When to start

Hi Sean
Everyone struggles for warm windowsill space for growing from seed, it is a problem. Plants need warmth and light. Remember that most plants we grow are from warmer climates, Africa, Southern Europe and in the case of chillies Mexico or Asia. So we have to look after the little b**gers. Follow the instructions on the seed packets is the best way, or drop a question on GC. No question is too simple, that's how we learn

 

Thanks for all the advise, you have all helped me out so much I didn’t expect this amount of replies.
I didn’t take into it the cost of running the heating for just chillies. My partner will have to make do with the chilli plants around the house until May haha.

 

I now have a s/h greenhouse and a fan heater ( not used it yet ) and have also bought two
8w propergators.
I was itching to try sowing something so I set some Marigold seed saved from last year and they're up. I know its too early but I've loads more seed to set at the right time. No sign of the lupins yet. Just playing.

Paul G

 

Sowing seeds and watching when they germinate still gives most gardeners a thrill One thing I did learn from GC was patience. Generally with a few exceptions only plant your annual flower seeds from early March. The daylight is longer and stronger, which helps the plants from getting leggy. You need to think on storing your seedlings around the house without getting into a domestic with your partner!
Its fine to have a little practice run with quick germinating Marigold seeds. Other very quick germinators are Zinnia and Cosmos.

 

quote "The daylight is longer and stronger, which helps the plants from getting leggy." unquote

This makes sense now I've thought about it. No fear of domestics as its just me and the cat.

Paul G

 

Little update. I have good growth on all my seeds .

planted some Indian chillies, red carribean chillies,green frenk chillies, padron peppers and then some lemon basil and lemon grass. All a good height now so I’m going to repot them the next couple of days and leave out of the propagator on a windowsill

what are we all sowing next?