David's Inbox

Hi - its better to chit your potatoes in some sunshine - mine are on a north facing window above a radiator. If anyone would like some tips - last year I planted up some in old compost bags and was amazed at how many I got out - put a layer of compost in an old bag (inside out with some holes punched in the bottom) add about 3 or 4 seed pots and keep covering them up with compost as their heads start to appear. Keep doing this until the frosts are over and hopefully by the end when they have flowered you will have some lovely fresh potatoes. I find the earlies do really well - there is nothing nicer than tipping out a bag and finding lots of little potatoes - great for kids to do as well! On my photos are the pics from last year.

Thanks for your advice David. I think I'll bring my pink fir potatoes in and try them on a windowsill for a while to see if I can kick start them. I've had another look at the others today and they're definitely showing signs of sprouting so I'll leave those where they are for now. Its fun isn't it, I'm really quite excited by the idea of growing my own!!

Hi David,

Like you, I'm going to have a go at growing potatoes this year. My friend bought me some potato grow sacks as a present. We shared some seed potatoes (pink fir, sharpe's express and rocket) and I've put mine to chit in egg boxes in my shed, right up against the window. The pink fir have been there for 3 weeks and done absolutely nothing. The others i put there 2 weeks ago and, if I use my imagination, i think some of the eyes are just showing very slight signs of sprouting. Maybe it's too cold in the shed? Do hope you're successful, i liked your idea of growing an old conservation variety.

A very interesting post - good luck with the potatoes - my understanding is that the best way to beat potato blight is to harvest early as it tends to strike later in the season (last year was UNtypical) - be good to hear how you get on. Us cowards here in Fife haven't even begun to chit our potatotes.

I've never tried it either, just read a bit about it.Good luck!

Following on from talk of marriage elsewhere - Balmerino is where my wife and I got married (to each other!) - and we signed the register under the Chestnut.

I've heard it said that once you have 'Honesty' growing in your garden, you;ll have it for ever - hope it's true because I like it!

beautiful! love the colour! i do love all sorts of spring flowers! what a lovely suprise!

lol!

Honesty? lol little bit short on that with some of the plant buying excuses! lol

lol I did notice their colours yes lol; )

:) Its was so windy up there no wonder they surf the sea in that area of Scotland,I liked the FLAGS where you cross the BOARDER :) Never seen so many SHEEP either lol

i planted some like this but their not in flower yet:( yours look SUPER :D

I saw loads&loads of these growing wild in SCOTLAND David! is that agood thing ? :D

What lovely colours :D

Hi DAVID :) Hi MARGARET :)

Just beautiful. Can't wait to see them blooming here. Mike C

My that's really loaded! Do you harvest these and propagate from them?

I'll have to check that out in my geography book, David. Meanwhile, happy hunting.

sounds like the two of you had a whale of a time, and david you certainly get about don't you. i think it's great, would love to meet up in the summer but live to far away, and brooke does'nt travel too well. but its great to hear about your experiences!

Its funny David I was just thinking last night wouldnt it be great if as many as poss could meet up from GOY during the summer for a wee get together and you could " slip a shrimp on the barbie" lol , you never know , you just never know where this will lead Dave !!
The first great gathering of GOY in Scotland ....and why not , bring it on !!

FANTASTIC !!! Makes you want to walk through that arbor and start exploring. Mike C

Only if you crush the leaves - but why would you???

Stinking hellebore does it smell lol

I WANT 1 in my garden NOW David :D Best i make sure i keep an eye open 4 1 :D How old is Yours David?

Sounds lovely David - NOT!! I've been watching the weather for Europe and we've been moaning because it's only 12C here during the day ;o )

Helleborus foetidus Wester Flisk. It takes its name from Wester Flisk on the Firth of Tay, and was found growing in an old rectory garden in the 1970's. The garden was established in the 1800's by Reverend Fleming, a keen amateur botanist. It is thought that Fleming may have imported the original plant from Spain where they grow wild.
Lovely and bright in winter, with striking foliage all year round. I love mine.

All the literature says a zone 8.

What is the zone for this plant?

It's also a British native which is why it seeds so well :-)