need advice

[cobby]

hi im new to the vine and still finding my way around my veg plot in the garden. had my first year growing last year , it was a bit of a rush job to get stuff in , but had a good crop , was well happy with what i got. i have started growing by seed this year in a polly tunnel, prob trying to run before i can walk , but what the hell the only way is up.im just wondering if starting them this early in the tunnel is going to be ok with out extra heat in it. i havelined it with bubble wrap , andthe benches with polystyrene ect. any help in this matter would be greatfully recieved.

[sewer rat]

Hi Cobby
Your tunnel sounds well insulated anyway.
Mine isn't insulated at all andis in a fairly (well okay then, very) exposed site. I won't be sowing anything til March other than chillies which I'll start on the windowsill above the kitchen boiler.
Having said that, I did sow some rocket and flat leaf parsley in old (but well-washed) polystyrene fish boxes in the tunnel just before Christmas and they have now reached the first true leaf stage - so the milder winters are definitely a boon so far.
What seeds have you sown - some mmight be okay, but there are some that you may have jumped the gun with. Let us know so we may help further.

[Alice]

Welcome to the vine Cobby. Like Rat says I think it depends on what you are growing and where you are. I have itchy planting fingers and have good success with early plantings of some things. Other things are much better left until later, and can depend on this years weather. Last year early spring was fabulous and I had great success with Pak Choi as an early crop. I think it is always down to how much of a gamble you are prepared to take. Good luck and do let us know how you get on. I'm always trying to extend the growing season.

[Hans Mum]

welcome from me too.......dont worry too much last year was so topsy turvey weather wise it can only get better this year cant it? have fun & enjoy veggie growing

[shirlthegirl43]

Hello and welcome to the vine. Lucky you having a polytunnel. I have been seriously considering working out the cost of roofing my whole garden cos the weather here has been so weird!

[wellie]

Now, Now Shirl... control yourself... deep breaths girl!
Cobby, welcome - I'm only a year on this forum myself, and have learned so much.
Rat is hugely right, and to be honest, the light levels at this time of year are definitely lacking, so what you might make up with heat, you fall down on with light.
It's tricky indeed, but if you can wait until March, you'll make it up 'leaps and bounds'.

My best wishes to you for your first season on here.
X

[Nicos]

Hello- and welcome to the Vine cobby!
Yes, it is very early to have sown seeds as they tend to get long and leggy looking for light , and so the main stem is weakened.
Don't worry though, some plants like tomatoes can be planted deeper when you pot them on which will help to compensate.
Having said all that, you'll probably prove me wrong now!!!
What are you growing ????