[fibilou]

We've got a big hydroponics thingy in our greenhouse planted up with tomato plants. I was thinking of sowing some basil seeds in it as i heard they are good companion plants - should I sow straight into the bed or let the toms (they've just been transplanted about 4 days ago) get settled in first ?

[Trillium]

You could put basil in with toms at anytime as they like each other. But if you're on hydroponics, I'd worry that the fine basil seed would get lost among the agrregate. Personally, I'd start the seed first somehow then put into the hydro unit.

[fibilou]

no, we're not doing hydroponics, it's just a massive container. it's got compost, manure and some topsoil in it. Hubs got it off a bloke at work (seized from a drug dealer !)

[Trillium]

That's different then. By the time direct seeded basil sprouts, the toms will be taller and ahead. Go for it.