Probably not a smart move...

[Nickerly]

I got a bit fed up with all my seedlings (basil, tomatoes, peppers, coriander, radishes) being indoors on the window sill so I planted them all outside last weekend.

The peppers are flourishing - weird as the seeds came from an actual pepper I was eating, the coriander is ok, the basil is dead all bar two shoots (but I can never grow basil) and my tomatoes are all dead as door nails (but to be fair the seeds came from an actual Tesco value tomato - can you see a pattern here )

I also planted all my other seeds - runner beans, sweet peas, salad mix, rocket, tomatoes, carrots, coriander, basil - my theory being that if they could survive and grow then they would be quite hardy plants that could survive absent mindedness and neglect.

Runner beans and salad have popped up, but not much else. Will have to keep an eye on it...

This is my first garden btw - live in a postage-stamp sized flat with a balcony so everything is planted in pots and containers and covered with chopped-up plastic bottles to make mini-greenhouses.

Worried the neighbours think I am trying to grow bottles

[FionaH]

I would get the peppers back indoors, they dont like the cold

[Flummery]

You're likely to lose the runner beans too. It really does pay to read the packet and be guided by times for sowing or planting outdoors. I haven't sown most of my toms or any of my climbing beans yet, even indoors. I am a tad further north than you but even so, I would suggest you stick to the salads and cabbage family for a while till it warms up.

Good luck. Once you learn patience (that was a joke - we're ALL impatient here!) you'll get hooked!

[Nickerly]

I think you two are right

FionaH - but my boyfriend is getting annoyed at muddy window sills and water being liberally sprinkled around computer wires!

Flummery - I am so impatient, it's untrue. I should really have waited and bought seedlings so that I could see them growing. This bit really frustrates me.

Most of the packets said sow late March-April onwards apart from the things I grew from food in my fridge. Was a bit dubious about planting the tomatoes outside, but was being impatient!

I am going to be prodding the earth every day for the next few weeks until the novelty wears off or things actually grow I think.

Would it make a difference if I bought a mini greenhouse and stored them all in there?

[FionaH]

I think you two are right

FionaH - but my boyfriend is getting annoyed at muddy window sills and water being liberally sprinkled around computer wires!

Would it make a difference if I bought a mini greenhouse and stored them all in there?

Tell him it will be worth it when he has lovely new veg to eat.
Plastic greenhouses are very useful, but under advice, I am keeping my toms, peppers and aubergines indoors till all risk of frost is gone.

[Eyren]

I got a bit fed up with all my seedlings (basil, tomatoes, peppers, coriander, radishes) being indoors on the window sill so I planted them all outside last weekend.

Noooooo!

my theory being that if they could survive and grow then they would be quite hardy plants that could survive absent mindedness and neglect.

Unfortunately that's not the way it works! I'm right with you on the "should be able to tolerate a bit of neglect" thing - I'm a bit absentminded myself, so anything too fussy and attention-seeking ain't gonna survive my tender care! - but some types of plant are just not hardy and putting them out in the cold will kill them, full stop.

The sweet peas, carrots and salad mix should be fine, coriander ditto with some sunshine and frost protection, but tomatoes, basil and runner beans are all frost-tender and will very definitely die if put out before the last frosts. You have been warned

[Nickerly]

Back to the window sill with them then and fingers crossed for sunnier weather soon

I knew it was a bad idea even when I did it. Going to have to leave work dead on time to move the 'Tryphids' as they have been dubbed back indoors before he gets in..

[FionaH]

Suggest he moves out till May
But make sure he leaves the pc

[Nickerly]

May?! April is going to be a long, argumentative month...

Obviously going to bring toms, basil and beans inside, but would covering the others with a frame made out of coat hangars and clingfilm do anything to keep them warm?

Should add that our balcony is sunny, sheltered - has a room, and is kept very warm by virtue of the fact that bf likes to keep the house sauna-like hot, as do all the neighbours.

Also has a metal floor which feels quite warm underfoot.

[Two_Sheds]

Nickerly, you also need to learn about Hardening Off.

You can't just plunk seedlings from the warm cosy indoors straight outside where they will face chill winds and low night temperatures.

You need to harden off.
This means gradually introducing your seedlings to the great outdoors ... take them out on nice days for a few hours, and gradually increase the time outside over 10-14 days.

Yes, it's tedious.
But they will then stand some chance of survival

[Nickerly]

Nickerly, you also need to learn about Hardening Off.

You need to harden off.
This means gradually introducing your seedlings to the great outdoors ... take them out on nice days for a few hours, and gradually increase the time outside over 10-14 days.

Yes, it's tedious.
But they will then stand some chance of survival

I have just Googled this 'Harden Off' of which you speak

Ok, have found some good advice for growing stout, stocky tomato seedlings which will survive being planted outside in May.

Will try again when I get home tonight.

I've been planting seedlings in toilet rolls tubes and egg cartons so that I can put them straight in the earth with minimum shock. Is this actually a good idea?

[spennysaint]

but my boyfriend is getting annoyed at muddy window sills and water being liberally sprinkled around computer wires!

if you don't move the pots you don't see the muddy windowsill
Move the computer, problem solved

Where abouts in london are you?

[Eyren]

I've been planting seedlings in toilet rolls tubes and egg cartons so that I can put them straight in the earth with minimum shock. Is this actually a good idea?

Yes




That was all I was going to say, but the forum software says my message has to be at least ten characters

[Nickerly]

Oh good - i was worried it was a bit like my Sparta-like approach to seedings.

[Alice]

Nickerly, I think if you wait a month and try again you will get on better. Some things can be started early and forced on a month, but only if you know what you are doing and can provide the right conditions artificially. Just be patient, wait a month and go from there. You'll get better results. Good luck.