Greengages

[sarahj]

Have I got potentially the most northerly crop of greengages? We have as many greengages on the tree this year as plums on the plum tree! Last year we only had five which fell off when the house was repointed, and the previous owner says he hasn't had any on it ever!

Can we keep these going if the frost stays away or are we really too far north - we are in mid/north northumberland, upper coquetdale, but in a valley where the other fruit trees, apples, plums and pears, are plentiful?

Dh is getting way too excited and has a row of grape vines as well!

Sarah

 

[Nemesis]

In a good year (we aren't far from you) we get an excellent plum crop, in a bad year none.

The defining and anxiety making time is when the blossom is out - if that gets nipped by frost then you don't get plums. It's too late now for heavy frost (we hope...) and so if the plums and gages have 'set' and are there in miniature all such be fine.

The wasps are the next enemy to look out for.

Vines - similar really. We have one in a greenhouse but as some of the panes are missing last year it escaped. Those behind glass ripened first, but the others did OK too.

It's all about how warm the summer is.

 

[Penners]

We have one in a greenhouse but as some of the panes are missing last year it escaped.

I thought the first rule of building conservation was scrupulous maintenance.

 

[Nemesis]

So much to do so little time... anyhow, it's not really a historic one and I think it may have to go.

 

[Penners]

it's not really a historic one

Not historic?! You think that future generations won't be queuing for a glimpse of the greenhouse owned by EC?

 

[Nemesis]

I suspect by then its decline will be complete.

 

[charlie-ia]

dont forget "june drop" where trees shed any fruit thats not upto scratch. perfectly healthy and normal occurance. a good time to help any fruit along by reducing a heavy crop to a reasonable number that you can actually use. the remainder will grow bigger and jucier. if a tree sheds all most of them its telling you its not happy - hungry, thirsty (or wet), crowded or too shaded are common.

hope you get your greengages, what you going to cook?

 

[Penners]

I suspect by then its decline will be complete.

Are we talking greenhouse or owner?

 

[sarahj]

Don't know what to cook apart from jam but I have my grandma's old housekeeping book with recipes that begin 'take two quarts best brandy....' so i might go for a gin version! Never eaten them myself so all suggestions welcome!

 

[Penners]

Don't know what to cook apart from jam but I have my grandma's old housekeeping book

You could cook the books, then.

:lol: :lol: :lol:


No? Oh well, please yerselves.