My seedlings are dying

That's yet another new one Peter. About 3 years ago, just before I retired, it was a glass of red wine every day. This was based on extra longevity in the Mediterranean countries. Then it dawned on someone that southern Europe also eats more fresh veg. (accent on fresh) cooks in olive oil and eat red meats sparingly the trend being to chicken (the less well off) and fish (the middle classes). So bang went the wine theory. It had of course already dawned on us foot soldiers in the field but unless you are able to put F.R.C.S. after your name then no one listens. I made consultant but only a small time one.

Anyway they then invented '5 a day' 5 what? Are 5 oranges better than 5 apples? Are 5 cherries better than 5 grapes? And how big are the portions? During the war (you must have heard of the war - it was in all the papers) spinach was the thing to eat. They even invented Popeye the Sailor. Actually cabbage is far better than spinach in nutritional terms but the U.S.A wasn't producing an excess of cabbage but they were of spinach. Economics again.

This poor retired cardiologist always (and still does) recommended a sensible diet. If you want a little chocolate then OK. If you want a little red meat OK. If you want the odd glass of wine (preferably red, it contains anti-oxidants) or martini cocktail OK but litres are NOT recommended. A pint of bitter/lager is fine but not 6 pints a night, any night. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg. but forget the 5 a day mantra, the advertising agaencies love that one.

I am very suspicious of all food fads.

 

I seem to remember the recommended level not that long ago was a bottle and a quarter of red wine a day. Which seemed an extraordinary claim even at the time. I loved Popeye. I hadn't realised that it was a propaganda exercise, though looking back perhaps I should have done. Almost everything else was at that time - even the Archers! and carrots of course.

Nowadays, its all advertising and embedded brands. I do think old fashioned propaganda was more honest. :D

 

I think you will find that that was a bottle and a quarter a week peter. unless you are reading different journals from me. Maybe the yellow press altered it? What a surprise. :D :D

 

I`ve always wondered what a " portion " is. I eat plenty of fruit and green veg anyway.

 

John - I am sure there was a report on the news of one and a quarter bottles per day. This was the results of some researchers. I was amazed at the time thinking that this was the medical profession. But I remember a bit later on television someone saying the medical profession was horrified. I don't think they would have been horrified at a glass a day.

I can only find half a bottle a day http://www.schmindy.com/2007/09/half-bottle-of-red-wine-day-keeps.html

As David says - what's a portion? I was once offered a two pint mug of coffee. Now I know I am only allowed six a day ..... :D

 

Just adding my little bit on watering seedlings...you can get little spay tops from www.harrodhorticultural.com that you fit onto pop bottles for watering. I have a set and they work quite well Lyn.

 

spray tops that should have read.Sorry its too early in the morning for spelling

 

They have some small cold frames at Wilcos, only about �£6 the plastic ones.
I might get one and put it in the conservatory while I'm away and then I can grow the rest of the seeds in it when I get back.
It should be warmer then.
The seeds are doing much better now they have dried out a bit.
:D

 

Lyn - make sure its in the shade. Plants in the sun all day in a conservatory are going to fry and dry out very quickly.

 

I have moved the seedlings into the conservatory.
They were getting in the way in the laundry and not doing very well.
They seem O.K .
Better now I've stopped drowning them.
They have shade out of any sun we may have.
But not today and yesterday it hasn't stopped raining here. :D
I hope I can keep at least some of them.

 

Lyn - they will love the sun now, whilst you are here. I meant to say keep them out of the sun whilst you are away. A week in full sun without any water could dry them out.

 

Yes sorry , I no what you mean.
I just have to tilt the blinds so they can have light without sun while I'm away.
No chance of any sun today .
It's horrible here.

 

Tracey, I ha this last year with some ( can't remember which ones unfortunately) and they were all fine.

 

if the leaves of the seedlings have wilted it is a sign of damping off disease. i had this but found using chestnut compound is a good cure. Just type in chestnut compound into google if youn think it may be this. it is a fiver a tub

 

G G, I think you mean Cheshunt compound.