Page 55 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2023

LED Propagation Lights. What absolutely amazing prizes! We cannot thank you all enough.
Lunch time over and another real treat with a talk from our Scottish Branch friend, David Metcalfe from the Northern Branch. The previous time David had given us a talk was back in 2012! This time David’s gave us a very interesting talk on growing long Leeks for exhibition and provided an insight and focus on their development through the years with cross breeding. Dave provided lots of detail in how he goes about keep leeks for pips and how he grows them on to produce such fantastic specimens.
Following on from David, our next speaker was Mat Mountain from Grow Genius who gave an enlightening and energetic talk on understanding the market with key take-away information on “Everything in five words” i.e. Nutrients (e.g. Macro such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium etc
, then Micro such as Iron, Copper, Boron ......silicon to name only a few) , Plant Hormones (e.g. Seaweed extract) , Humic
Spectrum ( e.g. Humic, Ulmic & Fulvic Acids) , Microbial (Bacteria & Fungi) and Non-Plant ingredients ( e.g. Pesticides, Herbicides & Fungicides) Although we had advertised a talk on the use of silicon in gardening, Mat did run out of time for a full explanation of silicon , but had brought with him an extremely strong Dahlia plant for us to see. There were also samples of “Mono Silicic” in some of the goodie bags for people to try it out.
On to a well-deserved tea break which gave everyone a chance to re-visit the trade stands, buy some last minute lucky raffle tickets and enjoy teas, coffees and cake in readiness for our last talk of the day which was on the subject of growing Broad Beans by Jim Pearson, another well-known Scottish Branch Exhibitor. Jim’s previously gave us a talk on growing Shallots in
2018 and this latest presentation was as informative and entertaining as ever. Jim shared his information on his ground preparation, sowing the beans ( two to a cane!) and maintenance, right through to show time.
Thanks to all our speakers.
Niall Currie’s Onion talk
We rounded the day off with our amazing raffle and some very happy audience members who went home with amazing prizes. It’s always a great day out, sometimes feels like a quick day, there’s so much going on, but the buzz and anticipation at the start of the day was still felt at the end as everyone headed home.
Before heading home, our National Vice Chair, Raymond Higgins passed on his thanks to the Scottish Branch for hosting such a wonderful Seminar. He reflected that it was a very enjoyable day and showcased what the National Vegetable Society is all about. Raymond said It was lovely to meet everyone in person, share tips, purchase seed, view new products and listen to some fantastic talks and
that he was all stocked up with what his backpack could hold for his flight back to Ireland.
A big thank to all our Committee members who work so hard throughout the year and in ensuring that the day
runs smoothly...from the planning, setting up on the Friday, buying refreshments, preparation of filled rolls, keeping the café area running slickly and cleaning it after each of the three sessions ( sometimes quite a task after some messy eaters) , manning the stalls, handling the numerous membership renewals, managing 200 club tickets, selling raffle tickets and looking after the main door and entrance fees....... like a well-oiled machine..... the team worked so well. And so once again we take a breath and start to plan for 2023.
Jono, from Autopots, with Hoss Martin (Prize winner) and Gavin from Premier Hydroponics
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