April Update: What are you growing in 2006?

Curry_Queen

I was reading a site last night about growing tomatoes and they suggested planting them outdoors but no mention of a greenhouse

Thinking about it though, I'm wondering if it might have been an American site, but can't remember now. Is it possible to grow them in the ground without a greenhouse in the UK?

annie-c

A friend of mine grew tomatoes in a sunny spot against the back wall of her house last year and did quite well. I think you just have to be careful until it is 'proper' summer...

I am starting mine off in a mini greenhouse, then will move them outside around June - so will let you know how I get on.

Also, a lot of people on this thread are growing Tumbling Toms in hanging baskets, so must be OK???

squeaky

Last time I grew toms it was outdoors in a grow bag. I'd never thought of wasting valuable greenhouse space on them. But then... that's probably 'cos I don't have a greenhouse

I did pick a sheltered spot though.

Linda32

You can grow tomatoes in a growbag outside. But you must wait until all danger of frost has passed. Otherwise it will be a waste of time.

They need plenty of regular water and in the sunniest spot your garden has.

The water must be regular otherwise they will split.

Three plants in a grow bag is fine.

Well worth the time and money for the amount of cherry toms you will get.

Rachie_B

annie-c wrote:

Hi Rachie B

Welcome!!

Most of my growing is in pots and I have started/am planning to grow:

tomatoes
spinach
rocket
peppers
chillis
herbs - various
charlotte potatoes (in large tubs/buckets)
strawberries

Let us know how you get on!

ooh excellent :T i will give it a bash then

ok now stupid Q time lol what kinda pots? plastic ,teracotta ?

im a total novice so need huuuuuuge amounts of help :rotfl:

annie-c

Terracotta pots are expensive!!

I am using an assortment of plastic pots, most of which were free by posting a 'wanted' on freecycle.org.

Curry_Queen

How about using those polystyrene drinks cups? They're about the same size as a 3" plant pot; you can write on them, so no need for extra labels; and they will help insulate the soil/roots against sudden temp drops!

I now have images of OS'rs rummaging around in their office bins to rescue used cups!!! :rotfl:

If you can't get a free supply, I think you can pick up bulk packs quite cheaply at office stationers, wholesalers, ebay etc and will probably be much cheaper than buying those plastic plant pots in garden centres (unless, like Annie, you can find them on freecycle of course )

Rachie_B

annie-c wrote:

Terracotta pots are expensive!!
I am using an assortment of plastic pots, most of which were free by posting a 'wanted' on freecycle.org.

got one for 32p in tesco this morning

i will beg / borrow / steal various pots then
my mum and dad should have some going spare

Curry_Queen

Rachie_B wrote:

got one for 32p in tesco this morning

i will beg / borrow / steal various pots then
my mum and dad should have some going spare

Don't forget to also hoard any plastic containers such as margarine/ice cream, yoghurt/cream pots and meat/fish/fruit/veggie tubs and trays that supermarkets are all too fond of packaging their produce in, as these can all be used as seed trays/pots too

Rachie_B

Curry_Queen wrote:

Don't forget to also hoard any plastic containers such as margarine/ice cream, yoghurt/cream pots and meat/fish/fruit/veggie tubs and trays that supermarkets are all too fond of packaging their produce in, as these can all be used as seed trays/pots too

:beer: i wouldnt have thought of that
im excited about being a "grower" :T :rotfl:

bet it so goes wrong