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Thread: A novel way of starting veg off.

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    Senior Member Winnie's Avatar
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    Default A novel way of starting veg off.

    Starting seeds off in Gutters. I heard of this method some years back, but thought it a bit of a gimmick, so never tried it. Anyhoo, as the allotment resembles a cobbled driveway, getting anything to germinate in it is going to be difficult, I thought I'd give it a try. I was pretty pleased with the results.

    I sowed Peas 9 days ago.

    DSCN0966.jpg

    When they are the desired size, you dig a shallow trench and shuffle the seedlings into place. I already have one row planted out, this is the second, should be ready by wednesday.

    I might try growing some salad leaves in there to keep in the greenhouse.
    Last edited by Winnie; 04-26-2014 at 08:37 AM. Reason: spelling
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    Administrator Rick's Avatar
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    That's pretty cool. I would think the soil would heat up quicker in the gutters. Neat idea.
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    Senior Member hunter63's Avatar
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    Cool....growing in poor soil is always a challenge....and yeah just getting something started is tough.

    So the plants just grow in the buried gutters?
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    I have some gutters I took off of an old house that I was going to fasten to the side of my shed like a trough, and grow things such as lettuce and herbs in them. I think that they would need to be watered often, but they should be great for growing smallish plants in them. This is the year for them to get tried out.

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    Senior Member Winnie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by hunter63 View Post
    Cool....growing in poor soil is always a challenge....and yeah just getting something started is tough.

    So the plants just grow in the buried gutters?
    You slide the compost plants and all out of the gutter and into the trench, you can then re-use the guttering again and again. I'l take some pics when I plant them out.
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    Senior Member Winnie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gohammergo View Post
    I have some gutters I took off of an old house that I was going to fasten to the side of my shed like a trough, and grow things such as lettuce and herbs in them. I think that they would need to be watered often, but they should be great for growing smallish plants in them. This is the year for them to get tried out.
    A friend in Scotland has strawberries growing in gutters in his polytunnel. Recycling at it's best!
    Recession; A period when you go without something your Grandparents never heard of.

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    Senior Member hunter63's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Winnie View Post
    You slide the compost plants and all out of the gutter and into the trench, you can then re-use the guttering again and again. I'l take some pics when I plant them out.
    Gotcha......was wondering.

    Had lettuce in the mesh flats a few times, just planted the flats.....then dumped them in the fall.
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    American Patriot woodsman86's Avatar
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    That is pretty interesting and ingenious. I have to get some updated pictures of my progress. Will hopefully be planting something this week.
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    Senior Member Winnie's Avatar
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    Good to hear it's all happening W. I'm just staring with the planting. We have risk of frost til beginning of June, so the tender stuff hasn't been sown yet. Once it's worth taking a few pics, I will add to the allotment thread.
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    American Patriot woodsman86's Avatar
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    My area has warmed up, so I have a few things in the ground. I will update my thread, but I keep forgetting photos.

    side note: If all goes to plan, I will be in Westenhanger the week of July 16th for the War and Peace Revival, if you need me to pack any canning supplies and drop them in the mail there. I will also be staying in London a few days, if you are anywhere near there.
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    Senior Member Winnie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by woodsman86 View Post
    My area has warmed up, so I have a few things in the ground. I will update my thread, but I keep forgetting photos.

    side note: If all goes to plan, I will be in Westenhanger the week of July 16th for the War and Peace Revival, if you need me to pack any canning supplies and drop them in the mail there. I will also be staying in London a few days, if you are anywhere near there.
    I am only an hour or so away from London by Train. I have sent you an email. It would be great to meet for Tea and Cake (or Coffee and Cookies)
    Recession; A period when you go without something your Grandparents never heard of.

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    American Patriot woodsman86's Avatar
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    I sent you a reply. It would be great to meet up. I am just waiting until Shannon is born before finalizing plans.
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    Senior Member Winnie's Avatar
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    Yep, got it thanks!
    Recession; A period when you go without something your Grandparents never heard of.

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