A new 'tougher' thread... and so it continues

maryb

I know I should really ask this on the greenfingered board but I feel a bit bashful if I go on boards I don't usually frequent. And I know lots of you grow veg. So please, if any of you can give me a steer I'd be really grateful.
I planted courgette seeds in pots indoors three weeks ago and they have done nothing at all. I don't know if they usually take this long? Should I have scratched them first? And I sowed two rows of carrots three weeks ago and again, nothing.
Is it me and my (whatever is opposite green on the colour wheel) fingers? I bought the seeds from Moreveg, which looked like a good idea as you get small quantities for a smaller price (although the unit cost is high, of course) but it seemed less wasteful as I never use a whole packet of seeds. But I have to say, the germination rate even for the things that have come up, hasn't been brilliant

Mrs_Chip

Hi Mary

Do your courgettes have any heat - if they are in a cool room they could well take their time. I use a little heated propagator and take things out as soon as they are through, but that's because I am impatient! If the carrots are outside without any protection the same applies - it's still quite cold, they will be waiting for the ground to warm up a bit.

katieowl_2

maryb wrote: »

I know I should really ask this on the greenfingered board but I feel a bit bashful if I go on boards I don't usually frequent. And I know lots of you grow veg. So please, if any of you can give me a steer I'd be really grateful.
I planted courgette seeds in pots indoors three weeks ago and they have done nothing at all. I don't know if they usually take this long? Should I have scratched them first? And I sowed two rows of carrots three weeks ago and again, nothing.
Is it me and my (whatever is opposite green on the colour wheel) fingers? I bought the seeds from Moreveg, which looked like a good idea as you get small quantities for a smaller price (although the unit cost is high, of course) but it seemed less wasteful as I never use a whole packet of seeds. But I have to say, the germination rate even for the things that have come up, hasn't been brilliant

It's still quite cold. Even indoors. Mr Owl started his cucumbers off in a heated tray. I don't normally start courgettes just yet. Fish around gently in one of the pots and have a peek at the seed to see if there is any sign of life?

Kate

katieowl_2

Mrs_Chip wrote: »

Hi Mary

Do your courgettes have any heat - if they are in a cool room they could well take their time. I use a little heated propagator and take things out as soon as they are through, but that's because I am impatient! If the carrots are outside without any protection the same applies - it's still quite cold, they will be waiting for the ground to warm up a bit.

LOL Snap!!!

Kate

katieowl_2

GreyQueen wrote: »

ETA katieowl, why were you collecting poo? I don't know that this was done on a schedule and could be cancelled..........but I'm a bit dim sometimes.

Ha ha...I probably should have written I was cancelled from collecting lovely well rotted horse manure.

But collecting poo of dogs or chickens seems to be a regular feature of my life And cleaning up the 'non poo' droppings of the rest of the family features quite a lot too... JOY!

Kate

Mrs_Chip

:rotfl: Kate - much good it did me - my cukes are sitting in the growhouse pretty much the same size as when they left the propagator, same as the toms

maryb

Thanks everyone, looks like I was a bit too eager. We have a conservatory which is pretty warm during the day and has underfloor heating so I thought that would be enough, but I'll dig out the propagator and see if that helps. One reason I was dubious about the seeds from Moreveg is that I planted some runner bean seeds from them which haven't germinated, together with some from Aldi (admittedly a different variety) which grew so much within two weeks we were worried we would have to climb them to find the top.

The carrots, I might have to resow - the weeds will hide where I sowed them even if they germinate

Ah well, it's all a source of endless innocent amusement

Thanks again

meme30

Mrschip:- how great is that?! It seems for ever since I first read about your new venture and here you are! It's like hearing a friend is going into labour!

Kitcat:- Blimey, I don't know how you didn't end up screaming and shouting at your Dad! That is extraordinarily condescending behaviour on his part. It feels as though he has no respect for you or your husbands role as head of your family. On top of your continued struggle against illness it's just too much! You must feel so run down, I don't think you could possibly go in to work with pleurisy. I'm so sorry I can only send you internet hugs.:grouphug: that and my indignation! :mad:
Don't stress about the planting. Wait till you feel better and buy a few small veg plants. Less stress and less things to keep and eye on. Smaller veg crop but thats not the end of the world.

PIC:- amazing how these companies are so happy to take your money in the first place! Love the sound of Lego, it sounds like Womble is developing a great personality.

VJsmum:- Welcome back, I loved Paris too, we stayed just near the Sacre Cour in Montmartre, great area for cheap supermarkets and cheap restaurants.

We are still at the caravan but Grandchildren are all back home. It's been nice but am totally chilled now, glass of wine/dressing gown on/feet up. Have two empty days before we go to family wedding, bliss!

Mrs_Chip

I had to dig about in my first lot of runner beans as they had done nothing - they had all turned to slime in the pots :eek: . Not sure what I did wrong, but got more coming now.

Mrs_Chip

Thanks Meme - it seems like an age for us too! It will be so good to actually start trading rather than just thinking about it - but scary too!