HANGING BASKETS AND WINDOW BOXES- BITS AND BOBS 2016

Crikey, well done you!! I've never grown a dahlia from seed; bravo!

But, back to the subject of lobelia ... I did successfully grow some from seed last year. Having read the advice on this thread, it must have been pure fluke though. It was one of three packs of seed that come in those packs from a well known DIY store (seeds, growing tray and clear lid efforts). I just sprinkled, placed on a table in a bay window and ... they grew: lucky me!! Made my hanging baskets look really lovely too.

 

Ah thank you didn't find it too difficult here's one.. the others are not worth showing to be honest lol

And well done you too! I find those grow kits a bit small and never had success with them so just buy them for seed as they're so cheap

 

I'm glad to hear you're not giving up! Most seeds/seedlings for annual plants are grown with the same method but some take longer than others to germinate or grown on.

I don't think it's a good idea to stand the trays in water at this stage, the seedlings are to young to cope with a thorough soaking which is why I suggested a spray or light watering. I would remove the seedlings from the radiator. Once they have germinated and start to show, the bottom heat will encourage them to grow more quickly and encourage legginess. I use an electric propagator that is bottom heated and as soon as the first seedlings show I take them out and put them into a cool but not cold spare room. They will stay in there until it's warm enough outside to put them in my unheated greenhouse.

Keep going Lynd, Rome wasn't built in a day and by the end of this growing season you will have learnt plenty that you can put into practice next year. It's been said so many times.....as gardeners we never stop learning, however much experience we do or don't have.

 

Ah that's fab, cheers Sheal. I''ve got a spray bottle but switched to soaking the bottom as I thought I would damage them by getting the leaves wet. I've got a porch that is pretty cool so I can keep them in there once germinated. I'll take all your advice on board, such a big help! Thanks

 

Hi guys, any advice or thoughts on the below please?

 

Lovely colour Sam, I haven't bought from fothergills before sorry, so can't comment on them. Are you buying the plugs and baskets bundle? If so the baskets are not that expensive on their own, bought 2 for 1.99 each the other day from a pound shop, pretty sturdy and decent chain. Also, I buy tuberous begonia as you can dig them up and keep them for next year. Personally, I think it's too much bother for the price but that's me being a tight arse!

 

Thanks for the message Lynd! Nope, I don't want the baskets. Simply the plants! I'm not sure how many would be required for two baskets?

 

No worries.. How many holes on the sides and how wide is the diameter of the top?

 

Hi Lynd,

As below, 14" diameter

http://www.thompson-morgan.com/garden-supplies/baskets-and-containers/easy-fill-basket/t47549TM

 

One plant (grown on) for each hole on the side and I would put about 8 or 10 on top, depending what size you've grown the plugs on to. I find if you chuck a load in (say 10) and it goes a bit crazy, you can always pull them out of the middle . I find more is better with hanging baskets but they do dry out quicker. If you don't put enough on top it can look bit sparse I find.

 

Glad someone's good at maths, eh Shiney! Forgot about the 42 plug part!
Haven't used the cup method before as I like the middle covered too, I normally use the water crystals mixed in with the compo.

 

Wonder if the window box experts might comment. I have 4 window boxes, westish facing, so get a bit of sun after about 2pm but somewhat dappled by a hedge and cherry tree so fairly shady. I've used various plants in the past but this year want something that will really look after itself as I will be away for stretches so very patchy watering (they don't get much during rain either unless it is driving from the west).

I was wondering if Begonias (wax) would be an option as I think these are neat and tidy and robust. Never grown them before. Or Coleus for foliage colour? Anything else that might fit the bill?

Thanks
GG

 

@Gay Gardener hope this info helps Growing Requirements for Wax Begonia Plants
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/wax_begonia.html

They should be planted in rich, well-drained garden soil that has been prepared by adding
generous amounts of compost or other organic matter to help retain moisture.
Depending on the variety, they can be grown in full sun to shade,
but most cultivars will grow very well in partial shade.
Bronze leaved varieties are more tolerant of full sun.
Other types have been developed that thrive in full shade as well.
Wax Begonias will tolerate short periods of drought, but for the best results
you should water regularly and thoroughly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
Container grown plants can be cut back in the fall and overwintered indoors in a cool location.
Always be sure to check for insects and pests before bringing your plants back indoors!