Hobby, craft, cooking, flowers, weaving, pottery, bees, knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting, poetry anything that helps us take our mind off things and relax
Hi Eddie, nope, that's a new one for me, never heard of that. I always use fresh seed from quality stock such as from Medwyn's of Anglesey especially if I'm going to be showing them.
Well the rain arrived with us about 3.30 and it's still raining now at almost 8.00. Not heavy, just a little drizzle but it's constant. I was transplanting some sweetcorn and leeks. I've just seen a weather forecast and the rain that we're having is travelling east towards you.
Tvman
Hi Sledge, do you have an old plastic basin that you can put a few holes in the bottom of it for drainage? I'm a stalwart for Clover compost too, like Eddie is. Put about 4 inches of compost into it and slightly dampen the surface then sow some cut and come again lettuce (red and green mixed) and there's a variety of carrot called Paris Market that only grows to the size of a gobstopper. Also some spring onion seeds, White Lisbon is my favourite. Sow all those seeds fairly sparsely. Don't be tempted to sow half the packets, just about 15 to 20 seeds of each (you can keep the packets in a sealed tin until next year). Cover all seeds with about ½inch of dry compost and keep somewhere in the garden. Keep the compost moist but not saturated and wait for seedlings to appear. The lettuce seeds will germinate in around 7 days, the others maybe 2 weeks.
Eddie's choice is just as good, well almost lol!!
Whatever you do, don't dig up half the garden and sow 30 types of veg, not a good idea. You'll give yourself a sickener - and a sore head!! Baby steps Sledge.
Tvman x
Hi Eddie, yes there is rain coming and it'll be great to have it. I have so many carrot and parsnip seeds that haven't germinated because there has been no rainfall for at least 4 weeks. The ground is so hard here. I think you'll have rainfall pretty soon, fingers crossed.
Take care Eddie
Tvman
Part of my back garden
Hi tvman, the 2nd year parsnip seeds are very reliable regarding germination amongst the older allotmenteers, like you I prefer quality fresh seeds, though I do like to save some as well. Unfortunately when the rain hits the Pennines, it usually gets no further, I hope your right though my friend, if so, we'll have to call you weatherman.
Eddie xx
Morning TVman
Apologies I've just seen this. Dont have a plastic container but I do have plans for growing ginger. Had it on the cards for a while. But I will try the spring onions this year as soon as my husband is back on his feet.
Thanks for the advice?
Love Sledge x
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007