Grow Your Own Magazine

Hiya

I'm hoping someone can help. So far on my plot i have always started seeds off in trays etc and planted out.

I'm confused tho, I have some seeds such as carrots for example that do best if sown direct. What's the best way. I remember seeing ol' Mr Titchmarsh tramping down and raking up a bit of earth before seeding rows is this the same for all seeds?

Advice please and thanks in advance

Flump

Here is a link for carrots
An easy way with carrots

I think most seeds that are happiest sown directly would benefit from a similar approach. It really depends on the size of the seed.

Tx

cheers tootles for the link and info, will certainly try the advice.

But I'm still a cuffudled with the treading in of the soil n stuff

I'm currently making little raised beds for carrots [and rotating them next year around the plot.]
Dig out about 8 inches of soil in a square - make sides out of wood if I have any
put soil back in after either sieving or just picking out every root and stone you can find
dig a bit of home or bought compost, and a bag of coffee grounds if you have any.
level soil, and sow carrots and onions in pinches. i also pop coriander along the corners but that's just me.
lightly water in or leave if rain is expected in the next 24 hours.
leave for several months, weeding anything that isn't onion, carrot or coriander.

I'd never tread on beds once they have been made up, unless it is an emergency or you have a wooden plank to step on.
I find the carrots grow better if the soil is looser; perhaps Titch was sowing brassicas which need a firm base???

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Andrea :wavehello

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...logs/zazen999/

moon trial underway with onions, lettuce, tomatoes and calabrese.

I think you may find that the 'tramping down' bit was for brassicas which like their roots in firm soil.

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If it ain't broke, don't fix it and if you ain't going to eat it, don't kill it