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'Monster Marrow Growing!' by Jon Harris - 10:13am Jan 27, 1997 EDT
I am a total new-comer to gardening, but have gotten into a competition with my brother in law to grow the biggest Marrow! We are both in the south of England, U.K. I don't know what my soil acidity is, but it is clay/gravel and I have a (non-heated) greenhouse. Can anyone recommend any marrow strains that grow to monstrous dimensions(!) that I could get hold of here, or just give me some pointers about when to sow, do I use the greenhouse, and how to get the best results!Have you tried baby bio? alternativlty try goose droppings. Although alkaline incontent they boost the early growth.
Jon - all is not lost with the bet. I'd hold back on the advice given earlier until you sure you have acidic soil. Too much alkaline could finish the little chaps off before they flower. Give them planty of wate and humidity. If you have any tea bags cover the top soil with them and water through the tea bags. This slowly releases small amounts of nutrients .. cheaply! When they begin to flower, polynate them with a small horse hair brush (The sort that modellers use) which will guarantee early polynation and growth. In the early days don't allow the frost to get the little chaps .. the English spring can bring unexpected chills.
All the best and keep us posted - George
Hi Jon, I'm afraid I don't know much about marrows, but as current 3000m steeplechase Olympic Champion I thought I would have the impertenence to mail-in anyway to ask about your running! Obviously, having such trophies as the "Southampton University pathetic-dolphin 10K fun-run team winner" under your belt, and having won the Windle valley runners annual fun-run in 1995, your status as an athelete is undisputed. So I must take this opportunity to quiz you about your gruelling training regime. How are you able to fit in the sort of training schedule that would leave most of us saying "No thankyou! I'd rather give up running and become a nursery school teacher (just like Arnie in Kintergarten cop) " and also have time for gardening!?? I know it's asking a lot, but if you are able to give away any training secrets then please, please, please mail back and then me and the rest of the Kenyan squad can leave this wed-page satisfied! Yours in running, Moses.
Jonnie while admirable that you are showing such interest in the areas of gardening and running - although as a Southerner I fail to see how you can succeed in either, we grow em bigger and run faster up here o' son. I do think you should go out a little more, don't watch so many videos, and maybe go on holiday, say skiing with some of your more with it friends. This I'm sure will lead to a more fulfilling life for you. Yours King Lard
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