Talking to plants again

Hi all, have been looking after grandson over Easter and he sleeps in my computer room, and then I got cut off because I forgot to pay my bill.......
Anyway at long last I've got seedlings big enough to prick out. I hate it because you have to throw some away. What do you say to the seedlings as you consign them to the compost bin?
I maintained a stony silence for about 5 minutes, then planted out all the extras in the raised beds to take their chances with the weather. I've got more than enough things to feel guilty about already. :(

[ 22. April 2006, 12:38 AM: Message edited by: Liz ]

 

I quite agree, Liz - I'm not hard-hearted enough either - everything gets a second, or even third and fourth chance here!!
Wondered where you'd got to, tho'

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's soft!

 

Welcome back Liz! I've still some 'bonsied' wallflower in a seed tray that I didn't have room for last autumn so I took a pair of shears to them yesterday to make them bush up - hopefully they will do for next year :D

 

I am glad others have the same problem with seedlings.

 

Oh, me too! I just can't bear to bin seedlings, however poorly looking! That's how I end up with straggly plants that never produce any flowers or produce! And purple sprouting broccoli that's 12" tall!!!

 

I dont know if anyone else has tried this but if you sow mixed seed of a particular plant,ie different colours, you should keep some of the weaker seedlings as they will be the ones with the more unusual colours.
Perhaps not a good idea with veg though. :D

 

Hi Pete, yes, I have tried this with Amaranthus, some of the tiny purple seedlings had a lovely dark colour. The big fat green ones weren't so interesting. Also try to save tiny dark coloured Love-in-a-mist seedlings.
I'm always in favour of the underdogs!