Magazine seeds - sowing idea and a Challenge!

[veggiechicken]

I'm sure we're all subscribers to Grow your Own Magazine which, this year, has been generously giving away multiple packets of seeds with every issue - often as many as 10 packets at a time .
I've been adding them to my seed stash but not sowing them, as they're often duplicates of seeds I already have or a variety I don't grow.

However, most types of veg have been given away and I'm thinking of a new Sowing Challenge for myself in the months ahead - to grow a few seeds from each packet that is given with the magazine.

Additionally, to grow each of the seeds from the Vine Seed Circles and other seed swaps.

If we all did this, we'd have identical gardens. OK, I know you won't, because it takes a special degree in Nutterdom to try this.................but everyone is welcome to join in, even if you're not fully qualified.

[Small pumpkin]

I’m not going to join you this time VC. I’m not a subscriber .
I like your plan though, I’ll be watching with interest

[weegie]

Sounds fun but my garden is not nearly big enough....

[veggiechicken]

I'm sure you could fit in one carrot, one cabbage, one lettuce, etc, weegie.

[Bren In Pots]

VC I'm another one watching this with interest
Between my saved seeds and the mag I usually don't need to buy any other seeds especially since they now include parsnip seeds. I have more seeds than space so after I've taken out what I know I'll grow the rest go to the local Hospice charity shop.

[weegie]

I'm sure you could fit in one carrot, one cabbage, one lettuce, etc, weegie.

Ye-es, but....if the mag gives away 10 packets a month that's potentially 120 different plants , and my veggie patch is already full. But I'll happily follow your progresss in this latest challenge of yours.

[veggiechicken]

This is just one little bit of my Challenge - because I also, sometimes, buy the "other" gardening magazine - if there are lots of free seeds with it.
Then there are the seed circles on the Vine - Flowers, All-in, Tomatoes, Peas and beans!
.......and the Cottage Garden Society has a seed exchange
......and, I've just bought 40 packets of random Vegetable & herb seeds from Chiltern Seeds and they arrived this morning. https://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item...erbs_5_packets

Great selection, only a couple of duplicates, and a few things I've never grown before but will do now.

So my Challenge to me is to try to grow everything that I acquire - whether I fancy it or not - and, crucially, not to buy any more seeds unless they are a stupendous bargain.

........and, did I say, to dispose of all my out of date seeds so that I stop wasting time and effort trying to germinate them when I could be growing fresh seeds instead.

Phew!! Am I really going to do this.............need to lie down.

[rary]

Best of luck to you VC hope everything grows the way you envision it

[veggiechicken]

Agretti

Agretti aka Salsola Soda aka Friar's/Monk's Beard aka Liscari sativa

One of the seeds I had from Chiltern Seeds yesterday. The packet advises that the seed has short viability and to sow asap. Soak for 24 hours prior to sowing.

The "short germination " was news to me and reading up, apparently only 30-40% of seeds are viable and "Real seeds" say its not really a seed but a "rolled up plant"!

Embarrassingly, I already have some of these "seeds", bought in 2017. Seems they are beyond hope now.

The fresh seeds are in soaking..............and so are the old ones. You wouldn't expect me to chuck them out, would you?

Anyone else with lurking Agretti?

[veggiechicken]

Beetroot - Egyptian Turnip-rooted & DFBs Traviata & Anellino di Trento

Sown some more Chiltern Seeds
The Egyptian Turnip-rooted beetroot sound interesting as the roots develop mostly above ground so you can see the size of them before you pull them
DFB Traviata - for small gardens and containers and "laden with beans".
DFB Anellino di Trento with pink flowers and curly, purple mottled beans. What's not to like about those?
I've only sown 6 of each bean as I'm confident they'll be viable again next year.

[Chrissyteacup]

Oh this does look like fun vc but I don’t order the catalog and don’t have all that much space!! I’ve ordered some of those end of stock seeds from chiltern seeds (just the three pack of five) can’t wait to see what comes!

[veggiechicken]

I'm excited for you, Chrissy! I used to buy the flower seed bargain basement seeds at the end of the year and tell myself I couldn't open them until Chr******. It would last about an hour before I'd weakened and was tearing open the packets to see what was in there.

[Chrissyteacup]

I’m not pretending I’m not opening them as soon as they arrive! Far too exciting! Does make me feel more sane knowing I’m not the only one who feels like this!!

[Snoop Puss]

I've grown Egyptian beetroot before. Not massive and very nice.

I'm passing on this challenge. Not a subscriber because seeds and free gifts are never posted abroad. I feel a bit of a fraud, now... Hope you'll all forgive me.

[veggiechicken]

You won't be the only one, Snoop.
I'll "try" to post whatever I'm sowing so, if anyone wants to join in with seeds they already have, I'd appreciate the company.