[kari]

I have an issue with my cats, they just love the freshly dug compost and seeds I sow 

Once the plants are a decent size however, they give up and move on to the flowerbeds instead (which I dont mind so much)

So, it seems my plans for the year are having to change a little, no direct sowing, i'm planning on starting everything in modules where ever I can, then hardening off and planting out when they are big enough.

Is there anything that will be very unhappy with this treatment? I'm not sure what to do with root veg as I know they like minimal disturbance, could I plant them in loo rolls and then pop the whole thing in the ground?

[Yorkie]

I agree that parsnips and carrots are tricky in toilet rolls - the speed at which their tap roots develop will surprise you, and once stunted they rarely recover well.

Peas will be a faff.  Spuds go out direct too.

You could get some chicken wire and lay it over the seed bed until the plants get established, perhaps?

[willnbirdie]

Hi

I have very successfully sown beetroot, parsnips and swede in toilet rolls planting the whole thing as you suggest.  You do need to be aware of the tap root as they do grow very quickly especially with parsnips but I have found that as soon as they are above ground they need to be planted out.  But I can say with confidence it has worked every year so far and will be doing the same again this year.

Peas tried them and planted them out what a nightmare will not do that again. 

All the best

willnbirdie

[PembsPanther]

Sorry for thread hijacking but what was the problem with the peas?

[DD.]

Quantity is a big issue with peas. You need 12 plants for every foot of row.