[Runwell-Steve]

2 weeks ago I planted a number of different seeds.  All in unheated prpogators and put them in my unheated greenhouse.

Most are up, French Beans, Runner Beans, Courgettes, Sprouts, cabbage, cauli.  However, my various tomatoes and various lettuce show no signs of doing anything yet.  They are all in exactly the same compost, position etc..

I have noticed at times it has got very hot in the propogators and I was wondering if maybe it is too hot and I have cooked them.  Should I start again and if so what should I do different.

Thanks

[chris23005]

I am a bit of a newbie to this, but here goes. I don't have a greenhouse so sowed all my seeds indoors and they sit in the utility room and go outside during the day if it is warm.

Before I went away on holiday (mid April) I was pacing the floor waiting for seeds to germinate. When I got back they had mostly all popped up, DESPITE me having put them outside in a sheltered area of the garden as I didn't have anyone to water them. Even the coriander popped up which is notorious for not germinating. My lettuce has germinated into little seedlings but they are beginning to wilt and I cannot work out why unless they are a bit cold.

However, looking at my circumstances, I reckon you are right and that they could have got too hot - if mine have all managed to germinate (includes two varieties of tomatoes) and they were outside day and night for a week (admittedly the weather was warm) then maybe they just cannot cope with the wonderful tropical holiday you provided for them! 

[Jamie Butterworth]

My tomatoes took 3 weeks to come through, I dont know about the lettuce as they came through straight away.

[chris23005]

PS - forgot to say that I sowed another tray of lettuce mix two days ago and they are just popping up now!!! I would say "have another go"!

[Runwell-Steve]

Thanks.  I think I'll have another go with the lettuce, and try not to cook them this time.  Perhaps just put them in the greenhouse without the propogator as well.

Perhaps I'll get a few more toms on the way as well, I just have a feeling I may have fried them as well.

I'll see how I get on

[mumofstig]

my two pen'orth for what it's worth.........tomatoes seem to like a nice, even, warm temperature to germinate. That's why I think you are better off to germinate them inside on a windowledge (not in full sun) In the greenhouse it can be baking hot during the day and then quite chilly at night

Once they have made a couple of leaves you can transfer them to the greenhouse if you need to

[gillie]

Lettuces will not germinate at high temperatures.  25 deg. C is reckoned to be the absolute maximum.

Gillie

[Runwell-Steve]

OK, Thanks for the extra responses, I think I would be better bringing them inside and avoiding the extreme temperatures of the greenhouse.

I will try again,  I have also sown some lettuces direct on the allotment today so they may do better.

Steve, the definite novice.