Scuse me guv - got some windowsill going spare

[mendacious dog]

Hi Guys

I have a kind of windowsill question for you knowlegable peeps. Due mainly to ineptitude (and being a relative newbie) I always manage to grow particularly leggy seedlings on my windowsills – it doesn’t seem to matter what variety of plant they are but they always end up looking like mini green supermodels no matter how often I turn them round. Anyway, that hasn’t generally been a problem for my tomatoes as when I pot them on I bury the stalk all the way up to their first leaves and they seem to get on just fine from that point onwards. My question is, can I do the same things with my sweet/chilli peppers as well or will the stems just rot? I’ve done well with my windowsill germination so far and don’t want to risk killing them if I can avoid it!

Or should I stick to growing sunflowers?

Thanks for any advice offered!

Woof

[Alice]

I've transplanted peppers and chillies up to their leaves without problem. Just don't do it with curcubits as they get neck rot.

[zazen999]

Do you mean you took out the top growing tip?

Yes. They've grown a good 6 inches since I nipped them out- so I've popped a smallish stake in and tied them up or I would never see out of the kitchen window again. They're becoming quite triffid like....and they are at the moment out in the sun getting some breeze to try and thicken them up.

[maytreefrannie]

Yes. They've grown a good 6 inches since I nipped them out- so I've popped a smallish stake in and tied them up or I would never see out of the kitchen window again. They're becoming quite triffid like....and they are at the moment out in the sun getting some breeze to try and thicken them up.

Thanks, Zazen, mine have a way to go yet, but I'll do that when they're a bit bigger. I think I'd like to have your windowsill, it sounds like it's much warmer than mine. Still, It's great to see them growing.

[pipscariad]

Mine still haven't appeared through the compost , but I haven't given up on them yet. Moved them into the kitchen, as it's warmer in there than the utility room. Spoken nicely to them as well, and today they've had the pleasure of being at my daughters birthday party, so perhaps that will do the trick?!

[zazen999]

Thanks, Zazen, mine have a way to go yet, but I'll do that when they're a bit bigger. I think I'd like to have your windowsill, it sounds like it's much warmer than mine. Still, It's great to see them growing.

It's the only decent windowsill in the house...all the others are just big enough to balance a mobile phone on.

[maytreefrannie]

Fourth seedling just about pushing through this morning. Very little progress on the others that have grown. Impatient!

So impatient that I played some music next to the beans this morning, hoping to encourage them. I feel like a complete dope, but luckily the house is empty except for me, so no one will know, will they? Except for the plants.

[pipscariad]

Three of mine pushed through yesterday, and another 1 today, so I am very happy! Every time I see a seedling emerge I feel like a child at christmas, and I get a big smile on my face - no hope eh?! And I know that no marauding slug can come along and chomp on these - or at least if they do I'll know somehtings amiss in my house

[JamesA]

My first bean pots didnt work, nothing after 2 weeks and when i had a dig about the seeds had gone. Planted some more in a fresh pot of compost last weekend and i had 1 showing yesterday and a couple more this morning. Great stuff!

[sharonr]

I have now used all of my dinning room window. I have transplanted some of my seeds. It now has 5 seedtrays full of seeds on it. I can`t use the living room window as the dog puts her paws on it when she looks out. I need to get the greenhouse finished.

[maytreefrannie]

Having the house to myself again this morning, I played the French beans some music again - I'm thinking of making it a regular part of their life. As long as I do it while others are out, saving myself any resultant teasing.

Has anyone here tried playing music to plants? I know I've read about it being done, but can't remember what the results were, if any.

[womble]

Has anyone here tried playing music to plants? I know I've read about it being done, but can't remember what the results were, if any.

Mythbusters (tv show) did a test where they played classic music, heavy metal, talked to the plants nicely and abused/shouted at the plants.
As far as I remember, the heavy metal was maybe the best, but really no difference.

[maytreefrannie]

Mythbusters (tv show) did a test where they played classic music, heavy metal, talked to the plants nicely and abused/shouted at the plants.
As far as I remember, the heavy metal was maybe the best, but really no difference.

I'd love to see that episode - I guess I'm not surprised at the result, though.

[womble]

A bit of Led Zeppelin always comes good. Even if it just makes me feel better

[Irie Jan]

A bit of Led Zeppelin always comes good. Even it it just makes me feel better

Well now your talking Stair way to heaven lovely song! I hate the Rolf Harris version though! Why did he have to murder such a clasic!!

I sowed a load of tomatoes, chilli's, some peppers and aubagien and a couple of mellon seeds last night to tie in with the moon phaze on zazens thread.

This is my second lot, the 1st was sown back in January, most are doing well! Just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit then the 1st lot can go in my greenhouse.

As for music for my seeds and seedlings I have not tried it but I do talk to them when I go and water them. I tell them to hurry up and grow because mummy wants to eat you! LOL