[tippben]

Planning the new allotment, my garden etc tomorrow. I know about Suffolk Herbs, Seed Parade, Seedaholic, Seed Savers, and Brown Envelope. I go to the Seed Savers swap events in spring and early summer, but a lot of the time you don't know what you're getting! There's also the cool little shop near the milk market in Limerick. Where else should I look? Where do you get yours?

[Ado 2]

I get mine from seedaholic

[Blowin]

Service-wise I've been pleased with Marshalls this year, but the varieties of parsnips and runner beans I chose have been disappointing. I should have spare pea (mixture), broad bean and runner bean as usual at the end of the season if they'd be useful to you. If so, you'd be welcome.

[tagwex]

Aldi multi packs

[tippben]

Thank you Blowin! That would be brilliant. Would you have any idea on the pea types/varieties, or are they cross pollinated "Surprise!" peas? We are going to sow some broad beans as soon as we bet the plot, then a second lot (I love the Sutton) in spring. Have you ever had any luck overwintering peas for an early crop?

[Sue Deacon]

I've used DT Brown's for years. They are veg seed specialists. I have always found thier seeds to be reliable.

If you want something a bit more unusual or 'Heritage' varieties, Henry Doubleday Research have a seed Library you can join. They are not allowed to sell their seeds but you can join the 'club' and gain access that way.

[Blowin]

Tippben, I've no idea about the pea strains. There's a predominance of a purple podded variety that I got a few of from a chap in England, plus some others that have been saved from previous crops. All are currently drying on racks in the shed, still in their pods so, if you want to have a go with the purple ones, I can separate them out for you. They grow anything up to 7ft tall, are very prolific with each pod literally crammed full of peas. The flowers are also very pretty but the Catering Manager doesn't like the flavour, so I'll go for another type next year.

I've just laid out a huge laundry basket full of broad beans on racks, too. There'll be Suttons amongst them for sure, but others too, and, when I dismantle the runner beans, they'll also be a mixture. This is one of the drawbacks of saving seed, one's stock becomes a total 'mongrel' lot.

I've never actually heard of overwintering peas, so haven't tried it of course. To do so with broad beans reduces the risk of blackfly but, having never seen an aphid in this garden, I don't bother. I did try it with onions once but a) I found I was working round them all winter and b) I only got a couple of weeks' advantage for cropping so, all in all, I don't do it. What I do do, though, is I tend to sow seed 2-3 weeks earlier than it says on the packet as this South Western corner seems that bit milder than the average.

Never heard of your seedsman, Sue, so will look them up on the web

[tippben]

We would love anything you have to give Blowin! I'll get around the height by assuming that everything will grow tall, and just pick things when they are ready. I'll also PM you my observations. 8) Anything you'd like? Have lots of mixed poppy seeds and other stuff to come, no veg seeds apart from peas/beans/rocket. Will PM my details.