Updates on slug defence and a mini garden tour!

[@nazuddin6346]

Jane thank you Watching Your gardening is Awesome❤

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

That's very kind - thank you.

[@christinebrooks6364]

Hi Jane, lovely job on your polytunnel, and I love where you have put all the other stuff 😂 those copper rings seem to have worked. Your leeks are looking good too. Isn't it loveky when you can go of an evening to sit by the pond & relax, take in the peaceful atmosphere ❤ lovely update, thanks for sharing and take care 😊

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I do love being able to sit quietly in the evening - everything just goes so still. Those leeks were delicious - we roasted them whole and they were really sweet! Glad you enjoyed the update Christine - thank you.

[@paulettehealy964]

We are watching you all the way from Australia Brisbane and enjoy your show very much. Well done helping the people in Vietnam building their house. A bientôt. James and Paulette Oh! We lived in Portugal many many years ago.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

That sounds like a lovely video but sadly not mine!

[@nicholasryan5401]

Greetings from Ireland, Beautiful veg garden, Its the bees knees.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Thanks Nicholas - it's an exciting (if busy) time of year! Welcome aboard!

[@AmirsAllotment]

Hello Jane, lovely polytunnel update, great to see the defences are working, love the chooks, we will be getting ours in a couple of months, likely after we return from hols

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh I'm really looking forward to seeing your chickens - just wait until you get your first egg! Thanks Amir - enjoy your holiday!

[@mygardenanddinosaurs]

Hi Jane. I got myself a bag of lavender scented. Ethos bedding. I’ve changed the coop over to it to see how the girls like it (I was using hemp bedding and it sticks to the bloom of the eggs but is still brilliant in the run) and am putting is around some of my more slug prone veggies. Hopefully it helps as we have had tonnes of rain and the slugs and snails are giving it big licks. Polytunnel looking fab. Take care. Mags.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh well done - I hope you managed to get it for a decent price! Kerry (Dog on the Plot) has gone for the eucalyptus version as slugs don't like the scent so it'll be interesting to see if there's any variation. The lavender does smell nice though - not sure my girls appreciate it but I like to think it will help them sleep better (I know!) Good luck and let me know how you get on. Thanks Mags x

[@TraceUK]

What a lovely channel 😊 So glad I found you, subscribed 👩‍🌾

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

That’s very kind - thank you!

[@pennythompson4790]

Great video Jane as always i've got my beans out & they are climbing like mad o lots of lovely runner beans etc to eat xx

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh well done - I'm hoping mine will catch up very soon! Thanks Penny.

[@Beaguins]

If you harvest those leek scapes before they get too fibrous they're quite as good to eat as garlic scapes. Also, I've had success in the past repelling slugs with copper. It's possible that shocks have something to do with it, but I suspect they just don't find metallic, wiry surfaces appealing. Pine needles also seem to deter them. Thanks for another pleasant video!

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh yes we eat them too - delicious. In fact I did film me showing how you could just eat them raw but decided not to use the footage as half of my head was cut off! Slugs certainly don't like spiky thing - we've used holly, hawthorn, gooseberry clipping but haven't tried pine needles - always worth a go! Thank you.

[@KarenBowers4]

The pond is gorgeous, I would spend all my free time sitting by it. Can you eat the leek scapes like you do garlic. I have never grown leeks here in Northern California I always feel it is to warm. Great video and we all have those dirty secrets we'd rather not show of our gardens mess.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I haven't tried the leek scapes yet but I'm pretty sure they'll be just as nice finely chopped and fried in a little butter! Yes leeks over here are very much seen as a winter vegetable - which is odd as I'm still harvesting mine! Thanks Karen.

[@charissatroup5611]

I've nearly got all my seeds and plants in the ground, but I'm already fighting the battle against weeds. Nevermind, it all gets done eventually. Happy gardening, Jane😊

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

They’re all growing plants aren’t they - sadly some are less welcome than others! Well done for getting stuff in - hopefully I’ll catch up in the next week. Thanks Charissa.

[@AnyKeyLady]

Great update video Jane! Great to see that the cooper scourers are working! I wonder if a cool bag would work for the salad leaves? Have a great week!

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

That’s a good idea. A couple of people have mentioned ziplock bags with a light spray of water as well so I’ll be trying them out - fingers crossed there will be no more floppy leaves! Thank you.

[@AnyKeyLady]

@@JanesGrowingGarden You can also get those foil insulated envelope type bags if you want something smaller. All depends on what and how much you are harvesting at one time. A cooler bag or lunch box bag can hold an ice block, which also will provide moisture.

[@RobinGardens]

Salad leaves can even go wilty from the backyard to inside. I have to dunk in cool water and process right away. I have gone to romaine type lettuces mostly as they are easier to clean and hold better in the fridge for a few days and have a bit of crunch. Little Gem, Paris island cos, red romaine and marvel of 4 seasons top the list. Pole bean-wise I'm doing Borlotto and Greek Gigantes. Honestly we're dying for bush beans, so I'm going to sow them in a half whiskey barrel planter that is not used for something yet. Problem is I have to chicken wire around against the bunnies. My potted blueberries are doing better than normal too....excited!

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Snap with the pole beans - although the Gigantes are from saved seed so hopefully they'll be okay. Yes I'm doing a lot more crispy salads this time, we have one called Webbs Wonderful which is an old favourite but it stays crispy for a long time. Glad your blueberries are doing well - let's hope we can get to them before the birds! Thanks Robin.

[@margaretalice6343]

We’ve started growing stuff in our home garden stuff we eat daily like lettuce pak choi radish & all our herbs cos they’re quick to pick we find it easier. Traditionally we’d pick a head of lettuce & Wash it at the allotment in cold water just before we left the plot. It was fine but now we just pick outer leaves at home when we want them (we grow several varieties so it’s a lovely mixed bunch of salad greens). Don’t need a huge space to grow at home. Any planter will feed you for ages with salad greens if you pick outer leaves. Gotta say I love your wildlife corridor 🤩. I believe we all all have one of those 🤪. I’m in SE Northumberland & always plant my tall beans first week of June cos the weather can be difficult at times & it works fine. Sometimes I’ve had to plant them out towards end of June & they still give a good harvest. Happy gardening. Your dahlias are looking fab 👍

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh that’s good to know about your beans - I think we’ll be fine. We lived in Northumberland many years ago - we were 1000 feet above sea level so growing anything was a challenge. Yea I’m looking forward to having salads ‘to hand’! Thank you.

[@annesimms7356]

Your pond and the growth around it looks so good! It has all naturalized! Lovely job, great vision

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

There's still so much more to go in but it's such a lovely calm place to sit! Thanks Anne x

[@tennesseenana4838]

We keep going from 80 degrees F to downpours of rain and high winds. The other week they measured 5 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. I still have small 'ponds' throughout my yard. Have you ever tried to wrap the lower stems of your plants with foil? It's supposed to keep the squash borers off and I'm starting to use it for a few other plants as an experiment against slugs. Don't know if it'll work unless I try it. Fingers crossed that it does.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Fortunately we don’t get squash borers here - yet! Yes we’ve used foil before - it worked quite well - I think anything that forms a metallic barrier is the way to go! You really have to battle the elements there don’t you - well done for keeping going! Thank you.

[@jennyjohnson9012]

Hi Jane, I've got a few peas and beans in but some of mine have been uprooted and eaten. I have sowed more and I hope they'll go in as soon as they're as decent size. My dahlias are about an inch high and I hope they won't get slugged. You're a lady like me....just put the stuff in another place 🤣I think a lot of us do this!!

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I guess we can just call it succession sowing - but with the first harvests being invisible! Good luck with the dahlias!

[@ErnieCG]

Good video

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Thank you!

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I did smile when you showed outside the polytunnel. A very healthy show of realism 😂 Miscanthus looks useful for those slug defences. If it makes you feel any better, I keep sowing beans.. nothing is happening 😂

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh now I shouldn’t say I’m glad to hear about your beans but it is reassuring! Ha ha sadly the outside of the polytunnel is pretty much the same today but it’ll get sorted soon enough! Thanks Clare.

[@dogontheplot]

Miscanthus grass for the win!! Dahlias are looking great. I love that method of clearing out the poly - just put it all elsewhere 😂

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Absolutely- I hope it works for you as well or I’ll feel very guilty! Yes I do a lot of ‘moving stuff about’ - it works at home as well 😅 Thanks Kerry x

[@dogontheplot]

@@JanesGrowingGarden ah the trials of an influencer 🤣🤣 (you're ok - so far so good!! Also I have no expectation that anything will ever be 100% effective against the slugs!)

[@stevendowden2579]

lovely video jane

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it - thank you!

[@jacquicablelabel6187]

Hi Jane. To keep. Your lettuce fresh etc on the way home I take a ziplock bag and put in the leaves , sprinkle in water and shake and they stay great for ages in the fridge too

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

That’s good to know - I’ll try it! Thank you.

[@UrbanWhiteBuffaloFarm]

Hello Jane, I was here all day and wanted to get all the green type beans and the sweet peas started but kept finding excuse after excuse today better luck tomorrow. My suggestion would be to have a roll of paper towels handy. if you dampen the paper towel 2-3 sheets squeeze out extra and them wrap the greens into the paper towels folded over a time or two. slip them into a container or zip lock bag. Do try to keep them a flat as they will lay. That is what I do even at home. I am glad you straightened the poly tunnel to get into the creative spirit with a clean slate and fresh eye. I do hope you have a good and productive week. Peace and blessings Cya next thyme, Steven

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Looks like I'm going to have to get some zip lock bags - quite a few people have mentioned them so they must be good! There is so much to do at the moment isn't there - and while we're working out the best way to do it we could just have gone ahead and done it. A friend of mine called it 'analysis paralysis'! Raining here today so I've got no excuse not to get in that tunnel and get things planted. Thanks Steven.

[@UrbanWhiteBuffaloFarm]

@@JanesGrowingGarden You must have a damp paper towel to protect and hydrate the leaves

[@GreenPakistanSolartrolley]

Hello my dear friend How are you Another most beautiful video sharing Keep it up 😊

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it - thank you.

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

🐝Thanks for the great video 🌻 greenhouse looking great 🤣

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Busy week this week so hopefully next time you watch it will be full of tomatoes! Thank you.

[@RichardTaylorgardening]

Hi 50 odd years ago I noticed that the 1 foot stomachs did not live in the nettle and bramble patch so i leave them to grow outside my large brassica tunnel happy gardening Richardx

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Ha ha I had to read that a few times - I thought you had slugs that were a foot long! Sounds like you’ve got a good balance there. Thanks Richard.

[@elizabethwoodhouse9461]

Love your honesty

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Thank you - it can be hard when it looks like everyone has perfect gardens!

[@angeladrummie4461]

Hi Jane, don't the leeks get tough inner core when the scapes start to form ? I haven't ever left them in the ground until end of May.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

As long as you get the scapes off before they flower they’re usually pretty good! They’ve had nine months in the ground so another month is okay. Thank you.

[@adysveggarden]

Hi Jane, glad your slug defenses are holding up, if the pak choi is not viable then you could inter plant between either brassica, dahlias or courgettes to give the slugs something nice to feed on. Blueberries and chives are also looking good.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

That’s a great idea! Things are starting to really come on now - I just need to keep up with the planting! Thanks Ady.

[@hb19110]

The garden is looking great, just need sunshine now. Jane. The slugs are eating my Rhubarb (2nd yr ) leaves. They ate all my garden peas. Something did??

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Aaaargh it’s so frustrating isn’t it?! The pigeons love our peas - I expect to lose a few but not all of them! Good luck with the rhubarb! Thank you.

[@LeanAndLooReact]

Koreans keep perilla leaves from flopping by putting them in a jar with stems down in a very small puddle of water. Close them up and carry them home

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Great idea - thank you!

[@jenjoy4353]

How will you be using your leeks. Searching for ideas as I have some ready to pull

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

With a big harvest I’d certainly chop and freeze them but recently we have been roasting them with a little oil - delicious! Thank you.

[@chrissiehart22]

Isn't it ice water that you put your lettuce in to freshen it up?!?! I'm trying slug collars and cabbage collars and continuing slug watch daily with my dog who's watch my every move lol x

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh if only we could train our dogs to keep the slugs away - we'd be millionaires! Thanks Chrissie.

[@gladysmcconnell3202]

My French beans have been nibbled by the slugs. There is some small leaves on them so I'm hoping they survive !!

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Let's hope they just gave them a 'light prune' - good luck!

[@nrstooge]

Carry greens in ziploc with damp paper towel, reuse them

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

That’s a great idea - thank you!

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

I've never seen leeks flower!

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

They actually look beautiful if you leave them to do their thing - worth a go if you want to save some seeds. Thank you.

[@ingridskitchengarden]

Oh goodness plant beans… not till June. The weather is just not warm Enough

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

We've got the warmth but sadly it's mainly been accompanied by the wet as well. Hopefully we'll all brighten up soon! Thank you.

[@rjtjtckt3998]

Where was the slug update?

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Ha ha - it’s in the video!