[Deano27]

1. where can i get a log from?  i've bought some mushroom plugs, but need a freshly cut log to put them in.  i've heard some people have only had modest success with them but i'm keen to give it a try.

2. chard/perpetual spinach - the packet says plant in april and crop all year round.  but can i plant it later in the summer, i.e. when the broad beans have finished to maximise on the small space i've got?

[noshed]

Not sure about Q1 but you can sow chard late on - I did last year and it's doing well now.

[Aidy]

Not sure about the log mate but yes, I do two sowings of chard, one spring around about now and one august for the autumn winter months.

[GrannieAnnie]

Can I answer 2 first Deano??? lol  I planted some perpetual spinach in the polytunnel at the end of autumn for the chooks and it grew, so in the ground whilst it is still warm why not?  and if it gets cold, make a temporary cloche to cover it and protect it rom frost a bit?

as to logs, haven't you got any woods near you, or a neighbour with a tree that annoys you?  

What about a tree surgeon?  any of them around you?

[Deano27]

i'll try a tree surgeon, just wondered if people had any other ideas.  

regarding the chard/perpetual - i'll give a later sowing a go, its great stuff to have during the winter, and its good greens for the chooks as well, so may plant extra rows late when some other stuff is out.

[mumsy]

Make sure you get the right type of wood, will say on the instructions & don't forget to keep the spores in the fridge until your log is ready

[Ruby Red]

Why dont you try your local council (parks and garden ). They may have some branches that they have chopped down in the name of elf n safety.

[babe]

or you could go and cut a chunk of a neighbours tree in the dark

its surprising what you can do when its dark.... isnt that right mumsy :roll:    

[agapanthus]

How about starting your chard in pots and then when the broad beans are finished you can transplant (hopefully large plants) into that spot

[mumsy]

its surprising what you can do when its dark.... isnt that right mumsy

Be a bit more difficult  not be seen or heard with a chainsaw cutting branches of the neighbours tree!!      Mind you, I would probably try anything on a friday night    

[babe]

[Deano27]

aggie - great idea about the chard in pots.  don't see any reason why i can't give that a try!

[Eristic]

Chard can also be grown in a nursery row and transplanted a bit later.

Tree lopper folks are best source for logs.

[dangolding]

For your log, you could always try your local garden centre - our old garden centre delivered logs for woodburners.

If it's only 1 or 2 logs your after, I'm sure they won't charge you (or is that wishful thinking)

[compostqueen]

I'd be off out with me saw    Birch logs are supposed to be good     You don't need much of a log so don't go mad