Cavolo Nero

 Black MAGIC

Black Magic Kale,

 Cavolo Nero. Reproduced in Britain, for the British environment, the leaves are moderately slender and most certainly extremely crinkled. Taste is amazing, either reaped as young leaves or left to improve up by the cooler winter climate.

Harvest about a month into the growing season when the leaves are about the size of a normal palm. 

You can hope to harvest about a kilo of leaves for each season from the normal plant. The actual plant is impervious to most illnesses and, except if left to dry out, improbable to bolt. Best in the winter and early spring.

It was given a RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) in 2015. Dark Magic is a F1 half breed.

Winter creeps up

 Winter creeps up on us.

It is fundamental that you set up your plot for Winter, not exclusively to guarantee that it looks great, yet in addition groundwork for Winter implies that the work you will be needed to do to guarantee a fruitful Spring will be diminished on the grounds that you should accomplish less  work for instance with less tough plants subsequent to having guaranteed they endure the Winter sound.

The ideal opportunity to begin accomplishing this planning work is the point at which you hear the climate forecaster beginning to discuss the chance of ice as a general rule. In the UK this will more often than not be around the end of October.

Work out what you need with regards to your plot and what you think could be improved. During this season it is the ideal chance to ponder moving things around into spaces of the plot where they might work better or even eliminate things out and out in the event that they didn't work. You can likewise begin establishing bulbs prepared for a blast of shading in the Spring.

Something else you really want to guarantee you do is clean things up on the plot. Make sure you do the weeding  and cleaning up leaves. Do not the temptation to prune excessively. 

Assuming you have bulbs in the ground that are not exactly tough assortments then you really want to eliminate them and let them dry in the sun for some time prior to putting away them in the carport or shed to shield them from the Winter ices and snows.

Another good tip, assuming you don't have one, is to begin a manure heap during this season. Toss in any cuttings you have just as dried fallen leaves (keep away from any infected ones however) and when next season comes around again you will have a phenomenal fertilizer prepared for use.

Before Winter truly sets in and the ground freezes strong, it is smart to give it a decent watering as despite the fact that snow might lie on the ground for some time, it very well may be a critical time before it dissolves thus this can prompt drying out of the ground.

At last, set aside the effort to clean all of your digging tools. Do the honing and oil any moving parts that require it. Ensure they are all in top condition and afterward store them in an appropriate area. That way, there will be no disappointments around finding the right device or different instruments not working as expected when next season shows up.

Come Spring, you will be extremely happy you did.

Rats

I have a problem on my plot and that is rats has taken everything apart from my kale.

Rat traps are the answer, not poison. Using traps means that The rodents don't slither off to kick the bucket in desolation.

 Dead rodents that have been harmed are as yet an issue, as they deteriorate rodents smell, different creatures feed on the harmed rodents, this predation can kill or truly hurt hunters like foxes, flying predators, canines, felines and such. 

Rats are an irritation since they can eat and foul our food, harm homes by biting through electrical wire protection, lush wood planks and surprisingly plastic waste lines. 

Rats can likewise make disease on the grounds that their excrement can cause food contamination. Rodents can likewise convey insects and bugs. Furthermore, they can convey leptospirosis, which can prompt liver disappointment, and hantavirus, which can cause respiratory disease. 

The normal rodent (Rattus norvegicus), otherwise called the earthy colored rodent or sewer rodent, is the most plentiful and far reaching species and is found all through the United Kingdom. 

All that a rodent requires to flourish is sanctuary, food and water. The grown-up rodent might weigh from 100 to 500 grams (3½ to 18 ounces). Rodents are around 240 mm long (9½ inches) barring the tail. Rodents have earthy colored hide on their back and dark hide under. Rodents have a tail which is more limited than its head and body.

Easy to grow:kale

 WHEN TO PLANT

I always sow my seeds in pots as early in the season a possible. The reason is that I do not take up my land  with seeds and by planting larger stronger plants, I can harvest earlier.

Kale flourishes in cooler temperatures and does well in halfway shade and cloudy environments.

THE SOIL

I find that kale grows in almost any type of soil however do remember that kale is a hungry plant.

I feed mine twice in the life of the plant. I use compost and chicken dried pellets.

 

WATERING

Water your developing kale all through growing season; water sparingly in the autumn until frost.

Do not grow kale in the same ground for three years.

I harvest as soon as the leaves are big enough to do something with.

The only pest that trouble mine are pigeons and so I spread nets over them.

Why grow kale:

 1. Kale is an incredible wellspring of the supplements Nutrients A, C and K. One cup gives 192% of the suggested day by day worth of Nutrient A, 88% of the suggested day by day worth of Nutrient C and 1327% of the suggested every day worth of Nutrient K. These sums are a characteristic and safe method for getting your nutrients.

2. Kale is incredible at aiding lower cholesterol levels and the danger of coronary illness. The high fibre content of kale ties bile acids which assists lower with blooding cholesterol levels and decrease the danger of coronary illness.

3 Kale is a reasonable method for getting your day by day suggested servings of vegetables. One cup of kale gives an entire serving of vegetables. 

4 There are various ways of cooking kale. It tends to be eaten raw in a plate of mixed greens or cooked and filled in as a side. 

Growing kale on your plot is easy and is truly basic. Kale grows well all winter no matter how cold it gets. 

Two reasons to eat kale

 1. Kale is extremely low in calories, high in fibre and has no fat! These things make this the ideal nourishment for weight reduction or calorie counters. One cup contains a little 36 calories and 5 grams of fibre.

2. Kale is really high in cell reinforcements which can lessen the danger of disease. It is an incredible wellspring of carotenoids and flavonoids, which are two cell reinforcements that help battle against free extremists which are atoms answerable for maturing and tissue harm. These two cell reinforcements are the particular kinds of cell reinforcements related with a significant number of the counter malignant growth medical advantages.

Care about your health

  If you care about your health, the environment and the raw food industry you should have no problem jumping on the kale bandwagon and grow some on your veg patch.

 Kale recipes are rarely complicated and the food is so flexible it can be used in smoothies, soups, salads and even main dishes. Although kale is often cooked and combined with meat it is highly encourage its use only in a raw food setting. 

By eating kale raw we maximise its potential while helping the world as well as ourselves. A raw food diet is a great way to take care of the planet while also nurturing your body and kale is a perfect part of that plan, being such a super food. 

There are many great raw food cookbooks on the market that can show you some  kale recipes. The next time you are thinking of eating something raw and delicious hopefully kale will cross your mind. 

The Goodness of Kale

 Boiling Kale is not the endorsed way of cooking however steaming, micro-waving, stir frying and eating it raw are all highly encouraged. Kale is a favoured raw food because it is rich in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, calcium, glucosinolates, sulforaphane, vitamin E, vitamin A, iron, manganese, calcium, potassium and manganese. 

It is these features of kale that gives the plant  it place among super foods as it is  known to prevent and fight against such medical conditions as cancer, cataracts, emphysema and rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. A traditional serving size of kale (1 cup) only contains 40 - 60 calories making it a great weight loss aid too.

Kale has within it  plenty of enriching antioxidant properties, compounds, minerals and nutrients the kale is also helpful in preventing colds, improving skin tone and continuance energy levels. Even though it aids the liver, the colon and other vital organs  there is one special circumstance it does not aid  and that is thyroid issues. 

Containing goitrogen, a naturally-occurring substance in kale and if too much is consumed kale can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland or cause concern for those with thyroid problems. Regardless of this, kale is still a food that must be consumed more often by more people.

A daily service of 40-60 grams is recommended. Do check with your doctor if you are on any form of blood thinners.

Super food:

 Kale is a member of the  Brassica  family which comes is various shade of green or some times purple leaves. The main feature is that kale is headless, being  made up of only leaves.

Depending on the variety, kale has a very strong flavour which can increase after being frozen. Winter and a very cold climate makes kale very useful plant to grow in winter as it is well able to survive such harsh weather. This is unlike some other Brassicas, such as broccoli, and cauliflower, to name but two.

In Europe, kale is know as a super food with healing benefits, the plant is also used for garnish or decoration. There are many types of kale: plain leaf, spear leaf, curly leaf, these leaf types are all identifying types of different kales. 

One distinctive and singular characteristic of growing kale is that you can harvest your kale without stopping the kale from growing and that is by harvesting the outer leaves as you need them.

Kale is very easy to grow and  and will add a lot to your winter garden It is of interesting to note that the tender and young kale is best for salads while the mature leaves are best for cooking. 

Best Loved Vegetable

 As one of the best loved leafy vegetables in Europe,  kale is a wondrous raw food with a plenty of redemptive qualities. Used in many dishes around the world. 

 In spite of its amazing health benefits and international allure kale still remains largely under the radar in America.  Maybe it is the temptations of fast food. 

As a super raw food that does not cost much and  is easy to find or grow there is no reason why we all should not be cooking with this leafy plant more often. We all be  better served by including more kale in their daily eating routines.

Kale is very easy to cook with and boasting a voracious variety of uses it should not be difficult for anyone to increase their kale intake. 

Learn a little more about kale and and look at its many health benefits, I am sure there will be a clamor at the supermarkets to buy some.

Nutritious Kale

 Both tasty and nutritious, Kale today is broadly becoming quite possibly the most well known vegetable word-wide. 

The leafy green breed of cabbage has more nutrient C than oranges and is an amazing fountainhead of iron, also full of enemies of oxidants. Growing  kale can be simple, even for those of us who do not  see ourselves as a "green thumb." 

Sowing the Seeds 

For the most part, you will need to plant in Aumtum or late-winter. It is best not to plant in mid summer as it does not do well in heat. 

Establish your kale seeds in a nursery bed around 15-25 inches separated. Giving adequate room for the soft leaves to develop. Seeds are best planted around ½ inch down.

 Since the seeds will be shallow, you need to make sure that the seeds are well covered with soil once sown in the nursery bed or pot. 

Beaware that kale is a hungrey plant and will need good soil and feeding during its growing.

The Developing System 

 It takes by and large, around 80-120 days before harvest . Make sure the kale has a lot of water, at all stages of growth. 

If you have planted in a pot, move it to the bed when six or seven leaves appear.  Do check the plants each week or so for bugs like caterpillars. 

Gathering the Kale 

Around 85 days subsequent to planting the seeds, the kale is normally prepared for harvest, yet this can shift contingent depending on the season. It is best to just take a couple of leaves of each plant.

 You generally better to leave a portion of the new leaves on the plant so it can keep growing.

Gather any leaves which might be becoming yellow. 

Work on your bugs

If you do nothing about bugs on your crops, they will wipe everything out.

You can, of cause, use synthetic compounds as pesticides to do this, however it could be as destructive to you as is to the bugs. 

 Using these synthetic compounds has  been shown to be the cause of various sicknesses like Lymphoma, malignant growth, birth deserts and so forth. 

 They also cost a lot and is much better to use more natural nursery bug control, being better for you and your purse. 

One of the first steps to take is to make sure that your soil is as natural as possible to support and grow your crop. By that, I mean, do not use chemical fertiliser. Use natural manures and compost.

Place plants about your beds that deter or and repulse bugs like mint These are non harmful in nature and give successful outcomes in killing or repulsing the bugs. 

Only spray your plants with natural products, like natural liquid soaps and do it every week.

Wash and clean your tools and equipment when every you use them, once again use a natural product. 

Read a creepy crawly reference book, doing so will help you see and understand what you are up against.

Steaming Kale Thoughts

 Steaming Kale Thoughts:

Kale contains a compound that can stifle thyroid capacity in specific individuals. Some say that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, collards, brussel sprouts, cabbage, mustard greens, kohlrabi, turnip, and kale, ought to consistently be cooked in light of the fact that they can upset thyroid chemical creation. 

They do this by hindering thyroid peroxidase and disturbing messages that are sent across layers of thyroid cells and cooking these vegetables extraordinarily diminishes these adverse consequences. 

So on the off chance that you have thyroid issues, it very well may be a good thought to take a look at softly steaming your kale. 

Different explanations behind delicately steaming your  kale, is that it begins the stomach related cycle for you. 

Delicately steaming separates the cell design of vegetables and significantly expands the edibility and supplement ingestion of supplements in vegetables as per the "you ought to cook your kale camp." 

One of the primary advantages of delicately steaming your greens is that you will annihilate poisons microorganisms. Pathogenic microscopic organisms will be killed when presented to warm. This is incredible information! 

So we should take look at how we will do this.  Because kale crops are regularly sprayed with pesticides you must do something about it. 

Start by washing your greens and chopping them up . 

Steam them for five minutes and then blend the kale in a high speed blender and pour the mixture into daily  amounts and pop them in your freezer for your smoothies. 

Ready for winter:

 Getting ready for winter on your plot is something a great many people would rather not think about. Winter is a reality that is gradually crawling up on us as every day passes. It may seem like we have a lot of time left, however it truly pays off over the long haul to kick your colder time of year arrangements off at this point. 

You really need to get your blossom beds tidied up and all your spring blooming bulbs in the ground before the end of November. Make certain to continue to water your evergreens consistently until the ground begins to freeze. The reason for this is, if the ground is frozen evergreens can not take up any more dampness, yet they will in any case unfold leaves, thus drying out if not, completely watered before the ground freezes. 

Trim your grass short at the last cutting of the year this will help with stopping any build up of rubbish     from collecting over winter. Make certain to rake up leaves for your compost. 

Do look to your tools and machines. Sharpen, clean, service anything that may need it.

If you have a water system of any sort, do make sure that is is frost protected. Do not wait for the cold weather:do it now.

Also, snow proof anything that might be damaged by a heavy fall of snow. One year, I lost my fruit cage because of the weight of snow.....If only I had been prepared!

I know the prospect of winter is not ideal, however the more you do now the less issues you will have when the chilly weather hits. 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5229432

Squirrels in my garden.

I have put two rows of broad beans out and they have been dug up twice by squirrels, To try to stop them coming every night I have put some hot, scattered spicy chilli  flakes around.

I hope this works.

Perennial veg:

 

 Perennial veg: This winter I am looking into growing perennial vegetables, because aside from the fact that there’s no need to buy more seeds to plant more vegetables and thus save money that way, there is also the idea when it comes to perennials that as the roots become deeper they require less watering. 

 Perennial vegetables are taking water and nutrients from deeper in the soil, so there’s also less of a requirement for plant food with perennials.  Add to this the fact that you’re not spending the time preparing the ground, sowing and transplanting, then it means you’ll have more time to spend on other vegetables too!  This all sounds good to me. 

Climate Change: What To Do.

 Such a big question and mess all round....what can you do.

Go to your garden and do the best you can on your bit of land. Do not let them get in your head, just look after y0our own bit.

Tidy up for rats

 Some simple steps to take to prevent future rat problems include:

• Tightly secure all dust bins cans
• 
  
• Pick up any dog poop daily (a disgusting but readily consumed food source)
• 
  
• Minimize the use of bird feeders (spilled seeds are a great food source)
• 
  
• Tidy up rubbish piles
• 
  
• Get rid of any sources of food and water
• 
  
• Contact  your local council.

Eating Kale Warnings:

 If you are taking blood thinning medications, kale might not be the best idea for you because kale can promote blood clotting. 

Also the leaf contains oxalates which in lab tests have been associated with kidney stones and some gallstones so check with your medical doctor before you consume tons of kale.

If you eat too much kale in one sitting kale can be hard on your digestive system, causeing bloating, gas, tummy aches and cramping raw.

 However,in that respect, you can get away with eating more kale in one sitting if you lightly steam it.

I eat about 50 gram of raw kale a day, which seems to suit me. 

Raw or Steamed Kale

 There is a lot confusing nutritional information out there that people throw their hands up in the air and give up.

The confusing is about how to eat your kale, steamed or raw.

The truth of the matter is that kale is incredibly nutritious raw or steamed.I have done a lot of research on this and the debate seems to be split 50/50. 

There seems to be a lot of case studies that show that

raw kale is more beneficial than cooked and cholesterol studies show that steamed kale is more beneficial than raw. It just depends on the study and what they set out to prove.

So, don’t give up or throw in the towel, on eating kale. If you are eating kale raw or cooked, 5 gold stars.

Do not spoil your dinner

 Remember, fresh veg, dug up from the garden and the cooked, take less time than veg bought from a shop.

So, do not spoil your dinner!

Control Bugs

 You may wonder how a plant can survive, for almost every one has some bug or another that wants to destroy it.

The bugs are biters, borers, suckers and cutters. Or some that just eat the whole thing.

There are wholesale ways of controlling most of these, however, these methods are used only by big growers on a field scale. As we know, some of these methods are not healthy for us as consumer and are best left alone.

Most growers of home veg only have a dozen or so of a limited vanity of crops and the job should be easier.

All insects may be divided into two types:biters and suckers.    The way to get rid of the pests that bite and chew is, to  make the crop unpalatable to them but the fellows that suck the juices and pay no attention whatever to any contamination  on the outside surface face of a plant have to be met and slain in open battle. 

What I do is make a garlic tea and spray it often on the crop this seems to work quite well with the pest that bite and chew, as for the suckers, I make life uncomfortable for them by sucking them off with a hoover or washing them off with a hose.

Bigger pest, like birds and rats, I trap and scare away. 

CONTACT INSECTICIDES FOR SUCKING INSECTS

 

CONTACT INSECTICIDES FOR SUCKING INSECTS

Soap Solution

2 oz. laundry soap to 1 gal. of water

Nicotine Solution

½ oz. 40% nicotine	}
and	}	to 3 gal. of water
1 oz. soap	}

The soap is added to this solution to assist in spreading the mixture and to make it come in close contact with the insects.

How to get rid of white fly on your Kale:

 How to get rid of white fly on your Kale:

Short answer : You never will

However, you can reduce them, rather then have clouds of them every time you go near your crop, try a few of these ideas:

Spray them with a strong jet of water from a hose. Not very good idea on allotments where there is no running water, but very good with a water supply.

Spray with a natural liquid soap mixed with water. This does work, however, you must do it every four or five days to stop another tribe of them settled in.

Hoover them up, however, once again this is not a one off event. Repeat every few days.

Blow them off with a hair dryer on cool.

Get a bucket of Garlic tea and a small hand brush and wipe down the underside of the kale leaves. You make the garlic tea by boiling four cloves of garlic in one litre of water. Do this for ten minutes and mix with another litre of plain water. Once again, repeat every few days. 

It should be noted that the pest does not really harm your kale, just makes it very unpleasant to crop. 

White fly will need to reach a very high level of population to cause any damage to your crop. If this should happen, you will find leaves going yellow because the fly suck the sap out of the plant.

So the whole point of the above ideas is not to let the white fly numbers increase to the “ damage level “

What you can do to clean the leaf before you eat  is to put the kale in water and give it a good wash to flush them away.

Heat or cold does not seem to bother them.

As far as I am aware white fly will not harm you if you eat them 

How To Cure Your Pumpkins:

 How To Cure Your Pumpkins:

Cure your pumpkin properly and it will become the best you have every eaten.

What you are trying to do is hardened off the skin and turn the fruit an even colour. 

The pumpkin must sound hollow when you tap it and the skin shine will come off if you rub it.

All you got to do is harvest when the plant dies right back.

Only store sound ones.

Put the fruit somewhere for 10-14 days at 26-29 degrees C 

After this store at 7 degrees C until use.

I know it is not easy to find somewhere at 26-29C is not easy, however I tuck mine away in a corner of my sitting room and move to the hall way for the 7C bit.

It seems to work for me.

A shed or a garage is not suitably because they will get too warm in the daytime and too cold at night. 

 Rhubarb and beetroot soup:

Believe it or not this is the best soup ever:

500 gram of Rhubarb

500 gram of Beetroot.

1 litre water.

Add what ever spice you like.

Boil for 30 minutes and put in a blender and serve.