Calling smallholders in central Scotland
Posted: Thursday 9 August, 2007
Are there any smallholders or aspiring smallholders in Forth Valley / West Fife who would be inetersted in setting up / joining a smallholders group? I don't think there is anything similar in this area, although there is a group in Ayrshire, going under Scottish Smallholders.
I thought if there was interest, we could get a group together with a view to having social gatherings, maybe invite speakers / demos, support and advise each other, maybe swap / share seeds and seedlings, take a stall at a Farmers' Market to sell surpluses, have a machinery / equipment pool (as you see the ideas get more complicated).
Diane Allerdice from Forth Valley Food Links is going to put a note out to FVFL members / subscribers, to assess interest. If you are interested, can you email me and let me kow, including where you are and if there is sufficint interest, I'll organise a meeting somewhere central.
Comments
Wanda
Hi there Rosemary and Dan! You certainly have been busy!!! Sounds like everything did very well while you were gone.
I am interested in the White Rot of the onions. What caused it? I have been trying to find out more here, but not a lot of answers. I believe we might have something of the same.
We are getting freezing weather here for the past week. Around 85 degrees during the day and 30 degrees at night. Not good!!!
Have a wonderful day!
Wanda
Funny!! I went to post and it said there was a error and I could not post. Then it posted twice!! Crazy!
Rosemary
The book I refer to most (Dr Hessayon's Vegetable and herb expert" says that it is a fluffy white mould appearing on the base of the bolbs and round balck bodies appear in the fingus. It says it is a serious disease and worst in hot, dry summers (which it hasn't been this year, here). Treatment if to lift and burn doseased plants and to not grow onions on that ground for eight years. There is no chemical treatment. It's also called "Mouldy Nose"!
Wanda
Thank you Rosemary. That does not sound like what we have. I had a local professional gardner come out, and she said, " that we had watered the onions too much". Luckily, it only ruined about six out of 400+ plants. I am going to order the book you mentioned. Sounds like a good one!!
P.S. Update on the Marmite. Our post office said it might take up to 5 weeks to get here from Scotland. Can not wait!! I am putting you and Dan a little surprise box together, also. Could you send me your address via my e-mail?? Thank you!!
Wanda
Nearly forgot! I LOVE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF YOUR GARDEN!!!! THANK YOU!!!!
snapdragonjane
The farmers market idea sounds good - the high stall prices make it impossible for many people to take a stall.
I grow cut flowers just outside Drymen - out of your area - but I sometimes get people contacting me about where they can get together with other small growers. I shall pass on your details,
J
x
Sarah
I would be interested in joining a smallholder group, fingers crossed you get loads of interest.
I'm part of www.neeps.co.uk which is an eco friendly site with a food co-op in aberdeenshire and very similar to what your planning for the central scotland area.
Comments are now closed for this post.
Wanda
Saturday 11 August, 2007 at 4:07pm
Hi there Rosemary and Dan! You certainly have been busy!!! Sounds like everything did very well while you were gone.
I am interested in the White Rot of the onions. What caused it? I have been trying to find out more here, but not a lot of answers. I believe we might have something of the same.
We are getting freezing weather here for the past week. Around 85 degrees during the day and 30 degrees at night. Not good!!!
Have a wonderful day!