Well, I tend to grow preferred varieties rather than mixed collections. I buy these in individual packets containing 10 seeds of each variety and this year I'm growing 17 packets, so I make that 170 seeds.
David what compost do you use for sowing? Do you add anything?
Kate, I prefer to use compost specifically formulated for sowing seed (normally labeled 'seed compost') as this contains very little added nutrients. I use 'John Innes Seed Compost', this is a loam based compost, but other seed composts will do, provided they are sold as 'seed compost'.
I know some people use multipurpose compost, but IMHO it contains too many nutrients which encourages them to put on too much growth in the early stages......we need them to just mark time from germination until say February, when a dilute feed can be used if necessary.
As you will now understand, I definitely don't add anything.
Well to be honest I've never tried using toilet roll tubes, Bev, though I do hear a lot of talk about the damp cardboard producing some rather yucky fungus.
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That's it, all SP seed sown....if the seedlings surface by Nov 2nd, that's job well done.
David what compost do you use for sowing? Do you add anything?
Well, I tend to grow preferred varieties rather than mixed collections. I buy these in individual packets containing 10 seeds of each variety and this year I'm growing 17 packets, so I make that 170 seeds.
Kate, I prefer to use compost specifically formulated for sowing seed (normally labeled 'seed compost') as this contains very little added nutrients. I use 'John Innes Seed Compost', this is a loam based compost, but other seed composts will do, provided they are sold as 'seed compost'.
I know some people use multipurpose compost, but IMHO it contains too many nutrients which encourages them to put on too much growth in the early stages......we need them to just mark time from germination until say February, when a dilute feed can be used if necessary.
As you will now understand, I definitely don't add anything.
Seed compost on my shopping list then!
Figrat - this is how mine looked in February & March earlier this year, using JI seed compost:
Thanks David I thought I had better check. Those plants look great.
I hope mine grow as well as yours David. Will toilet roll tubes be ok to plant them in? Or should I get something special?
Well to be honest I've never tried using toilet roll tubes, Bev, though I do hear a lot of talk about the damp cardboard producing some rather yucky fungus.
There are several excellent products on the market the best being 'Root Trainers' or something like this http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/150788055264?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=plaor these I prefer (virtually a black plastic bag) available from Eagle Sweet Peas.http://www.eaglesweetpeas.co.uk/gallery.php?g=8