Bulb Log 25/07/07

[mark smyth]

very good!! LOL

[annew]

GROAN!!!

[Paddy Tobin]

Ian,

I have been reading back over the past few bulb logs to check (again) on your bulb compost mixture ratios and hope you may be able to help with a difficulty I have with leafmould.

Over the years I have found that despite leaving my leaves to rot down for several years it will still have ash seed which germinate when used in potting compost or when added to beds in the garden. Obviously much of the leaves I collect are from ash trees as there is a line of them along one side of my garden. Any suggestions? Do you heat sterilise the leafmould, for example?

Although the ash seedlings are very easy to remove when young they are a nuisance.

Paddy

[Lesley Cox]

Mark - QUEUE

[mark smyth]

thanks Lesley

Paddy, Margaret Glynn's compost area has chestnuts growing in it. There are a few large Horse Chesnuts growing in her garden. Children no longer come to collect the conkers

[Ian Y]

Steady on folks, don't go choosing a title until we decide if it will happen.
I am still not sure if I want to take on the mammoth task yet but thanks for your loyal support.

Paddy, I do not sterilise my leafmould as I do not have suitable equipment but more importantly I think that the sterilising process would also kill all the beneficial life forms in the leafmould.
I get lots of birch, rowan and cotoneaster seedlings which I just pull out.

[ian mcenery]

Ian just found this thread and it's funny as just the other day I was thinking all of those bulb logs could be the basis of a much needed book.   I agree with everything most of what others have said there is a dearth of books on practical growing of bulbs they all seem a little to botanical rather than practical. The bulb books I have acquired just dont give enough detail about growing and I for one need all the help I can get as I am still making silly mistakes.

Hope you can find the energy!!

[ChrisB]

I would be in the queue to buy one if it got published Ian!  What is so terrific about the bulb log besides your sage advice is the photography.  It is so hard to imagine what people are talking about when it is merely described, but a photo essay such as the bulb log is excellent, not as good as listening to your entertaining and informative lectures but the next best thing.  Thanks for all the work you do, it is much appreciated by newbies like me.

[Paddy Tobin]

Ian,

Apologies for the delay in acknowledging your reply to my query re leafmould. Many thanks. It seems that seedlings are just a part of leafmould use that must be endured. Of course, the seedling do come out very easily if spotted when young.

Paddy