new to this, so what can I sow now

I have only really taken up gardening very recently and would like to know what I can grow at this time of the year. I have been looking at seeds to buy but am not really sure what I can sow at this time of the year as everything seems to be for sowing in the spring. Mainly looking at vegetables, although I would very much like some winter pansies in my planters.

 

Hi Paul to GC

I'm pretty new to all this gardening too, you will get all the advice, tips and help here as everyone is friendly and helpful.

I'm sure one of the members will be along soon to give you some advice and look forward to catching up with you in the forums

 

I have just sown 200 winter pansies Paul. Although they germinate fairly quickly they are slow to put on growth, so now is the time to get them underway.

I'm sorry, I can't help you with the veg I only grow tomatoes.

 

Hi Paul,

Sorry I'm in the same boat as Sheal on the veggie front however if you wait another month or so you can sow some hardy annuals direct into the ground which will give you flowers much earlier next spring/summer.

Examples are......

Cornflower, Calendula, Love in a mist ( Nigella ), Poached egg plant ( Limnanthes ), Annual Delphinium ( Larkspur ) and various Poppies including the wild red field Poppies and Opium Poppies.

 

Hi Paul, I had a wonder around the local garden centre today 50% off, and noticed that they had sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and a host of winter veg plants on offer, maybe this year you should just look at who is selling the cheapest and go for seed planting next year.... that's what I did and my poor freezer is bursting

 

Thanks for your help. I have sown some winter pansies for when the petunias finish in my planters, some salad leaves and herbs. Also some radish as well.
I will take your advice apple blossom and visit the garden centre to see what is on offer.

 

Further to this thread, I think I need to give you more info on my postage stamp sized garden.
I have just been out and measured it and it is 30ft long by 15ft wide so not very big. I have taken a couple of photos to give you some idea of what I have got. please ignore the mess at the bottom, I have still to tidy that up.
Down the south side is a 6ft brick wall and down the west side is a fence the same height. I also have a small greenhouse.
I am planning to grow some veg in planters and pots, but as you can see I like flowers too. I have read quite a lot on here and it seems I can grow just about anything within reason.
I would like some of your suggestions to get me going for next year, especially advice on sun and shade. One thing my garden is, is a nice sun trap, but along the wall at the base it is always shady, so veg that like shade here, if there are any.
I am looking forward to all your advice.

 

Can I double check this please Paul. If the wall and fence are opposite each other they can't be south and west.

You've certainly made the most of the wall with the planters.

 

sorry about that.
the wall runs down the south side and the fence down the north side

 

Perhaps it would be a good idea to order some seed catalogues for next year. You can buy seeds on E-bay but as a new gardener I wouldn't recommend you buy from there yet, some of the items being offered for sale and the sellers, aren't genuine. I've used Suttons for many years and also tried Unwins this year. I wouldn't recommend Thompson and Morgan, they haven't had a good reputation in the last few years.

The catalogues will supply information on seeds for flowers, fruit and veg and with plenty of pictures to help you make your choice. I like the catalogues, so I can sit and browse through them time and again but prefer to order online.

http://www.suttons.co.uk/

http://www.unwins.co.uk/

 

Hi Paul,
I agree with Sheal, Suttons are about the best out there in my opinion.
Another one to try is Chiltern Seeds ( sorry I cant put link up off my phone ).

 

That looks an excellent garden for growing veg/flowers/strawberries in guttering fixed to the wall. you could get masses of stuff growing in there. Have a look on you tube for growing in guttering and youll get the idea. Vertical gardening is the future.

 

I have just ordered my seed catalogue from Suttons. thank you for that info Sheal.

WeeTam, I was looking at using pots and planters, but I do like the sound of the guttering idea.
My petunias have worked really well this year having them on the wall.

 

You're welcome Paul. You'd best hide your wallet when you start looking through, resistance becomes low when you start to list what you would like.

The catalogue may not arrive until late autumn which is about the time they release the new one for next years seeds. Meanwhile you could order on line.