identifying seedlings?

[Debbie plots n parrots]

Hi there

I have a slight problem a tray of freshly sown seeds got tipped over. The seeds consisted of 2 short rows of each Brocoli "Olympia"...Cauliflower "Snowball""...and Brussel sprouts "Topline".

I spent 2 hours sifting through the soil to salvage the seeds.. I now have a situation of around 40-50 potential seedlings totally jumbled up. So my previously labelled rows of seeds are utterly mixed up.

I have Cauliflower, Broccolli,and Sprouts, Its a tricky one what would you guys do could you tell the difference when the seedlings come through so I can plant them in rows of veggies and have no problems

I realise this is a tall order but you guys are pros so come on

Cheers Debs

[Jaxom]

Debbie, Plant on each seedling in an individual pot then when you have six leaves on each (4 true leaves) try matching the same together. You may not know which of the three is in which row until later in the season but at least each row will be different from the other two. Brocoli "Olympia"...Cauliflower "Snowball""...and Brussel sprouts "Topline". would need spacing out about the same so all your rows should come out well. Other than that I don't know what to suggest as I am new to this growing lark too
Jax

[andrewo]

You will have to grow them to find out! One of those awful mistakes, I've done it too! You just have to bite the bullet and plant them up as Jax says and see if you can indentify them, if not, just plant them and end up with a patchwork!

[andrewo]

The problem with these seeds is they tend to be small and of the same colour. Even the pros drop their seeds, so they avoid doing too many seed packets at once - it's a mistake, one sneeze and they're everywhere! One seed packet at a time!

[Debbie plots n parrots]

Thanks

I guess its just gonna be a bit of a botch job when they are out in the ground on the allotment !!
I have to admit I have had another accident today with a tray of seedlings...You see the problem is I am currently suffering from something called Plantar faciitis or something that sounds like that.It is an utterly trivial condition but I am on and off crutches with the pain. So am virtually crippled although the condition is not recocnised as a disability. It is currently having that effect on my life and my ability to do every day stuff.
I used to be an athlete so this is THE most cruel trick life can throw at me.
I am determined to keep being active and gardening though.
Although I was struggling to move a large propegator with seedlings from the plastic greenhouse back to the warmth of the house for the evening and my foot gave way!!

Whoop de Whoo aint life fun

Sorry to be a moany old sod but I will just try n keep going

Cheers Debs

[Debbie plots n parrots]

Hi Andrew

Cheers pal, I think I have a ruck of UFS's.. unidentified flying seedlings to deal with.

The problem was that I had sown the a few days earlier and they where at the stage where they start to split open prior to sending out the first shoot

It was a bit of a forensic operation to salvage the seeds from the rug they fell on. But hey I aint gonna waste about 50 plus potential veggie plants!!!

Thanks for your feed back chuck

Ta Debs

[Lesley Jay]

Oh Debbie thats sounds really rotten but as you said don't let it beat you - keep moving and keep gardening. On a practical note can't you put the trays of seedlings in a wheelbarrow to move them? You can buy quite light weight wheelbarrows now and it might help you. Or get hold of one of the small supermarket trollies - that would be perfect.

With the identification problem I have found that cauliflowers tend to have slightly paler leaves.

[Debbie plots n parrots]

Hi Lesley
Theres always some thing worse.. I just need to figure out a way of getting round things.
Your suggestion has gone on board! Thanks .. Where theirs a will theirs a way.
As for identifying the seedlings It'll be a laugh when I finally get them planted out..I could run a competion guess the plant for they guys on the plot, Lets see them all trying to show how clever they are He He!!
Just kidding really
Happy gardening X Debs

[andrewo]

Debbie,
Any disability can make everything look black, the discs in my back went two years ago, causing permanent damage to my nerves on the left handside and reducing my mobility to zero. I had to learn to walk again and when I saw the scans my spine looked flatter than roadkill BUT, and I hope this helps you, it made me more determined to live my life and to grow - growing actually helped me from becoming depressed - it may take us longer, we may have to come up with inventive things to help us in the day to day processes but never give up or give in. You enjoy the pick and mix spread that will be on your plot.

[Debbie plots n parrots]

Hi Petal
You said it!! I don't do give up!!I am at the point of realising I need to re invent how I do stuff.
As for the pick a mix like
I said Whoo Hoo It'll be fun.
Good for you that you have hit your challenges head on total respect..wish me luck with my puny challenges.. I'm only a silly woman He He Believe that and you are as daft as you probablly look. I'm only joking take no notice
Sorry I am having a laugh,
Nice to chat to you good on ya
Cheers Debs

[andrewo]

Maybe I should take my pic off? Am I frightening the locals again?

[Debbie plots n parrots]

Hi Andrew

You are quite right It is easy to become depressed. I am putting a brave face on. I have house full of parrots that rely on me as there "flock" leader to keep them happy and entertained.
This is a good way of keeping myself thinking of the other poor souls that rely on me for everything,
The one Amazon is totally hilarioius cos he talks and chatters..

Regards debs

[Debbie plots n parrots]

I tell you what if you think your pic is frightening people I will put mine up and I garuentee to clear the forum in no time !!
You daft apeth
You aint scared us off!!
Ta Tar Debs n Co

[nick the grief]

Hi Debs,

To give you some hope (not that you need it as you sound as unhinged as the rest of us) I'll tke a photo of my sisters garden. there are no weed (no room for them ) and she has MS. Some days she can't move hardly and so she does the bits she can sitting down and the rest she goes at it like a dervish - mind you she does look like linford christie in slo mo when she gets out of the chair So I grow some of the stuff for her and take the pee cos I know she can't catch me now!! But it is a site in summer with veg & flowers all groing in the borders together!!

[Debbie plots n parrots]

Hi Nick

just a quick message to say thanks for making me feel welcome...Its good to know I'm as unhinged as all you guys.

If the world is normal with all the stuff thats in the news I'll stick with "unhinged".thank you very much!!

Good on ya for helping sister out.. and good on her for battling through!!

Nice to hear from you

Chat to you all later
Cheers Debs