[Beetroot queen]

Talking to one of the other ladies tonight I noticed she had runner beans in a circle and in the middle she had sunk a black florists bucket with holes in, she sticks comfrey in the buckets and fills with water.

I really liked the idea and may have to use it.
Do runners like comfrey tea.

What else could I do it too. 

[shaun_darbs]

hi, could you do this with pumpkins?

im trying a dills atlantic giant for the 1st time and was told to dig a big hole and fill with manure, top coat of soil and plant the pumpkin on top.

[BabbyAnn]

hi, could you do this with pumpkins?

im trying a dills atlantic giant for the 1st time and was told to dig a big hole and fill with manure, top coat of soil and plant the pumpkin on top.

I see no reason why not - as the fruit develops and especially during warm dry weather  , then additional water/feed would most likely be beneficial as it will go straight to the roots and reduce the risk of rot from watering above.

[sunshineband]

I do 'plant' bottomless pots alongside my squash rootballs, so that the water goes where it is needed. Rain is shed by the leaves and the ground is often pretty dry

Never thought of the comfrey trick. Sounds sensible

Wonder if it smells bad all over the plot though 

Anyone done this to know?

[mumofstig]

I put the odd small handful of chicken pellets in the pots, before watering, this doesn't seem to smell 

[bigben]

I put the odd small handful of chicken pellets in the pots, before watering, this doesn't seem to smell 

I do the same Mum - I have tended to either put a buried pot or upturned bottomless pop bottle next to my squash as it help me get water to the roots. A handful of chicken pellets acts like slow release fertiliser as they dissolve over time. However I have found foxes can dig them up looking for underground chickens! 

[Beetroot queen]

Am I really wicked to say the smell doesn't bother me as I don't live next door to the plot.

I have some pellets somewhere so may try that too.

I should mention the lady who does this let's the comfrey dry slightly before adding water, would that stop the smell.

[Trillium]

No, it wouldn't minimize the smell, but it will stop the comfrey from rooting on her in the bucket.

[Beetroot queen]

No, it wouldn't minimize the smell, but it will stop the comfrey from rooting on her in the bucket.

She only uses the leAves surely they won't root that fast before they break down

[Beetroot queen]

To add an extra to this I don't like all the slimey leaves and I don't want them rooting so I cut the legs of a pair of florences old tights and stuffed them with comfrey. Tied them up with string and dropped them in. Now just need my runners to pick up and do something.