Grow Your Own Magazine

I have a collection of toilet rolls to use as flower pots: I want to plant up climbing frencg and runner beans.

When I tried this last year I made a very good crop of pink mushrooms. So does anyone know how I should sterilise them. Can I use the microwave? Do I put the compost in first. How long/ hot do I need everything to get?

Hello Imprudence and welcome to the Vine.

I have planted parsnips in loo rolls this year and they are looking good so far *crosses fingers and touches wood* I didn't do anything special with them, just filled with compost, planted the parsnip sproutings and watered. I didn't do anything to sterilise them but I understand that some peeps do put them in the microwave.

I have found a small amount of mould on some of them but I understand from other, more clever Grapes that this isn't a problem and will go once they are planted out.

Could it have been that they were a bit dark last year - mushrooms like it dark, I think.

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A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot! (Thomas Edward Brown)

Welcome to the vine and don't worry about mould as long as the plants look healthy. Are you planting sweet peas in them as you are after climbing plants? It is too late really to set seeds off now. You can however buy the plants quite cheaply and then you don't need the loo rolls any way. Good luck.

The mould doesn't harm the plants so I wouldn't worry.

The mould may not harm the seedlings, but it's unsightly and feels horrible & slimy when you come to plant out. Now, I sterilise my (empty) loo rolls in the microwave: one minute on full power. Watch them, in case of spontaneous combustion.

(I do washing up sponges and cloths like this too - but they need to be damp or else they do combust)

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~ What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea ~ Gandhi

It's not too late to sow Sweet Peas. I always plant mine end of April/May and they do great, lasting right up to the frosts

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Always aim for the best result possible not the best possible result

Do you mean plant or sow? Plant out plants, or sow seeds? Late grown sweet peas tend to get powdery mildew round here

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~ What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea ~ Gandhi

Sow, They do just fine!

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Always aim for the best result possible not the best possible result

Do you get the loo roll completely buried? This I find is essential! Otherwise the wind will dry out the cardboard ... and you little seedling!!

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Gulp ... I loved my vegetable garden, so here is my sad ballad:
I nutured it for months and ate it in one salad. - Arnotd Zarett