Derek Hanley
@derekjh.bsky.social
Retired. Irish Defence Force for 37yrs. Hobby gardener, former beekeeper until I developed bee venom allergy. I follow Leinster & Irish rugby. Angler & fly tier. Craft beer drinker, maker of homemade cider. I love cooking! Carlow/Kildare border.
I’m very interested in your equipment as I’ve been making cider for a few years now. I could make a lot more but it’s hard work. I don’t make it for sale, I share it with friends. Any info on the equipment would be appreciated.
October 15, 2025 at 8:02 AM
I’m very interested in your equipment as I’ve been making cider for a few years now. I could make a lot more but it’s hard work. I don’t make it for sale, I share it with friends. Any info on the equipment would be appreciated.
Are they ‘Beauty of Bath’? They don’t store well but should last more than a few hours. I juice most of my early apples, then either freeze or pasteurise the juice. Lasts much longer that way.
August 2, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Are they ‘Beauty of Bath’? They don’t store well but should last more than a few hours. I juice most of my early apples, then either freeze or pasteurise the juice. Lasts much longer that way.
I noticed that today, they’re everywhere!
July 8, 2025 at 8:44 PM
I noticed that today, they’re everywhere!
Look who’s given the word!!
June 10, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Look who’s given the word!!
But is white chocolate really chocolate???
May 24, 2025 at 7:12 PM
But is white chocolate really chocolate???
It’s one plant I’ve never grown. It seems to take up quite a lot of space for a relatively small return. I must see if I can find a spot for some.
May 10, 2025 at 6:38 AM
It’s one plant I’ve never grown. It seems to take up quite a lot of space for a relatively small return. I must see if I can find a spot for some.
Like a Session IPA? O’Hara’s (my local brewery) do a lovely version, a perfect tipple for a summer BBQ with friends. Rye River also have a very good one, as I am sure many other breweries do.
April 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Like a Session IPA? O’Hara’s (my local brewery) do a lovely version, a perfect tipple for a summer BBQ with friends. Rye River also have a very good one, as I am sure many other breweries do.
Lovely to see these posts again! One of the things I missed from the other place. Your drinks collection must be enormous, I’d love to see a list of what you’d consider essential for a cocktail cabinet 🤞
March 29, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Lovely to see these posts again! One of the things I missed from the other place. Your drinks collection must be enormous, I’d love to see a list of what you’d consider essential for a cocktail cabinet 🤞
I sort them when the true leaves are beginning to show. I discard any with deformed leaves then pick the biggest of what’s left. Be ruthless (not rootless!!).
March 26, 2025 at 6:13 PM
I sort them when the true leaves are beginning to show. I discard any with deformed leaves then pick the biggest of what’s left. Be ruthless (not rootless!!).
I’ve never had any problems with cross pollination, I have had problems with one F1 variety (Sungold) that never grows well for me. Many years ago it was lovely, but recently it’s been a disappointment 🙁 Saved seed generally does very well for me, so far always true to type.
March 26, 2025 at 1:53 PM
I’ve never had any problems with cross pollination, I have had problems with one F1 variety (Sungold) that never grows well for me. Many years ago it was lovely, but recently it’s been a disappointment 🙁 Saved seed generally does very well for me, so far always true to type.
Start small. One raised vegetable bed about 2.5m long by 1m wide. Start by buying salad veg (lettuce, rocket, scallions) in a garden centre. That will build your confidence. Progress to starting veg from seed, then a second raised bed. Don’t start with too much, progress slowly. 🪴👩🌾😎
March 25, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Start small. One raised vegetable bed about 2.5m long by 1m wide. Start by buying salad veg (lettuce, rocket, scallions) in a garden centre. That will build your confidence. Progress to starting veg from seed, then a second raised bed. Don’t start with too much, progress slowly. 🪴👩🌾😎
I only know of you from here and the other place, and from what I’ve seen you’re above average at posting. Also remember that by definition most of us are average. Average is good!
March 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM
I only know of you from here and the other place, and from what I’ve seen you’re above average at posting. Also remember that by definition most of us are average. Average is good!
I genuinely laughed out loud!
March 24, 2025 at 6:50 PM
I genuinely laughed out loud!
I really miss eggs from our hens. Unfortunately we’ve been completely wiped out on the hen front a few times over the past year by foxes. I have a big job to do to make our large hen run fox proof. Too busy sowing seeds and preparing the ground for planting now. Bought eggs not the same 😕
March 18, 2025 at 8:46 AM
I really miss eggs from our hens. Unfortunately we’ve been completely wiped out on the hen front a few times over the past year by foxes. I have a big job to do to make our large hen run fox proof. Too busy sowing seeds and preparing the ground for planting now. Bought eggs not the same 😕