[Stratts]

Hi guys I'm sending meself scatty trying to research and find out what to sow now and how/what in etc.

Can anyone clear it up for me with one easy link or a list of what to sow and how/what in?

I have bought pretty much every type of veg seed there is I think and some I've never heard of, damn vegseeds.net coz I got a load of free ones too which has not helped, lol!!

I am armed with a big bag of compost, loads of pots, modules, a couple of propogators but no greenhouse!  I have made a couple of perspex covered raised beds at home to use to put things in if needed and have plenty of window space, although the better half might no like it!!

My allotment is also totally dug over ready and the old fen soil has broken down to a nice tilth ready for sowing.

Please help,

Ta

[mattwragg94]

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=88557.0

from about page 7 - hope that helped

[mumofstig]

the sowing chart is here, shows indoors and outdoor sowing times
http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/general/sowing-harvest-vegetable-chart.php

[DD.]

Deep breaths.

Don't try to do it all at once.

Follow the link given by mum.

Any questions, ask.

[Stratts]

Doh thanks guys I forgot about that chart I have it printed off somewhere too 

That thread will take some reading thanks too!

Are there certain seeds that are better off in the smaller modules or could I just do em all in 3" pots pr plastic cups coz got loads of them recyled from the tea machines at work?

[Yorkie]

I'd have thought plastic cups will be fine for most things - make sure you put drainage holes in them, and pot on if need be.  Don't use them for root crops like parsnips and carrots though.

[DD.]

That thread will take some reading thanks too!

Matt says from page 7, so jump to page 7 here:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=88557.msg990802#msg990802

[Stratts]

Yep just did thanks and put my mind at rest as I don't need to do as much as I 1st thought!

Another q though is a fairly dark garage ok to start things off in pots?  Only light comes in through the door window but I can leave a light on if it'll help?

I guess this'll be ideal for chitting tates in trays though as it is cool without getting frozen in there?

[Yorkie]

I wouldn't use the garage to be honest.  It definitely sounds too dark for spuds, which need a lot of light (though not necessarily direct sunlight).

Some seeds need to be in the light for germination, others aren't fussed, but as soon as the seedlings come through then they need good light.  They will rapidly become leggy and weak if there's insufficient light.

Leaving a light bulb on won't make any difference - you need a particular type of light.

[Stratts]

Ok thanks again front porch for spuds then cool and light in there might be good for starting seeds off too?

[Yorkie]

Sounds fine for spuds.

Seeds will depend entirely on the plant.  Brassicas (cabbages etc) don't like warmth.  Chillis and aubergines need considerable warmth.  Read the seed packet for advice on particular temperatures.  Do you have a propagator?

[Stratts]

Ta, I have 3 of those unheated plastic jobbies from Wilkos, that's all

[Yorkie]

OK.  As I said previously, the timing and temperature for the sowing of the seed will depend entirely on the individual plants.  There is no one size fits all answer.

Look on the seed packets.  They will tell you when and how warm the seeds will need.

If they say 15deg or over, then a cool porch is unlikely to be warm enough, particularly overnight.

[sarajane]

Make use of your windowsills once germinated. (Most of our O.H's slowly come round to the fact that this time of year our homes resemble greenhouses. ) I've got 2 greenhouses but they are unheated and the minute a frost is forecast, everything will come back in the house .  When she tastes all the goodies you will be growing this year no doubt she will be making space for your plants next year   

The more natural light the better to stop plants getting leggy and try and turn pots around every day so they don't grow towards the light.

[mumofstig]

The more natural light the better to stop plants getting leggy and try and turn pots around every day so they don't grow towards the light.

You don't need to turn them if you use some kitchen foil, bent up behind them, to act as a reflector