I had an hour in the greenhouse yesterday and managed to plant some broad beans and peas, whether they'll survive the mice is another matter. I've read lots of old books that recommend dipping them in all different (toxic) things to keep them away but I've done none of that. I've raised them all up off the ground so hopefully that should help keep the little blighters away until they start growing.
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| Lots of pots full of plants and seeds |
Broad beans were planted in pots and peas in a length of old guttering I got from a job I had last year. The seeds are quite old so I have my doubt as to whether they will grow or not (I found them in an old box I had at my allotment so they're at least four years old).
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| Peas in gutter |
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| Fig becoming root bound |
I also managed to separate and pot up some of my cuttings that I took at the end of the summer, like rosemary, gogi and chilean guava. My figs got put into a slightly larger pot to incourage a bit of growth over the next year, they have to have their roots restricted to fruit but it's worth giving them some fresh compost and soil to keep them healthy.
The garden seems to be on the edge of taking off and I love getting ready for it! The next two months are always really busy in the garden but they set the standard on how much you'll grow for the rest of the year.
Are you getting ready?
I managed a short time in the greenhouse to, its great getting seeds on the go and the thrill of seeing them germinate.
ReplyDeletewith old peas and beans I soak them overnight and keep them in damp paper until they show signs of germination, they do usually keep for years if they havent got damp :-)
these were in a tin in the container so I think they'll be alright. I didn't soak them but I'll keep them watered so I'm sure they'll be fine.
DeleteWe do the same as Dawn, soak them and see if they germinate in the warmth of the kitchen. to see if they will grow, we dont have enough space in the green house other wise for pots that arent doing anything.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that when we move I can get my figs to grow more and although he doesnt know it yet I want the patio and the pergola up before anything else is done. Then we will eat in the garden more and enjoy the summer. I have 8 grape vines ready to go in on the pergola like we had 2 houses ago. it was a delight.
I always think outside stuff is just as important as inside stuff when you move to a new house! First big job here was to get the beg garden in!
DeleteI've no vines here though so maybe I should add to my list!
It's a wonder the mice didn't eat the broad bean seeds at your allotment, unless they were in a tin?
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping friends and family will help me get the greenhouse up and ready to plant and get the raised beds in situ!
Kev, I replied to your email and it was returned as failed, could you email me with your home address and the seeds you were interested in, I know one packet was the Melon ?
They were in a big bread tin! Also found grass and mustard seed so that was a bonus! Having the greenhouse already up this year is such a bonus, last year I wasn't sure I was going to get it up and have to wait again.
DeleteI'll send you another email
A lot of gardeners used to soak their peas in paraffin. We just plant them in the soil or compost. Got stuff growing in the poly-tunnel. Planting some onions and shallots outside today and early potatoes are going in over the weekend. Must buy and chit some more potatoes!
ReplyDeleteyeah I don't fancy soaking them like that! I've got my bed ready for the potatoes so they can go in soon. Are the potatoes outside that your going to grow? Will you protect them?
DeleteWe planted bean seeds that we'd found lurking in a box. They all grew..BONUS!
ReplyDeleteJane x
PS We'll not be gardening for a while yet.
It's great finding things like that. I planted some squash seed that was 15 years old once and they all came up.
DeleteIn this part of the world or in our village, everyone plants their peas direct, about this time. We just copy and follow them too:) As for the Fava beans, my first time to grow them this year, the UK seed packet said that I could sow direct from Feb onwards...so let the fun begin! Kev, like you, we also see our garden about to take off....oh, so much excitement...seems crazy to think that sometimes with all the planning and getting them ready....the excitement disturbs our sleep pattern!! Happy gardening to you:)
ReplyDeleteI think the mice would be there as I put them in the ground! We have quite the mouse problem at the moment!
Deletei do get excited around this time of year. I spent the whole afternoon in the garden with the girls today, I was in a t shirt for most of it! It really felt like spring - I loved it!