Complete novice needing container advice

[Kahriss]

*waves at everyone*
I've finally got my first proper garden but have decided to try container growing. I have 3 dogs so anything being planted in the garden would probably get dug up way before it was ready!
I'm going away the 2nd week in march so I was wondering if that was too late to start sowing seeds? I know nothing about gardening but have narrowed the veg list down to runner beans, courgettes, peas, carrots, kale, spring onions, garlic and chillis.

I've been reading a lot of posts on this site but my head is spinning. Do I use the same compost for everything and is multi compost ok? I'm going to use buckets that I've seen many people talking about. I don't have a greenhouse but I do have one of those little plastic things with 3 levels. So I guess I'm asking if I have time from the middle of march to start from seed or if I need to buy plants? If I am in time for seeds, do I keep them outside in the plastic thingy or do they have to stay inside? Many thanks if you've read this to the rambling end :-/

Karen

[taff]

not too late, no, I sow mine early to mid to late march depending. Courgettes can wait until a couple of weeks before the last frosts, or until the last frosts.
You can use mpc to sow your seedlings, or get seed compost, it's up to you, I haven't noticed any of mine suffering for not using seed compost.
put your seedlings in the plastic greenhouse thing until the frosts have gone, then plant out. Re-arrange the shelving and keep your chillis in there over the summer.

[Munch]

Hi Kahriss

I am NO expect by any counts but I have a couple of those platic things, affectionately know as 'blowaways' on the vine. I would say March isnt too late and by then it should be warm enought to leave them outside. I sow loads of seeds in Feb last year and they lived happily in my blowaway outside.

As for cotainers I used multi purpose compost for everything (apart from seeds, I used the John Innes No.2) but I mixed it with some dirt from the garden to keep the cost down. My tomatoes, Chillis and Peas seem to thrive.

I hope this helps.

I am sure someone more experienced might be able to shed some more light or even correct me tho

[Two_Sheds]

runner beans, courgettes, peas, carrots, kale, spring onions, garlic and chillis.

Taff has answered you well, so I'm just reiterating really.

Peas, carrots, kale, onions & garlic are all "hardy" which means more or less cold-proof. Start them as soon as you like, although I feel carrots prefer the warmer soil of April

Courgettes, chillies & runners are "half hardy" or "tender" which means not cold proof, not at all. They can go outside after your last frost (look that up if you're unsure). You can start them indoors about 2-3 weeks before your last frost (not too early, because they grow big very quickly)

If you feel very brave, you can start your chillies off now (look at the early chilli sowing thread for pros and cons)

Some years it's a struggle to get chillies to ripen, so give them the longest possible growing time, or buy a short-season, ie quick to ripen, variety

[anthonyjb]

do you need to put drainage in the bags first
thanks
anthony

[Kahriss]

Thank you all for the advice :-) I've been making several lists for when I get back in march. I am doing it in 3 sections, herbs, veg, flowers and hanging baskets but getting into a tizz wondering which I should do from seed and which I should buy plants. Would most people reccommend Thompson and Morgan to buy from? Thanks again for the help

Karen

[oldie]

Some use T&M others have had problems with them. You local garden centre can often be the best place for newbies as (mostly) they know what they are talking about. I use a variety of suppliers some of which are owned by bigger organizations. For my non F1 varieties I tend to use Real Seeds.

[Two_Sheds]

garden centre can often be the best place for newbies as (mostly) they know what they are talking about.

I can't agree, at least not as far as the big chains go, and I esp. include the DiY stores in that comment

Local nurseries, I would definitely recommend

[Potstubsdustbins]

Hi Karen,

I notice will live within 20 or so miles of each other. What I can say is in this part of the midlands don't even think about runners till mid April plant 2 seeds per 6" pot in your blowaway that way you should get at least one germinate, plant out in second week of May works for me.

As to the rest how long are you going to be away or will there be someone to carryout basic tasks whilst you are away.

Colin.

[Kahriss]

Hi Colin, I'm away for 3 nights from 8th march. I've only been here a little while so don't feel I could ask the neighbours to do anything. Thanks for your advice on timings, it's really helpful when someone is in the same area I struck lucky today, my mum has given me 2 half barrels so I just need to decide what to put in them!

[oldie]

Ts I did say local in my post. I would never recommend going to one of the big chains.

[taff]

A few days here and there are not going to make much difference. You don't have to slavishly follow planting dates unless you're doing moon planting, so don't worry, 3 nights isn't going to make a lot of difference
anthony, you need drainage in plastic bags, but not in mesh ones, and drill a few holes in buckets if you're using those. A couple of slits an inch or two up from the bottom is infe, but don't overdo it or your bag will fall apart

[Potstubsdustbins]

Karen,

If you look on the new shoots thread you will find a post 'How many plants per container list'. You may find this helpful.

Colin

[anthonyjb]

A few days here and there are not going to make much difference. You don't have to slavishly follow planting dates unless you're doing moon planting, so don't worry, 3 nights isn't going to make a lot of difference
anthony, you need drainage in plastic bags, but not in mesh ones, and drill a few holes in buckets if you're using those. A couple of slits an inch or two up from the bottom is infe, but don't overdo it or your bag will fall apart

Taff thanks for that
do put stones in the bags first
anthony

[Two_Sheds]

Ts I did say local in my post. I would never recommend going to one of the big chains.

No offence intended Oldie

All my local GCs are the big chains