I started them inside in a heated propagator. They didn't go out until long after they could have gone out because I was slavishly going my normal weather for that time of year rather than actual weather. So in that sense I think there is still an answerable question as to how to do things better next year. Maybe not start them in a propagator? The problem I had (which I suppose isn't really a problem in the end but it caused me a a lot of worry) was that they were ready to go out/be potted on long before I dared put them out (even if, in fact, I could have) and I think suffered as a result. I imagine if I had a greenhouse I could perhaps have potted them up and put them in there in May, at least. Oh, for a greenhouse... (It's not impossible, but we have a garden that floods as an obstacle. And a husband that doesn't like me spending money on the garden or house )
A lovely dark red one has come out this morning. Not sure what it is. I think Black Knight.
Gardening ain't easy... and the one thing I don't like about it is that if you muck up, you often have to wait another year to get it right. This is probably very good for the soul, though
Meanwhile... I just got back from an overnight stay to visit my mother and they have been rather ravaged by the high winds and at least two of the pots (I have 4) have powdery mildew It's not rampant, but will be if I don't do anything about it, and given that I have edible peas and courgettes on the go, I need to tackle this. Any suggestions?
They don't need any assistance. That's a waste of money using heat I don't normally sow until April because we can't generally put them out and expect much growth during May. Too cold and wet here. It's all about working with your conditions. I can't change my climate. The only reason I have early ones this year is because I decided to sow the leftover seed I had last autumn, and they were in the open growhouse all winter. We then had the hottest spring ever recorded in Scotland, so it was worth planting them.
They're hardy, but they don't like rough weather when they're small, so if you sow early, they can be outside, but just with some shelter. A house wall is all they need, or an open cold frame or similar.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
They do have the most striking colours don’t they.. glad to see your sweet peas coming along nicely too. We have strong wind (again) in Liverpool for the last two days but I hope the rest of week would remain calm. I have a huge pot of sweet peas that’s been knocked over so many times by the wind until I found it a tight corner for shelter..
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Cupani
A lovely dark red one has come out this morning. Not sure what it is. I think Black Knight.
Gardening ain't easy... and the one thing I don't like about it is that if you muck up, you often have to wait another year to get it right. This is probably very good for the soul, though
Meanwhile... I just got back from an overnight stay to visit my mother and they have been rather ravaged by the high winds and at least two of the pots (I have 4) have powdery mildew
I don't normally sow until April because we can't generally put them out and expect much growth during May. Too cold and wet here. It's all about working with your conditions. I can't change my climate. The only reason I have early ones this year is because I decided to sow the leftover seed I had last autumn, and they were in the open growhouse all winter. We then had the hottest spring ever recorded in Scotland, so it was worth planting them.
They're hardy, but they don't like rough weather when they're small, so if you sow early, they can be outside, but just with some shelter. A house wall is all they need, or an open cold frame or similar.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Beautiful, @celcius_kkw I do love that dark red and deep violet colour combinatin.
Some more have come out since I picked a few an hour and a half ago