The Poultry Keeper

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2070 Location: North Cornwall

HELP!

Our little local show is short of entries this year and I have been talked into entering and haven't got a clue as never done it before.

Right, I've got some early main crop potatoes. When should I dig these for the Friday show. Just dug some and they don't look bad but the skins are soft and they split a bit when I washed them. If I dug them say tomorrow and let the skins harden a bit would that be better or not.

Have some really good tomatoes in the greenhouse but they are still green. Is there any way to speed up ripening?

Does anyone know how to get the hairy roots off beetroot without damaging the skin? Also on carrots. When I wash these do I just let them soak or give them a bit of a rub.

Do I cut the roots off salad onions or just cut the bottom of the roots level after washing?

These are the classes I'm entered in
Runner beans, beetroot, carrots, early & main-crop tates, salad onions, dahlias, sweetpeas, vase of garden flowers, sausage rolls, victoria sandwich, boiled fruit cake, Madeira cake and flapjacks.

Any help and tips would be really really welcome. Ive never done this before. Dont mind looking silly but dont want anyone to think I've got a nerve showing rubbish.

Thanks for any help

Can you hear the panic in my typing Laughing

Any help please.

Thanks

CP · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:21 pm Post subject:

Good Luck Jan! Rather you than me! Shocked

A banana placed nearby is supposed to help with ripening tomatoes. But I'm not sure if it works on fruits still on the plant. Confused

I hope someone else can help with all your other questions. Wink

When is the show?

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2070 Location: North Cornwall

Its on Friday Confused

Help, what have I done Laughing

debcat · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:00 pm Post subject:

mojo · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:10 pm Post subject:

tinfoil around toms helps reflect light and ripens quicker if on plant.............vegs just wash in luke warm water DO NOT rub just shake about gently.........odd roots can be clipped off with nail clippers(dont let the judge read that)..onions one inch level below basal ...........cakes you are on your own havnt time to tpe recipes i am afraid.....remember to pick nice straight stems for one varity flowers and for a garden vase check the minimum number of types needed.............oh yes and dont forget to post piccys of your awards .luv mojo

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2070 Location: North Cornwall

Thankyou mojo you little beauty, off now with the tin foil Laughing

All cakes have to be made to the recipe in the schedule.

Good luck Debcat, glad mines the veg and yours is the chicken Laughing

In a way its easier not being prepared. If I'd been trying to grow show veg I'd be right stressed by now, and If i burn a cake we'll eat it and I can make another. Thursday looks a long night Laughing

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2070 Location: North Cornwall

I got four 3rds, two 2nds and four 1sts. I also won the novice cup for the most points for a person entering the show for the first time.

So thank you guys, Im well chuffed Very Happy

How did the chicken show go Debs?

debcat · Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:32 pm Post subject:

brilliant

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2070 Location: North Cornwall

Just seen suz's post, well done Debs Very Happy

debcat · Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:37 pm Post subject:

thanks

rubychik · Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:46 pm Post subject:

well done Jan, thats pretty good going wav

any chance of some winning recipes?

CP · Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 1:43 am Post subject:

Congratulations Jan! Very Happy

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Well done Jan.

jaydee67 · Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 10:46 pm Post subject:

Well done Jan, our show is next weekend and the kids have entered birds, rabbits, baking, etc - I've entered the photo section for the first time, just ahve to choose my pics now!

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2070 Location: North Cornwall