Direct sow?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Fat Controller, Mar 28, 2021.

  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2012
    Messages:
    26,223
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Public Transport
    Location:
    At me 'puter, GCHQ Ashford Office, Middlesex
    Ratings:
    +48,882
    I am late starting (again) this year, and am wondering what I will get away with direct sowing... things like beetroot should be fine, not least as I am going to do them in our barrels, but what about things like peas, French beans?

    Sweetcorn I wouldn't risk as it is a battle to stop the mice nicking them even when they are started in the greenhouse.

    Spring onions should be OK? Never had any success with them, but going to give them a shot again.

    I assume leeks can't be direct sown?

    What of brassicas?

    I can provide a full list of what I have if it is of interest.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • shiney

      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

      Joined:
      Jul 3, 2006
      Messages:
      61,004
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired - Last Century!!!
      Location:
      Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
      Ratings:
      +117,311
      We tend to never direct sow as you're not going to know whether they have been got at by wildlife etc. We sow indoors and bring them on either indoors until germinated or in the greenhouse.

      Definitely too early to plant out things like beans. The seeds may just rot if the weather isn't right. You shouldn't even sow beans indoors until mid April. We do some earlier because we have plenty of beans and if they germinate quickly we're able to keep them protected from frosts.
       
      • Agree Agree x 2
      • Like Like x 1
      • Alisa

        Alisa Super Gardener

        Joined:
        Apr 21, 2014
        Messages:
        527
        Gender:
        Female
        Location:
        Portsmouth, Hampshire
        Ratings:
        +1,551
        Beetroots, spring onions (seeds), peas are always successful for me sown directly. Lettuces are ok in greenhouse, but sown directly outside they partially disappear. I surround sowings with crushed eggshells.
        My garden has brick walls all around, no rabbits etc. Just birds and squirrels.
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

          Joined:
          May 5, 2012
          Messages:
          26,223
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Public Transport
          Location:
          At me 'puter, GCHQ Ashford Office, Middlesex
          Ratings:
          +48,882
          I would love to not have to direct sow, but truthfully I don't have the space to bring enough on in the greenhouse to avoid doing to.

          I can net stuff (I think I still have netting somewhere) to offer some protection.

          Ran into a bit of a brick wall for today though sadly - the compost we had (not a lot to be fair) is now dryer than a dry mans dry thing, so not a hope of sowing anything in it. Will need to pick up some compost on the way home tomorrow.
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice