Question for Kristen

[Dianaalice]

Hello, a fairly newbie here.
I'm using your suggestions from the monthly seed sowing lists which are a brilliant help and wondered, when you state "under glass" does that refer to a unheated greenhouse or could it be in a cold frame?
Also with me being up North would I be right in thinking maybe it would be better for me to start things off a couple of weeks later?

p.s. when will you be showing Aprils' list. NO PRESSURE!

[Kristen]

Yeah, its a bit vague isn't it!

I've had a quick look and they all look to need heat. They are either things which can be grown as greenhouse crops (although outdoor equivalents available) such as Tomatoes and Cucumbers, things that I am sceptical will do well outside at all (no doubt some people do succeed) such as Peppers, Aubergines, Melons. All that lot need a minimum of 10C so definitely won't cope with a cold greenhouse (yeah I know some people do that - but IMO they are wrong as the plants will be cold stressed and that may make them vulnerable later in the season) let alone a cold frame - windowsill would be better if that is all you have.

Then there are other things like Celery which I think need some heat to get them started initially (if you sow early), but that can be planted out later.

So I am doubting that cold frame will do. Better to delay sowing until it is warmer

p.s. when will you be showing Aprils' list. NO PRESSURE!

Well you don't need it until April, right? <whistles, looks at calendar, frowns!>

[Dianaalice]

Thanks for the reply Kristen. It makes sense what you are saying. I'll just have to not be quite so impatient and read up on different veg properly.
This is the trouble being a newbie to growing, just can't wait to get going.

Also as you have probably gathered I haven't got a greenhouse yet but could probably improvise with my unheated small conservatory and a few windowsills. I also keep tarantulas so if something needs heat to start then it can go on top of their homes. "he he!"

No, I don't really need Aprils' list yet I was just curious.

Dianaalice.

[Martin H]

I'll just have to not be quite so impatient and read up on different veg properly.

You've found the vine's very own growing guides, haven't you? How To Grow Vegetables & Fruit | Growing Guides & Tips | Grow Your Own Magazine. They are good, although not all vegetables are covered (e.g. why no peas?)

[Dianaalice]

Oh Yes!
I keep forgetting about that one and it's about the best. I think I just read too much stuff and end up getting confused or not quite getting it.

I can usually get a few things to germinate quite well and then it goes down hill from there. Usually stuff becomes leggy and I can't quite get what I've done wrong! Possibly too much heat still or maybe not enough light? I don't know.

I will live and learn though and keep trying 'cause I don't want to be the only one with an empty plot!

[Penellype]

If things are getting too leggy it is almost always not enough light. Being too crowded can have the same effect.