Help With Growing Seeds

Its widely available as 'play sand' in relatively small but expensive ! bags. Or you might beg/steal some from a child.

 

Not done it recently, but my favourite mix is one bag of sand, one 50lt of multi purpose and one bag of ji no. 3.

If you want smaller you might get a small bag of fine grit from a garden centre, it will probably cost three times the price though.

 

Okay, so would I be right in saying, you use fine sand like vermiculite and mix it in with you compost?

 

Yes, but only to improve drainage, some can be claggy, some actually looks like it already contains sand.

 

Just out of curiosity why do you prefer sand over vermiculite or perlite?

I haven’t planned any Sweet Pea seeds as yet and I know people plant these in the autumn, is it too early to plant these?

 

A quick word on the small polythene or rigid plastic grow-houses. I don't think they really keep a lot of heat in (or cold out depending on which way you look at it). On the other hand the small volume of air warms up pretty quickly if the sun comes out, and although they keep the rain off, they're very prone to condensation, so you need to ventilate with some care. I think where they are useful is for overwintering things that are only slightly tender, and for hardening off plants in mid-late spring when the level of protection needed is not so much, but a cold frame is better (everything on one level so nothing is shaded by things on the shelves above).

 

Its cheaper, and if used for final potting it adds weight so pots dont blow over so easily.

 

I bought a silly grow-house, which is shaped like a cold frame at a reduced price in Homebase.

But thinking of treating myself to a nice wooden grow-house, but guessing you are saying this ain’t a good idea? Thinking of something off Amazon like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garden-Grow-Greenhouse-Polycarbonate-Vegetables/dp/B07SL5WWTN/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=55750842600&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iQsTLF2laX78AcL9OLzAk10JXiEAJ6Z5qSbM_kmagF6t9YQjqrANc-rxhc1k-TYFv7LTBBvujh0H_3oAuCqYKtrQHJujaPLQCMXM_Ld-j33Yr8FrvLwYkIP0TjQQ6sFH3CkBhbuj3B9r6lH1QGBbA-KUrsnLRHFMmFeRUbeJ6FUvriAVuWhNXk-QqpyWZaylwdvLb6XNFGGagrCFZHKtSO87oa84HfHAZbMcltao_UEqOzT5u6S5LvGggDnxjN1rVUixEg8YoP0rgyEU7Eee_0C5o_XDxyRE0qrN__GpMY4.bwCcZrEEWy4W-UgiWu9x7k3osoVjEmOQFJmFs5yX67g&dib_tag=se&hvadid=259099336719&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9045997&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3116654585406348697&hvtargid=kwd-302050062182&hydadcr=5970_1758583&keywords=amazon+greenhouse&qid=1739388979&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.d7e5a2de-8759-4da3-993c-d11b6e3d217f&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

Looks like I will be going up to the builders merchant next week then.

I am on A/L next week, I was originally looking to start my seed sowing, but what you guys have told me, it is best to wait a bit longer (patience) so going to do other jobs instead, I might even start washing my seed trays, in preparation. Got some pansies to pot. so will be making some hanging baskets up. Did say on another thread that I may try and repot my cannas, but fear it may still be too early?

This goes with a frustration of missing 2 garden tools, even though I have bought a like for like replacement, this is still no compensation and I still cannot rest until I find them!!!!

 

As I said I was on A/L last week, where I would've made a start on my seedlings, but kind of held off and taken the advice on here.

I did put some 29p Lidl Sweet Peas in deep pot, 3 to each pot, they have grown very quickly indoors, with no bottom heat. Done them in 2 lots at different times, only the first lot has grown. Still get a great buzz when I see that first bit of life break soil.

But as I said I have held back putting any annual bedding seeds in, so with March joining us on Saturday, is there any seeds I can start to think of sowing next week, when I am home in the afternoon?

 

I usually sow my Tomatoes seeds under Growlights two weeks
into March. Runner/Green Beans mid April.
I find if I sow too early the plants get too leggy due to the low
light level.

 

You still think it is too early for bedding plants?

 

If grown from seeds, yes, but what works for one may not for others.
A South facing window does help.

 

For the likes of hard coated seeds ( Sweet peas, Beans etc. ) it can help sometimes to abrade the seeds with very fine sandpaper (don't go mad tho!! ) before you plant the seeds.
Not sure of your location but down here my Ipomeas ( Morning Glory ) often self seed each year.
Best of luck with your garden efforts this year

 

Late to this conversation, but welcome @GreenFingeredPete
You can sow the likes of lettuce, radish, spring onions, herbs, sweet peas and chit potatoes.
I sow my tomatoes, chillies last week of Feb in a heated propagator in an unheated greenhouse. Use regular peat free compost.
Good luck!