on the International position of Peat bogs and the conservation
issues surrounding them. In respect of the Governments intention to
eradicate the use of peat for horticultural use by 2030 he highlighted
certain facts. Most of the peat land in England had been taken up by
Forestry, Agriculture, Fuel supply and only a very small percentage by
peat excavation for Horticulture. He also covered government issues
over CO2 emissions as a result of these excavations suggesting they
had failed to do a like for like comparison with other CO2 emissions
thereby giving an unfair representation. Defra had produced a New
White Paper on the reduction of peat use in England before a working
party had completed their report on the issue and in doing so Defra
had made some misleading assessments.
The next speaker Mr Gerald Schmilewski of Klasmann-Deilmann,
Germany gave an excellent presentation on, ‘ The role of peat in
assuring the quality of growing media’. Clearly, the German company,
in consultation with other EU countries had conducted a thorough
assessment on peat and peat alternatives. Of those tested only
composted biowaste, bark and composted bark, wood fibre
and coir products were the ones considered as growing medium
constituents. In summary he suggests, ‘ Despite the background
of favour for peat replacements, it remains necessary to include
peat in most formulations as a diluent to compensate for the less
favourable characteristics of the “alternatives’’. Thus, although they
are repeatedly placed in the foreground, the role of alternative growing
medium constituents is still subordinate to that of peat, and this
situation is likely to continue in the foreseeable future.
The Netherlands moved in the same direction long ago when their
own domestic peat reserves became exhausted and they found,
as still seems the case today, that highly technical and specialist
horticulture is impossible without peat.
The afternoon session gave our national societies an opportunity
to speak on the effects of peat and alternative substitutes. Roger
Brownbridge of the National Chrysanthemum Society, Adrian Read
NVS and Mr Rick Benton gave written presentations on the subject.
A team from Green Technology Consultancy Ltd gave a
presentation on the difficulties and challenges of the propagation
process, from seedling to field establishment. Experiences of trials
with reduced peat media. Once again, there were problems in some
produce using peat alternatives!
The day ended with a question and answer session with many
reservations expressed over reduced peat products currently on the
market which as a quality control left a lot to be desired.
The day was a very worth while event which hopefully, will create a
conduit for further discussion with governing bodies and the people
most effected by Defra the white paper on peat!
My Resume of the day for what it is worth!
Keith Abel
Enter our competition for a chance to win a
2.5 litre bottle of Maxicrop Seaweed Extract.
We have 5 bottles to give away –
each worth £14.49.
All you have to do is write in
telling us why you like to use
seaweed extract for your garden
or allotment.
Our editorial team will chose the most interesting 5
answers.
There are two formulations of Maxicrop to give away
– please give your preference in your reply.
Maxicrop Original Seaweed Extract
This product has long been a firm favourite with
keen gardeners and commercial growers – for both
conventional and organic growing.
The key benefits of Maxicrop – improved root
system to take up more soil nutrients and water;
greener leaves with more chlorophyll to improve the
use of sunlight energy for carbohydrate production;
and improved plant health – have been proven in many
independent trials.
Seaweed extract contains very little nitrogen,
phosphorous and potash (NPK) so you need to use
Maxicrop Original alongside traditional NPK fertiliser
to get the best results – this is why Maxicrop also
produces:
Maxicrop Seaweed Plus Tomato Fertiliser
This product has all the benefits of Maxicrop Original
Seaweed Extract plus a balanced high potash mineral
fertiliser – to give a complete stimulant and feed for
tomatoes. It is also ideal for other greenhouse crops,
fruit and vegetables – as well as flowering plants.
N-P-K 5.1-5.1-6.7
See the Maxicrop website for full details – including
the full range of other products – www.maxicrop.co.uk
Send your entry along with your name, address and
contact number to:
Maxicrop Competition – NVS.1.12,
Crest Publications Ltd, 20 Moulton Park Office
Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP or
email: daniella@crestpublications.com (subject line
Maxicrop Competition – NVS.1.12).
Closing date: 15.2.12
Competition T&C apply
simplyvegetables 43
“The Scots Abroad”
Fiona Shenfield, Scottish Branch.
This season we ventured down south again to try
our luck at a few of the veg shows.
First stop was the Welsh Branch Championships at
Pembroke 20th/21st August where Ian Simpson did well
winning the Long Carrots, peas and the British Tap
root Championship – an ambition he has had since he
started growing. Ian also did well, whilst supporting the
local Pembroke show too.
One week later, it was back down again to Wales,
this time for the National Championships being held in
Llangollen.
A larger contingency from the Scottish Branch
travelled to this show to stage their entries with no less
than 17 tickets being awarded;
1st x 3
Eric Craik
Blanch Leeks
Ian Stocks
Stump Carrots
Ian Simpson
Peas
2nd x 4
Jim Gradie
Cauliflower
Eric Craik
Onions 1Kg to 1.5kg
Ian Simpson
Long Beetroot
Eric Craik
NVS Sherine
3rd x 5
Niall Currie
Onions 1Kg to 1.5kg
Jim Gradie
Peas
Ian Simpson
Long Carrots
Jim Gradie
Onions <250g
Ian Simpson
Stump Carrots
4th x 3
Ian Stocks
Peas
Eric Craik
NVS Amour
Ian Stocks
Long Carrots
5th x 2
Jim Pearson
Millenium
Jim Gradie
Pot Leeks
Robert Lind’s “Best in Show”
blanch leeks at Harrogate
It was also thought by quite a few growers that Eric’s
Blanch leeks were in the running for “Best in Show”,
however he was just pipped by Vin Throup who staged
a marvellous set of large onions.
Another highlight at the weekend was the awards
given for silver and gold medals which are awarded for
outstanding work that has been performed on behalf
of the society.
Silver Medal
Len Jamieson
Robert Lind
Gold Medal
Arthur Provan
Happy trophy winners at Llangollen, Ian Simpson for his peas,
Eric Craik for his blanch leeks and Ian Stocks for his stump carrots
Ian Simpson’s winning tap root collection at the Welsh Branch
Championships
After another great weekend in Wales and a couple
of mystery tourist events courtesy of “Wee Jimmy’s
Tours” (Jim Pearson to you and me), it was the turn
of the Northern Branch Championship at Harrogate
and the new show at the South Causey Inn, near
Newcastle.
Harrogate saw Robert Lind win the Blanch Leeks at
the Northern Branch Championships as well as “Best
in show”. Ian Simpson also won the Tap Root Class
at the Northern Branch Championships as well as the
Carrot Championship in the Harrogate Show section.
Meanwhile up at the South Causey Inn, Jim Pearson
won the collection of 5 vegetables (similar to the
Millennium class but you can also select peas – a
bonus for the Scots!). Jim won by a clear 9 points
which made for a great day.
The Midlands Branch was next with Ian Simpson
managing to win the Long Carrot class with a set of
carrots staged for him by Gareth Cameron and Ronnie
Jackson – many thanks lads !
Lastly, to complete the success over the border,
Jim Pearson made the long journey down south to
Eric Craik’s winning leeks at Llangollen
the RHS show in Westminster, London. (a very long
journey indeed after breaking down on the way – but
that’s another tale for another day!)
This is possibly the first time anyone from North of
the border has entered this show and it proved to be a
worthwhile trip.
Jim won the Cauliflower class and the single plate of
coloured potatoes and a few other 2nd & 3rd tickets.
The icing on the cake however, was winning the 10
Jim Pearson with his winning
collection at Newcastle
The Scottish Branch’s winning collection at Westminster, by ½ point!
Veg Collection, beating the Welsh Branch by a ½
point!
The 10 Veg Collection can be an individual’s entry or
a group of people can join forces and enter together.
On this occasion, 4 people donated veg to make up
the ten items;
Fiona Shenfield
Shallots
Ian Simpson
Long Carrots & Tomatoes
Jim Gradie
Long Leeks & <250g onions
Jim Pearson
Parsnips, Cauliflower, celery,
Potatoes and Peas
Arthur Provan receiving his gold
medal from the President
44 simplyvegetables
Participants in wee Jimmy’s tours!”
The Vegetable and Fruit Company
Looking back over the season, all the growers from
the Scottish Branch who ventured South to enter
these shows, gave a very good account of themselves
and once again represented the Scottish Branch
admirably. Hopefully next season, a few more of us
can make the journey South and maybe improve
on this season’s great results as well as the most
important thing of all meeting up with old friends,
gaining new friends and sharing ideas, seeds & stories
in this passion for veg growing & showing.
Well done to all the award winners.
Fiona Shenfield
Scottish Branch
Ian Simpson’s winning carrot
collection at Harrogate
NVS PRIZE SPONSORS 2011
simplyvegetables 45
Haygrove NVS Advert Nov 11 185x265:Layout 1
22/11/11
16:33
Page 1
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Roll-up, roll-down ventilation along both tunnel sides as
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“My Haygrove Tunnel has
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Colin Mc Andrew,
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Our modular structure means we can meet your
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To find out more about
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46 simplyvegetables
Winter Undercover
For all Polytunnels, it’s important to make sure the
cover is tight, particularly when winds are stronger.
The looser the covers the more movement will occur
during windy periods leading to wear and tear. With
the Haygrove Garden Tunnel this is a fairly simple
job. Both the hoop clips on the end gable sections
and the zip wires around the steel base can be
removed and the cover retightened, as shown in the
picture below.
Choose a calm day for this job and remember your
gardener’s kneeling mat!
One of our regular blog contributors, Rick Grose
from Sussex writes “Summer production is just about
finished in my Haygrove Garden Tunnel for this year
except for a couple of cherry tom’s still fruiting (var.
“Garden Pearl”) and some butternut squash ripening.
There are a few things I wouldn’t grow again (like
aubergines) and a few others that I’d try again but
with different methods, like honeydew melon in a hot
bed of horse manure! I’ve got some winter salads
going well even though they were sown a bit late
in September. This includes winter lettuce, rocket,
mizuna greens, spinach, swiss chard and pak choi.
I’ve managed to keep some variety of salad leaf
going continuously for 12 months now thanks to the
extended season the tunnel provides.”
The Garden Shows
The 2012 Garden Shows
at Firle Place (21–22
April), Stansted Park
(15–17 June) and Loseley
Park (20-22 July).
Eighteen years ago The
Garden Show at Stansted
Park was launched.
Specialist plantsmen and
designers now share their
vision of beautiful gardens
and homes, exhibiting a
wide range of gardening
products, crafts, sculpture, gifts, country foods and complementary
therapies.
A great day out for the whole family with plenty of opportunity to
relax and explore stunning Stansted Park.
Visitors have loved their annual visit to Stansted so the organisers
have created The Garden Show at Firle Place in the same mould.
This a real taste of spring and a perfect time to plan your garden - also
a rare chance to visit the beautiful ‘ Secret Gardens of Firle Place.
And this year everyone is delighted that ‘The Great Gardening Show’
at beautiful Loseley House has been rejuvenated and restored as
The Garden Show at Loseley Park. Once again The Garden Shows’
successful formula will be employed to create a really different event
encouraging visitors to replant their gardens and their future!
Open daily 10am- 5pm.
Please visit: www.thegardenshowonline.com
or contact: info@thegardenshowonline.com
01243 586323.com to find out more
simplyvegetables 47
Scottish Branch
CHAIRMAN’S THOUGHTS
Well, here we are 15th November, a couple of light frosts to report,
but the last two weeks have been above average temperature,
dry, and absolutely no excuse for not working in the untidy tip of a
garden!
I have managed to empty and clean the greenhouse, for the first
time I used the pressure washer on the glass and it certainly removed
the algae and moss, and it was excellent for cleaning the green scum
between the glass overlaps.
Inside I used a weak solution of jeyes fluid to soak the capilliary
matting and floor, and to finish off I used a sulphur candle overnight
to kill any residual bugs and beasties. Many years ago I always had a
real problem with white-fly, but since a thorough cleaning on an annual
basis the greenhouse remains relatively clean throughout the season.
Long leeks should be started by the end of the month, and I will
probably start some onions about the second week in December.
The next item on the agenda is the polytunnel, it requires a blitz,
and if time and effort permit I intend manuring the leek bed.
The long carrot barrels “should “ really be emptied this year (bit of
a thought), but as we all know if you don’t put in the hard work, you
don’t get the results !
Last weekend was the last show of the season at Kelso, and
this year the stars of the show were the leeks. Tony Cuthbert from
Dates for the diary 2012
Saturday 14th January – N.E.C. meeting, Preston
Saturday 24th March – Branch A.G.M. Auchterarder
Saturday 28th April – N.E.C. meeting, Preston
Saturday 19th May – Branch committee meeting
1st, 2nd & 3rd June – Gardening Scotland, Ingliston
Sunday 1st July – Branch Garden Visit (April details)
Saturday 7th July – N.E.C. meeting, Preston
3rd, 4th & 5th August – Ayr Flower Show
31st August, 1st & 2nd September – Dundee Show
Sunday 26th August – Branch Championships, Kelso.
29th & 30th September – Nationals at Malvern
6th October – Committee meeting & Judges exam
Saturday 13th October – N.E.C. meeting, Preston
17th November – Annual Seminar, Penicuick
Walkworth (near Alnwick) won a very competitive class of long leeks,
and Alan Manning won the inter-mediate leeks with three of the best
quality pendles I have seen in a long time.
Alan also grew the pot leek called “the giant”, this leek is obviously
difficult to keep below the required six inches, but it is a very vigorous
leek, and grows like a palm tree
This week our national secretary sent out the results of the judges
exam, and I have been kept fairly busy answering enquiries by those
candidates who failed the exam, not surprisingly they want to know
where they went wrong and hopefully I can help them out and give
them guidance for next year.
Jim Williams, Branch Chairman.
Before lunch, Fiona Shenfield and myself
gave a “slide show” of the Scottish Branch
and National Championships. Fiona is a real
expert on power-point, and her presentation
was excellent. Somewhere in this edition, Fiona
also has an article on Scottish growers on their
travels.
During the lunch break, were the ever
efficient kitchen team of Bobby Jones and
George Bartling provide tea, coffee and food,
Arthur Provan and Ian Stocks conducted
the sale of seeds,goods and fertilisers etc.,
and Peter Guthrie also had a good range of
potatoes on sale.
In the afternoon session we were in the very
capable hands of Mark Atkins (who travelled all Mark Atkins presentation
the way from Doncaster on Saturday morning).
Mark is an agronomist and the main basis of his talk, was to
produce an effective non hazardous biological management of the soil
to promote and sustain healthy soils and plants.
It was a very thought provoking talk as we all tend to use
insecticides and fungicides as our first line of defence, and Mark was
advocating using natural micro-organisms and mycorrhiza to not only
keep pests and fungi under control, but they also reduce the amount
of fertiliser required by making greater use of available nutrients.
Scottish Branch Championships
Dunfermline 17th & 18th September 2011
First
Tony Cuthbert’s class winning long leeks
Alan Manning’s inter-mediate leeks
Alan’s “giant” pot leek
Annual Scottish Branch Seminar –
19th November 2011
This year our principal speaker was Peter Glazebrook who made
the long journey north with his good wife (and helper) Mary.
We were very fortunate that we selected Peter some time ago
before he broke the world heavy weight onion, and of course all the
recent publicity meant that we had a full house with 115 members
attending the seminar.
Peter Glazebrook and wife Mary.
48 simplyvegetables
Full house for the seminar
Pleased to report that we again had members from south of the
border, with Gareth Cameron, Ronnie Jackson and Simon Smith,
and we also had Helen Vincent from Southern Branch, who flew into
Edinburgh that morning !
Peter gave a very detailed and straight forward account in how he
achieved growing a seventeen pound, twelve ounce onion, and I think
the most striking fact that came across, was
that this was not achieved overnight, but was
an accumulation of twenty years trial and error,
hard work, and making sure all the experience
gained was put to good use.
Very few growers would be prepared to
commit the time and effort that Peter & Mary
put into their hobby and one can only marvel at
what they have achieved.
Our President (and past heavy weight onion
champion) Bill Rodger expressed his view
to Peter that he thought it would take a long
time before the record was broken again, but
surprisingly Peter felt that the record would go
again soon, simply because the knowledge,
technology and strains were available to all
growers.
Mark went through a range of products
available, and in the future he hopes to market
some of these through Ian Barbour (J.B.A.
seed potatoes).
The last talk of the day was from Jim
Pearson from Whitburn, on the subject of
exhibition cauliflowers.
Jim has won six National titles with
cauliflower, and along with two wins with peas,
and one from the millennium collection, I think
he has the most National titles of all Scottish
growers.(I am sure someone will correct me if I
am wrong).
Jim has always been a bit reluctant to give a
talk, but with the help of his wife (Grace) on the
camera, and Fiona on the computer, Jim gave,
in his own wonderful style, probably the best
presentation and certainly the most humorous talk of the day.
Jim covered all aspects of growing and showing, and even
managed to deal with young grand-children “helping” him wash his
newly lifted prize winners with “peat and soil”.
I am sorry to say that the photograph of Jim & Fiona was a bit
blurred and cannot be used, but we will get you in the next edition.
Jim Williams, FNVS Chairman Scottish Branch.
Scottish Branch Championships
Second
Third
Fourth
Class 1 Collection
Eric Craik
Alistair Gray
Ian Stocks
Ted Low
Alan Yates
Class 2 Mini
Ian Stocks
Jim Williams
Alistair Gray
Class 3
Pot Leeks
George Scott
Ted Low
Jackie Davidson Jim Gradie
Class 4
Cauliflower
Paul Macleod
Alistair Gray
Ian Archibald
Niall Currie
Class 5 Peas
Ian Stocks
Robert Lind
Class 6 Stump
Ian Simpson
Joe Proudlock Ian Stocks
Class 7 Globe beet James Lowe
Eric Craik
Jackie Davidson
George McSkimming
James Veitch
Jackie Davidson David Mitchell
Class 8 Tomatoes
George Young Paul Macleod
Alistair Gray
David Mitchell
Class 9
Onions Large
Joe Proudlock Jim Williams
Niall Currie
James Veitch
Class 10
Onion Setts
George Young Ian Stocks
Joe Proudlock
Jim Gradie
Class 11
Onions 250g
Jim Gradie
Niall Currie
Alistair Gray
Jackie Davidson
Class 12 Shallots
Niall Currie
Hector
Mackenzie
James Veitch
James Lowe
Class 13
Potatoes White
Alistair Gray
Joe Proudlock Eric Craik
George Cumming
Class 14
Ian Stocks
Potatoes Coloured
Jim Williams
Joe Proudlock
Alan Yates
Class 15
Long Leeks
Eric Craik
Ian Stocks
George Scott
Jim Gradie
Class16 Celery
Paul Macleod
Alistair Low
Ted Low
Jim Gradie
Class 17
Long Beet
George
Cumming
G.
Niall Currie
Cumming(sen)
Jim Williams
Class 18 Parsnips
Alistair Gray
Ian Simpson
Niall Currie
Class 19
Long carrots
Ian Stocks
Joe Proudlock Ian Simpson
The Ivor Mace Trophy(Onions) – Joe Proudlock
The William Sands Trophy(Potatoes) – Alistair Gray
The James Scade Trophy (Collection) – Eric Craik
The Cockney Goblet (Best Exhibit Leeks) – Eric Craik
Collection, Eric Craik
Ian Stocks
Large onions,
Joe Proudlock
Exhibition Shallots,
Niall Currie
Mini Collection, Ian Stocks
George Cumming
Tomatoes,
George Young
White potatoes,
Alistair Gray
simplyvegetables 49
Northern Branch
When you read the items in this newsletter it will be January 2012.
January is named after the Roman god Janus. The first of January
was dedicated by the Romans to their god of gates and doors.
Janus has a very distinctive appearance in that he is commonly
depicted with two faces – one regarding what is behind and the
other looking to what lies ahead. Why the god of gates and doors
you may ask? Well doors and gates look in two directions; letting
you both in, and out. Therefore the god could look in two directions
at once.
We gardeners, in January, look in two directions. Back on the old
year remembering the successes and failures, and forward to the
New Year dreaming of the superb crops you will grow, and the red
cards and trophies, that you will win!
So first let us look back on the old year. The last article in the
October issue went to print before the major competitions were
held. The star competition in September was the Northern Branch
Championships held at Harrogate. Derek Neumann as Show
Manager, supervised the entries in 23 classes. As usual there were
many outstanding entries, with entrants from other Branches as
well as our own. Unfortunately it did not receive the publicity it
deserved. Most newspaper
reports featured the giant sized
vegetables, especially since
the record for the weight of the
giant onion was broken. (By
Peter Glazebrook, one of our
members)
With £1,200 prize money on
offer competition was keen with
good entries in most classes.
This year the North of England
Horticultural Society Vegetable
Championships, in association
with the N.V.S. and under the
direction of Show Manager Ray
Orme, had several new classes.
50 simplyvegetables
Northern Branch Chairman’s Report
This class called for a collection of
Fruit, flowers and vegetables.
The winning trug
Another successful year completed by a most enterprising Branch.
The traditional start of the new gardening year on the 1st of
October was OK, winter digging went well for the first month.
November turned much colder and wetter, snow reported in North
Yorkshire on the 25th. On the 27th the heavens opened and it
snowed and it snowed and it snowed so much that the on the 4th
December I had to cancel the Northern Branch meeting for the very
first time during my tenure. In the middle of December I battled my
way to Harrogate up the A1 to a meeting with Martin Fish and the
team to discuss revolutionary changes to the Harrogate Schedule and
then came back through Leeds to beat the heavy goods traffic. On
the 27th December the great thaw began and we gradually got back
to normal. On the 1st January I rang my old pal George McSkimming
and wished him all the best for 2011.
Seeds were ordered and crop rotation schemes implemented.
The AGM was held at Nelson Cricket Club, a club steeped in
tradition. Its honours board was like a who’s who of the all time greats
of the cricket world, arrangements were made by David Metcalfe
and Betty Wall who put on a buffet fit for a king. All existing officers
were elected unopposed as were all members of the committee. We
welcomed two new members to the committee, Betty Wall and Mike
Osbourn.
A full calendar of events had been arranged by each DA and these
were published for all to see. In an addition to this Paul Henshaw
produced a Directory of Shows of all affiliated societies and district
associations. A document that has proved to be invaluable to
publicise what’s going on and where.
During the Showing season the DA’s produced displays that
have become legendary in most of the major Shows throughout
the Northern area at venues such as The Lakeland Rose Show,
Gateshead, Bingley, Harrogate Spring and Autumn, The Great
Yorkshire Show, Bakewell, Elvaston Castle, Poynton, Tatton Park
and others, and Southport where we had an official presence there
for the first time for many years and which we are glad to renew our
acquaintance. We gained gold medals at all these shows and at
nearly all of them gained the honour of being awarded the premier
award for the best display in the Show.
It has been an excellent year working with excellent people. This
year my Vice Chairman and friend Bob Herbert has stated that it is his
intention not to seek office in 2012. I will miss his advice and support
greatly.
I would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe 2012.
Malcolm Evans, FNVS Chairman.
Looking Forward…Future programmes
More entries at the EYDA Show
The highlight of these classes was
The Master Gardener Class, with
a first prize of £150. This was won
by John Smiles FNVS, of Tong Nr.
Bradford.
Another class calling for all
round growing skills was “A trug
of vegetables” Again these not
only test the gardeners expertise,
Geoff Butterworth and Derek
but provide the visitor with an
Neumann judging at the East Yorkshire
interesting exhibit to look at, as
D.A. Show
they are all different.
Fruit was not forgotten, and
whilst not coming under the
banner of the NVS, but judged
under RHS rules, proved most
interesting. I particularly liked the
class for a collection of fruit from
a garden tended by a professional
gardener!
Incidentally my own village show
used to have classes for both The
Edenfield
Cottager and the Professional.
Several business people such as
the Reckitts, Zerneys and Ferens, lived in the village and employed
large numbers of servants in the pre war era! The gardens and
grounds are now large private housing estates.
Many of our District Associations held their own competitions in
September, and as usual a high standard of vegetables was on show.
The Lancashire D.A. sponsor a class in the Edenfield and District
Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show, and this class, along with the
Lancashire Millennium Plate, was won by Frank McVan, for three
onions under 8oz.
Cheshire and District D.A. flew the flag for the National Vegetable
Society by putting on a display at Wythenshawe Garden City Festival.
Tony Featherstone, Newsletter editor
Organising a programme that will please all members of your
District Association is a most difficult task. You will have gardeners
of all abilities and interests. Some will want only to know about”
Growing for showing”, some will only be interested in “Growing
for eating”. We are fortunate that in the N.V.S. there is a group
of members, who not only are experts in their subject, but are
prepared to travel vast distances – at little cost – to spread the
word.
As a member who has had the task of obtaining speakers, I find
that being able to see what other D.A.’s are doing invaluable. That is
one reason that I find the news from other D.A.’s so interesting. Also
remember that you would be welcome at any D.A. if you make the
effort to attend.
At the start of the year some programmes are awaiting
confirmation, which is why there is a contact number for each D.A.
East Yorkshire D.A.
Meet on the last Monday of the month, 7.30p.m., at The
Hill Top Club, Willerby, HU16 5JD Contact Mike Abel on
m.g.abel@btinternet.com
Monday 30th January 2012 Annual General Meeting
Monday 27th February 2012 Quiz Night
Monday 26th March 2012 Growing Potatoes, David Thornton FNVS
Westmorland and North Lancs. D.A.
Tuesday 10th January 2012 Growing Pot Leeks, Blanch Leeks and
Onions – John Soulsby, Kibblesworth.
Tuesday 14th February 2012 To be Arranged
Tuesday 13th March 2012 Highs and Lows in an Exhibitor’s Garden
– John Smiles FNVS, Tong
Lancashire District Association
Meet on the second Thursday of the month, 7.30 p.m. at The
Ribchester Sports and Social Club, Ribchester, Preston, PR3 3YE
Thursday 12th January 2012 To be arranged
Thursday 9th February 2012.Growing Long Carrots and Growing
Peas – Ian Stocks FNVS
Thursday 8th March 2012…….To be arranged
For further details contact Paul Henshaw FNVS, tel. 01254 878145
North Yorkshire and South Durham D.A.
Meet on the last Wednesday of each month 7.30 p.m. at The
Cleveland Bay, Eaglescliffe
Wednesday 25th January 2012 Annual General Meeting
Other meetings are not yet finalised, but for details contact Ray Orme
FNVS, raymondorme@live.co.uk
Mansfield District Association
Meet on the last Wednesday of each month 7.30 p.m. at The Black
Bull, Mansfield Woodhouse. Contact kdunnicliff@talktalk.net
Wednesday 25th January 2012 Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 29th February 2012 To be confirmed
Wednesday 28th March 2012 Growing Better Tomatoes, David
Thornton FNVS
Crewe and Nantwich District Association
Meet at The Crosville Social Club, Chester Street, Crewe.
North East Derbyshire District Association
Meetings are held at Staveley Miner’s Welfare, Staveley on the third
Wednesday of each month. Contact Geoff Butterworth FNVS, tel
01142 485203
January 18th 2012 Annual General Meeting
February 15th. 2012 Growing my World Record Onions! –
Peter Glazebrook
March 21st 2012 Gardens of North Wales – Mike Davey
April 18th 2012 TBA
North East Derbyshire DA trophy winners from
our show held at Glapwell on 4 September 2011.
1. Collection of 6 veg
2. Derbyshire Onion Champ
3. Derbyshire Potato Champ
4. Derbyshire Leek Champ
5 250g Onions
6 Long carrot/short carrot
7 Cauliflowers
8 Onion collection
9 NVS Sponsored class (beetroot)
10 Tap root collection
11 Millennium collection
NVS Silver Medal
Most points in show
J Parsons
J Parsons
M Shipley
J Parsons
G Butterworth
R Hall
B Gilthorpe
J Goodall
J Croot
D Thornton
J Croot
J Parsons
J Parsons
simplyvegetables 51
West Yorkshire DA
All meetings held on the second Tuesday of the Month at Leeds
Paxton Horticultural Halls, 186 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS5
2AB. For more info, contact the Secretary, David Allison on 01943
862106 or e-mail at drallison@hotmail.co.uk
10th January 2012 – John Smiles and David Allison, Illustrated talk,
reflections of 2011 plus the year ahead.
14th February – Sherie Plumb, Illustrated talk, growing potatoes and
runner Beans, my way.
13th March – Ian Simpson, Illustrated talk, The cultivation of
exhibition Stump carrots and peas.
10th April – David Thornton, Illustrated talk, Growing Exhibition and
Pickling shallots by a Champion grower.
West Yorkshire DA’s display at
Harrogate
Another premier award, keeps the
Treasurer happy!
The end of
a season.
John Croot FNVS
Northern Branch Secretary.
The 2011 growing season is coming to an end and most of us will
be thinking thank goodness, bring on 2012. The end of 2010 and
the start of 2011 was very cold with large amounts of snow about.
The Northern Branch committee meeting was cancelled a number
of times due to the weather and road conditions. When the snow
and the weather began to improve the temperature shot up and it
was warmer in England than many of our European neighbours.
Then came the long dry summer with very little rain and looking at
Northern Branch Championships
held at Harrogate 2011 Results
Class 1 A collection of 6 kinds of
vegetables, one of each kind.
1st
P Clark
Tomato Cedrico,
Onion Tom Lowe
strain, Leek Peter
Clark Strain. Parsnip
Palace, Carrot
Long New Red Int,
Cauliflower Sky walker.
2nd K Abel
Tomato Cedrico,
Onion Own strain,
Carrot Long New
Red Int, Potato NVS
Amour, Leek Pendle
Improved, Celery
Morning Star.
3rd J Parsons
Parsnip Javelin, Onion
Own Strain, Long
Carrot G Watson
strain, Potato Vivaloi,
Leek Welsh Seedling,
Celery Morning Star,
4th B Micklewaithe Parsnip Gladiator,
Onion Own strain,
Celery Morning Star,
Cauliflower Raleigh,
Potato NVS Amour,
Leek Welsh Seedling.
Class 2 One dish of two Celery
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
G Parry
J Parsons
K Abel
P Macleod
Evening Star.
Evening Star.
Ideal.
Class 3 One dish of two Cauliflower.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
M Roberts
S Plumb
J Smiles
M Read
Cornell.
Raleigh.
Aviso.
Cornell.
Class 4 One dish of five Onion to
weigh between 1 and 1.5Kg.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
R Rogers
D Unsworth
D Thornton
G Cameron
Kelsae.
Kelsae
Kelsae.
D Meltcalfe Strain.
Class 5 One dish of nine Tomatoes.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
P Vine
P Clark
D Thornton
J Parsons
Cedrico.
Mecanno.
Class 6 Mini Collection three kinds
of vegetables two of each kind.
1st
B Micklewaithe Onion own strain,
Potato Amour. Leek
Pendle Improved.
2nd R. D. Bull
Potato Amour, Carrot
Sweet Candle,
Parsnip Princess.
3rd S Plumb
Potato Winston,
Runner Bean Stenner,
Cauliflower Raleigh.
4th K Abel
Carrot New Red Int.
Leek Pendle Imp.
Celery Evening Star.
Class 7 Carrots one dish of
three Stumped Rooted.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
I Hairsine
G Parry
I Simpson
P Clark
Sweet Candle.
Sweet Candle.
Sweet Candle.
Abaco.
the reservoirs now they are still very low and if we do not get a wet
winter then I can see a water shortage next year. Even now (mid
Nov)the weather is abnormal with temperatures higher than we
are used to at this time of year. Looking round the show benches
the weather has affected the number and quality of some of the
exhibits, but it was great to see the number of entries up at the
Northern Branch Championship at Harrogate. At Harrogate the
world record for an onion was smashed by a Northern Branch
Member, Peter Glazebrook. Peter has been trying for over two
decades and over the last few years the weight of his onions has
been going up until this year he achieved the record which is now
under ratification by the Guinness Book of Records, at 17lbs 15½
ozs. Where will it all end?-ed
A number of members won red cards at the National (Jeff Parsons,
Vin Throup,
Peter Clark, Graeme Watson, Dave Thornton, David Metcalfe,
David Peel and Ron Jackson.)
The Northern Branch D.A.s have also had a successful year with
many of the Societies winning gold, large gold and premier awards
at horticultural shows throughout the Northern region.
A number of Northern Branch members attended a seminar at
Stockbridge Technology Centre on the effects of reducing the amount
of peat used in composts and the end of peat for amateur growers
Class 10 Onions one dish
of five under 250 gms.
Class 14Carrots Long one dish of three
Class 19 Runner Beans one dish of nine.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
1st
2nd G Watson
Own Strain
3rd R Freeman
G Watson Strain.
4th M Roberts
New Red Intermediate.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
R Jackson
I Hairsine
R Macfarlane
P Bastow
Tasco.
Tasco.
Toughball.
Vento.
Class 11 Potatoes Coloured
one dish of five.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
S Plumb
D Peel
I Hairsine
J Bebbington
Kestrel.
Kestrel.
Amour.
Kestrel
Class 12 Shallots Large
Exhibition one of twelve.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
S Mc Donald
F Worth
D Owens
D Thornton
Hative De Niort.
Hative De Niort.
Hative De Niort.
Hative De Niort.
Class 13 Parsnips one dish of three
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
G Parry
I Simpson
D Thornton
G Dodd
Pinnacle.
Pinnacle.
Pinnacle.
Picador.
S Plumb
D Peel
J Bebbington
M Winder
P Lee
G Parry
J Pearson
A Pease
A rare moment, John Smiles buying a raffle ticket!
52 simplyvegetables
Stenner.
Stenner.
Stenner.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
R Lind
Pendle Improved.
2nd J Parsons
Welsh Seedling.
3rd P Clark
Own Strain.
Class 16 Tap Root Collection
I Simpson
2nd M Roberts
3rd A Taylor
4th D Thornton
Parsnip Pinnacle,
Carrot Sweet Candle,
Carrot New Red Int
Parsnip Palace,
Carrot Abaco, Carrot
New Red Int.
Parsnip Pinnacle,
Carrot Sweet Candle
Carrot New Red Int.
Parsnip Pinnacle,
Carrot Sweet Candle,
Carrot New Red Int.
Class 17 Onions Large
Exhibition one dish of three.
T Lewins
Own Strain.
2nd J Parsons
Own Strain.
3rd P Henshaw
Own Strain.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Pablo.
Pablo.
Pablo.
S Plumb
A Pease
D Owens
D Peel
1st
Class 18 French Beans one dish of nine.
Class 9 Beetroot one dish of five globe.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
New Red Intermediate.
Class 20 Cucumber one dish of two
1st
Winston.
Winston.
Winston.
Winston.
D Thornton
Class 15Leeks Blanch one dish of three
1st
Class 8 Potatoes white one dish of five.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
from 2020.
The 2012 Annual General Meeting will be held on the 3rd March at
Horbury Working Members Club.
Hallcroft,
Cluntergate, Horbury,
Wakefield.
West Yorkshire
WF4 5DB.
The meeting will start at 13.00 hours. All Northern Branch Members
are welcome.
The Judges Examination will be held on the 6 October at Paxton
Hall Leeds. Will any member wishing to sit the examination please
contact John Croot on 01773 834213 for an application form in May.
All applications to be sent to the Northern Branch Secretary before
the 16 June.
Thank you, John.
Any DA’s requiring applications for awards forms, i.e. fellowship,
silver medal or gold medal as detailed on page 20 of the current
directory, please also contact John Croot for a form.
Any DA’s or affiliated societies who qualify, i.e. who did not receive
one last year, who wish to have a sponsored plaque class at their
show, also please contact John. Both the above will be discussed at
the committee meeting on 3rd March prior to the AGM. Ed
R Jackson
M Winder
D Raw
M Hall
Prince.
Prince.
Prince.
S Plumb
G Dodd
J Smiles
I Hairsine
Carmen.
Carmen.
Carmen.
Carmen.
Class 21 Marrow one dish of two
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
D Peel
R Rogers
J Ellis
J Parsons
Table Dainty.
Table Dainty.
Table Dainty.
Table Dainty.
Class 22Shallots Pickling
one dish of nine.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
D Owens
R Newton
S Plumb
D Peel
Hative De Niort.
Hative De Niort.
Hative De Niort.
Hative De Niort.
Class 23Cabbage one dish of two.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
P Lee
J Bebbington
N Kitchen
A James
Autoro.
Kilaton
N.V.S. Silver Medal and Card
R Lind Class 15
Leeks Blanch one dish of three.
S Plumb
Cockney Bowl Most Points in Show.
Exhibitors entered 76
Exhibitors staged 72
Exhibits entered 364
Exhibits staged 215
simplyvegetables 53
Midland Branch
From the Sub-Editor
A very happy new year to you all! I hope 2012 will be a happy, peaceful and
healthy one and that your gardening, whether for kitchen or exhibition, will be
productive and successful.
There are quite a few dates to note in your diary for the coming year, including the
Midland Branch AGM on 3rd March. This gives members the opportunity to meet
fellow gardeners and is a social occasion as well as a business meeting. We look
forward to seeing as many there as possible.
SPONSORED PLAQUES
Our Secretary, Sandra Hall, would be pleased to hear from any of our affiliated
Societies who would like to apply for a Sponsor Plaque for their Shows this year.
Please see note at the end of this newsletter.
It was good to meet friends, old and new, around the Shows in 2011 and I look
forward to seeing you all again in 2012.
Just a reminder to advise that the copy deadline for the April edition is 10th
February please.
Happy Gardening!
June Davies
South West England
District Association
15th January 2012
Dear Fellow Member,
I am pleased to invite you to the
Annual General Meeting of the District
Association starting at 2.00pm,
and finishing at approx. 4.30pm,
on Saturday 11th February 2012 in
the Bristol East Allotments Pavilion,
Nicholas Lane, St. George, Bristol
BS5 8TL. Directions are available from
the Secretary if required.
If you have any nominations for office
or committee or any other items you
wish to be considered at the AGM
please let me know, in writing, as soon
as possible. You should make sure
you have the consent of the person
nominated. It may be helpful to know
that the current officers and committee
have agreed to continue for another
year if the AGM approves. We are,
however, at our lowest number of
Committee members for some time
and it would be most welcome if
any members would consider joining
the Committee. I can outline what
is involved and find proposers and
seconders if required. Should you wish
to wait until the AGM, volunteers can
be elected at that time, at the discretion
of the Chairman, which I’m sure will be
OK.
It is hoped that the formal part of the
meeting will be reasonably brief to allow
plenty of time to have an entertaining
54 simplyvegetables
quiz on knowledge of vegetable
growing with prizes for best scores and
a tea break during which you can raise
vegetable growing questions.
In order to enhance this opportunity
of contributing to our main objective of
promoting the growing of vegetables,
the meeting will open to non-members
(who will of course not be eligible to
vote). You are therefore most welcome
to bring any interested friends. Please
note any number of members of
Affiliated Societies are also most
welcome but each Society will have
only one vote.
Last year we had a very successful
DA Show at the Bath and West
Showground, near Shepton Mallet,
Somerset. This year we will be at
Shepton Mallet again for our DA Show
and we hope to have an even better
show. The Show will be on Friday 31st
August and Saturday and Sunday
1st, & 2nd September with staging on
Thursday 30th August. Hope to see you
there.
At the AGM we will also be
canvassing members’ opinions about
what other activities you would like us
to organise. I look forward to meeting
you on 11th February. Best wishes for a
successful growing year in 2012.
Yours sincerely
Derek Aldred
Hon. Secretary
Malvern Autumn Show 2011
Chairman’s
Report
The show season has drawn to a close, the prize
winners are all happy and the runners-up already
working on plans to change and improve on this
season. The cycle of gardening in particular vegetable
growing, be it for the table or show carries on
endlessly. The unusual weather for this season has
thrown up many strange happenings. Summer fruiting
strawberries are cropping for a second time I am
sure they will suffer next year and the vegetables and
fruit for store show lots of signs of not keeping as
well as we would like, potatoes are already sprouting
and apples and pears ripening very early. The Winter
vegetables are still all growing strongly so let’s hope
we do not get a repeat of last year’s very cold spell as
they might well not survive a really bad period.
The last major show of the year was at Malvern
where a great deal of hard work by the team resulted
in another red card. My thanks go out to all for the
effort put in to make this happen because it is only skill
and determination that ends up with the right result.
The social side of the weekend was once again well
appreciated and a credit to the organisers.
(for some, including NVS members, the last
major show of the year is the RHS Autumn Show at
Westminster, first week in October – report in next
issue – ed)
Once again we had a very successful show at Malvern, with
vegetables of a very high standard. 480 entries were received,
although only 85% of these were staged as, unfortunately, four
exhibitors did not turn up. Congratulations to those who won
prizes for their magnificent entries. To those who did not win this
year, please don’t give up, try again next year.
Several new members were signed up and we welcome these
Results Midland Branch Championships – 2011
Class 1 Collection of 5
Kinds of Vegetables
1st
J. Thompson
2nd
A. Jones
3rd
J. Branham
4th
D. Aldred
Class 2 Collection of 3
kinds of Vegetables
1st
J. Thompson
2nd
D. Thornton
3rd
D. Aldred
4th
M. Roberts
Class 3 Potatoes – White
1st
P.D. Ottaway
2nd
R.G. Sale
3rd
Mrs. S. Plumb
Midland Barnch Stand at Malvern Show
Next year the Midland Branch hosts the National
Championships at Malvern so the Midlands Branch
Championship will be held at Shrewsbury on 10th
and 11th August. The challenges for the committee
therefore have already been set and their enthusiasm
has already got us off to a good start.
The Branch and DA’s sales of our new book “Getting
Started on the Show Bench” are to say the least
impressive a fine addition to the tools we need to
expand the membership.
Our congratulations go to Barry Newman our new
National Chairman and we all wish him well.
John Branham
Chairman
on board.
The weather was good on the Saturday but not so good on the
Sunday morning. However, it turned out nice in the afternoon. Two
well-deserved Red Cards were awarded to the Branch and a very
enjoyable weekend was had by all.
The results follow.
Class 4 Potatoes – Coloured
1st
Mrs. S. Plumb
2nd
T. Humphrey
3rd
R.G. Sale
Class 5 Onions 0ver
250g under 1500g
1st
R. Price
2nd
D. Thornton
3rd
D. Aldred
Class 6 Onions 1500g or over
1st
A. Jones
2nd
Mal Jones
3rd
M. Roberts
Class 7 Tomatoes 12 cherry
1st
C.J. Docker
2nd
S. Smith
3rd
R. Price
Class 8 Carrots –
Stump rooted
1st
P. Devonald
2nd
J. Thompson
3rd
B. Rance
Class 9 Cauliflowers
1st
Mrs. S. Plumb
2nd
M. Roberts
3rd
C. Higgs
Class 10 Parsnips
1st
A. Jones
2nd
C.J. Docker
3rd
J. Thompson
Class 11 Carrots – Long
1st
Ian Simpson
2nd
D. Thornton
3rd
Bob Brown
Class 12 Celery
1st
R.G. Sale
2nd
A. Stevens
3rd
R. Price
Class 15 Runner Beans
1st
A. Jones
2nd
Mrs. S. Plumb
3rd
J. Thompson
Class 23 French Beans
1st
R. Scriven
2nd
J. Thompson
3rd
N. Anderson
Class 16 Cucumbers
1st
Mrs. S. Plumb
2nd
J. Thompson
3rd
C. Higgs
Class 24 Pot Leeks
1st
M. Poultney
2nd
S. Greenaway
3rd
D. Aldred
Class 17 Beetroot Long
1st
J. Thompson
2nd
J.G. Jones
3rd
Gwyn Davies
Class 25 Cabbage
1st
J. Bebbington
2nd
Gwyn Davies
3rd
M. Poultney
Class 18 Marrows Table
1st
M. Powell
2nd
G. Tranter
3rd
A. Jones
Class 26 Shallots 30mm
1st
R.G. Sale
2nd
Mrs. S. Plumb
3rd
D. Owens
Class 19 Shallots Large
1st
R. Ingram
2nd
A. Jones
3rd
D. Thornton
Class 27 Beetroot Globe
1st
M. Hall
2nd
Mrs. S. Stephens
3rd
S. Smith
Class 20 Tomatoes
1st
J. Bebbington
2nd
J. Oliver
3rd
D. Owens
Class 28 Collection of 4
dishes of vegetables
1st
D. Owens
2nd
J. Thompson
3rd
M. Hall
4th
A. Young
Class 21 Collection of
Onions and Shallots
1st
D. Owens
2nd
A. Jones
3rd
W. Thornton
4th
T. Hale
Class 22 Potato Collection
1st
Mrs. S. Plumb
2nd
A. Jones
3rd
S. Smith
4th
J. Bebbington
Class 29 Special
Class (Novice)
1st
B. Symonds
2nd
R. Hawks
3rd M. Powell
Class 13 Onions
250g or under
1st
R. Jackson
2nd
J. Oliver
3rd
M. Hall
Class 14 Leeks
1st
Gwyn Davies
2nd
D. Aldred
3rd
T. Hale
simplyvegetables 55
SWDA Report
The DA had a very good annual show at the beginning of September at the
Bath and West National Gardening Show. We were kept very busy answering
questions for 3 days and even managed to recruit a few new members. The
attendance was higher than last year and generally the weather was kind to us.
(Actually we don’t mind some rain because our show is indoors and with poor
weather the crowds flock into our “clutches”!)
We believe the standard continues to rise, in quality and quantity, and this year we
attracted several National Champions into our exhibitor ranks. They did manage to
win a few firsts but only after strong competition. We show the results in a separate
table.
We would like to express grateful thanks to our stalwart judges, Messrs Charles
Maisey, FNVS and Roy Tudor, FNVS.
The DA Panel of “wise men” (and lady), Ken Pearce, Ray Davey, Gill Hazell, Dave
Tucker and Derek Aldred, continue their rounds of local societies doing our version
of Gardeners Vegetable Question Time. We currently have some bookings for 2012
at Pen Selwood, Yatton and Box but are always open to more offers via the DA
Secretary.
Derek Aldred
Hon. Secretary
Chairman: Ken Pearce, 63 Ridgeway Lane, Whitchurch, Bristol. BS14 9PN.
Tel: 01275 839631
Treasurer: Mrs Gill Hazell, 17 Valley View, Clutton, Bristol. BS39 5SN.
Tel: 01761 452036
Secretary: Derek Aldred, “Pax”, Gaer Hill Road, Witham Friary, Frome, Somerset.
BA11 5EX. Tel: 01373 836414. E-mail derek@aldred.org.uk
Annual Summer Show
2nd–4th September 2011 Results
at the Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
Class
1 Collection of 4
Vegetables
2 Mini Collection, 3 pairs
3 3 Long Carrots
4 3 Parsnips
5 3 Blanch leeks
6 2 Celery
7 4 Coloured potatoes
8 4 White Potatoes
9 3 Large exhibition
onions
10 6 Pods of peas
11 2 Cauliflowers
12 2 Green cabbage
13 8 Exhibition shallots
14 9 Pickling shallots
15 3 Stump carrots
16 3 250gm onions
17 6 Runner beans
18 3 Red globe beetroot
19 2 Cucumbers
20 5 Tomatoes
21 2 Marrows
22 9 French beans
1st
Derek Aldred
2nd
Ray Scrivens
3rd
Terry Ruddick
Derek Aldred
Mark Hall
Ray Scrivens
Derek Aldred
Derek Aldred
Norman Hoskins
Norman Hoskins
Derek Aldred
Ray Scrivens
Harry Godden
Dave Tucker
Ken Pearce
Harry Godden
Ken Pearce
Ken Pearce
Harry Godden
Harry Godden
Dave Tucker
Terry Ruddick
Terry Ruddick
Rodney Cundict
Mark Hall
Ray Scrivens
Ray Scrivens
Derek Aldred
Mark Hall
M. Roper
Ken Pearce
Norman Hoskins
Peter Devonald
Mark Hall
Mark Hall
Mark Hall
Derek Aldred
Derek Aldred
Terry Ruddick
Mark Hall
Ray Scrivens
Derek Aldred
Ray Scrivens
Mark Hall
Frank Bowey
Mark Hall
Peter Devonald
Rodney Cundict
M. Hawkins
Ray Scrivens
Harry Godden
Peter Devonald
Rodney Cundict
Ray Scrivens
Peter Devonald
Rodney Cundict
Elizabeth Maunders
Ray Scrivens
Ray Scrivens
Norman Hoskins
George Williams
Ray Scrivens
Dave Tucker
Ray Scrivens
The NVS Sponsored Plaque winner was Mark Hall for the 3 250gm onions
The NVS Silver Medal and Card winner for the Best Single dish was Derek Aldred for
3 Blanch leeks
56 simplyvegetables
Midlands
Branch
Events 2012
BUCKS DA
September 10/11th. The D A Show was held at the County
Ground, Stafford by kind invitation of the National Chrysanthemum
Society. This was our 21st show. The first show was held at
Bridgemere Garden World; how quickly time goes by. Our first
Chairman was Roy Binfield and our first Secretary was, and still is,
Pat Brown – a long time to do a very demanding job. A big thank you,
Pat!
The D A started with a meeting held on the 14th.October 1989
at the Catholic Club, London Road, Newcastle – under-Lyme. A
collection was taken at the end of the meeting which realised £42.00
+ another £6.00 from the sale of Items donated, a grand total of
£48.00 and the North Midlands D A was launched as the first D A in
the Midlands Branch.
And we are still going strong. At this years’ show we welcomed
some new faces who entered and did very well on the show bench.
Newcomer Colin Higgs won the silver medal (best in show), with
the more experienced Roy Price taking the Banksian Medal, a very
successful year for both of them. Thank you to all exhibitors who
came along and supported the show.
I take this opportunity to wish you all a prosperous New Year and
good growing.
Terry Hale FNVS
Chairman North Midlands D A
Potato Weekend – 21st & 22nd January 2012
Dundry Nursery and Garden Centre
Bamfurlong Lane,
Cheltenham,
Glos
GL51 6SL
01451 713124
Plant and Garden Fair – 6th & 7th May 2012
The Walled Garden,
Attingham Park,
Atcham
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 4TP
01743 708123
Malvern Spring Show – 10th – 13th May 2012
Three Counties Showground
Malvern,
Worcs
WV13 6NW
01684 584900
Midlands Branch Championships;
Held within Shrewsbury Flower Show – 10th & 11th
August 2012
Quarry Lodge
Shrewsbury
ST1 1RN
01743 234050
National Championships 2012;
Held within Malvern Autumn Show – 29th & 30th
September 2012
Three Counties Showground,
Malvern,
Worcs
WV13 6NW
01684 584900
200 Club Winners
Draw Number
Amount
Winners Name
OCTOBER
184
Mr A. Seymour
5
Mr A. Hinchliff
126
Mr M. Strange
2
Mr M. Bicknell
Prize
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
£20.00
£10.00
£5.00
£5.00
NOVEMBER
1
Mr H. Hopkins
1st
65
Mr H. Hopkins
2nd
145
Mr Harry Haywood3rd
183
Mr & Mrs K.G. Blay4th
£20.00
£10.00
£5.00
£5.00
DECEMBER (CHRISTMAS DRAW)
179
Mr & Mrs K.G. Blay1st
109
Mrs S.M.C. Durie 2nd
20
Mr A.J. Preest
3rd
75
Mr & Mrs K. Cook 4th
£50.00
£25.00
£15.00
£15.00
Class
1
2
Trophy
Capewell Trophy
May’s Memorial Vase
6
Dennis Memorial
Trophy
Avro Trophy
7
The Bucks DA’s stand at the Bucks County Show made a
considerable impression on all who visited the Flower & Vegetable
section of the marquee.
John & Jill Branham provided the produce and in no time at all
had the display looking fantastic. Visitors gazed in amazement at the
incredible vegetables. It provided good discussion and the chance to
push the benefits of NVS membership. A new member was signed up.
NORTH MIDLANDS DA REPORT
Perhaps at this time of the year we reflect on what we have be
doing over the gardening year. Thoughts like,’if only I had done this
or that’, especially for the show bench.So this coming year we can
put it all right. As the farmers say, ‘ I can plough all my mistakes
under the soil, then everything looks much better’.
Looking back at our visits to the various Agricutural shows, Market
Bosworth, Newport and Leek, our D A stand, displaying vegetables,
becomes focal point for people who really want to grow good
produce; this is where we meet the public, answer questions.and
maybe enrol new members.
As D A members we arrive at the venue with whatever vegetables
we have to spare, erect the stand till all are satisfied. So if out there,
members who do not show vegetables, would like to get involved
with this aspect of D A activities, let your committee know.
Midlands
Branch AGM
Midlands Branch AGM will be held on
Saturday 3rd March 2012, at 2.00 pm in the Freisian
Hall, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs.
We look forward to seeing you there.
JUDGES’ EXAM
This year the Judges’ Exam will be held on Saturday
6th October. If you are interested in entering, please
contact our Secretary, Sandra Hall, for further
information.
8
9
10
1
14
19
20
21
24
25
26
Winner
Collection of 5 kinds C. Higgs
Collection of 3 kinds, R. Price
20 point vegetables
Onions over 1.5 kilo T. Hale
Carrots stump
rooted
Avro Trophy
Cauliflower
Avro Challenge Shield Parsnips
Avro Challenge Shield Carrot – Long
pointed
Wagstaffe trophy
Celery
W. Thornton Trophy
Runner Beans
Scott Trophy
Shallots Large
Scott Trophy
Shallots small
Burntwood Guild
Tomatoes
Trophy
Roy Binfield Vase
Potato Collection
Pat & Bernard Brown Collection of Onions
Trophy
& Shallots
Atkinson Trophy
Collection of 3 kinds
NOT 20 point veg.
Garden News Shield Special Class
Wagstaffe Trophy 2
Best exhibit in
classes 5,6,12
D.A. Perpetual Trophy Most points in show
R. Ingram
R. Price
R. Ingram
R. Ingram
C. Higgs
R. C. Bassett
R. Ingram
R.G. Sale
M. Hall
M. Hall
M. Hall
R. Ingram
No Winner
T. Hale
R. Price
Notice for
Affiliated Societies
Did you know you can apply for a ‘NVS Sponsored Plaque’
It is to be designated to ‘A Dish to comprise of One Variety’ in a Show and
won by an NVS member or a member of an affiliated society.
The Midlands Branch Committee decides which Societies the Plaques are
awarded to.
Applications to Branch Secretary, Sandra Hall.
simplyvegetables 57
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Welsh Branch
Chairman’s report
I wish all members a healthy and prosperous New
Year, good luck and good gardening for 2012. 2011
was a very busy season for our own Welsh Branch,
holding our own Welsh Branch Championships in
Pembroke and the National Championships
in Llangollen. I can report all went well.
Congratulation to all who were granted awards
in 2011 for their dedicated services to the National
Vegetable Society.
Gold Medals: Late Mr R.H. Griffiths, Bob Ball, Roy
Tudor, Ron McFarlane
Silver Medals: Ann Griffiths, Arwyn Edwards.
Fellowships: Alaw Jones, Sue Stephens, Peter
Stephens Congratulation also to my wife, Unni and
Chris Jones for passing Judges Exam.
At our AGM meeting in March I will be standing
down as Chairman of the Welsh Branch, it’s time to
do things we have promised ourselves every year and
never got round to do.
I can’t see myself ever stopping growing vegetables
for showing as I am very competitive and enjoy life in
the allotment and also meeting like minded people at
the shows and social evenings.
After a very busy season all round and some health
problems to end last year, tells me to cut back and
slow down.
Don Owens FNVS
Welsh Branch Secretary’s report
The Judges Exam took place on the 1st of October and we were pleased to
accommodate four candidates for the practical exam and three for the theory.
Our meeting room at Brynafon Country House looked very colourful and the
quality of the vegetables supplied would have won at any show. Thanks to all
that contributed in any way and we hope that the candidates will be successful.
If this spurs any of you out there to consider becoming a qualified judge, now
is the time to think. The exam takes place on the first Saturday in October. You
must contact your branch secretary by mid-August to ensure that there are
enough papers printed. You must also have been a full member of the society for
at least 12 months.
On the topic of membership, if you have not yet renewed, please do so by
the end of the January. Spring magazine goes to print early February and if
your membership has not been renewed, then regretfully this will be your last
magazine until your membership has been renewed. If you have misplaced your
renewal form, don’t despair, use the one in this issue or contact Grant Cathro on
01932 844183, jgrant.cathro@sky.com
Annual General meeting
The Welsh Branch annual general meeting will take place at Brynafon Country
House Hotel Rhayadr at 1.00pm on Saturday 3rd March 2012. This is open to all
members – your opinions count.
Our Chairman Don Owens has not been well recently. As we go to press, he is
waiting for treatment. We wish him a speedy recovery. Ron MacFarlane was the
backbone of our show at Pembroke this year despite not having enjoyed the best
of health during the last few months. I’m glad to report that he has now had a
successful bypass surgery and is well on the way to recovery.
I wish you all a Happy New Year and a good growing season. Don’t forget our
show next September and please note the change of dates from the previous issue.
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Bob receiving Gold
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58 simplyvegetables
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Social evening at National Championships Llangollen.
Watch your wife when Charley Maisey is about!!
Roy receiving Gold
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P.S. I have just been advised that Unni Owens and Chris Jones were successful in their judges examinations,
congratulations to them both from all in the Welsh Branch.
simplyvegetables 59
Southern Branch
News from the District Associations
Devon District Association
Southern Branch Introduction Notes
Well, what a year we have had. While some DA’s have obviously
struggled with numbers and in particular to find committee
members; overall we appear to be going from strength to strength.
It is particularly heartening to note that very shortly we will have
formed yet another new DA, this time in Jersey and we all wish
them every success for the future. I remember from my musical
days conducting with the brass band on competitions just how
hard it is, but how necessary it is to have to travel to experience
the correct levels of competition if you were not just to wallow in
your own local bubble, – where you probably thought that you
were really good. Travelling around for open competition soon
lets you know where you really stand in the big scheme of things.
Jersey will probably find it harder and more expensive than most
to do this, but we look forward not only to welcoming them
over to the mainland, but also of course, this now gives all of us
“mainlanders” the perfect opportunities to visit them too.
For Jersey though and indeed all of us, the future does need to be
worked at if we are to grow and develop as we all hope we will. It is
depressing and sapping to put full programmes on only for people not
to turn up and for the same old dedicated few to have to stand again
on committees rather than see things degenerate.
And our sincere congratulations must go to Barry Newman, FNVS,
our new National Chairman. I can tell you from first hand how far
sighted, encouraging and diplomatic he is in committee and I am
confident that he will help to lead the NVS on to even greater things,
hopefully for many years to come. And I for one am really pleased to
see Barry’s vision to widen things for the society to give the NVS a
greater voice in the horticultural press and media generally. We have
a hell of a lot of work to do to convince others that we are not simply
interested in showing. I think that we need to widen our horizons and
embrace everything about vegetables, from seed diversity to taste
and nutrition and commercial producers.
Are you properly
dressed?
Your Merchandise Secretary advises that we
currently have stocks available of the following
clothing items, ideal for wearing when representing
the Southern Branch at various fund-raising Events
and Shows.
Bodywarmers at £15 each, in sizes Medium Large
and XL
Polo Shirts at £12 each, in sizes Large, XL and XXL
Please contact your Merchandise/Membership
Secretary Neil Hope on 01932 844183 or neil_hope@
hotmail.com for further details and postage costs.
All items are in green and are embroidered with the
NVS Southern Branch Logo.
Order now for the new Show Season and while
stocks last!
Sponsored Plaques
Winners 2011
Three of the winners of the NVS Southern Branch
sponsored plaques for this year are;Honickknowle Allotment & Gardeners Association, Mr
R Pook, 5 Stump Rooted Carrots.
North Tonbridge Horticultural Society; – Mr C Passey,
9 Runner Beans.
River Gardeners Association; – Mr B Constable, 9
Cherry Tomatoes.
Congratulations to all of them.
60 simplyvegetables
There are thousands of new allotment holders and land sharers
out there crying out for help and advice, so we need to educate too,
children in particular as they are the future of everything. How many
new members do we lose each year because the NVS is perhaps
not what people thought it would be when they joined? And to
me the heroes of the fruit and vegetable world are really chefs and
greengrocers like Gregg Wallace. Many of these are real champions
of fruit and veg and everyone enjoys good eating even if they are not
gardeners. And it is chefs that have brought us a wealth of fantastic
TV programmes lately where they have searched out some rare and
dying varieties, often whole fruit and vegetable types and the best of
flavours to set before us. And some surprising and horrifying facts
have come to our attention too, such as the reducing numbers of
both producers and varieties of beetroot, different types of nuts,
currants, rhubarb and cauliflowers, apples, pears, cherries and even
potatoes etc.
Things can get so bad that there is for example only one
commercial producer of currants in the UK and even he never even
has orders for red or white currants and the rhubarb triangle is just
a fraction of its former size and diversity. I know that much of this is
strictly not vegetables, but it does all go together. If you are interested
in vegetables then you probably could and should embrace the fruits
and nuts and even mushrooms and fungi too.
So there is definitely much work to do. But the society and Barry
too in turn needs our help and support. Enthusiastic as he is, he
himself will have less time and energy to devote locally. We will no
doubt find this both at branch and DA level. And after all we are a
purely volunteer society. But let us take heart from the positives and
resolve to do that bit more ourselves and put a bit more in. As always,
this year is another new year, this new season we can build on things
for the future. After all if gardeners were pessimists not optimists we
would never sow, plant, or start anything.
David Wall, FNVS, Sub Editor
A date for your diary
2012 Southern
Branch
Championships
The 2012 Southern Branch Championships will be held on the 24th 25th and
26th of July 2012 as part of the New Forest Show held at The Showground
New Park Brockenhurst Hampshire SO42 7QH Contact Chris Neel FNVS, Show
secretary on 01425 629694
email c.neel001@btinternet.com
Judges Examination 2011
Southern Branch once again ran the Judges Examination this year. Congratulations
go to the following successful entrants from Southern Branch:
D Pride
M Miles
D Miles FNVS
G Baker
These are all awarded judges qualifications
Chairman: Ron Doige, Treasurer: Alan Terry, Secretary: Dan Harvey.
There were 20 members and 3 non members at our August
meeting. Barry Newman gave an excellent presentation on soil
preparation, seed varieties, growing and pest and diseases. He also
presented Dan Harvey with the FNVS award for his service to the
society and in particular for his involvement in forming the Devon DA
and in moulding it into what it is today.
By the time you read this another year will have gone by. We had a
spell of summer weather in April, since then temperatures have been
well below average especially at night and a much below average
rainfall until the end of September when summer heat returned. Yet
there have been some very good exhibits. The best mainly grown
under cover, except potatoes which have been very good with
excellent crops. There have been a few good onion exhibits but
spoiled by showing too much white skin. But all in all it has not been
a bad season and things could have been much worse.
Diary Dates: Our next meeting will be for the AGM on January 31st
at Kingkerswell community leisure centre at 7.30 pm.
For further information on Devon District Association matters and
activities, please call the DA secretary Dan Harvey on 01803 813056
Dan Harvey, FNVS
Dorset District Association
Essex DA stand at RHS Taste of Autumn
Chairman: David Miles, Secretary: Vacant, Treasurer: John Tinsley.
Raffle organiser Dennis Hewitson.
Our last two meetings of the year were firstly a talk on the history
and importance of fruit, vegetables and other trees and plants by
Reverend Trimbrell. This was a humorous talk and there was a good
receptive audience. At the time of writing the last meeting and also
the AGM is for a changed date of Wednesday 30th November where
there will also be a presentation by John Trim speaking on GROWING
AND SHOWING ROOT VEGETABLES. John was instrumental in
starting the Dorset DA and is well known to NVS members for
his frequent informative articles in the quarterly magazine “Simply
Vegetables” as well as his entertaining and enlightening talks.
With such a small county membership our numbers still give a
cause for concern, but we have been encouraged by the turn out
at our last meeting, and we hope to be putting on a full and varied
programme for 2012. Full details will be given in the next issue.
I am pleased to report that following my article on Egyptian onions,
my offer to supply Egyptian Onions and Babington leeks has raised
some £30 for the DA to date.
For further information on Dorset DA matters, please contact either
Dave Miles on 01258454689, or John Tinsley on 01258472744.
David Wall, FNVS
packets of seeds which are despatched by the team who work there.
Lastly, we visited their onsite shop, where the public can visit and
purchase seeds and accessories.
Also, on 22nd and 23rd October, we supported the RHS ‘Taste
of Autumn’ weekend with a display of vegetables at Hyde Hall. This
was set up by Sherie and Fred Plumb and their daughters. Over £400
was raised for DA funds over two days. There was a steady flow of
people over the weekend – with over double the number of visitors
compared to previous years – mainly down to the lovely weather!
Submitted by Emily Plumb
Essex District Association
Hampshire District Association
On 25th June, members visited Kings Seeds, a seed merchant at
Coggeshall which was founded in 1888 by Ernest William King. His
family had started growing seeds in Essex in 1793, initially with just
3 acres of land, but by 1918 they were farming 1500 acres of land,
still farming 325 acres today.
We were given a very informative tour by Peter Miller, Kings Seeds
Purchasing Manager. He told us about the history of Kings Seeds and
the thriving seed industry which had existed in the local area. In 1905,
most of their catalogue was devoted to Sweet Peas – Ernest’s favourite
flower, so the first thing we went to see were the Sweet Pea trials out
in the fields. After this, we went into the main building and were shown
how the seed goes from field to packet. After the seed is dried, they
use various pieces of machinery in order to grade and clean the seed
– some of which were original machines! One of the newer machines
could even grade seeds by colour!
You inserted a seed of the correct
colour which was scanned, and the
machine was capable of throwing
out any seeds which did not meet
this specification. We also saw the
cold store where the seeds are
kept, and a state of the art machine
which packages the seeds.
The huge building also houses
Kings Seeds, Essex DA
shelves from floor to ceiling full of
President Bob Brown FNVS, Chairman Ted Perren, Secretary John
Trim FNVS & Treasurer Chris Neel FNVS.
As we move into another Year Hampshire DA does so with a new
secretary. So at the time I write this report as the outgoing secretary I
don’t know who that will be. But I am sure it will be someone capable
to take over the reins. I have been recruited as head gardener to
Woodlands Lodge Hotel in Hampshire resurrecting yet another walled
garden, so my time is limited.
The past year has been a successful one. The DA plays a very
active role in the organisation of the Southern Branch Championships
under the guidance of our show secretary Chris Neel & his able team.
This culminated in a bumper entry & many accolades for the branch.
Next year we are looking to include a social function & so invite a
wider audience.
Hampshire DA put on a full programme in 2011 ranging from talks
on vegetables by John Branham & Sherie Plumb to an enthralling
evening on fungi.
We now look ahead to our 2012 programme. A plethora of top
speakers are booked covering a wide range of subjects. Don’t miss
the Sunday seminar on 11th March featuring Barry Newman, Charles
Maisey & a guest speaker.
John Trim F.N.V.S.
Our full programme is also on the NVS website or contact the secretary
John Trim 02380 844521 or email john.trim747@btinternet.com for more
details.
Our AGM in November was well attended by 18 members and
we were pleased to see some new members there, who were made
most welcome and who we hope to see regularly at our meetings.
Our cash at the bank is now over £2,000 and we hope to use these
funds to have more regular meetings and speakers.
We said our farewells to David Newman and his wife who are
moving to Northumberland, so will we see a new DA staring up there?
(I hope so –ed) Good luck to you both, keep growing.
Peter Cranfield.
For further information on Essex District Association matters and
activities, please call the DA secretary Pat Eves on 01621 784184.
simplyvegetables 61
Kent District Association
The move to Bridge Village Hall has been very successful,
attendances are up and we gained some new members.
We had a very good programme with Medwyn Williams, Sherie
Plumb & Len Stebbings to name but a few that came along to our
meetings to give us a talk.
Our stand at Edenbridge on August Bank Holiday won a Gold
award and we also had a very successful weekend with the Plant /
Vegetable merchandise sale
The DA show was also held at Bridge on the 10/11 September,
exhibits were up this year with 90+ exhibits on the table.
The Chairman won the collection Cup, Most points in classes 2 to
15 the large exhibition onion shield and the NVS plaque for 6 Runner
Beans. The NVS Silver Medal & Card,The Alf Ashby Trophy & the
Cockney Tray was won by Chris Passey for Best Exhibit for 5 Stump
Rooted Carrots and Micheal Beer won the Brian Crust Trophy for 12
exhibition Shallots.
We finished the year off with our social evening at the Halfway
House Pub.
Our first meeting in 2012 is on the 8th February and the speaker for
the evening is Ivor Mace talking on Leeks & Onions. This is open to
members but there is a admission of £3 for non members on the door.
Details about the DA meeting and other activities can be obtained
from the Secretary G J Francis FNVS, 01622 710486 or email;
gordonjfrancis@googlemail.com or from the NVS web site.
Diary Dates:
8th February 2012
14th March 2012
11th April 2012
Ivor Mace “Leeks & Onions”
Annual General Meeting
Janine Doulton “Growing & Showing
Daffodils”
9th May 2012
Paolo Arrigo “From Seed to Plate”
Seeds of Italy (Offer on seed packs)
12th 13th May 2012
Medway Festival
13th June 2012
Milena Moore “All about Herbs”
13th 14th 15th July 2012 County Show Stand at Detling
8th August 2012
Dusty Miller “What is Organic Vegetable
Growing?”
26th 27th August 2012 Edenbridge Show – D.A. Stand
8th 9th September 2012 Our NVS Show at Bridge Village Hall
12th September 2012
Heather Willis “Spring & Autumn in
Scotland”
10th October 2012
John Branham “Talk on Collections”
Meetings are held on 2nd Wednesday of the month at Bridge
Village Hall, High Street, Bridge, Canterbury, Kent CT4 5JZ. The hall is
open at 7.30 pm for tea/coffee and biscuits followed by our meeting
at 8pm
If you have any suggestions for talks in 2013 please contact Geoff
or Judi on 01227 860400 or email “geoffandjudi@talktalk.net”
A raffle is held at each meeting, donations of prizes are gratefully
accepted – thank you. Supplied by Neil Hope, FNVS
Surrey District Association
Diary Dates:
Saturday February 4
Best in Show Stump Carrots, shown by Chris Passey.
Best collection – shown by Roger Sommins
The rest of the year we have a good selection of speakers including
Paolo Arrigo (Seeds Of Italy) and John Branham with a talk on
Collections.
We will also be at the Medway Garden Festival with our usual plant
sale and also the two stands that we do during the year at Detling
and Edenbridge.
62 simplyvegetables
AGM (venue Barley Mow Public House,
West Horsley KT 24 6NR, 11:00am for
Coffee, 11:30 meeting commences.
Lunch afterwards (Pre-booked with
Patricia Barrett 01737 271587) at
members own expense.
Thursday March 8
GROWING HERBS – Claire Brown from
Plantpassion
Thursday May 17
FRUIT FOR THE SMALL GARDEN –
Peter Collett.
Thursday Sept 13
VEGETABLE SEED BREEDING IN THE
UK – Dr Peter Dawson from Tozer Seeds
Thursday Nov 8
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO VEGETABLE
GROWING – Mark Saunders
Meetings are held in the Lovelace Room, East Horsley Village Hall,
Kingston Avenue, East Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT24 6QT and
commence at 8pm.
All NVS members are welcome to attend, together with members
belonging to our Affiliated Societies.
We also intend to hold our second meeting at Redhill Methodist
Centre RH1 1BP on Thursday 19th April, Topic and Speaker to be
announced on the NVS web site.
For further information on Surrey District Association matters
and activities, please contact the DA Secretary Sally Coleman on
0208 399 8809.
Sally Coleman
Surrey DA at RHS Wisley ‘Taste of
Autumn’ Event Oct 20th – 23rd
As in previous years, once again the Surrey D.A. were invited
to take part in the annual ‘Taste of Autumn’ event at the RHS
Wisley Gardens over the four days of October 20th to 23rd. Our
accommodation was in a 3m x 4m ‘minispan’, as part of a row of
units in the field directly opposite the main restaurant and cafeteria.
This year the event was fortunate to experience dry and relatively
sunny weather, in total the RHS reported over 25,000 visitors to
the Gardens over the four days, and many visited the National
Vegetable Society Stand.
Our main activity was in responding to Vegetable cultivation
questions from the general public, advice on varieties, and also in
promoting our various publications and organisation; our new booklet
‘Getting started on the Show Bench’ sold particularly well, we even
sold two to the RHS’s own Library!
Star of the Show was undoubtedly ‘Marilyn the Marrow’ kindly
Neil Hope manning the stand at Wisley
Neil and Richard Bailey being kept busy
provided by Brian and Janet Arm whose weight was guessed by 308
of the visitors (actual weight was exactly 68 lbs or 27.24 kgs) and
we provided six adult and three children prizes in the form of Garden
Vouchers.
Thanks must go to the dedicated team of Volunteers who help us
each year, especially Len Stebbings, Patricia Barrett, Sally Coleman,
Richard Bailey, Norman Ingate, Richard White and Linda Hargrave
from the Surrey DA and also Gordon Francis from Kent. We would
welcome more volunteers for this and other events in the future, this
should be seen as more of a Branch event, so any assistance from
any of the members in the Southern Branch would be gratefully
accepted.
Neil Hope.
Diary Dates:
Wednesday 14th March 7.30pm. We are delighted to welcome
John Branham FNVS, one of the countries top show growers who will
talk about his method of growing and showing. For those who grow
to show, one not to miss.
Wednesday 9th May 7.30pm. Tonight we host Peter Collett, a
member of the RHS Fruit Group and well respected lecturer on fruit.
His topic is Fruit for the Garden and Allotment. A must for the kitchen
gardener.
All members and guests are welcome, refreshments are served and
the meetings are held at Falmer Village Hall just off the A27 adjacent
to the new Amex Brighton football stadium.
For further information about the District Association please phone
01403 711598
Submitted by Barry Newman FNVS
Sussex District Association
The final 2011 show and recruitment stand at the South of England
Autumn Show was our best yet both in terms of competition
entries and money raised. The show was judged by Neil Hope and
the ‘guess the potato variety’ competition was particularly good
fun and created a lot of interest.
Hopefully by the time you read this our AGM will have provided the
new Chairman and Secretary the DA needs to continue. We have a
full programme again this year and look forward to your support.
Neil Hope – engrossed in his deliberations
Potato quiz. The quiz was not as hard as it looks, we did give a
sheet with all the varieties listed, you just had to match the numbers to the names!
simplyvegetables 63
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£19.90 SAVE £6
Liquid strawberry Fertiliser
Place these strawberry mats under your plants
and they will help the soil retain warmth and
moisture, protect ripening berries from soil and
mud splashes, and keep lower leaves dry and
help to deter slugs.
Strawberry mats can be equally useful for
other plants. Our large mats will also last for
several seasons and are great value for money.
10 x Strawberry Mats
Code 62436
Get the best from your crop with this 100% organic fertiliser
developed for strawberries, but also suitable for other
soft fruit, it provides a steady supply of naturally occurring
nutrients and trace elements to encourage strong and
healthy plants and bumper crops. It is particularly suitable for
strawberry tubs. It should be diluted according to instructions
and applied throughout the growing season in place of
normal watering. Makes approx 230 litres of feed.
£4.95
1 litre
Code: 62463
£5.95
For more great strawberries visit www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk
Item
Strawberry Buddy –
12 runners
Price
£12.95
Code
Qty
Total
Please complete:
62435
& Vegetable
Company
Bases
maintain.
Raised Bed easy to build and easy tolasting life, and have
for long
patios,
beds. The
gardens and
treated timber
multiple tier
Ideal for smallFSC certified pressure
poles to buildcrops. Base measures:
of
and extension
are made
quicker, earlier
Optional Polythene
corner joints
tough plastic retain warmth producing depth 15cm/6in. and humidity for early
and
timber sides
width 100cm/39in,and retains warmthaphids, pests, birds
weather
from
length 120cm/47in,
against harsh
protects crops easily.
Cover protects Micromesh Cover to pass through
rain
£34.95
growth. Optionalallowing air and
whilst
£64.90
Code 99026
scorching
Code 99027
SAVE £5.00
Base
£14.95
Bases
Raised Bed
Raised Bed
£14.95
Code 99028
Buy two
£14.95
Code 99029
Frame
Code 99030
Raised Bed Polythene Cover
Raised Bed Micromesh Cover
Raised Bed
The mail order
£19.90
............................................... Postcode ............................................
62436
Micromesh
Email address ....................................................................................
£4.95
68022
Strawberry fertiliser
£5.95
62463
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DTB11 265x185 DC12NV1 NVS Strawberry Buddy Ad.indd 1
• FREE Trial Seeds
with every order
• FREE Seed Labels
• FREE Trial Potato
es
al ideas
of practic
Packed full
P&P for all seed
only orders
For a FREE copy of the D.T. Brown Fruit & Vegetable
Catalogue 2012 featuring our entire range and to order
from this page please call now on
0845quoting
3710
532
DC12NV1
FREE
Issue No:
Cover
Company
Cover
2012• FREEn Apple Tree
or garde
Catalogue
allotment
for your
FREE
Polythene
Frame
Fruit & Vegetable
Fruit &
Vegetables
2012
Wooden
Strawberry mats x 12
Postage and Packing
The mail
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
Strawberry Buddy –
24 runners
order Fruit
Garden s
Essential
Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms)Address ..............................................................
Lines open 8am-8pm 7 days a week
Or visit
www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk
Or post your order to:
D.T. Brown, Western Avenue,
Matrix Park, Chorley, Lancs, PR7 7NB
25/11/2011 10:26