Seedlings

I thought a quick update on how the seeds were progressing might help or inspire some more planting.

Most of the seeds planted just two weeks ago have germinated in their modules in the spare bedroom. However, they are getting a
bit ‘leggy’ and you’ll also notice that they are bending toward the window so will need some attention.

Those above are mainly tomatoes with a tray of onions (front right).
In the first instance I’ve put the seed trays in a cold porch, just during the day initially, for one or two days, to ‘harden them off’ (get used to the cold!); then I left them there all day and night whilst they continue to grow and get acclimatised.

Below are the broad beans which have been in the porch for about 5 days and whose leaves are just about to open, and then some climbing French beans which have become quite ‘leggy’. The latter are surrounded by sweet peas and behind are potatoes ‘ chitting’ in egg boxes.

A close up of the potatoes show how the ‘earlies’ (Swift and Rocket) are developing good sprouts whilst the maincrop (Desiree – reds) have yet to start.

The beans can continue to ‘grow on’ in their modules for a while but I’ll soon need to put the tomatoes into flower pots, and keep them in the porch (or greenhouse / polytunnel if you have one) so that they establish strong roots. I’ll say more about that next time.
Now that there is more room in my propagating box I’ll sow some mixed lettuce (salad leaves), rocket and peas. Outside keep the weeds down and prepare soil. Refer back to the blogs from February 2010 for more information.

Happy gardening!