[GrannieAnnie]

I grew some heritage pea seed last year for the HDRA, or whatever they call themslelves now! The express intention was to grow them for more seed to save the variety. Out of 99 seed 98 germinated this way.

Problem is when you intend to have 5 x 32' rows of 'ordinary' peas- it's a lot of pots!!!

If you're ever over in Lincolnshire Digger, I've got lots of 3" pots!  Only wanted one box full, bought them at an auction for £15, but there were 15 boxes with 500 pots in each box!!!!  So if you want some..........

[DD.]

If you're ever over in Lincolnshire Digger, I've got lots of 3" pots!  Only wanted one box full, bought them at an auction for £15, but there were 15 boxes with 500 pots in each box!!!!  So if you want some..........

Thanks Grannieannie, but I dont intend to start off what amounts to a 160' row of peas in pots!, although with that lot, you probably could. You'd need a whole plot to put them on!! Mrs. Digger says I've got too many pots already.

[WG.]

I sow mine (peas/beans) in a ice cream tub, no soil just damp kitchen towel in the bottom, lay the seeds out, put the lid on leave somwhere warm, check every other day. When I see they have got 1/2" of root, I transplant them into 3" pots in the greenhouse.

Would the same technique work for courgette?

Anyone please?

[muntjac]

never tried . i just stick em in compost n let em do what they gotta do  

[WG.]

never tried . i just stick em in compost n let em do what they gotta do  

Me too but germination success rate is never that good.  Maybe I'll try the kitchen roll technique and report back later.

[DD.]

Never had any problems with courgettes. I stick two in per pot in the hope of getting one. Cougettes being cougettes, invariable two come up, then I feel obliged to plant both. Result? - the usual glut of courgettes!

[muntjac]

plant courgette seedblunt end down with the tip just under the surface they do great for me i sprinkle a teaspoon sharp sand in the hole area to stop moisture rotting em i only water em once afore i sow and then not until they come up ,put a 4 x 4 inch square glass over the pot n leave it be stops it drying out completly

[WG.]

plant courgette seedblunt end down with the tip just under the surface they do great for me i sprinkle a teaspoon sharp sand in the hole area to stop moisture rotting em i only water em once afore i sow and then not until they come up ,put a 4 x 4 inch square glass over the pot n leave it be stops it drying out completly

Thanks MJ, I've been planting them on edge after reading it in (several) books - maybe getting only 40-50% germinating.  I like the sound of your method.

[muntjac]

you been thinking them was taters WG  you has to plant them on edge    

[Jim T]

I sowed some sweetcorn in pots, kept some on the window sill, and some in the greenhouse (experimenting to see which worked) but none of them have germinated, is theresomething specific i should have done, like covering the pots?

I have same problem . Does anyone know might it be because it is too cold yet for germination?
I have the same problem with runner beans,
Jim

[DD.]

I sowed some sweetcorn in pots, kept some on the window sill, and some in the greenhouse (experimenting to see which worked) but none of them have germinated, is theresomething specific i should have done, like covering the pots?

I have same problem . Does anyone know might it be because it is too cold yet for germination?
I have the same problem with runner beans,
Jim

It's way too early for a lot of things, runner beans included. I start mine off in the greenhouse, mid April. They're another one of those plants you daren't put out until frosts have passed. If you sow too soon, you won't get early crops, just a load of disappointment.

[WG.]

you been thinking them was taters WG  you has to plant them on edge    

Okay I've had another look and can now tell the difference between a courgette seed and a potato.  

And the bit about planting them on edge?  Comes from Doc Hessayon but what does he know?  I'll go with your ideas any day MJ.

[muntjac]

taught him everything he knows mate lolo  

[WG.]

taught him everything he knows mate lolo  

I reckon he's forgotten half of it then.   See ya ramorra, 'moff 2 kip.