ok here's a true begineers post

[Fezinio]

I was just wondering.

If i germinate some seeds now in a indoor propergator which were supposed to be planted in spring but kept them indoors would i get any plants and therefore have an head start for next year?

I was thinking of starting some chilli's and peppers now.

Any advice gratly appreciated.

Many thanks

Fezinio

[annie trip]

Am sure someone else will help to but think your too early, wouldnt bother. Frustrating sometimes when you want to get going. Do you not fancy planting anything else like onions or garlic???

[Fezinio]

Hi

I have already planted onion and garlic outdoors after reading in the GYO magazine to plant on october

My onions got little thin shoots already but the garlic has got about 2-3inch shoots. Don't know if this is good or not but its really exciting.

The reason i asked about the chillis is because a friend of mine reckons his plant has fruit all year round. He keeps it indoors. He did say during the winter there is not so many but it still fruits.

If the house is warm and enough light is present won't they germinate and therefore grow and eventually flower?

Fexinio

[bramble]

Hi Fezinio, welcome to the vine. No,sowing seed won't give you a headstart for the spring i'm afraid. Its not just a case of keeping the seedlings warm indoors. You need the sun and lots of daylight hours. You will not get enough of these to keep your s3edlings groeing. As well as all that central heating is the kiss of death to seedlings.
You would be far better off waiting until the beginning of March.
If you have some space outdoors why not plant onion sets or garlic cloves. You can also sow beans, winter cabbage and am sure theres a few more.
Know how you feel. Its hard to be patient but it will be worth while in the long run.

[Snadger]

Its not only sunlight and heat required, plants are dependant on the day length, which at this time of year isn't very long.!!

You can grow anything at anytime if you have simulated daylight with(growlamps) turned on and off to adjust day length , heat, & moisture
.
It is not economically viable and is highly specialised I fear!

Far better wait until Spring and sow at the appropriate time!

[Earthbabe]

Hi Fezinio and welcome. As well as all the above many seeds have a natural inbuilt dormancy so they have a natural timing that triggers germination. If you are really desperate to keep growing things you can still get crops of mustard, cress and sprouting seeds. Not as exciting but it gives you extra fresh veggies especially for your lunchtime sandwiches.

There are some things that can be planted in Jan/Feb for transplanting but it depends on variety as well as location. I'm thinking onions from seed, some brassicas such as summer cabbages and of course come late Feb you can get parsnips underway.

The others are right it is best to wait for the main rush of sowing and planting and concentrate on winter maintenance, planning and purchasing.

[Alice]

Hello Fezinio, you would be able to germinate seeds indoors now BUT, as others have said, there is just not enough light to grow plants on. Wait until spring. If your desperate you can get started in February.

[JennieAtkinson]

Welcome to the Vine Fezinio. Know what you mean about wanting to plant something - we all just like coiled springs waiting to get going again!

[Fezinio]

Thanks for all the advice, its my first year of growing things and im well hooked.

There is nothing better than eating what you have grown yourself.

I have managed to grow peppers, chillis and spring onions this year and i was well chuffed.

I now have a green house, i am building a second kind of greenhouse/shelter down of the side of my house (its about 2ft by 8ft long and just wasted space) and me and mrs Fezinio are going to dig a 4ft by 12ft patch in the back garden so i am champing at the bit.

I am trying to adventure out a little this time around a grow enough for a decent stir fry

[Alice]

Hello Fezinio, with that amount of space you will be able to grow lots. But wait until spring. Spend the time now planning the best use you can get from your space. Decide what you want and come back for advice. You could definately have all the salad you want with salad potatoes, carrots, turnips, green beans, squash .... whatever. Have a think and plan well.

[Earthbabe]

Now is a good time for feeding the soil and when you've planned what goes where making sure you've put the right nutrients in - e.g. liming for brassicas.

[Fezinio]

Hi again all,

well i have been working hard (well the worms and bugs have) making compost to spread over my little garden patch.

I have a 330 ltr bin and its almost full. I have beem filling it for about 4 months bow. Anybody got any advice with this?

I have managed to fill with all the usual stuff including the neices horses manure and seewed. Anything i should be adding or doing to it?

Fezinio