Principles of seed sowing

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by PeterS, Jan 23, 2012.

  1. Stingo

    Stingo Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2006
    Messages:
    1,382
    Ratings:
    +21
    What a good article, I am feeling a bit cheesed because the seeds I have sown this year are not doing too well!! No patience I know!

    I am thinking maybe the compost wasn't ideal, I didn't use perlite and I've covered them with a plastic bag?!

    Really that's my question should the trays of seeds be sealed in a plastic bag?!
    They are in my cold greenhouse.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • longk

      longk Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Nov 24, 2011
      Messages:
      11,381
      Location:
      Oxfordshire
      Ratings:
      +23,089
      Out of interest, what seeds are they?
       
      • Agree Agree x 2
      • Stingo

        Stingo Gardener

        Joined:
        Apr 5, 2006
        Messages:
        1,382
        Ratings:
        +21
        Well, quite a variety: not sure if you want me to list them!
        I will go and check in greenhouse..
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • longk

          longk Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Nov 24, 2011
          Messages:
          11,381
          Location:
          Oxfordshire
          Ratings:
          +23,089
          I was just wondering if you were being too hard on yourself and it was the seeds.
           
          • Friendly Friendly x 1
          • Kristen

            Kristen Under gardener

            Joined:
            Jul 22, 2006
            Messages:
            17,534
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Suffolk, UK
            Ratings:
            +12,667
            All mine are (until germination)
             
            • Agree Agree x 2
            • chrisb1357

              chrisb1357 Gardener

              Joined:
              Mar 10, 2014
              Messages:
              34
              Gender:
              Male
              Ratings:
              +15
              Hi all,

              Well my borders are nearly all clear and beds nearly ready. Just not sure what to buy as in seeds
               
              • Like Like x 1
              • longk

                longk Total Gardener

                Joined:
                Nov 24, 2011
                Messages:
                11,381
                Location:
                Oxfordshire
                Ratings:
                +23,089
                That rather depends upon where your interest lie and what you like plant wise. Give us a few pointers.....................
                 
                • Friendly Friendly x 1
                • chrisb1357

                  chrisb1357 Gardener

                  Joined:
                  Mar 10, 2014
                  Messages:
                  34
                  Gender:
                  Male
                  Ratings:
                  +15
                  Hi

                  Well i am new to all this and its my first garden so i am not sure

                  Chris

                   
                • longk

                  longk Total Gardener

                  Joined:
                  Nov 24, 2011
                  Messages:
                  11,381
                  Location:
                  Oxfordshire
                  Ratings:
                  +23,089
                  So you want ideas for plants to sow in situ? Not the right time of year for this, but Cerinthe major is a foolproof germinator......................
                  [​IMG]

                  It should flower and set seed this year if sown now, but performs better if the seeds germinate in the autumn for spring flowering. Not large (60cm tops) so should fit in most gardens. How much space do you have?
                   
                • chrisb1357

                  chrisb1357 Gardener

                  Joined:
                  Mar 10, 2014
                  Messages:
                  34
                  Gender:
                  Male
                  Ratings:
                  +15
                  So is it now to late to sow any flower seeds?
                   
                • longk

                  longk Total Gardener

                  Joined:
                  Nov 24, 2011
                  Messages:
                  11,381
                  Location:
                  Oxfordshire
                  Ratings:
                  +23,089
                  No (in short). But, do you want to sow just anything, or do you want to grow something that you like?
                  Personally, I would start seeds off indoors or in pots as it is easier to keep an eye on them with regards to making sure that they don't dry out. Also it means that if a late frost is imminent you can move them to a protected spot.

                  However, here are two annuals that you can sow in situ now to bloom this year;
                  Nicotiana sylvestris......................
                  [​IMG]

                  That plant still grew another 50cm at least before the frosts took it!

                  Cleome may be pushing it a bit, but worth the effort....................
                  [​IMG]

                  [​IMG]

                  There are lots of things that will work equally as well, but I mainly grow perennials and exotics.
                  Start a thread in General Gardening Discussion and you'll be inundated with ideas.
                   
                  • Like Like x 1
                  • chrisb1357

                    chrisb1357 Gardener

                    Joined:
                    Mar 10, 2014
                    Messages:
                    34
                    Gender:
                    Male
                    Ratings:
                    +15
                    I was thinking of starting them off in pots first inside the house or outside


                    Many t
                     
                    • Like Like x 1
                    • Sheal

                      Sheal Total Gardener

                      Joined:
                      Feb 2, 2011
                      Messages:
                      35,546
                      Gender:
                      Female
                      Location:
                      Beauly, Inverness-shire. Zone 9a
                      Ratings:
                      +52,311
                      Start the seeds off in trays or pots inside Chris, they will germinate quicker. Windowsills are usually the best as the seedlings get most light there.

                      Have a look round your local garden centre for seeds to buy. The backs of the packets will tell you what you can sow now and how to start them off. :)
                       
                    • chrisb1357

                      chrisb1357 Gardener

                      Joined:
                      Mar 10, 2014
                      Messages:
                      34
                      Gender:
                      Male
                      Ratings:
                      +15
                    • Hairy Gardener

                      Hairy Gardener Official Ass. (as given by Shiney)

                      Joined:
                      Aug 14, 2013
                      Messages:
                      1,395
                      Gender:
                      Male
                      Occupation:
                      Official Ass.
                      Location:
                      Northampton
                      Ratings:
                      +1,468
                      They would be fine, once the seedlings fill them either pot on or plant out, depending on plant.
                       
                    Loading...

                    Share This Page

                    1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                      By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                      Dismiss Notice