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Seed Sowing

Gardening

October Seed Sowing: A Guide to Flowers, Vegetables, and More

by Gregory April 20, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

October Seed Sowing Guide

Flowers to Sow in October

Primroses: These spring-flowering beauties need a cold period to germinate, so October is a great time to start them. Sow seeds thinly on peat-free compost in a cold frame.
Phacelia: This bee-friendly annual can still be grown as a green manure if you start early this month. Sow directly in well-prepared soil and dig in before it flowers and sets seed.
Violas: Sow violas this month for colorful blooms next spring. You can also propagate perennial violas by division in autumn.

Vegetables to Sow in October

Broad beans: Sow hardy broad beans towards the end of the month for earlier crops next year. Choose varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ for autumn sowing.
Cauliflowers: Start early summer cauliflowers under glass before hardening off in spring. Sow seeds in pots in a cold frame and transplant into the garden when seedlings are large enough.
Other vegetables to sow in October: Peas, onions, corn salad, winter purslane, winter lettuce

Other Gardening Tips for October

Mulching: Cover beds and borders with organic matter like compost or leaf mold to retain heat and moisture over winter.
Elephant garlic: Plant elephant garlic in October to give it a longer growing season. Place cloves pointy end up in well-prepared soil.
Windowsill herbs: Sow basil, coriander, and other herbs indoors on a sunny windowsill for tasty microgreens.
Indoor herbs: Bring mint and chives indoors this month for year-round harvesting. Place them on a south-facing windowsill.

Flower Gardening

Grow Stunning Strawflowers from Free Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

by Donna March 14, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Grow Stunning Strawflowers from Free Seeds in March

Introduction

Spring is here, and it’s time to start thinking about growing your own beautiful cut flowers. This year, you can get free flower seeds from the Free Seeds campaign. One of the varieties included in this year’s seed packet is the gorgeous strawflower, also known as Xerochrysum.

All About Strawflowers

Strawflowers are native to Australia and thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They produce stunning papery petals that make lovely cut flowers, both fresh and dried. They’re also a great addition to any garden border and attract bees.

How to Grow Strawflowers from Seed

Materials:

Strawflower seeds
Module trays or seed trays
Sieved compost
Vermiculite (optional)
Watering tray

Steps:

Prepare your trays: Fill your module trays or seed trays with sieved compost. Tap the trays on a bench to remove any air pockets and distribute the compost evenly.
Sow the seeds: Sow two to three strawflower seeds per cell. Cover them lightly with a layer of sieved vermiculite or compost, but don’t cover them entirely.
Water: Place the seed trays in a tray of water so the compost is moistened from underneath. You can also cover the trays with a plastic lid to keep the compost from drying out.
Temperature: Keep the seeds at a temperature between 15-20°C for best germination results.
Germination: The seeds should germinate within 14-21 days.

Tips for Growing Strawflowers

Pinch out the leading stem: When the plants are about 25cm high, pinch out the leading stem to encourage more flowering stems and produce a bushier plant.
Support plants: If you have a windy garden, you may need to support individual plants with a cane.
Thin seedlings: Once the seedlings appear, thin them out by removing the weakest seedlings and leaving the strongest plant to grow on.
Harden off: Before planting your seedlings outdoors, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Plant outdoors: Plant your strawflowers outdoors after your last frost date.

Other Free Seeds and Growing Tips

In addition to strawflowers, the Free Seeds campaign also offers a variety of other flower seeds. You can find details of which seeds you can receive and when on the campaign website.

The website also provides growing advice for all 12 packs of free seeds, including tips on sowing, watering, and caring for your plants.

Growing Echium from Seed

In addition to strawflowers, I’m also growing Echium ‘Blue Bedder’ from seed this year. Echiums are beautiful plants with striking blue flowers that are attractive to pollinators.

I sowed my Echium seeds in a tray of compost and was delighted when they germinated in just a week! Once the seedlings had a set of true leaves, I pricked them out into individual pots and left them to grow on in a cooler spot in my polytunnel.

I’ll keep you updated on the progress of my Echium plants and my other free seed varieties. I can’t wait to see them all in bloom!

Gardening

Seed Sowing Masterclass: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Seed Sowing

by Gregory February 29, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Seed Sowing Masterclass: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Seed Sowing

Seed sowing is an essential gardening skill that can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, following these steps and tips will help you achieve great results when sowing seeds.

Choosing the Right Compost

The foundation for successful seed sowing is choosing the right compost. The key is to provide your seeds with a nutrient-rich, well-draining medium that will support their growth. Look for a compost that is specifically designed for seed sowing, as it will contain the right balance of nutrients and organic matter.

Before sowing your seeds, it’s important to warm the compost to room temperature. This will help to speed up germination. You should also make sure that the compost is not compacted, as this can hinder root development.

Sowing Seeds in Trays and Pots

Once you have chosen the right compost, it’s time to decide whether to sow your seeds in trays or pots. Seed trays are a good option for small seeds, while pots are better for larger seeds.

When sowing seeds in trays, fill the tray with compost and gently firm it down. Then, make shallow furrows in the compost and sow your seeds thinly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost and water gently.

When sowing seeds in pots, fill the pot with compost and make a small hole in the center. Place the seed in the hole and cover it with compost. Water gently.

Sowing Seeds Outdoors

Many plants, such as hardy annuals, can be sown directly outdoors in the autumn or spring. Before sowing, check that the soil is warm enough for vegetable seeds. You can do this by sticking your finger in the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is warm to the touch, it’s warm enough to sow seeds.

Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. Then, make shallow furrows in the soil and sow your seeds thinly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently.

Pricking Out Seedlings

Once your seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, it’s time to prick them out. This means transplanting them into individual pots or containers.

To prick out seedlings, gently lift them out of the seed tray or pot using a spoon or fork. Be careful not to damage the roots. Then, make a small hole in the new pot or container and place the seedling in the hole. Fill the hole with compost and firm it down gently.

Water the seedlings well and place them in a warm, sunny spot.

Additional Seed Sowing Tips

Nine easy flowers to start from seed: poppies, marigolds, sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, nasturtiums, calendula, sweet peas, and lupines.
Your seed sowing year: plan your seed sowing schedule based on the last frost date in your area.
Simple guide to sowing seed: follow these step-by-step instructions for successful seed sowing.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to seed-sowing success. With a little practice, you’ll be able to grow beautiful and healthy plants from seed.

Gardening

Seed Sowing in May: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Experts

by Gregory February 7, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Seed Sowing in May: Tips and Techniques

Introduction

May is a great time to sow seeds and get your garden growing. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to get your hands in the soil this month. In this article, we’ll share some seed sowing advice and ideas from BBC Gardeners’ World experts Monty Don and Adam Frost.

Seed Sowing Advice for May

While you may have already sown some seeds earlier in the spring, there are still many crops that you can sow in May. Some popular choices for this month include:

Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplants
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Beans
Peas
Carrots
Beets

When sowing seeds in May, it’s important to keep in mind the last frost date for your area. This is the date after which you can expect all danger of frost to have passed. You can find the last frost date for your area by searching online or contacting your local Cooperative Extension office.

How to Make Soil Blocks for Seed Sowing

Monty Don demonstrates how to make soil blocks for seed sowing as part of his ongoing effort to reduce plastic usage in the garden. Soil blocks are a great way to start seeds because they are easy to make, biodegradable, and help to improve germination rates.

To make soil blocks, you will need:

A soil blocker
Potting mix
Water

Fill the soil blocker with potting mix and press down firmly.
Water the potting mix until it is evenly moist.
Use the soil blocker to create the soil blocks.
Sow your seeds in the soil blocks and cover them with a thin layer of potting mix.
Water the soil blocks gently and place them in a warm, sunny location.

Sowing Less-Common Crops from Seed

Adam Frost demonstrates how to sow agretti and kohlrabi, two less-common crops that can be grown from seed.

Agretti: Agretti is a leafy green vegetable that is popular in Italy. It can be sown in May and will be ready to harvest in about 6 weeks.
Kohlrabi: Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family that is grown for its edible bulb. It can be sown in May and will be ready to harvest in about 8 weeks.

Tips for Improving Germination Rates

If you are having trouble getting your seeds to germinate, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success:

Make sure that the seeds are fresh.
Sow the seeds at the correct depth.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Provide the seeds with plenty of light.

Growing Kohlrabi from Seed

Adam Frost shows how to sow kohlrabi, an unusual-looking member of the cabbage family. Kohlrabi is easier to grow than some other brassicas, such as swedes, and it is ready to be harvested from around eight weeks.

When growing kohlrabi from seed, it is important to choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate. Some popular varieties include:

‘Azur Star’ (purple)
‘White Vienna’ (white)
‘Gigante’ (green)

Kohlrabi can be cooked in a variety of ways, including:

Steaming
Boiling
Roasting
Stir-frying

Conclusion

Seed sowing is a great way to get your garden growing and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long. By following these tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of success and have a bountiful harvest.

Winter Gardening

Winter Wonderland at Le Manoir: Michelin-Starred Lunch, Cookery Demo, and Gardening Delights

by Donna January 25, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons: A Winter Celebration

Introduction

Get ready for a winter wonderland experience at the renowned Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond Hotel. In February 2024, we invite you to celebrate the end of winter with a day filled with luxury and winter fun.

Michelin-Starred Lunch and Cookery Demonstration

Indulge in a delectable three-course Michelin-starred lunch, showcasing the culinary artistry of Le Manoir’s expert chefs. Following the exquisite meal, embark on a captivating cookery demonstration, where you’ll learn the secrets behind crafting a warming winter dish.

Micro-Herb Seed-Sowing Workshop

Immerse yourself in the world of gardening with a hands-on micro-herb seed-sowing workshop. Learn the techniques of planting and growing your own micro-herbs. Take home your very own propagators filled with the seeds you planted, allowing you to nurture and enjoy fresh micro-herbs at home.

Meet Raymond Blanc, Chef Patron

Prepare to be greeted by the legendary chef patron of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Raymond Blanc. Engage in a delightful conversation and gain insights into his culinary philosophy and passion for gardening.

Explore the Beautiful Gardens

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting gardens and orchards of Le Manoir. Admire the vibrant colors and lush greenery, including the authentic Japanese Tea Garden.

Gardeners’ World Magazine Goody Bag

As a special memento of your memorable day, receive a complimentary Gardeners’ World Magazine goody bag, filled with gardening tips and inspiration.

Additional Highlights

Enjoy a warm welcome and attentive service from our knowledgeable staff.
Take part in a champagne reception to celebrate the occasion.
Wander through the picturesque gardens and orchards, discovering hidden gems.
Leave with a newfound appreciation for gardening and culinary arts.

Exclusive Winter Celebration at Le Manoir

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the magic of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons during the winter season. Indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine, learn gardening secrets, meet the renowned chef patron, and create lasting memories in a truly enchanting setting.

Book your Winter Celebration today and embark on an unforgettable journey of luxury and winter fun!

Gardening

Gardening Trends for 2024: Plan for a Beautiful and Thriving Garden

by Gregory January 14, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Gardening Trends for 2024

Introduction

Winter is a great time to start planning for your garden in the new year. What gardening trends might be popular in 2024? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Continuing Trends

Some gardening trends from recent years are expected to continue in 2024. These include:

Pollinator plants: Growing plants that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, is important for the environment.
Growing your own food: Growing your own fruits and vegetables at home or in a community garden is a great way to save money and eat healthier.
Vertical planting: Growing plants vertically, such as on walls or trellises, is a great way to save space, especially in small gardens.

New Trends for 2024

In addition to the continuing trends, there are also some new gardening trends to watch for in 2024. These include:

Goth gardening: This trend celebrates dark and mysterious colors in the garden, such as deep purples, nearly black flowers, and dark foliage.
Cyber lime: This bright and unusual color is expected to be popular in gardens in 2024. It pairs well with other colors, such as fuchsias, oranges, and pinks.
Green gardening: Green is the color of the year for gardening in 2024. This trend emphasizes the importance of plants and nature in our lives.

Planning Your Garden for 2024

Now is a great time to start planning your garden for 2024. Here are a few things to consider:

Review your garden: Take a look at your garden and identify any areas that you would like to change or improve.
Set goals: What do you want to achieve in your garden in 2024? Do you want to grow more of your own food? Create a more beautiful space? Attract more wildlife?
Research: Learn about new gardening trends and techniques. There are many resources available online and in libraries.
Make a plan: Once you have a good understanding of what you want to achieve, you can start to make a plan for your garden. This plan should include a list of the plants you want to grow, a layout of your garden, and a timeline for your projects.

Challenging Yourself in the Garden

Gardening is a great way to challenge yourself and learn new things. Here are a few ideas for challenges you can set for yourself in 2024:

Try a new gardening technique: There are always new gardening techniques to learn. Why not try something new this year, such as vertical planting or raised bed gardening?
Grow a new plant: If you’re looking for a challenge, try growing a new plant that you’ve never grown before. This could be a rare or unusual plant, or simply a plant that you’ve always wanted to try.
Create a new garden feature: If you want to add some excitement to your garden, try creating a new feature, such as a water garden, a rock garden, or a seating area.

Rebooting Your Garden

If your garden is looking a little tired, it may be time for a reboot. Here are a few tips:

Start with a clean slate: Remove any dead or dying plants, and clear away any debris.
Replenish the soil: Add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.
Add new plants: Choose plants that are suited to your climate and growing conditions.
Mulch around your plants: Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden in 2024.

Vegetable Gardening

Growing Edibles in March: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Gregory August 26, 2021

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Growing Edibles in March: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to start thinking about growing your own delicious fruits and vegetables. March is a great month to get started, as the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of the growing season:

Sowing Seeds Outdoors

March is a great time to sow seeds outdoors, as the soil is warming up and the days are getting longer. Some of the vegetables that you can sow in March include carrots, salad leaves, spring onions, and beetroot.

To sow seeds outdoors, first check the ground temperature. It should be at least 10 degrees Celsius for a few hours during the day to guarantee germination. You can use a soil thermometer to check the temperature, or you can simply feel the soil with your hand. If it feels warm to the touch, it’s warm enough to sow seeds.

Next, prepare the soil by raking it to remove any weeds or debris. Then, use a hoe to create a shallow drill, about 2cm deep. Water the drill thoroughly, then sow the seeds thinly along the bottom of the drill. Cover the seeds with soil and tamp it down gently.

Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. You should see germination within a couple of weeks.

Growing Tomatoes in a Greenhouse

If you have a greenhouse, you can start growing tomatoes in March. To do this, you will need to move your tomato seedlings from their seed trays into individual pots.

Fill 9cm pots with a mix of peat-free potting compost and John Innes no 3. Firm the compost into the pots, then make a deep hole in the center of each pot with a dibber.

Carefully remove the tomato seedlings from their seed trays, being careful not to damage the roots. Place each seedling in a hole, and gently firm the compost around the roots. Water the seedlings well.

Place the pots on a bench in the greenhouse, and keep them warm and moist. In a few weeks, the seedlings will be ready to be planted outdoors.

Harvesting Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that is easy to grow and produces a delicious tart flavor. March is a great time to harvest rhubarb, as the stems are still sweet and tender.

To harvest rhubarb, simply grip the stem near the base and give it a firm twist to pull it away from the crown. Trim off the thin sheath that surrounds the stem before cooking.

Stop harvesting rhubarb from young plants by the summer to give them a chance to recover and strengthen for longer picking next year.

Planting Potatoes

Potatoes are a staple food crop that is easy to grow in the home garden. March is a good time to plant early potatoes, as they will be ready to harvest in 10-12 weeks.

To plant potatoes, dig a trench 10-15cm deep. Space the potatoes about 30cm apart and have the chits or small shoots facing up. Cover the tubers back over with soil.

In as little as a fortnight, the shoots will emerge and need frost protection. You can either rake loose soil over them or cover them with straw and compost.

Keep earthing up the potatoes as they grow to block the light from the new potatoes.

Additional Tips

Keep a record of when you plant your seeds and potatoes. This will help you to track their progress and know when to expect a harvest.
Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilize your plants every few weeks to give them the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
Protect your plants from pests and diseases by using organic methods such as companion planting and crop rotation.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables from your own garden all season long.

Gardening

Seed Sowing in July: A Guide to Bountiful Harvests and Beautiful Blooms

by Gregory February 29, 2020

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Seed Sowing for a Bountiful Garden in July

Introduction

July is an ideal time to continue expanding your garden by sowing seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. With the warm temperatures and ample sunlight, many plants thrive and produce delicious harvests or beautiful blooms.

Vegetables to Sow in July

Kohlrabi:

This unique-looking vegetable is easy to grow and provides a delicate, slightly sweet taste. Sow seeds directly in July, making sure to thin out seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Harvest kohlrabi when the swollen stems reach tennis-ball size.

Welsh Onion:

Welsh onions are a versatile alternative to chives. Sow seeds thinly in rows in well-drained soil. They can be harvested young for salads or left to mature for use in various dishes.

Swiss Chard:

Swiss chard is a leafy green that provides spinach-like leaves throughout the growing season. Sow seeds in a sunny spot with fertile soil. Thin seedlings to allow for healthy growth.

Winter Radishes:

For a spicy addition to salads and stews, sow winter radish seeds in July. These radishes grow larger than summer radishes and can be stored for later use.

Herbs to Sow in July

Parsley:

Parsley is a nutritious herb that can be used in many dishes. Sow seeds in shallow drills in moist soil. Keep soil well-watered until germination occurs.

Sorrel:

Sorrel is a perennial herb with a tangy flavor that adds a unique touch to salads, soups, and omelets. Sow seeds in containers or well-prepared soil in full sun or partial shade.

Biennial Flowers to Sow in July

Sweet Rocket:

This fragrant biennial flower attracts butterflies and bees with its abundant white or purple blooms. Sow seeds directly in raked soil in sun or partial shade.

Honesty:

Honesty is an old-fashioned favorite that adds spring color to borders and attracts pollinators. Sow seeds in well-prepared soil in partial shade in June or early July.

Sweet Williams:

Sweet Williams are vibrant cottage garden stalwarts that come in a variety of colors. Sow seeds directly in July in moist, well-drained soil. Thin out seedlings to allow for optimal growth.

Tips for Sustainable Gardening

Use Peat-Free Compost:

When sowing seeds, opt for peat-free compost to improve the sustainability of your gardening practices. Peat-free compost can be purchased online or at nurseries and garden centers.

Make Your Own Compost:

For the most environmentally friendly option, make your own compost using a mixture of leaf mould and garden compost or soil. This provides a low-nutrient, free-draining medium that is ideal for seed sowing.

Conclusion

By following these tips and sowing seeds in July, you can reap the rewards of delicious harvests and beautiful blooms throughout the growing season and beyond.

Vegetable Gardening

February Gardening: A Comprehensive Guide to Sowing and Growing Success

by Gregory January 27, 2020

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

February Gardening: What to Sow and Grow

Spring is in the Air

The long winter wait is finally over! It’s February, and while the frost and rain may still be lingering, you can almost smell the spring in the air. That means it’s time to start sowing seeds again!

Greenhouse Crops and Bedding Plants

For now, it’s safest to focus on greenhouse crops and bedding plants. These plants need a head start to thrive in the coming season.

Tomatoes: A World of Flavors

Tomatoes are a must-have for any garden. With over 10,000 varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. Start with a reliable salad tomato like ‘Ailsa Craig’ and then experiment with something unusual, like a juicy beefsteak or a sweet cherry tomato.

Jerusalem Artichokes: Easy and Nutritious

Jerusalem artichokes are incredibly easy to grow. Plant just one or two tubers now, and they’ll quickly multiply into a clump of tall stems topped with cheerful yellow sunflowers in the summer. Dig up the knobbly, nutty tubers in the winter, leaving some behind to resprout next year.

Sweet Peas: A Fragrant Delight

Sweet peas are known for their gorgeous flowers and intoxicating fragrance. Grow them up hazel wigwams for a stunning display or train them up individual supports for long, straight stems perfect for cutting. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering.

French Marigolds: Beauty and Pest Control

French marigolds are a cheerful addition to any garden. They’re easy to grow from seed and provide a splash of sunshiney color all summer long. Plant them under tomatoes in the greenhouse to deter whitefly, which hates their distinctive smell.

Tips for Success

Choose a reliable seed supplier to ensure high-quality seeds.
Start seeds indoors in a warm, sunny location.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting them outdoors.
Water plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize plants according to the package directions.

February Gardening Calendar

To Do:

Sow tomatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, sweet peas, and French marigolds indoors.
Start hardening off seedlings.
Prepare garden beds for transplanting.

Don’t Forget:

Check for pests and diseases regularly.
Deadhead flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

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