Chilli growing in Cookham
Originally started as a chilli growing blog, but over time I've grown more veg - there are only so many chillies you can eat!
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Monday, June 02, 2014
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Death of a lawnmower |
Finally after 6 years, the petrol mower packed up.
Not bad going considering it was umpteen years old when I got it and
subsequently never had it serviced.
Couldn't really justify spending a load of money on a new petrol mower,
not for an allotment anyway - so decided to give a push mower a try.
Ordered one of the Brill range from Amazon, it should arrive before next weekend
so I'll post a brief review as an update in a week or so.
Amazon link
Not bad going considering it was umpteen years old when I got it and
subsequently never had it serviced.
Couldn't really justify spending a load of money on a new petrol mower,
not for an allotment anyway - so decided to give a push mower a try.
Ordered one of the Brill range from Amazon, it should arrive before next weekend
so I'll post a brief review as an update in a week or so.
Amazon link
August update |
A small set of pics from August,
not the most productive year as I was out of action for 3 months
in Mar/Apr/May....... so behind on most of the planting.
Still had a decent crop of chillies thanks to the growlights though.
Bishop's Crown Chilli plant |
A neighbouring plot's Hollyhock |
Assorted Chillies |
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Chilli flowers, pepper and melon |
Monday, July 23, 2012
Hollyhock - ( Alcea rosea ) |
I've been really slack at posting pics this year,
here's a quick shot of the Hollyhock that are doing really well.
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Alcea
Species: rosea
here's a quick shot of the Hollyhock that are doing really well.
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Alcea
Species: rosea
Monday, May 07, 2012
Early flowering chilli plants |
Quite a few plants have started to flower, far too early as a
result of using growlights.
I'm tempted to leave the flowers on, but probably best to pick
them off to give the plants chance to grow more before setting fruit.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Saturday, April 07, 2012
The chilli plants are growing well |
Starting them off under growlights, has resulted in
stronger plants
stronger plants
Friday, February 17, 2012
Transporting plants between EU member states |
Interesting question from a colleague today,
they plan to take a few chilli plants to our office in Romania and wanted
to know if there were restrictions on transporting plants through customs.
to know if there were restrictions on transporting plants through customs.
According to the RHS,
" Within the European Union (EU) there are no border checks for plants and plant products travelling between member states and, it is possible, to import and export plants freely with very few exceptions. "
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=435
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=435
Good to know
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Chilli seedlings recently germinated |
Need to sow a lot more as everyone at work wants a plant
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Not many pics this time of year, so some science if anyone is interested : ) |
Capsicum Overview
Other common name(s): capsaicin, cayenne, chili pepper, hot pepper, red pepper, paprika, pimiento, long pepper, conoids
Scientific/medical name(s):
Capsicum annum, Capsicum frutescens
Description
Capsicum is the name of a group of annual plants in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. They are native to Mexico and Central America but are cultivated for food in many warmer regions of the world. Capsicum varieties include the cayenne pepper, jalapeño pepper, other hot peppers, and paprika. Capsaicin is the most-studied active ingredient in the plant and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on the skin.
Overview
Although little research has been reported using the whole Capsicum annum or Capsicum frutescens plant for people with cancer, capsaicin (a major active ingredient) has been studied in oral and topical forms. Several studies have shown that capsaicin may be somewhat useful for managing pain related to surgery and mouth sores due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, more research is needed on other uses of capsaicin and to find out whether the whole herb is helpful for treating or preventing illness.
Source(http://tiny.cc/wccwy)
Capsaicin used for pain relief
Medicinal chemistry of the vanilloid (Capsaicin) TRPV1 receptor: current knowledge and future perspectives
In peripheral sensory neurons, the vanilloid receptor TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily, member 1) functions as a molecular integrator of painful stimuli, including those mediated by capsaicin, acid, and heat. Antagonist blockade of TRPV1 activation is under investigation by several pharmaceutical companies in an effort to identify novel agents for pain management. TRPV1 is also expressed, albeit at lower levels, in the brain and in non-neuronal tissues, where its function(s) remains elusive.
The contribution of TRPV1 receptor activity to physiological reflexes and disease states is complex and is only beginning to be understood. Consequently, the resultant effects of TRPV1 antagonists on the body may be unforeseen. Indeed, clinical trials with a number of TRPV1 antagonists were recently terminated due to their marked hyperthermic activity. In this review article, the medicinal chemistry of TRPV1 antagonists is discussed inasmuch as it relates to the efficacy, safety, tolerability and potential side effects of these compounds.
In addition, the available information on the current status of the clinical trials with TRPV1 antagonists is summarized. Drug Dev Res 68:477–497, 2007. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Source (http://tiny.cc/c97av)
Other common name(s): capsaicin, cayenne, chili pepper, hot pepper, red pepper, paprika, pimiento, long pepper, conoids
Scientific/medical name(s):
Capsicum annum, Capsicum frutescens
Description
Capsicum is the name of a group of annual plants in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. They are native to Mexico and Central America but are cultivated for food in many warmer regions of the world. Capsicum varieties include the cayenne pepper, jalapeño pepper, other hot peppers, and paprika. Capsaicin is the most-studied active ingredient in the plant and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on the skin.
Overview
Although little research has been reported using the whole Capsicum annum or Capsicum frutescens plant for people with cancer, capsaicin (a major active ingredient) has been studied in oral and topical forms. Several studies have shown that capsaicin may be somewhat useful for managing pain related to surgery and mouth sores due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, more research is needed on other uses of capsaicin and to find out whether the whole herb is helpful for treating or preventing illness.
Source(http://tiny.cc/wccwy)
Capsaicin used for pain relief
Medicinal chemistry of the vanilloid (Capsaicin) TRPV1 receptor: current knowledge and future perspectives
In peripheral sensory neurons, the vanilloid receptor TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily, member 1) functions as a molecular integrator of painful stimuli, including those mediated by capsaicin, acid, and heat. Antagonist blockade of TRPV1 activation is under investigation by several pharmaceutical companies in an effort to identify novel agents for pain management. TRPV1 is also expressed, albeit at lower levels, in the brain and in non-neuronal tissues, where its function(s) remains elusive.
The contribution of TRPV1 receptor activity to physiological reflexes and disease states is complex and is only beginning to be understood. Consequently, the resultant effects of TRPV1 antagonists on the body may be unforeseen. Indeed, clinical trials with a number of TRPV1 antagonists were recently terminated due to their marked hyperthermic activity. In this review article, the medicinal chemistry of TRPV1 antagonists is discussed inasmuch as it relates to the efficacy, safety, tolerability and potential side effects of these compounds.
In addition, the available information on the current status of the clinical trials with TRPV1 antagonists is summarized. Drug Dev Res 68:477–497, 2007. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Source (http://tiny.cc/c97av)
....Ok when I get some time I'll try and decode the above into something a bit less sciency, essentially the article is looking at how Capsaicin may block pain receptors in the body : )
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Pepper plants @ 15 days under grow lights |
All growing well and none of the straggly plant
problems I used to have in the past.
problems I used to have in the past.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Pepper seedling growlight progress |
It looks like the lighting is producing good results,
in 7 days the plants have grown much faster than normal.
The lights are on for around 8 hours a day.
The cotyledons have grown well and we're seeing the first
true leaves.
in 7 days the plants have grown much faster than normal.
The lights are on for around 8 hours a day.
The cotyledons have grown well and we're seeing the first
true leaves.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Growlight |
The maxibright 220 watt cfl lights arrived,
I quickly knocked up a frame to hang them from and
got the sweet pepper seedlings underneath.
I quickly knocked up a frame to hang them from and
got the sweet pepper seedlings underneath.
Monday, January 09, 2012
For I think, the first time ever - all beds are dug before mid January |
View to Cliveden
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
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Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Seeds have arrived |
- (may 2012 edit)
No idea why, but this post has by far the most views on the entire blog.
More activity,
A huge parcel of seeds from Premier Seeds Direct has arrived.
Time to start propagating!No idea why, but this post has by far the most views on the entire blog.
More activity,
A huge parcel of seeds from Premier Seeds Direct has arrived.
BEETROOT - DETROIT DARK RED
BROAD BEAN - AQUADULCE CLAUDIA
BROCCOLI - WALTHAM 29
BRUSSEL SPROUT - EVESHAM SPECIAL
CABBAGE - BRUNSWICK - HEIRLOOM
CABBAGE - DANISH BALLHEAD
CABBAGE - PAK CHOI RED - CHOI F1
CABBAGE - SAVOY PERFECTION
CARROT - CHANTENAY RED CORE 2
CARROT - MAIN CROP - BERLICUM 2
CELERY - VERDE A COSTA PIENA GIGANTE
CHIVE - CIPOLLINA
COURGETTE - BLACK BEAUTY
CUCUMBER - GHERKIN - PICCOLO DI PARIGI
CUCUMBER - MARKETMORE 76
CUCUMBER - SPACEMASTER 80
HERB - BASIL - GENOVESE
HERB - CHERVIL CURLED
HERB - DILL - BOUQUET - ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS
HERB- FENNEL - FLORENCE - FOENICULUM VULGARE
HERB PEPPERMINT - MENTHA PIPERATA
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - CAYENNE LONG SLIM
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - DE ARBOL
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - HABANERO RED
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - JALAPENO PURPLE
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - JAMAICAN RED
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - NUMEX TWILIGHT
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - ONZA
ITALIAN CHERRY TOMATO - CERISE
ITALIAN TOMATO - SAN MARZANO 2
LEEK - BULGARIAN GIANT
LETTUCE - GREAT LAKES 118
LETTUCE - LOLLA BIONDA
LETTUCE - ROMAINE - PARIS ISLAND COS
LETTUCE - TOM THUMB
ONION - AILSA CRAIG
ONION - DI SAVONA
ONION - RED BRUNSWICK
ONION BUNCHING (SPRING) - TOKYO LONG WHITE
PARSLEY ITALIAN GIANT FLAT
PEA - MANGE TOUTS - CAROUBY DE MUASANNE
PEA - PETITE POIS - WAVEREX
PEA - PROGRESS NO 9
RADISH - CHINA WHITE WINTER
RADISH - MIXED COLOURED - EASTER EGG
ROCKET - SALAD - CULTIVATED
RUNNER BEAN - POLESTAR - STRINGLESS VARIETY
SPINACH - MATADOR
SWEDE - MARIAN
SWEET CORN - SWEETCORN - EARLIBIRD F1
SWEET PEA - MAMMOTH MIX
TOMATO - GARTENPERLE
TOMATO - LEMON PLUM
WATER MELON - SUGAR BABE
BROAD BEAN - AQUADULCE CLAUDIA
BROCCOLI - WALTHAM 29
BRUSSEL SPROUT - EVESHAM SPECIAL
CABBAGE - BRUNSWICK - HEIRLOOM
CABBAGE - DANISH BALLHEAD
CABBAGE - PAK CHOI RED - CHOI F1
CABBAGE - SAVOY PERFECTION
CARROT - CHANTENAY RED CORE 2
CARROT - MAIN CROP - BERLICUM 2
CELERY - VERDE A COSTA PIENA GIGANTE
CHIVE - CIPOLLINA
COURGETTE - BLACK BEAUTY
CUCUMBER - GHERKIN - PICCOLO DI PARIGI
CUCUMBER - MARKETMORE 76
CUCUMBER - SPACEMASTER 80
HERB - BASIL - GENOVESE
HERB - CHERVIL CURLED
HERB - DILL - BOUQUET - ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS
HERB- FENNEL - FLORENCE - FOENICULUM VULGARE
HERB PEPPERMINT - MENTHA PIPERATA
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - CAYENNE LONG SLIM
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - DE ARBOL
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - HABANERO RED
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - JALAPENO PURPLE
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - JAMAICAN RED
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - NUMEX TWILIGHT
HOT CHILLI PEPPER - ONZA
ITALIAN CHERRY TOMATO - CERISE
ITALIAN TOMATO - SAN MARZANO 2
LEEK - BULGARIAN GIANT
LETTUCE - GREAT LAKES 118
LETTUCE - LOLLA BIONDA
LETTUCE - ROMAINE - PARIS ISLAND COS
LETTUCE - TOM THUMB
ONION - AILSA CRAIG
ONION - DI SAVONA
ONION - RED BRUNSWICK
ONION BUNCHING (SPRING) - TOKYO LONG WHITE
PARSLEY ITALIAN GIANT FLAT
PEA - MANGE TOUTS - CAROUBY DE MUASANNE
PEA - PETITE POIS - WAVEREX
PEA - PROGRESS NO 9
RADISH - CHINA WHITE WINTER
RADISH - MIXED COLOURED - EASTER EGG
ROCKET - SALAD - CULTIVATED
RUNNER BEAN - POLESTAR - STRINGLESS VARIETY
SPINACH - MATADOR
SWEDE - MARIAN
SWEET CORN - SWEETCORN - EARLIBIRD F1
SWEET PEA - MAMMOTH MIX
TOMATO - GARTENPERLE
TOMATO - LEMON PLUM
WATER MELON - SUGAR BABE
Growlights |
Every year I've tried to start chilli and pepper plants off nice and early in January.
Each year the heated propagator does the trick and the seeds germinate
fairly quickly - but a couple of weeks in I end up with a load of straggly
seedlings due to lack of natural daylight.
I've bitten the bullet this year and shelled out £100 for a grow light kit -
after a load of research comparing CFL / Sodium kits I've gone for
a budget fluorescent setup that should keep the chilli seedlings going until
the weather warms up sufficiently to transplant them to the greenhouse.
In the end I bought the system below from Greens Horticulture (http://www.greenshorticulture.co.uk)
- although still waiting for them to deliver it....... hurry up!!!!!
Thursday, December 01, 2011
ABCHAZSKIJ OSTRUYI - A Rare Russian chilli variety |
Just reading through a chilli site and spotted a Russsian cultivar,
yet to find any pictures though. If anyone has one let me know.
ABCHAZSKIJ OSTRUYI
Species: Annuum Origin:
Russia Heat: Hot
A Russian Cultivar. This plant which can grow upto 3 1/2 ft tall,
produces good yields of 4 ¼" long by ¾" wide hot peppers which turn
from light green to red upon maturity (85 days). Rare variety.
Edit -- Found a pic of it
yet to find any pictures though. If anyone has one let me know.
ABCHAZSKIJ OSTRUYI
Species: Annuum Origin:
Russia Heat: Hot
A Russian Cultivar. This plant which can grow upto 3 1/2 ft tall,
produces good yields of 4 ¼" long by ¾" wide hot peppers which turn
from light green to red upon maturity (85 days). Rare variety.
Edit -- Found a pic of it
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
New pages added |
I've finally got round to adding some new pages to the blog,
Starting an Allotment, Useful links, Chilli Taxonomy etc.
At some point, I'll also pull my finger out and add a whole load of seeds for people to buy
Starting an Allotment, Useful links, Chilli Taxonomy etc.
At some point, I'll also pull my finger out and add a whole load of seeds for people to buy
Monday, August 01, 2011
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