The ups, the downs and the insides out of growing your own in 2025!

redofromstart

I have one Carinjo (and the wooden mini greenhouse), once DS1 appears I will get him to build it and update you.  The late Mr Redo spoiled me by building over engineered ones in both my polytunnel and the greenhouse, but I want this one for working in the sunshine on the hard standing. If its any good I may get another for the shaded work area where my cuttings bench will live.

I went to our newest branch at 9am this morning - they had 8 benches and 2 greenhouses in so I suspect its a get one sooner rather than later job.

Suffolk_lass

carinjo said:

I'm thinking of getting the potting bench from A1d1's . For £29.99 not sure how sturdy it is though. 
https:/ /www.aldi.co.uk/product/gardenline-potting-bench-000000000000614609

I bought the cold frame that was it's predecessor. I bought one, then a second, then two more. The first was plastic and a bit fragile. The others are the grey wood and they are good, and look very similar to the potting bench in terms of materials. I am married to an engineer, so some small blocks were screwed into the corners to add a bit more strength and rigidity. Worth considering if this year's potting bench isn't too robust

droopsnoot

I transferred five chilli seeds from the damp kitchen roll in a bag to another seed tray the other day - it would have been six, but I pulled the shoot off one of them. Three of them are showing this morning. 

Madquilter59

I have 3 tall pots outside the front door I have always had geraniums in them but would like a change what can I grow on them so I have flowers most of the summer

Kantankrus_Mare

Well I had the offer of a few hours help from OH at the allotment yesterday which I snapped up.

There is always something that is easier for a strong man to do!!

I have two beds with raspberries in them but one had loads of bind weed/ couch grass? in it.

OH dug up all the decent raspberry canes and we filled the other bed where there were gaps. Just hope they take ok as I love raspberries. I now have a spare bed but it needs digging over thoroughly a few times to rid it of the weed.

He cut all the brambles back around my shed so now we can get round it to repaint as it desperately needs it at some point this year.

He emptied my two compost beds of broken down horse manure and we filled some beds. Soil was beautiful!!

Meanwhile I cleared my leek bed and weeded it. Cleared a couple of other beds ready to plant into and tidied some strawberry beds.

Between us we got lots done and I am so pleased with how the plot is looking.

Oh and at home I have two cucumber plants popping up!!

Happy days!!

Farway

Madquilter59 said:

I have 3 tall pots outside the front door I have always had geraniums in them but would like a change what can I grow on them so I have flowers most of the summer

Nasturtiums, busy Lizzie, fuchsia

If in baking sun, the last two may not be ideal there

-taff

cosmos.....

dND

Thank you @carinjo for the heads up about the potting bench and everyone else who commented about it.  I treated myself to one and spent the weekend painting it.  Not the greatest photo but I was shot by the time I'd finally put it together. Dx

fionaandphil

Almost too nice to use in the garden! I have built in shelves in the greenhouse so shouldn't complain but I do like something which looks good and is functional rather than the boring green metal I actually have.

I cheated a bit an bought some lettuce with a root on from L1dl last week and planted it out in the greenhouse so we have a headstart on salad.  I also picked up some seeds so will get those in and then as usual it will be busy in the garden and I won't have time to think about it.  The raised beds are all cleared and waiting to go.  We have strawberry plants in there as well as some rhubarb and elsewhere our raspberry canes and blackberries all look to have survived the winter.  The weather has been lovely but when I came back this afternoon it is definitely chillier and the wind has moved around and now seems to be coming from the east.

carinjo

Oh that looks lovely @dND! Mine is still in the box.
We laid some pallet collars down for raised beds and i connected pipe to the greenhouse for watercollecting. Our water on allotment only being turned on next week, so unable to wash out the barrels i got yet.
Hoping to start planting some seeds to go on windowsill this weekend.
Question: i have loads of old seeds want to grow for baby leaves. I have never been successful growing in shallow food trays on windowsills. Any advice? Mine always spindly stems and the soil goes white and mouldy on top.
Another question: i want to topdress my rhubarb with compost. Could i do it properly or should i ensure the bottom of stems not covered?
Thanks everyone and happy growing!