Sowing suggestions - January

[Ringo Grumio Nibbler]

Well my seeds finally arrived, so as soon as the chilli's and tomatoes are germinated, into the propagator go the following:

Thai Basil
Lemon Grass

[selfraising]

Well my seeds finally arrived, so as soon as the chilli's and tomatoes are germinated, into the propagator go the following:

Thai Basil
Lemon Grass

Hi there, just a suggestion because lemon grass seed can be a bit hit and miss ( I know I've tried it), you can root lemon grass very easily from the shop bought stuff in a glass of water.

[Ringo Grumio Nibbler]

Hi there, just a suggestion because lemon grass seed can be a bit hit and miss ( I know I've tried it), you can root lemon grass very easily from the shop bought stuff in a glass of water.

Just sit it in a glass of water to "chit" as it were you mean, then pot on?

[Alison]

I've found lemongrass easy to grow from seed (although the seed is very fine) but it does take forever to get to a reasonable size and if you want to keep it over winter you'll need to bring it inside so pot growing is best.

[selfraising]

Just sit it in a glass of water to "chit" as it were you mean, then pot on?

Yep that's it and when you've got a decent amount of roots stick in a pot with compost

[Bex]

I've started my onions, leeks, a couple of toms, a few varieties of chilli and a couple of sweet pepper and aubergine. I'll get some sweetpeas at the weekend too

[braders]

Toms sown on New Years Day and potted up on the 11th...seem to doing ok so far.

Cheers
braders...

[Shadylane]

Popped a few chillies and tomatoes in the airing cupboard today, just until they germinate obviously. Also sowed some onions. Planning on sowing leeks and maybe alpine strawberries towards end of month. Don't have much room though as the sunniest window sill is occupied by the aphid and fungus gnat hotels - also known as the over wintering chilli plants

[nerdgas]

Popped a few chillies and tomatoes in the airing cupboard today, just until they germinate obviously. Also sowed some onions. Planning on sowing leeks and maybe alpine strawberries towards end of month. Don't have much room though as the sunniest window sill is occupied by the aphid and fungus gnat hotels - also known as the over wintering chilli plants

Have you tried a layer of vermiculite over the top of the compost?

It should stop the gnats from getting into the soil to lay their eggs.

Alternatively a layer of sand also does the same thing but it'll also stop the flies hatched from larve from getting out as well so they'll die in the soil.

[OberonK]

Hi all,

I'm very new here, took on half an allotment a month or so ago. This thread is great for a proper soil virgin!

For those of you saying they're starting things off indoors, my problem is no airing cupboard and a house that isn't doubleglazed - the kitchen is usually subzero in the morning! Am I looking at having to get a heated propogator, or are there any other suggestions? I'm sure the change in temperature in the rest of the house can't be good for plants.

[basketcase]

Hi all,

I'm very new here, took on half an allotment a month or so ago. This thread is great for a proper soil virgin!

For those of you saying they're starting things off indoors, my problem is no airing cupboard and a house that isn't doubleglazed - the kitchen is usually subzero in the morning! Am I looking at having to get a heated propogator, or are there any other suggestions? I'm sure the change in temperature in the rest of the house can't be good for plants.

Hi Oberon! Just wanted to say welcome to the Vine.

Sounds like you should treat the house like a giant cold-frame! Really knowledgeable people should be along to help you. Possibly a heated propagator would be a good idea if the house is that cold.

In the meatime, could you plant things in pots and make mini-cloches out of plastic drinks bottles?

[selfraising]

Oberonk you could also try putting clear plastic bags over the pots (sandwich bags etc) then put an elastic band round the pot to keep in place. Acts like a mini greenhouse environment

[Shadylane]

Have you tried a layer of vermiculite over the top of the compost?

It should stop the gnats from getting into the soil to lay their eggs.

Alternatively a layer of sand also does the same thing but it'll also stop the flies hatched from larve from getting out as well so they'll die in the soil.

Ooh that's a fab idea, will try that - thanks a lot

[Lavenderblue]

I have a packet of peas that says they are ok to go out in January. I might give them a go.

[zazen999]

More broadies next week, and I'm going to go through the brassicas and see if any are ok for an early sowing. Possibly not, but maybe.