Next year I'm banking on having some of my own compost and some lovely stuff from the little guys in the wormery. There really does need to be some sort of quality test for compost, though I wouldn't have a clue how that could be done. Years and years ago I used to buy a bale of peat and mix in some additives that I bought, one for seeds and one additive for potting. Life was so simple then
If you have some half decent garden soil, that, sieved and mixed with Perlite would be better than a lot of the compost that's sold. Seeds don't need a load of nutrients for germinating, and initial growing. When pricked out and potted individually, that would also be enough to ensure a decent root system until being planted out or potted longer term.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Many seedlings can look a bit pale and yellow when they are too cold. We have had a really cold snap. Are you able to protect them a bit if it happens again?
If you have some half decent garden soil, that, sieved and mixed with Perlite would be better than a lot of the compost that's sold. Seeds don't need a load of nutrients for germinating, and initial growing. When pricked out and potted individually, that would also be enough to ensure a decent root system until being planted out or potted longer term.
Once again thanks @fairygirl - learning such a lot from you
Many seedlings can look a bit pale and yellow when they are too cold. We have had a really cold snap. Are you able to protect them a bit if it happens again?
Well they've definitely been chilly over the past few days. The only protection I can give them, apart from the polythene tunnel is to cover them with fleece. But I guess it's the lack of air that's an issue. It's going to be drizzling all day so I doubt the cold damp atmosphere isn't going to do them much good. Basically it's typical Spring weather and 'tweaking' growing conditions is the 'game' we've to play. Thanks for your post @Posy
When that green algae starts to form, use a dibber, fork( as Jenny suggested) a knitting needle, knife,a dome peg, anything really to gently turn and loosen the compost and get some air circulating round the compost. (I've found ) that if they are in a greenhouse, cold frame or the plastic greenhouse, make sure you are opening the door / flap now to let some air in ( and not over watering) Also, too much direct sunlight can cause yellowing/ scorching.Good luck.
Going with your suggestion this morning, as @JennyJ suggests; I'll scrape off the slime, then I'll open up the soil a bit, I've got some perlite so I'll try and work a bit of that in as well. Cheers @Songbird-1
I only sow seeds in John Innes seed compost,low in nutrients Don't pot on till things have at least 1set of proper leaves. Very little water, kitchen window sill,north facing, turned several times a day. I found this works for me.
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Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
Seeds don't need a load of nutrients for germinating, and initial growing. When pricked out and potted individually, that would also be enough to ensure a decent root system until being planted out or potted longer term.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Well they've definitely been chilly over the past few days. The only protection I can give them, apart from the polythene tunnel is to cover them with fleece. But I guess it's the lack of air that's an issue. It's going to be drizzling all day so I doubt the cold damp atmosphere isn't going to do them much good. Basically it's typical Spring weather and 'tweaking' growing conditions is the 'game' we've to play. Thanks for your post @Posy
Songbird-1 said:Going with your suggestion this morning, as @JennyJ suggests; I'll scrape off the slime, then I'll open up the soil a bit, I've got some perlite so I'll try and work a bit of that in as well. Cheers @Songbird-1
Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
Don't pot on till things have at least 1set of proper leaves. Very little water, kitchen window sill,north facing, turned several times a day. I found this works for me.