Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: Shallot on March 19, 2014, 15:49

Title: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: Shallot on March 19, 2014, 15:49
Hello all

I have finally been able to start some seeds off at home

I have put in tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers at home on the window sill

They will be off up to the plot in growbags in the new greenhouse once established

When should I start giving them feed?

All the best

Mark
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: JayG on March 19, 2014, 16:43
It shouldn't be necessary to feed them at all until they start setting the first fruit, but if you suspect they may be struggling a bit before then (other than due to cold, over- or under-watering of course) it won't hurt to give them a general purpose liquid feed to pep them up a bit.

When they are producing fruits, use tomato feed at the recommended dose, unless you are a comfrey tea-wallah!  ;)
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: fatcat1955 on March 19, 2014, 16:43
I hope you're G/H can give those seedling's the frost protection they require.
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: DD. on March 19, 2014, 16:52
Nothing like this is going in my unheated greenhouse until May. They need a bit more than just the frost keeping off them!
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: m1ckz on March 19, 2014, 17:15
ive got toms in cold greenhouse  beeb in just over a week now  . there not looking stressed just yet..got some more just starting off  so not a problem
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: m1ckz on March 19, 2014, 17:16
been in    not   beeb lol
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: surbie100 on March 19, 2014, 17:21
Nothing like this is going in my unheated greenhouse until May. They need a bit more than just the frost keeping off them!

I blame Monty. He said very clearly on the last GW - 'now is the time to be sowing tomatoes'. Am not putting any in either - the forecast is for darn cold this weekend.
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: DD. on March 19, 2014, 17:35
We've been spoiled the last week or so and it's easy to get lulled into a false sense of security. You can get some darn cold nights through April, and into May and as the forecasters can hardly see into next week it's a bit foolhardy to assume we'll have a mild spring on the strength of last week.
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: spuriousmonkey on March 19, 2014, 19:16
You lucky lucky people. Snow and freezing temperatures here.

My seedlings feel sad looking outside all day seeing it is still winter.  :tongue2:
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: Lady Rosemary on March 19, 2014, 21:51
These are staying in my conservatory until the frosts have completely gone.

(https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1978895_10203338671577792_280061997_n.jpg)

I've no more room on my window sills ....  :lol:
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: Yorkie on March 19, 2014, 22:17
Cunning use of smoothie cups  :D
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: Lady Rosemary on March 19, 2014, 22:21
Cunning use of smoothie cups  :D

Waste not, want not Yorkie.  ;)
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: beesrus on March 19, 2014, 22:30
I'm sure most of us that sow "early" are aware of the possible pitfalls. But it's fun :), doesn't take long, and sometimes one can steal a march on nature with the right varieties and care, plus a little luck. I usually manage quite a few healthy head start plants and always sow back ups just in case. I apply this policy to tomatoes, peppers, and parsnips in the main. Wouldn't dream of trying it on with sweet corn, far too sulky.
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: 3759allen on March 20, 2014, 14:56
i started sowing almost a couple of weeks ago, and some more last weekend and do some mor this weekend. i'm doing them in batch's of 2 or 3 plants this year. so i have back up plants with out being too far behind if things go wrong.

i'm hoping this way i may be able to spread the glut out a little (thinking they may all catch up by time they crop, but worth a try) i had tomatoes and cucumbers coming out of our ears last year. first year trying this staggered approach so will find out if my theory works out.

i'll keep these in pots until all possibilities of frosts are over, at least this way if we do get forecasts of frosts i can bring them in side.
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: Shallot on March 23, 2014, 20:16
Thanks everyone for your replies

The cucumbers are starting to germinate already but no sign of the toms or peppers as yet

I have popped the seed trays on top of the turtle tank and the heat seems to be doing a brilliant job

The seedlings wont be going up to the greenhouse until they are completely ready

All the best

Mark
Title: Re: Finally Started Some Seeds Off
Post by: 3759allen on March 23, 2014, 21:49
just to add don't forget that the window sill will get pretty cold over the cold nights we're having, especially if the curtains are drawn.

i've persuaded the mrs to donate her study room to the growing cause for a couple of months, not impressed i might add but i sweet talked her round. this room has the heating on, door shut, curtains left open and toms, peppers and cucs pulled back from the window.

oh yeah and also keep a 3 litre bottle of water in the room to warm up to room temp before being used. not sure if this matters so much but it can't be any good for the seedlings when freezing cold water from the tap is added to them.