Stones, stones, and more stones....

[Sligo]

Hey all....

Here's the abridged version......

I've got a fairly large garden, and decided to devote about 20ft by 20ft to a veg plot. I've fenced it off, to stop the Rabbits, Sheep from next door, and three dogs from turning vegan. I've dug it through and removed lots of stones, put in some horse manure, dug it through again, removed roots from trees and lots more stones, dug it through again, strangely enough, removed even more stones, added in some of Mr. Innes Growmore, because Dr. Hessayon said to, dug it through again, and guess what, removed more stones, but less this time, and finally raked it..... For the love of God, why did I not just go to Lidl and buy some veg???

Anyway, my question is about planting, can anyone give me some kind of rule of thumb as to how much of whatever to plant? Bearing in mind I'm on the North west coast of Ireland, regularly hammered by the Atlantic winds, so I'm reckoning that I'm not going to open an outdoor Tomato farm antime soon...

Regular things Carrots, Onions, Lettuces, Beetroot, etc. etc... What varieties? Also, if anyone has any idea on oddities that might grow for me?

I don't fancy growing Potatoes this year, Partly because they apparently take up a fair bit of room, but also because there is an abundent source of them in a fairly close neighbour... Mental note to self, Trade good carrots with neighbour... ANyone tell me how to grow good carrots??

Thanks!

[Shetty]

Hi Sligo, I know how you feel, when it comes to stones, living up here in the Shetlands. I have over the last 5 years started and extended a veg garden. I did it in small sections and probably took out about 8 buckets of stones per square metre . So well done for doing it all in one go.
Our climate is probably similar to yours, wet and windy and more wet.
I am quite amazed what grows up here apart from the ovious potatoes, swedes and leeks.
Last year I have been growing, carrots, brassicas, lettuce, radishes, oriental greens like mustards, chinese cabbages and broccoli. SPinach and Chard seem to love this climate. Peas and broad beans, onions, shallots and garlic. Phew I think that's most of it.
I have to admit, in the first year I planted potatoes over the whole patch, because somebody told me they would clear the ground, and believe it or not they seemed to bring up more stones
For the carrots, I dug out a special corner and sifted the soil to about 1 foot deep, don't know if it was necessary, but the carrots grew great.
Let us know how you get on

[ginger]

I had some good results with shallots/spinach and chard in a similar climate, plus the classic root veggies.

I'd love to have eaten the Chinese cabbage, but the biblical plague of flea beetles beat me to it

*shakes fist*

Trying a few other 'fancier' things this year, not based on logic, planning or common sense, but just want to give them a go and see... I've been told someone nearby had luck with sweet potatoes, I'm giving outdoor gherkins a go this year, and I'll have a stab at tomatillos and ockra.

Worst thing that happens is nothing happens.

*crosses fingers*

[Sligo]

Garlic?.... Well at least I'll be able to keep the Vampires away!

I think I'll wait until the beautiful weather we are having passes.... Snow & Frost? Is there a God?

[Shetty]

Originally Posted by Sligo

Garlic?.... Well at least I'll be able to keep the Vampires away!

I think I'll wait until the beautiful weather we are having passes.... Snow & Frost? Is there a God?

Yes garlic seems to love it up here. I believe it doed like a bit of cold weather in its early stages. I plant mine in Oct/Nov each year. And it has survived the whole winter so far without any loss.
Winter onions do well, too.

[Sligo]

Must stick a few cloves in then, thanks for the pointer shetty!...

Any particular variety?... I see some of the suppliers doing a mixed pack, but if you know of any that particularly suit, I'll keep an eye out for them.

[Shetty]

Originally Posted by Sligo

Must stick a few cloves in then, thanks for the pointer shetty!...

Any particular variety?... I see some of the suppliers doing a mixed pack, but if you know of any that particularly suit, I'll keep an eye out for them.

I usually plant White Christo and Elephant garlic in autumn, but I believe you can also get them for spring planting, but I think time is running out.
But even if they don't develop a proper bulb ( I think they need a longish growing season), you can use the green shoots as well.
Let us know how you get on.

[ginger]

Got my spring garlic today, will get that in the bed this week.

Last year I used supermarket garlic, which worked fine - quite small - (I guess the cloves would have got bigger if I'd left them for longer) - got some 'garden-center garlic' this time, will see if there's any noticeable difference...

Should get the first things of the year in the garden over Easter!

*is excited*

[Sligo]

Originally Posted by ginger

Got my spring garlic today, will get that in the bed this week.

Last year I used supermarket garlic, which worked fine - quite small - (I guess the cloves would have got bigger if I'd left them for longer) - got some 'garden-center garlic' this time, will see if there's any noticeable difference...

Should get the first things of the year in the garden over Easter!

*is excited*

A cold shower should sort that out Ginger!...