July 2020 - Page 2 of 4 - Garden and Allotment Tips and Advice

Growing Parsnips – Hints and tips

December 7, 2024July 15, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Growing Parsnips: Hints and Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

Introduction

Parsnips, with their sweet and nutty flavor, are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that can elevate any dish. While they are easy to grow, successful parsnip cultivation requires patience, good soil preparation, and a few insider tips to ensure a healthy harvest. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about growing parsnips, from sowing seeds to storing your crop, along with answers to common questions about this cool-weather crop.

Why Grow Parsnips?

Parsnips offer several benefits for gardeners:

Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Flavor: Their unique taste improves after exposure to frost.
Long Growing Season: Perfect for gardeners who enjoy slow-maturing crops.
Low Maintenance: Parsnips require minimal care once established.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

Click to check the book on Amazon

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

1. Choosing the Right Variety of Parsnips

The first step in growing parsnips is selecting the right variety for your needs. Popular choices include:

1. ‘Gladiator’:

Known for its resistance to canker and smooth, long roots.

2. ‘Tender and True’:

A classic heirloom variety with excellent flavor.

3. ‘Javelin’:

Ideal for heavy soils and produces uniform roots.

4. ‘Hollow Crown’:

A traditional variety with a sweet, nutty taste.

2. When to Plant Parsnips

Timing is crucial for parsnip cultivation:

1. Early Spring:

Sow seeds from March to May when the soil temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

2. Long Growing Season:

Parsnips take 16–20 weeks to mature, making them a long-season crop.

3. Frost Exposure:

Leave parsnips in the ground until after the first frost to enhance their sweetness.

3. Preparing the Soil for Parsnips

Parsnips thrive in deep, loose, and fertile soil. Follow these steps for soil preparation:

1. Remove Stones:

Clear the soil of rocks and debris to prevent forked roots.

2. Loosen the Soil:

Dig to a depth of at least 30 cm (12 inches) to allow roots to grow straight.

3. Add Organic Matter:

Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure to enrich the soil. Avoid fresh manure, as it can cause deformities.

4. pH Level:

Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0–7.0).

4. How to Sow Parsnip Seeds

Parsnip seeds require careful handling due to their slow germination and short viability:

Step 1: Sow Directly:

Sow seeds directly into the prepared bed, as parsnips dislike transplanting.

Step 2: Create Rows:

Space rows 30 cm (12 inches) apart and sow seeds thinly, about 1 cm deep.

Step 3: Cover Lightly:

Cover seeds with a fine layer of soil and water gently.

Step 4: Patience is Key:

Germination can take 2–3 weeks, so keep the soil moist and weed-free.

5. Caring for Parsnips

Once germinated, parsnips require minimal attention:

1. Watering:

Water consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent woody roots.

2. Thinning:

Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) apart when they are 5 cm tall.

3. Weeding:

Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.

4. Mulching:

Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

6. Common Problems When Growing Parsnips

1. Poor Germination:

Cause: Old seeds or cold soil.
Solution: Use fresh seeds and sow when the soil warms up.

2. Forked Roots:

Cause: Stony soil or fresh manure.
Solution: Prepare soil thoroughly and avoid using fresh manure.

3. Canker:

Cause: Fungal infection, often in wet conditions.
Solution: Grow resistant varieties and avoid waterlogging.

4. Pests:

Problem: Carrot flies may damage roots.
Solution: Use fine mesh or fleece to protect plants.

7. Harvesting Parsnips

Knowing when and how to harvest ensures the best flavor and texture:

1. Timing:

Harvest parsnips 16–20 weeks after sowing, or leave them in the ground until after the first frost for sweeter roots.

2. Tools:

Use a garden fork to lift parsnips carefully, avoiding damage to the roots.

3. Storage:

Store parsnips in a cool, dark place or in a box of damp sand to keep them fresh.

8. Using Parsnips in the Kitchen

Parsnips are versatile and can be used in various dishes:

1. Roasted Parsnips:

Toss with olive oil, honey, and seasoning for a delicious side dish.

2. Soups and Stews:

Add diced parsnips for a sweet, earthy flavor.

3. Mash:

Combine parsnips with potatoes for a creamy mash.

4. Crisps:

Thinly slice and bake or fry for a healthy snack.

Conclusion

Growing parsnips is a rewarding experience for gardeners who enjoy slow-growing crops with exceptional flavor. By following the tips in this guide, you can cultivate healthy parsnip plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest. With a little patience and the right care, your parsnips will thrive, providing sweet and nutty roots that are perfect for a variety of culinary creations.

Gardening With Ben Podcasts

If you love podcasts and are passionate about gardening, why not tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts? Packed with tips, inspiration, and plenty of down-to-earth advice, Ben’s podcasts are perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden or allotment.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Gardening with Ben covers a wide range of topics to keep you informed and motivated. From seasonal planting guides and pest control tips to creating a wildlife-friendly space, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is filled with Ben’s friendly, relatable charm, making it feel like you’re chatting with a gardening buddy.

Don’t miss out on the latest episode below, where Ben shares his insights on what to plant this month, how to prepare your soil, and creative ways to make the most of the colder seasons. It’s the perfect companion for your next cup of tea or a relaxing moment in your gardening shed.

You can also listen to Gardening with Ben’s podcasts on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Prefer hands-free? Simply ask Alexa, “Play Gardening with Ben,” and you’ll be ready to dig into the latest episode.

So, if you’re looking for gardening inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of friendly encouragement to get your hands dirty, tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts. It’s your perfect gardening companion, wherever you are! 🌱🎧

Dwarf French Beans – How to grow

December 7, 2024July 15, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Dwarf French Beans: How to Grow Them Successfully

Introduction

Dwarf French beans are a popular choice for gardeners due to their compact size, quick growth, and prolific yield. These low-maintenance plants are ideal for small gardens, raised beds, and even containers, producing tender, flavorful pods perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about growing dwarf French beans, from planting to harvesting.

Why Grow Dwarf French Beans?

Dwarf French beans offer several benefits that make them a favorite among gardeners:

Space-Saving: Compact plants require less space, ideal for small gardens or containers.
Fast-Growing: Mature in just 8–10 weeks, providing a quick harvest.
Prolific Yield: Produce numerous pods per plant.
Versatile Use: Great for fresh eating, freezing, or adding to recipes.
Easy to Grow: Require minimal maintenance and are beginner-friendly.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Click to check the book on Amazon

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

1. Choosing the Right Dwarf French Bean Varieties

There are many dwarf French bean varieties to choose from, each with unique characteristics:

1. ‘Ferrari’:

A compact, bushy variety with tender, stringless pods.

2. ‘Safari’:

Produces slender, dark green pods perfect for salads.

3. ‘Tendergreen’:

Known for its smooth texture and excellent flavor.

4. ‘Purple Teepee’:

Offers vibrant purple pods that turn green when cooked.

2. When to Plant Dwarf French Beans

Timing is crucial to ensure successful growth:

1. Outdoors:

Sow seeds directly in the soil from late May to early July, after the last frost.

2. Indoors:

Start seeds indoors in April for an earlier harvest, transplanting them outdoors in May.

3. Succession Planting:

Sow seeds every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the season.

3. Preparing the Soil for Dwarf French Beans

Dwarf French beans thrive in well-prepared soil:

1. Choose a Sunny Spot:

Beans require full sun for optimal growth.

2. Enrich the Soil:

Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.

3. Ensure Good Drainage:

Avoid waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.

4. Test the pH:

Beans prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).

4. How to Plant Dwarf French Beans

Follow these steps for planting:

Step 1: Prepare the Bed:

Rake the soil to remove stones and debris.

Step 2: Sow the Seeds:

Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep and 15–20 cm apart in rows spaced 45 cm apart.

Step 3: Water Thoroughly:

Keep the soil moist to encourage germination.

Step 4: Thin Seedlings:

Thin out weaker seedlings, leaving the healthiest plants.

5. Caring for Dwarf French Beans

1. Watering:

Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases.

2. Mulching:

Apply mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Feeding:

Beans are light feeders but benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer during flowering.

4. Staking:

While dwarf varieties don’t require full trellises, light staking can provide extra support.

6. Common Problems and Solutions

1. Slugs and Snails:

Problem: Eat young seedlings and leaves.
Solution: Use barriers like copper tape or organic pellets.

2. Aphids:

Problem: Suck sap from leaves, causing wilting.
Solution: Spray plants with a solution of water and a few drops of dish soap.

3. Powdery Mildew:

Problem: Causes white, powdery spots on leaves.
Solution: Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

4. Poor Germination:

Problem: Seeds fail to sprout in cold or waterlogged soil.
Solution: Wait until the soil warms and ensure proper drainage.

7. Harvesting Dwarf French Beans

Dwarf French beans are ready to harvest about 8–10 weeks after planting:

1. Size Matters:

Harvest beans when they are 10–15 cm long and tender.

2. Check Regularly:

Pick beans every 2–3 days to encourage continued production.

3. Use Scissors:

Snip beans off the plant to avoid damaging the stems.

4. Leave Some Pods:

Allow a few pods to mature fully if you wish to save seeds for next season.

8. Using and Storing Dwarf French Beans

Freshly harvested beans are best enjoyed immediately but can also be preserved:

1. Cooking:

Steam, sauté, or boil beans for use in salads, stir-fries, or side dishes.

2. Freezing:

Blanch beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then freeze for up to 12 months.

3. Pickling:

Make tangy pickled beans for long-term storage.

4. Saving Seeds:

Dry mature pods and store seeds in a cool, dry place for the next planting season.

Conclusion

Dwarf French beans are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering a quick-growing, high-yielding crop that’s both versatile and delicious. With proper care, they can thrive in a variety of settings, from traditional garden beds to containers on a balcony. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to growing healthy plants and enjoying a bountiful harvest of fresh, tender beans.

Gardening With Ben Podcasts

Gardeners Delight Tomato – How to grow successfully

November 8, 2024July 13, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Gardeners Delight Tomato

More and more people are trying to grow tomatoes at home whether it be for you the adult, or their children to enjoy learning about growing produce or as a little family competition to see who can grow the best produce at home. Gardeners delight tomatoes are one of the most popular tomatoes to try and grow as these can be grown in the greenhouse and outdoors.

Gardeners Delight tomatoes are ideal for the expert gardener and the amateur gardener because they are that easy to grow you certainly won’t be having any issues growing these and you will get a great harvest from them all the summer right into autumn.

Gardeners delight tomatoes are a popular choice to grow and eat as they are super sweet they are tiny and can be eaten as snacks when you feel peckish or they can be put in a lunch box to accompany your packed lunch for work or for the children.

Gardeners delight tomatoes are a cherry type of tomato grown on a corden plant. A corden plant means that it grows better when you prune the side shoots out on the plant as it grows. The Latin name for gardeners delight is Lycopersicon esculentum.

Find out about different tomato varieties here.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Click to see book on Amazon

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

How to grow Gardeners delight tomatoes

When you are looking at growing fruit or vegetables (whichever you think a tomato is) it is usually a great idea before growing the tomatoes to know where you will be growing them in the garden. You need to know that you have the right conditions in your garden for growing them. Having the best growing conditions will help you get a better gardener’s delight harvest and crop from the plants. The best place to grow your gardener’s delight tomatoes would ideally be in a polytunnel or a greenhouse as this is a great ideal spot. Tomatoes are being more and more adapted to be grown in the UK conditions. Gardeners’ delight can be grown successfully outdoors and you should get a decent crop from them. In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step guide on growing Gardeners Delight tomatoes successfully from seeds right through to harvesting the tomatoes from the plants. Follow this guide and you will soon be eating the delicious sweet tasty tomatoes.

When to sow, plant and harvest gardeners delight

Knowing the correct times to sow, plant, and harvest your gardener’s delight seeds is a good start to getting great tomato plants. Below you will find a guide to the months when you can sow your tomato seeds. Try not to start them off too early as this can affect the plants. The tomato plants will soon catch up when growing through the summer.

Sow	February to April
Plant	May – June
Harvest	July to October

Find Gardeners Delight Seeds For Sale Here

Best place to grow gardeners delight

The best place to ideally grow gardeners delight tomatoes is in a polytunnel or a greenhouse as this space is a lot warmer for the plants which will help the growth of the plants and help ripen them. If you grow them indoors you certainly will be picking hundreds of tomatoes from the plants. Your friends will certainly love you for them as you will end up giving lots away. The gardeners delight tomatoes will grow outdoors as long as they are in a sunny position.

The best soil to grow gardeners delight in

The ideal soil that gardeners delight need to be grown in is compost. This will have all the right nutrients in it for a great harvest until the plant dies back in October. Compost is certainly the better option than planting straight in the soil as you will need to add organic matter to help feed the plants.

How to sow gardeners delight tomato seeds

When it comes to sowing gardeners delight tomato seeds it could not be any easier. We also include a video below to help show you how to sow the seeds.

To sow the gardeners delight tomato seeds here is the step-by-step guide: –

1) You will require a seed tray with holes in the bottom for drainage.

2) Put a layer of compost in the bottom of the tray.

3) Sprinkle the seeds along the top of the compost.

4) Cover the seeds with another layer of compost

5) Sprinkle the compost with water – do not overwater just enough to soak the compost. Use a watering can with a sprinkler on the end.

6) If it is cold in your greenhouse cover with a layer of cling film this will keep them moist and also warm – this will help with germination

Planting your gardeners delight tomatoes

Tomatoes do not take that long to germinate – usually, this will be around 14-21 days. Leave the plants growing in the seed tray until they get quite big – big enough to handle (usually around 8cm). When the tomato plants are big enough to handle without the chance of snapping the stem they can be transplanted to bigger individual pots.

You will require plant pots that are at least 8cm tall. Carefully transplant the gardeners delight tomato plants into the new plant pots in fresh compost. Give the tomato plants a good watering then keep watering them every other day so they do not die. Keep your plant pots in a sunny position – ideally in a greenhouse or polytunnel where it is warm. One little tip is to always pot up a few extra plants just in case they do not take or they get eaten by the slugs. You can always give them away if you have too many.

When the gardeners delight tomato plants reach around 15cm they can be transplanted to their final destination. This is a grow bag or a bucket with holes in it. If you are using a grow bag you can usually fit around 3 plants in each grow bag. If you have not got grow bags you can use flower buckets which you can pick up from Morrisons or Asda for free or extremely cheap. These can then be filled with multipurpose compost. Just remember to drill holes in the bottom or they can get water logged.

You can watch the video below showing how to transplant tomato plants into plant pots.

Looking after your gardeners delight tomato’s

When you are growing any type of tomato variety they will require lots of love and attention from you – this will encourage them to give you back lots of crops which you will hopefully have too many and end up giving away to family and friends.

One of the main jobs for looking after your gardener’s delight tomatoes is probably one of the hardest which is to remember to water them. You could end up watering them every single day. They certainly like to drink a lot of water. This will obviously help them grow and make the fruit swell. If you forget to keep watering them and then all of a sudden start watering them again when it has fruit on them it can actually cause them to spilt. Tomatoes are like regular water not infrequent. On hot days, they may even want water in the morning and at night.

As your tomato plants grow they will get a lot taller and when the tomatoes start growing on them they can become heavy. Support them by placing a cane at the side of the plant and fastening the tomato plant to the cane to keep it in one piece, you would not want the plant snapping and losing all your tomatoes.

As the tomato plants grow you will see side shoots growing on them like mini tomato plants, just keep snapping these off it so that it does not become busy and that it grows taller instead of concentrating on growing the tomatoes.

Harvesting your gardener’s delight tomatoes

The best part of growing gardeners delight tomatoes is then harvesting them. IT will be great at first then you will be wondering who you can give them away to as you will have loads. When one turns red on the tomato plant they will all start to turn red as they let out a scent. Pick the tomatoes off when they are fully ripe. Do not leave them on too long or they could go soft and split. If the tomatoes are not ripening leave a banana skin nearby as this helps ripen them.

Purchase Gardeners Delight Tomato Plants and seeds

Here you can purchase your gardeners delight tomato plants and seeds. We have found the best-priced ones online which we recommend to you. You will have great success with these.

Click here to find Gardeners Delight Seeds For Sale Here

You can find lots more tips and advice on growing fruit and vegetables here

Gardeners Delight Common Questions and queries

How do you care for gardeners delight tomatoes?

The best way to care for your gardener’s delight tomatoes is to keep pinching out the side shoots that grow on the plant so it grows nice and tall and focuses on growing the tomatoes. You can also feed it once a week when the flowers start to form on the plant.

Gardeners Delight Tomato Hanging Basket

Gardeners delight cannot be grown in hanging baskets. You are best getting a tumbling tom for growing tomatoes in hanging baskets.

What type of tomato is gardeners delight?

Gardeners delight is a cherry-type tomato. They are a cordon variety of tomato plants.

Do you pinch out Gardeners Delight?

The simple answer to do you pinch out gardeners delight tomatoes is yes. This is because it is a corden tomato and not a bush variety of tomato plant

How tall do Gardeners Delight Grow?

Gardeners delight tomatoes can grow to a massive 2 meters tall in the right conditions obviously when it gets to the height you want you can cut the top off the plant.

Is Gardeners Delight a bush tomato?

Gardeners delight tomato is not a bush tomato it is a corden tomato plant.

Do you need to stake out Gardeners Delight Tomatoes?

You will need to stake out gardeners delight tomatoes with a can as mentioned above they grow to around 2 meters tall which is 200 cm. This means the plant can get top heavy and could snap so staking out the plant will help prevent it from snapping.

Best Lawn Feed

November 8, 2024July 9, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Best Lawn Feed Choosing the best lawn feed for …

Eufy Robot Vacuum Cleaner

November 8, 2024July 9, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Eufy Robot Vacuum Cleaner [BoostIQ] RoboVac 30C, Wi-Fi, Super-Thin, 1500Pa Suction, Boundary Strips Included, Quiet, Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Cleans Hard Floors to Medium-Pile Carpets

Overview of product

Here you can find an overview of the item on sale.

Wi-Fi Convenience: The EufyHome app, and Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant voice control-services let you accomplish your vacuuming needs with zero effort from you.
Worry-Free Cleaning: Set Boundary Strips and the robotic vacuum cleaner’s slim 2.85” body with—upgraded to 1500Pa* suction—only cleans the areas you want.
BoostIQ Technology: The robotic vacuum cleaner will automatically increase suction power within 1.5 seconds when extra vacuuming strength is needed—so you get the best clean.
A Quiet Clean: Up to 100 minutes** of constant, powerful suction at a volume no louder than an operating microwave from this robotic vacuum cleaner.
What You Get: RoboVac 30C, 13 ft Boundary Strips, remote control (2 AAA batteries included), charging base, AC power adapter, cleaning tool, extra set of high-performance filters, 4 side brushes, 5 cable ties, welcome guide, and our worry-free 12-month warranty.
No smart home hub required

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

About The Product

RoboVac 30C

The Super-Slim and Even More Powerful RoboVac with Wi-Fi Connectivity

Lean, Mean, Cleaning Machine

RoboVac may be super-slim, but it’s packed with a 3 point cleaning system, BoostIQ technology, and up to 1500Pa* of suction power to ensure your floors and carpets are clear of all dirt, dust, and crumbs. And with Wi-Fi built-in, you can accomplish all your cleaning needs from your smartphone.

Eliminate Vacuuming Chores

RoboVac takes on dust-busting around your home so you don’t have to. Multiple cleaning modes and auto-clean scheduling ensure an effortless, thorough clean while you relax.

Improved Cleaning

Refined from the inside and out to provide quiet vacuuming with zero hassle, RoboVac cleans with the equivalent sound of an operating microwave. Reduced height of only 2.85” allows for cleaning under low-lying furniture with ease.

Cleans Further

A larger 0.6L dustbin allows RoboVac to pick up more dirt and dust to take full advantage of 100 minutes** of continuous cleaning, eliminating the need to empty it halfway through cleaning.

For Optimal Use:

– Use on low- to medium-pile carpets, tile, laminate, and hardwood floors. Not suitable for high-pile carpet.

– Move cables out of the way to avoid entanglement. 5 cable ties are provided in the package to help you better organize wires and power cords.

Note:

*Maximum

**Standard suction mode (hardwood floors) provides approx. 100 minutes of cleaning. BoostIQ mode (carpeting) provides approximately 50 minutes of cleaning.

Max suction mode on medium-pile carpets provides approx. 40 minutes of cleaning.

RoboVac only connects to the 2.4GHz frequency. Make sure you are using a 2.4GHz router or a dual-band router that is configured to support a 2.4GHz frequency band. RoboVac does not support 5GHz frequency band.

Price Range

As you can see from the Amazon Ad below these are priced at £169.99 reduced from £229.99. If they are not priced at that the sale is over. You can check out more information by clicking the ad below to find out more or to purchase them.

Customer Reviews

Here you can find what one customer thinks about the item. With over 1200 reviews of this product, it is defiantly a winner. To find more reviews of the item click on the link above:-

Overview: We’ve had this for around 1 month now. I had the following concerns:
– The dog will hate it (he always attacks our current vacuum)
– it won’t really pick much up
– it will be too loud

So, turns out the dog doesn’t care! This is probably because, for a vacuum, it’s very quiet! I’m not going to tell you you won’t notice it, because if you’re watching TV, you’re going to want to turn the volume up, but at least you can still hear the TV (which isn’t the case with the normal vacuum).
What really blew me away was how much stuff this thing picks up! Where does it find it all! I can vacuum the house (very thoroughly), and then I send Robovac out (using Google home, because why not) and it still manages to fill half its waste bin after a cycle! The first few times we ran it, it would keep filling up, presumably because it can get underneath all of the things the normal vacuum can’t get to! (Thank god, under the bed is always clean now). I’m very impressed with this vac. Now I need to find an extra charging station so I can just lift Robovac between floors without having to unplug and move the station too.

Setup: Very easy. Take out the box, remove taped foam, charge up. The app as well as Google home were both a doddle to setup. The instructions tell you it needs 1m each side of the dock – I have maybe 25cm on each side, and it still works well.

Looks: It looks great! The glass top makes it feel expensive (although it does get very dusty) and despite a number of tight fits and corner bumps, the plastic and rubber on the sides seems to hold up very well.

Connectivity: Google home and Alexa compatible – both very easy to setup. App available for both Android and iOS. WiFi range/signal is always excellent. The robovac is very responsive to app inputs with barely any lag – a minor frustration is that it doesn’t give you any push notifications (scheduled clean started, low on battery, fully charged, stuck, etc).

Navigation: Robovac is very random with its navigation – there’s nothing clever to it, it’s completely random. This isn’t much of an issue as it randomly manages to cover all the floors. After the first 10 minutes of bumping around, it does seem to learn the room, but all this seems to do is stop it from hitting any objects – it stops around 1 inch before. One big ‘whatif’ for me was the cliff sensor – I don’t want to mess around with magnetised tape (of which you get 2 rolls included) to stop it from falling down the stairs. I’m glad to report that the cliff sensor works perfectly and after several weeks of use, I’ve never had any touble with it.

Suction/cleaning power: Absolutely amazing! I vacuumed downstairs (half carpet, half tile) because I wanted to see what Robovac would manage to find after a typical clean. After a full run (1 hour), I was very surprised to find that it had filled it’s not-so-small waste bin – where the hell did it find all that dust!?

Battery: Shorter than advertised and expected. In normal mode, it only lasts around 1 hour for me (tile/short pile carpet mix). It takes a further 1.5 hours to charge. Not a huge problem, but if it lasted 1.5 hours it would be able to clean much more in a single run

Click to find the item for sale on Amazon

We hope you found this article useful. You can find more discounts and reviews here

Forest Garden 3 Sizes Pressure Treated Wooden Kendal Square Planter, Set of 3

November 8, 2024July 9, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Forest Garden 3 Sizes Pressure Treated Wooden Kendal Square Planter, Set of 3

Overview of product

Here you can find an overview of the item on sale.

The Forest Kendal Square Planter Set includes three planters of decreasing size – Small (h)23 x (w)32 x (d)32cm, Medium (h)28 x (w)41 x (d)41cm, Large (h)30 x (w)50 x (d)50cm
Also available in a rectangular or hexagonal design
Manufactured from smooth-planed, Pressure Treated timber for a superior build
High-quality planter set with a natural timber finish
Some of our items are bulky and you will need to clear space in your garden ready for delivery. Providing it’s safe, our drivers will carry the product through to your garden to the space you have cleared. It is important you are in to sign for the delivery.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

About The Product

Brighten up a plain patio or empty decking area with a 3-in-1 planter set from Forest. The Kendal Square Planter set has a simple square design, natural timber finish and horizontal lines. The set contains 3 planters of decreasing size, they can hold a multitude of plants and flowers and when planted up as a set and positioned they’ll bring colour and interest to your garden.

Manufactured from high quality, Pressure Treated timber. Each planter is raised off the ground with Pressure Treated bearers to prevent damp. The set comes with a 15 year Anti-Rot guarantee.

These planters come assembled so you can start planting straight away.

Our delivery team will need to contact you to arrange a convenient delivery time, we will need accurate details to do this. Please ensure your Amazon account is up to date. Please also let the delivery team know of any delivery restrictions you may have. Our products are bulky items and you will need to ensure that you have cleared enough space in your garden to take delivery of the product. It is important you are in to sign for delivery and to instruct the driver exactly where to leave the delivery. Providing it is safe the driver will deliver to this location. The driver will not be able to go through your house or onto your neighbour’s property to make the delivery. To progress the status of your order please go to the Forest Garden website and click on the link to the tracking portal.

Small: 23 x 32 x 32cm
Medium: 28 x 41 x 41cm
Large: 33 x 50 x 50cm

Price Range

As you can see from the Amazon Ad below these are priced at £62.30 reduced from £88.99. If they are not priced at that the sale is over. You can check out more information by clicking the ad below to find out more or to purchase them.

Customer Reviews

Here you can find what one customer thinks about the item. To find more reviews of the item click on the link above:-

Good quality and price. Ideal for my garden to grow some veg. I used a liner inside too.

Click to find the item for sale on Amazon

We hope you found this article useful. You can find more discounts and reviews here

Electric Fly Bugs Swatter Zapper

November 8, 2024July 9, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Electric Fly Bugs Swatter Zapper

Overview of product

Here you can find an overview of the item on sale.

【Highly Efficient and Widely Used】⚡3,000V output voltage can kill insects and bugs easily once they touch the electric mesh. Widely used for various kinds of indoor and outdoor activities such as gardening, beaching, camping, barbecue
⚡【LED Lighting System】⚡Built-in LED bulb not only can help you find, attract and kill the bugs but also light your road in need. The other LED bulbs as a indicator show if it’s working normally and charged fully
⚡【Built-in Li-battery charged by USB】⚡The built-in 18650 Li-battery with 1,000mAh capacity supports a long time continuous use after one time full charging. USB charging makes it convenient to be recharged, whenever and wherever and never worry about the safety any more
⚡【 More Safety】⚡The protective grids on both sides, not only protect the middle electric mesh from being damaged, but mainly prevent people from being shocked when using
⚡【QUALITY 】⚡Brand new ABS materials make the swatter bright and look shiny. The firm frame makes it not easy collapse thus provides services for a long time, the 2 parts design make it small package and easy to transport

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About The Product

Night Cat Electric Fly Swatter is specialized in killing the flies, mosquitoes, bugs and other small insects.

Compare with the unmovable zapper, you can use it to attack the flies Initiatively and more efficient;

Compare with the Insecticide, it is more safe for the environment;

Compare with other fly swatter which need the AA battery, it can be recharged with the replaceable build-in Li battery.

Night Cat Electric Fly Swatter, Your Best Choice.

Price Range

As you can see from the Amazon Ad below the price of the item. This is a fantastic price to protect you from the wasps and other fly’s. You can even keep it charged up via USB. Click on the ad to out more information or to purchase the item.

Customer Reviews

Here you can find what one customer thinks about the item. To find more reviews of the item click on the link above:-

It’s that pesky time of year again where the flies and mosquitoes come to invade our personal space!
Tennis racket style bug zapper. Packaged well. Arrived in a tall, slim, white box.
The contents include the zapper, zapper base, usb charging cable and manual. Simply screw on the base and you’re ready to go as long as the zapper is charged.
The zapper is quite a cool, modern design. It has a little bit of weight to it, it all seems well made. It’s roughly 53cm long. All white, with a turquoise centre. There are 3 layers of mesh. There is an LED light guide to help you, this is a good size and a good brightness. There is also a small LED indicator light too. There is a switch on the side to turn on with no light, on with light and off again. The charging port is on the side below this.
This zapper fantastically pumps out 3000 volts a time. It is a bit of a game to catch the flies but no one said this would be easy! It’s definitely easier than just wafting your hand in front of your face in hopes of them leaving you alone… I’ve also resorted to deodorant blasts on them before!
When you do catch the fly, oh yes, it is as satisfying as you would expect. You can hear the sizzle, cracks and, if you’re lucky, you might even see a little flame too! (Ok, admittedly I felt bad when this happened!)
This is quite good. I mean I get it’s a bit of a gimmick but if you do suffer from mosquitoes and or flies, I would recommend it, it definitely does the job, as long as you can swing! I think the volts more go through the centre mesh, as the fool I am wanted to know if it did anything on the first layer when touched! So I’m assuming the flies go through the first layer then get caught? Either way, it worked, it killed them, it’s also fun to use or try and use..

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Driveway Alarm, PHYSEN Outdoor Weatherproof Wireless Motion Detector

November 8, 2024July 9, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Driveway Alarm PHYSEN Outdoor Weatherproof Wireless Motion Detector

Welcome to our review of Driveway Alarm PHYSEN Outdoor Weatherproof Wireless Motion Detector, here you will be able to find out what the customers think of this product and if it is worth purchasing. You can also click the link that will take you to Amazon to purchase it which it is a safe, secure, and trusted website to purchase from.

Click to find the item for sale on Amazon

Overview of product

Let’s have a look at an overview of the product and see what it does:-

Weatherproof PIR Motion Sensor Alarm – High precision wireless driveway alarm system, low-rate false alarm. IP55 waterproof, weather-resistant design enables the PIR motion detector to work perfectly both outdoor and indoor. Perfect for Home, Garage, Gate, Yard, Pool, Villa, Store, etc.
58 Unique Chimes & 5 Volume Levels -58 unique chimes allow you to change ring tones freely, and 5 Volume Levels from 0dB to 110dB can meet your different needs. The LED light indicator flashes to perform a visual alert, excellently offer security alert for the hearing impaired. If you don’t want to be disturbed, you can also choose Mute Mode for the receiver.
500FT Working Range – The working range from the detector to the receiver can reach up to 500ft in the open area, 16ft detecting range and 60°detection angle, ideal for driveways, walking paths.
Expandable Alarm System – Build your own security alert system by pairing more motion sensors or receivers. It is able to expand up to 20 sensors and unlimited receivers for complete coverage of your property.
Easy to Install – Plug the receiver into the socket, simply pair the motion detector with the receiver, then mount the detector anywhere you want with attached screws. Now your driveway alarm system begins to work perfectly. We will offer 1 Year After-sale Service, if you have any problems, please contact us freely!

About The Product

PHYSEN Driveway Motion Detector Sensor Alarm System Will Help To Protect Your Property!

Main Features:
★Automatically ring the doorbell when a motion is detected
★Weatherproof motion sensor for both indoor or outdoor use
★Low False Alarm Motion Sensor, Detects motion up to 16FT x 60°
★58 ringtones to choose from and 5 steps volume control(From 0dB to 110dB)
★Up to 500FT operating range in an open area
★Eye-catching indicators alert you when the doorbell can’t be heard

Price Range

Below shows the current price that it is on sale for on Amazon. You can click the link below and it will take you straight through to Amazon where you can purchase it from at the price shown. You know it is safe and secure purchasing from Amazon.

Customer Reviews

Here you can find what one customer thinks about the item. To find more reviews of the item click on the link above:-

After a spate of burglaries in my area I decided to fit one of these overlooking my front yard that has my neighbor’s scooter parked in overnight. There had been three past attempts to steal my neighbor’s scooter, each occasion I disturbed them. Neither the CCTV nor the security light was enough to deter them, as they arrived wearing hoodies and faces covered. Within a week of my installing this sensor alarm, the thieves returned. However, they could hear the alarm go off inside my hall as they moved about in my front yard. This was enough to send them scurrying off. It also woke me and I was able to inform the police immediately. Thank you, Amazon!

Overall Review

This product has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Amazon. It has been purchased in total over 3200 times. The customers have given it a 59% Satisfactory 5* rating.

Click to find the item for sale on Amazon

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Security Solar Wall Lights

November 8, 2024July 9, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Solar Wall Lights Outdoor

Overview of product

Here you can find an overview of the item on sale.

【Professional IP65 Waterproof Solar Lamp】This solar light is made of high-quality ABS, the solar lights are heat resistant and IP65 waterproof, resistant to all kinds of severe weather. Even on rainy days, solar lights work very brightly, it can light your outdoors, gardens, driveways, streets, walkways, patios, front doors, backyards, walls, garage, aisle, and windows, etc..
【Power saving and Easy Installation】This outdoor lights are solar-powered and easy to install, free of wires and electricity fee. Since light sensor ensures that the solar light only operates after dark, for best results, please place the solar light away from ambient light such as streetlights and windows.
【Super Bright Solar Powered Outdoor Lights】With the built-in 3.7V 1200mAh li-ion battery, 30 powerful LED lights, solar lights can be providing a super bright illuminance for a wide area. More sunshine it charged, it can illuminate longer. Our latest solar panel has a conversion rate as high as 18%, so it can convert the sunlight into battery charging more efficiently.
【Upgraded Motion Sensor Solar Light】With the built-in PIR motion and night sensor, this solar lights can detect it when a person comes in, and turn off 30 seconds after he leaves. Note: If there is no good sunlight for several days, thus the light may not light up at night. It will get power if the sunny day comes and light up after 8-10 hours of charging.
【Energy Saving & Eco-Friendly】To charge this security light, you just need to simply place the solar panel under direct sunlight at daytime. No pollution, no electricity cost, energy-saving and eco-friendly. The battery is charged by the attached 3.7V solar panel, more safety.

About The Product

Are you wanting some security lights but without all the wiring needed for them? Then why not check out these solar powered security lights.

Price Range

As you can see on the item listed below the lights are priced at £17.76 reduced from £20.99. If they are not showing this price it means they have gone back up. You can find out more information on the item by clicking it. You can also purchase these straight from Amazon.

Customer Reviews

Here you can find what one customer thinks about the item. To find more reviews of the item click on the link above:-

Excellent, bright small LED security lights. Perfect for the garden.

Click to find the item for sale on Amazon

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We hope you found this article useful. You can find more discounts and reviews here

Giant Pumpkin Seeds

December 7, 2024July 9, 2020 by Gardening With Ben

Giant Pumpkin Seeds: How to Grow Record-Breaking Pumpkins

Introduction

Giant pumpkins are a gardener’s ultimate challenge, a spectacle of nature that never fails to impress at fairs, Halloween displays, or even in the Guinness World Records. Growing a giant pumpkin begins with selecting the right seeds and using specific techniques to nurture these heavyweight champions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about giant pumpkin seeds, from choosing the best ones to planting, caring, and harvesting your colossal crop.

Why Choose Giant Pumpkin Seeds?

Giant pumpkin seeds are specifically bred for size rather than flavor or cooking purposes. Growing these pumpkins offers several benefits:

Spectacle: Create showstopping pumpkins for competitions or decorations.
Challenge: A rewarding project for experienced gardeners or those looking to try something new.
Community Events: Perfect for contests, festivals, and displays.
Educational Value: An engaging activity to teach children about gardening and plant growth.

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1. What Are Giant Pumpkin Seeds?

Giant pumpkin seeds are special varieties bred for their massive size potential. Common types include:

1. Atlantic Giant (Cucurbita maxima):

The most popular variety for competitive growers.
Can weigh over 1,000 pounds under ideal conditions.

2. Big Max:

Known for its symmetrical shape and impressive size, reaching up to 200 pounds.

3. Mammoth Gold:

A smaller giant variety, perfect for beginners, weighing 50–100 pounds.

These seeds are often sold as premium or heirloom varieties, with some even sourced from world-record pumpkins.

2. How to Choose the Best Giant Pumpkin Seeds

Choosing quality seeds is the first step in growing a giant pumpkin:

1. Genetics:

Look for seeds from reputable growers with a history of producing record-breaking pumpkins.

2. Freshness:

Ensure seeds are fresh and stored in cool, dry conditions.

3. Soil and Climate Suitability:

Select varieties suited to your local growing conditions.

4. Trusted Sources:

Purchase seeds from specialty seed suppliers or nurseries for guaranteed quality.

3. When to Plant Giant Pumpkin Seeds

Timing is crucial for a successful giant pumpkin harvest:

1. Start Indoors:

Begin seeds indoors in mid to late April for most climates.

2. Transplant Outdoors:

Move seedlings to the garden in May or early June, after the last frost.

3. Growing Season:

Giant pumpkins require a long growing season, typically 120–150 days.

4. Preparing the Soil for Giant Pumpkins

Giant pumpkins are heavy feeders, requiring nutrient-rich soil:

1. Test the Soil:

Aim for a pH of 6.5–7.0.

2. Enrich with Organic Matter:

Add plenty of compost, well-rotted manure, and organic fertilizers.

3. Mulch and Retain Moisture:

Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition.

4. Build a Mound:

Plant seeds or seedlings on a raised mound to improve drainage and warmth.

5. How to Plant Giant Pumpkin Seeds

Follow these steps for planting:

Step 1: Soak Seeds:

Soak seeds in warm water for 4–6 hours to encourage faster germination.

Step 2: Sow Seeds Indoors:

Plant seeds 1 inch deep in individual pots filled with a high-quality seed-starting mix.

Step 3: Transplant Carefully:

Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden.

Step 4: Space Plants:

Allow at least 10–15 feet of space between plants for sprawling vines.

6. Caring for Giant Pumpkin Plants

Proper care is essential for growing massive pumpkins:

1. Watering:

Provide deep, consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease.

2. Fertilizing:

Use a balanced fertilizer in the early stages, switching to a high-potassium formula as the fruit develops.

3. Pruning:

Remove smaller pumpkins and secondary vines to direct energy to one or two main fruits.

4. Pollination:

Hand-pollinate flowers to ensure successful fruit set and improve size potential.

5. Pest and Disease Control:

Watch for common issues like squash bugs, powdery mildew, and vine borers. Use organic treatments as needed.

7. Harvesting Giant Pumpkins

Knowing when and how to harvest ensures your pumpkin reaches its full potential:

1. Check the Stem:

A mature pumpkin has a hardened stem that begins to crack slightly.

2. Inspect the Skin:

The skin should be tough and resist denting when pressed.

3. Cut Carefully:

Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the pumpkin, leaving a few inches of stem attached.

4. Handle with Care:

Giant pumpkins are heavy; use proper equipment or a team to move them safely.

8. Common Challenges in Growing Giant Pumpkins

Growing giant pumpkins can present some difficulties:

1. Cracking or Splitting:

Caused by uneven watering or rapid growth. Maintain consistent moisture levels.

2. Poor Pollination:

Lack of pollinators can lead to undeveloped fruit. Hand-pollinate flowers for best results.

3. Disease:

Fungal diseases like powdery mildew are common. Ensure good airflow and use organic fungicides.

4. Pest Damage:

Protect plants from vine borers, aphids, and slugs with row covers or natural pest deterrents.

9. Tips for Growing Record-Breaking Pumpkins

Focus on One Fruit: Remove all but one or two pumpkins to channel energy into size.
Provide Support: Use slings or padding to protect the fruit from damage as it grows.
Monitor Growth Daily: Record measurements to track progress and adjust care as needed.
Join a Community: Engage with other growers for tips, seeds, and motivation.

Conclusion

Growing giant pumpkins from seeds is a rewarding endeavor that combines patience, skill, and dedication. Whether you’re aiming for a competition-worthy pumpkin or a fun garden centerpiece, the right seeds and care techniques can make all the difference. With proper planning, nutrient-rich soil, and consistent attention, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating an impressive giant pumpkin.

Growing Parsnips: Hints and Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

Introduction

Why Grow Parsnips?

1. Choosing the Right Variety of Parsnips

2. When to Plant Parsnips

3. Preparing the Soil for Parsnips

4. How to Sow Parsnip Seeds

5. Caring for Parsnips

6. Common Problems When Growing Parsnips

7. Harvesting Parsnips

8. Using Parsnips in the Kitchen

Conclusion

Top 10 Questions and Answers

Gardening With Ben Podcasts

Dwarf French Beans: How to Grow Them Successfully

Introduction

Why Grow Dwarf French Beans?

1. Choosing the Right Dwarf French Bean Varieties

2. When to Plant Dwarf French Beans

3. Preparing the Soil for Dwarf French Beans

4. How to Plant Dwarf French Beans

5. Caring for Dwarf French Beans

6. Common Problems and Solutions

7. Harvesting Dwarf French Beans

8. Using and Storing Dwarf French Beans

Conclusion

Top 10 Questions and Answers

Gardening With Ben Podcasts

Gardeners Delight Tomato

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

How to grow Gardeners delight tomatoes

When to sow, plant and harvest gardeners delight

Best place to grow gardeners delight

The best soil to grow gardeners delight in

How to sow gardeners delight tomato seeds

Planting your gardeners delight tomatoes

Looking after your gardeners delight tomato’s

Harvesting your gardener’s delight tomatoes

Purchase Gardeners Delight Tomato Plants and seeds

Gardeners Delight Common Questions and queries

How do you care for gardeners delight tomatoes?

Gardeners Delight Tomato Hanging Basket

What type of tomato is gardeners delight?

Do you pinch out Gardeners Delight?

How tall do Gardeners Delight Grow?

Is Gardeners Delight a bush tomato?

Do you need to stake out Gardeners Delight Tomatoes?

Overview of product

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

About The Product

Price Range

Customer Reviews

Overview of product

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

About The Product

Price Range

Customer Reviews

Overview of product

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

About The Product

Price Range

Customer Reviews

Overview of product

About The Product

Price Range

Customer Reviews

Overall Review

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Overview of product

About The Product

Price Range

Customer Reviews

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Giant Pumpkin Seeds: How to Grow Record-Breaking Pumpkins

Introduction

Why Choose Giant Pumpkin Seeds?

1. What Are Giant Pumpkin Seeds?

2. How to Choose the Best Giant Pumpkin Seeds

3. When to Plant Giant Pumpkin Seeds

4. Preparing the Soil for Giant Pumpkins