Sowing seeds too early or ‘A chump being a chump again’...

[Herbsandveg]

Having made the same mistake in previous years, I have now slipped up again and I think I have sown some veg seed far too early.

I got myself a bit over eager, and popped in three types of French Beans and two lots of Mangetout in pots inside, and today, less than a couple of weeks on, they are outgrowing the pots and raring for a lot more space.

Reading from the instructions, I should have realised my mistake and waited - especially as I live just north of Leeds - but other than simply letting them go, I don’t think I have any option but to plant them out.

All is far from lost as I have plenty of remaining seeds to sow (at the right time!), but I just wanted to ‘fess up about this blunder, and ask if anyone else has made a similar mistake.

Looking at the local temperatures for the next two weeks, there’s nothing to suggest that we’ll go anywhere back near zero, but I’m just hoping they’ll forgive me if I plant them out in the next few days.

I’ve attached a few photos with this post to let you see where they’re currently at...

PS...I think VeggieChicken’s response will be “Just bung ‘em in!”...

[muckdiva]

Sounds like you’ll have to risk the weather. Can you cover them with fleece if the forecast is cold?

[Herbsandveg]

Sounds like you’ll have to risk the weather. Can you cover them with fleece if the forecast is cold?

I can if I can get hold of some fleece by Sunday, as that when I’m planning to put them out...

[muckdiva]

Chances are they’ll be ok - maybe just keep an eye on the slug situation in this weather as they’ll be keen on your new plants

[Herbsandveg]

Chances are they’ll be ok - maybe just keep an eye on the slug situation in this weather as they’ll be keen on your new plants

Thank you for the extra advice about the slugs. Since I read your first reply, I’ve managed to get hold of some fleece for delivery on Saturday, so all might yet be saved despite the worry!

Why, oh why do I make it so hard for myself every year? I usually get there (somehow) in the end, but it’s often a bit of a bumpy ride...

[muckdiva]

The fleece should give them some slug protection too so fingers crossed

[Snadger]

You could protect each plant with its own cloche made from a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off.

[ameno]

I'd put the peas out now. They are more ahead than the beans, plus peas are actually pretty hardy. They should even survive a light frost.

French beans are a lot more tender, but more importantly I wouldn't really say those ones are actually ready to go out yet. I'd give them at least another week, maybe more.
It's deceptive because they are so tall (due to inadequate light, most likely), but you should wait until the first leaves are fully expanded at the very soonest before planting them out.

[Herbsandveg]

Thank you!

Thank you to all to all for your replies.

I’ll get the Mangetout out at the weekend, and I think I’ll just have to see if the beans survive. I hope I’ve finally learned my lesson now...

Thank you again...

[MyWifesBrassicas]

I made the mistake of sowing my cucurbits too early last year, very poor return.
Vowed never again.

[ameno]

I made the mistake of sowing my cucurbits too early last year, very poor return.
Vowed never again.

I sowed mine too late last year. First lot of winter squash got eaten while I was on holiday, so I sowed another batch 18th June. Still managed to get a crop out of them, mind, albeit smaller than normal.

Thank you to all to all for your replies.

I’ll get the Mangetout out at the weekend, and I think I’ll just have to see if the beans survive. I hope I’ve finally learned my lesson now...

Thank you again...

You only really planted the beans too early. The peas were about right. My peas have been in the ground for some two weeks now, and they're fine. Peas are pretty hardy.

[veggiechicken]

PS...I think VeggieChicken’s response will be “Just bung ‘em in!”...

Just bung 'em in, Chump!!
Its the best way to learn whether it really was too early.......or not!!

[Herbsandveg]

Thanks, VeggieChicken...

Just bung 'em in, Chump!!
Its the best way to learn whether it really was too early.......or not!!

It’s apparently set to be better weather than they thought on Saturday, so at least the Mangetout will all be in by dinner time...

[veggiechicken]

You'll be picking them on Sunday!!