[AmandaLouise]

Hi

Today I sowed broccoli, leeks, sprouts and salad and stuck in cold frame.  First time using it.... but now I am worried as i havent insulated as people suggest.  I can do though. Ill get some polystyrene and bubblewrap if people suggest I do. 

I was just following the packet instructions and I was actually on here to see if there is anything else i could start as I have plenty of room, then I found people saying about insulating them.  Its got a curved crystal clear PVC lid, and polycarbonate walls.
I am worried now about my poor seedlings in there overnight.

If they are okay is there any flowers that would be okay in there cold, pansies for example.  I just want to utilise the space.

Many Thanks
Amanda

[LilacSandy]

Sweet peas are very hardy plants.

[DD.]

Leeks and brassicas are very hardy, we are approaching the time where you could even sow direct into the ground.

The forecast for the next 16 days is good, so I wouldn't start worrying.

It would be far worse if you went the other way and owed them in heated propagators!

[AmandaLouise]

Well thats it I know they like the cold, but it has been pretty cold today up north, and didnt want to get it wrong. In the house I have peppers, tomatoes, they both look fine but the peppers seem to be taking ages. 

Seeds that I sowed today were  marigolds, nasturtium, pansies, petunia, sweetpea, busy lizzies, verbena, stocks and salvia, and various sunflowers.  can any of these go in unheated greenhouse or coldframe.  Just to save space on windowsills really.  If not then I just wont sow anymore until I have room.

Have greenhouse but can only get there once a week at min.

PS, any tips on cucumber. packet says greenhouse 15 degrees mid feb, but dont think mine has reached that temp yet.  how many do you get on a plant?  only 8 in the packet, was planning on sowing 4 first, then 4 month or so after.

Sorry about the questions.  First year so finding it challenging.

Thanks
Amanda

[AmandaLouise]

Eager to use coldframe as new toy!

[Yorkie]

Far too early for cucumbers I think.

[solway cropper]

Agree with Yorkie about the cukes. I've tried Feb/March sowings indoors and usually lose the lot. leave it till April. They'll soon catch up.

How many on a plant depends on the variety. I got 17 decent cucumbers from one 'La Diva' plant last year. I know the seeds can be expensive but even if you only get half a dozen per plant it's still a lot cheaper than buying them.