Comments for Medwyn's of Anglesey Blog

Comment on Chelsea Flower Show by Simon Smith

Simon Smith — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:34:43 +0000

Excellent that you can go on Monday and have a proper look around. I’ve been to Chelsea once, about 10 years ago. Never again. Even on the supposed quieter Tuesday as an RHS member at the time it was absolutely manic. You were just part of a constantly moving mass and couldn’t stop and view the exhibits. They were just a blur as you sped past. And as for those artsy fartsy gardens….don’t get me started!

Comment on Carrots by Medwyn

Medwyn — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:08:03 +0000

I always pull off any dead or brown skins as they grow as I believe these will rot with water getting on them through watering and could well be a start for Botrytis disease. However is there is still some green in the leaf then leave it on as it is still a functioning part of the plant. Make sure you keep your bulbs perfectly erect in order to get the best shaped bulbs. Remove soil or compost from one side, underneath the bulb, and carefully and gently push the bulb over until upright. You can then pack the compost or soil underneath that side.

Comment on Carrots by john ellis

john ellis — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:04:15 +0000

Hi Medwyn, a quick question on onions, do you bother pulling off the dead leaves and brown skins as these appear. I suffered a lot with botrytis last year and wondered what the best option might be.

Comment on Leeks and Onions by Medwyn

Medwyn — Wed, 01 May 2013 08:17:58 +0000

I am hoping to exhibit a few things at Harrogate as the National is there this year, however I certainly won’t be showing those leeks they are far too advanced for that show.

Comment on Leeks and Onions by Medwyn

Medwyn — Wed, 01 May 2013 08:15:31 +0000

Alwyn has planted some giant veg for Malvern show. Do you know what classes there are going to be there. He’s got some heavy carrots and parsnips in wheelie bins, celery growing outside. And I think he’s going to sow your giant cucumber today with another sowing in 2 weeks. Still a bit early for the Jescot Long Un Runner bean, hope to sow them later on this week. A group of Children from Cwmbran area grew a few beans to 30 inches last year using our seed, it had a good mention in the local papers.

Comment on Leeks and Onions by Marcus Powell

Marcus Powell — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:34:03 +0000

All looking very good Medwyn. Will you be exhibiting at Harrogate this year?

Comment on Leeks and Onions by Kevin Fortey

Kevin Fortey — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 22:18:08 +0000

You’re plants are looking really healthy. Our leeks are pencil thin in comparison, hopefully we will not be pulling ours out in May.

Probably see you at the Malvern Autumn Show. Try and bring some large veg to exhibit this year especially those massive runner beans

UK Giant vegetable Championships have now found a new home at Malvern after the Bath and West Showground pulled the show.

Comment on Cedrico F1 Tomato by Medwyn

Medwyn — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:33:18 +0000

Apologies for the delay in replying. You can keep the seed of tomatoes for at least a couple of years in the fridge. Interestingly however Ron Macfarlane has stored two packets on my old ‘Buffalo’ onion that used to win everywhere on the show benches over ten years ago. He placed two packets inside a polythene bag and sucked all the air out before sealing it and putting it inside another poly bag. The seed was then placed in the freezer compartment and kept there for ten years. Ron sowed the seed this year and had nearly 70% germination. Quite amazing and well worth trying particularly where a variety is coming to an end.

Comment on Cedrico F1 Tomato by john stokeld

john stokeld — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:42:33 +0000

medwyn ive got eight packets of cedrico is it possible to store them so they can be used in future .someone told me its possible to take seeds from f1 tomatoes as long as they are not cross pollinated with any other tomatoes grown in the greenhouse what are your thoughts on this.

Comment on Visit to Hampshire DA and Short Carrots by Medwyn

Medwyn — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:19:45 +0000

You need to sow your long carrots as soon as you can now and the stump carrots, if they are Sweet Candle will need around 22 weeks to fully develop with some growers now allowing even 26 weeks. Work your sowing date back from the show date. Personally I think it depends on how and where you grow them and what sort of season it is. If they are grown outdoors, particularly this year with the consistent cold weather we are experiencing, they will certainly need longer than those grown in a polytunnel. Timing is everything with Caulis, Sow a couple of varieties, a small amount of seed every now and then starting from the end of this month onwards every 10 days or so. Sapporo does well for me as does Raleigh and Boris.