The tatsoi in row 5 of the raised bed has been an unmitigated failure. One of the twelve plants has grown. Slightly. The largest of these 4 leaves was slightly bigger than a 2p piece. And tasted of nothing really...I shall try something else in that row [mizuma?] next autumn.
Huw's suggestion of growing microgreens on the window sill is having mixed results. Microgreens are not the same as sprouts I have had an excellent crop of pea shoots and by harvesting them carefully, they produced a second crop. They've added a lovely extra flavour to my salads, and provided a vibrant garnish for soups etc.This is 'land cress'- I thought it might grow bigger, I have harvested half my crop to make a garnish - this is growing on a silicon 'hydrator sheet' - which is supposed to be cleaner and easier than compost. I decided to grow just a few radish seeds in a small ready-meals tub. I think I was not generous enough with my seeds- the shoots are small and spindly. All this lot has been harvested and went in a salad yesterday. I'm getting a Pyrex bowl full of leaves every day, but I know this will come to an end soon. The spinach and garlic rows have been covered with a leaf mulch now [thanks to Val round the corner] So all in all it has been an excellent autumn in terms of produce. I'm enthused for next year. Kezzie gave me some seeds which she had saved from her crops.
I'm thrilled to report that even with three days in Essex, eating Julian's superb shepherd's pie, speculoos tarts, and fudge cake, my weight has not gone up at all.
I realised I know nothing about the musical Salad Days. Originally a West End hit in London, with over 2200 performances, it was the longest running show, until overtaken by My Fair Lady in 1956. It has had a few revivals since. Many with rather poor reviews- mainly because of the quite bizarre plot involving two Oxford graduates, an assortment of eccentric uncles, a magic piano and a spaceship. I think it is fair to say it was "of its time" and that time is probably not 2021 in a time of Covid. Please let me know if you have seen it on stage, and if you enjoyed it!
It's one of those musicals I have heard of bit don't know! Shame about the Tatsoi. I know a girl on Insta who has huge success with it. Swiss chard or perpetual spinach are good ones for being prolific.
ReplyDeleteIs Swiss Chard the green/white, or is it rainbow coloured? I have spinach already in Row 9 of the bed. The Salad Days songs seem a bit dated to me...
DeleteSwiss chard can be green, white, red or rainbow I think though is also called Rainbow Chard!
DeleteYou have had an amazing time with growing things and have done really well. You're also finding out what works for you and are planning for next year. I've got some seeds to try as microgreens but haven't quite got myself around to growing them. I've got some winter veg in the raised bed though.
ReplyDeleteDo try microgreens. The speed of growth is encouraging for impatient people like me
DeleteWhen I was around 15 my Uncle and Aunt took me to see Salad Days. I think it was fairly new then, and Julian Slade, the writer was actually there that day. I loved the music but cant remember a great deal about the plot. Those were the days when a waitress brought a tray of tea to your seat!!
ReplyDeleteOh how delightful - tea served to your seat!
DeleteYou are doing really well with growing your salad greens! I should try growing some microgreens! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you'd really enjoy them Bless
DeleteSalad Days was the favourite play of my ex-boss's mother-in-law, who was a direct relative of the Burrells from Glasgow (i.e. The Burrell Collection). It was of that genre back in the day. Swiss Chard can be yellowy stalks with green leaves or red stalks with green leaves. I always find it a bit bland. Have you tried mustard seeds?
ReplyDeleteI have half a pack of tatsoi seeds left, and it mentions growing "baby leaves" Maybe I'll have better success growing them like that.
ReplyDeleteI not only have seen, but have "starred" in Salad Days. There was a production when I was in college (1979) and I played Aunt Someone It was a weird story, I will admit.
ReplyDeleteWow! I knew you were talented, but nit that you were a ⭐
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