[Pete C]

Been browsing some seed catalogues and keep coming across the following or similar........
"Sow mid March to mid April in prepared seed bed. Transplant mid May to mid June"
Why?? Why not plant where you want them in the first place?

[Jodie A]

Because some plants need finer prepared soil to get going, you'll probably find this is mostly referring to brassicas and leeks.  Personally I do mine in pots/trays to start off with, and get them outside a s a p, as they are not greenhouse plants and like the colder air.

See DD's excellent advice on leek sowing in cat litter trays.

[DD.]

If say you wanted 3  x 24 ' rows of brassicas at 18" spacing with 24" between the rows, you'd either have to:

a) plant one seed, or a few at the above spacings & hope you could find them amongst the weeds.

2) Sow a full rows of 24' & thin out. - a lot of seed

iii) Grown in a seed bed/tray & transplant as recommended.

Cat litter trays & leek seed.....

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?p=29135#29135

[Pete C]

Understood. Many thanks

[Pete C]

What cropping periods should I expect from 1st earlys, 2nd earlys and main crop?
Thanks

[DD.]

Earlies 13 weeks from planting

Main crop 22 weeks.


(ish)

[Pete C]

Thanks DD. Going through catalogues, trying to pick disease resistant varieties atm

[DD.]

Thanks DD. Going through catalogues, trying to pick disease resistant varieties atm

Just watch the postage - very hefty on spuds.

We are fortunate to have a nursery nearby that sells about 90 different varieties.

Perhaps you could check out your locality or any allotment associations.

[Pete C]

I'm looking at Terwins seeds. 10 tubers for a fiver inc postage. They aren't the cheapest, but I'd prefer to order everything from one source if I can. Keep on looking though

[DD.]

I'm looking at Terwins seeds. 10 tubers for a fiver inc postage. They aren't the cheapest, but I'd prefer to order everything from one source if I can. Keep on looking though

:shock:  :shock:  :shock:  :shock:

Our nursery charge £1 a kilo. You get about 20 tubers, which you hand pick!

[compostqueen]

Wilko will also be selling seed potatoes at the right time and in small quantities which gives you the chance to try out a few more varieties.  Your local garden centres and lotty associations will have them in too

Look out for Potato Days too, a good way of buying unusual and heritage varieties, again in small quantities

[Pete C]

Mmmm.......now I'm in two minds! Gonna sleep on it.
Ta all