Hallelujah and saints be praised!

[blamebrampton]

It is a long weekend, and I have no work work to do. At last, I can get stuck in and clean the house, beta fics, write and read (and [Poll #1411482][Poll #1411482]

Comments

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Both cucumbers and tomatoes suffer from overwatering, producing bloated crops that suffer in the flavour department. Mulch the roots well with organic mulch so that you can retain the water where it is needed. Tomatoes can have organic mulches pushed up hard against the stems and will send more roots out into them, try using well-rotten cow or horse manure mixed with straw or compost for good results. Cucumbers need a little room between their stems and the mulch to prevent rotting. Both should be kept moist, though, as they will wilt quickly.

The columbine probably just needs a good feed, they can be greedy little buggers. In addition to feeding the soil with a good pelletised organic fertiliser or quality blood and bone mixed with 10% sulphate of potash, give a foliar feed with an organic fruit and flower soluble fertiliser. In many cases, people use lovely general fertilisers that don't quite have enough potassium for good flower formation, adding the sulphate of potash to the soil and using the flower feed will fix this.

If he is already using a high-potassium feed, have him check the soil pH, which could be too alkaline, and mulch with organic matter as for the tomatoes to both neutralise the pH and increase water retention around the roots. Otherwise, it might just need more light, especially morning sun.

The best place for an African violet is in a warm spot away from direct light and not beside a window (the temperature fluctuates too widely and the light can be too harsh). You want filtered light, and nice constant temperature and humidity. The old stand the pot on a try of gravel with water trick works well, just steer clear of air conditioning and heating vents!

[noeon.livejournal.com]

Brammers, you are a treasure. I have the happiest husband on my hands. He has always been supportive of my LJ habit but now he has seen the blessings first hand and is wowed. Also, you're just great :D

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

You are very welcome! I do love being helpful!

[noeon.livejournal.com]

You are a font of both useful and interesting information! And do tell me about that sock book! I have successfully knit one pair and I have too much nice yarn from Germany and too many good fine gauge needles not to press on.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

It's this one: http://www.interweavestore.com/store/p/1735-Folk-Socks-The-History-Techniques-of-Handknitted-Footwear.aspx

Great patterns, but best of all, a whole section on the technique of socks, so I have not only adapted all of her patterns to various odd feet, but also made up my own with ease. One of my most-used craft references!

[noe-fic.livejournal.com]

Yes! I have that one from my mother, though I haven't used it yet. I also have her Knitting Vintage Socks (http://www.interweavestore.com/store/p/1695-Knitting-Vintage-Socks-New-Twists-on-Classic-Patterns.aspx).

Is there a particular sock from that book you make more frequently? *fires up the needles*