17-05-2005, 07:50 AM
dudette Wrote:Sounds good, BB. Alas, I have lost all this year's attempts of butternut, sweetcorn and cherry tomatoes because I did not read instructions!
The packet said plant the seeds in individual pots and I didn't. So when it came to planting them out, the roots were too intertangled and didn't survive transplanting into the peat pots I had.
I have tried again last week by planting the tomatoes individually in peat pots and nothing has germinated.
Methinks this year I shall rather wait and see what comes up in the garden rather
On the positive side, the nasturtiums and alyssums I planted for the kids in their own pots are flourishing... go figure.
Hope the survivors of your crop make it into your tum at the end of the season ... nothing like the fruits of one's own labours
Hi Dudette,
You still have a chance with the tomatoes - soak them in warm water, wrap in damp tissue paper and stick in a plastic bag somewhere dark and warm. Check daily as they should only take a few days to sprout then. Once sprouted (literally only the tip of a root showing), plant into your peat pots and leave in the hot press (airing cupboard) until they appear above soil level. Make sure the pots don't dry out. This is a great way to play catch up and it works a dream.
With your squash seeds if you nick them with a knife then soak for a half hour and plant on their sides in some potting soil and subject them to the same treatment as the tomatoes they will germinate quickly.
In both instances you can use the biodegradeable peat/paper pots which you can just pop into the ground - eliminates transplant shock and saves you a week or two on growing time.
Good luck!
P.S. if you grow basil amongst your tomato plants it enhances the flavour of the tomatoes when ripe.