a late night...

[Iamhanuman]

Last night was a late one, rolled into bed at 2am after crouching in a most uncomfortable position in our conservatory for ages potting up little paper roll and toilet roll tubes full of seed compost.
I had Gardeners Question Time on iplayer in the background and was thoroughly enjoying myself if a tad bit tired and achey!

I have planted:
3 Tomatillos
2 Cape Gooseberries
2 Mints
3 Basils
10 French Marigolds
2 Garden Pearl TOMS
5 Red Alert TOMS

I'm also sowing a tray of Winter Savory today.

I'm hoping i've done this okay. I found the toilet roll tubes easier to fill as I kind of scooped up the compost straight into them from the bag, but had to pour compost into the paper roll tubes as they were more delicate.
I then soaked the compost with a good bit of water, waited and popped the various seeds in, covering them accordingly and giving them a weeny bit more to drink to get them on their way.

Now the tray is up on the dresser and I will sit back and see what happens this week!

I am thinking of putting my first early potatoes out today with a bit of bubble wrap protection from the cold.

Need to get making more little tubes - wish I read a newspaper...

[HayleyB]

Did you cut the loo roll tubes in half?

I've got loads of loo roll tubes, given to me by friends and family, I have to wait a bit longer to use them though as my conservatory is not heated and my two heated propagators are full with chillis, aubergines and beefy toms.

[Eco-Chic]

I hoard the kitchen roll tubes and gift wrap tubes too and will be cutting those to size.

A poster on here pops a used teabag into the bottom of the cardboard tubes to retain compost and water. I thought that was a very cool tip

[HayleyB]

Now that is a VERY good idea

[Gwen11ian]

Use the top half of a plastic bottle as a funnel to fill cardboard tubes and paper pots. Wide mouth soda bottles work a treat.

[Eco-Chic]

Lol, was it you Hayley?

[Eco-Chic]

Thank you Gwen. That's another good idea

[Iamhanuman]

i think it was TEB who suggested the teabags and i've been doing it.
i'll remember the funnel idea!

i don't cut them in half as i don't really know how long the root systems are so i'm going for the benefit of the doubt

[Elliesmummy]

sounds like you've been busy,

didnt think about cutting the loo rolls down though, havent attempted the paper pots either but will be giving them a go sometime soon no doubt.

[Iamhanuman]

sounds like you've been busy,

didnt think about cutting the loo rolls down though, havent attempted the paper pots either but will be giving them a go sometime soon no doubt.

the paper rolls are easy and if you don't get through as many loo rolls as we do in this house, then they are a great standby.
i really thought they would collapse, but they're great, and now I know about the funnel (thanks Gwen!) i'll make loads more of them!!

once the seedlings sprout i'll take some pics

[yoanbob]

we have been using our loo rolls too, will try the teabag idea, does anyone microwave them for 30 seconds first? I read that on here ages ago, it stops fungi growing in them.

[Iamhanuman]

we have been using our loo rolls too, will try the teabag idea, does anyone microwave them for 30 seconds first? I read that on here ages ago, it stops fungi growing in them.

don't own a microwave
i know!!

[Noodles]

I forgot to microwave the first batch I planted but remembered for the 2nd so will be interested to see if it does make any difference.

[Elliesmummy]

we have been using our loo rolls too, will try the teabag idea, does anyone microwave them for 30 seconds first? I read that on here ages ago, it stops fungi growing in them.

is that what the white furry stuff is thats suddenly appeared on the outside of a couple of mine?
i noticed it earlier today.

[Jenegade]

I don't have a microwave either, but the loo rolls only seem to get mouldy if they are squashed up against each other and are too wet.

I like the tea bag and funnel ideas, will remember them for my next sowing day!