A seedling photo page?

[Cutecumber]

I've noticed that a lot of people want to know whether their seedlings look "normal" or perhaps whether they are leggy or even what they might be!

Does anyone think there is merit in finding a spot for a "wallchart" of photos of healthy seedlings - I am thinking vegetables but it could easily be for non-edibles too. It's actually quite difficult to find images on the internet and I find that sometimes books and magazines use photos which don't actually show very good examples - photo editors please take note!!

There would have to be some agreement on what actually constitutes a good seedling of a certain type of course, but it might make a useful reference tool rather than trying to describe in words or make guesses.

Each photo would need a little bit of information including the variety, it's age and the growing conditions etc, but that's not hard. Perhaps it could go in the techniques section as a permanent fixture?

Does this sound useful? Is it possible?

[scarey55]

I, for one think it's a great idea? Last year I struggled to find out if I was nurturing parsnips or weeds, sadly, it turned out to be the latter.

A seedling database would have helped me enormously. I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to provide any good specimins though.

[Matt.]

I agree. We almost have this with the growing techniques section where there are some examples such as "easy way with carrots". Pictures always help people identify but also don't worry if yours are a bit leggy. Natures way is to thrive so they'll probably come good and you can try again next year

[nerobot]

Sounds like a good idea to me. Just the other day I was wondering if the seeds coming through were weeds or turnips. Turned out to be turnips, but could only be sure once the whole row came through.

Steven

[Flummery]

I like the 'photo editors' comment Cutecumber! I noticed (again) an odd one in GYO. Anne Swithinbank is shown with a 3 photo item on planting up runner beans and the final one is a broadie! It does look unprofessional I'm afraid.

[janeyo]

I keep the packet of seeds to identify what's coming up when they first emerge. Turns out my carrots were weeds, lol, but the leeks are def leeks!

But normally have no idea if they are healthy/ leggy or not so photos would be good.

janeyo

[zazen999]

Cute: you are really scaring me now.

During a long drive home yesterday; I had the very same thought.

I think it would be a marvelous idea.

[Cutecumber]

I appreciate that to learn we need to make mistakes, but sometimes you need to be shown what you're aiming to achieve, even if you fall a bit short. It can be heart rending to watch your seedlings come a cropper and fall over because you just didn't realise that they were too tall or skinny. Yes, some seedlings can be repotted, but it's not really the best idea.

Flum - I can spot a dodgy pic a mile off

[srodders]

I like the 'photo editors' comment Cutecumber! I noticed (again) an odd one in GYO. Anne Swithinbank is shown with a 3 photo item on planting up runner beans and the final one is a broadie! It does look unprofessional I'm afraid.

I remember one feature recently about asparagus, and it said you must remove all perrenial weeds - the photo showed asparagus tips surrounded by a lot of horsetail.

[HeyWayne]

*Raises his hand to vote for this as a good idea*

Fantastic idea, especially for us noobs that have no idea.

[daisydaisy]

*Raises his hand to vote for this as a good idea*

Fantastic idea, especially for us noobs that have no idea.

I raise my hand...great idea cute!

[Eyren]

Excellent idea! Of course you'd only need one photo for brassicas (well, two if you include red cabbage) as they all look the b****y same!

(She says, having had her labels obliterated by rain last year, and thus unable to tell broccoli from kale...)

[mapcr77]

Me too, me too!! A sticky with a progression of pictures from seedling to mature, flower and fruit would be a fantastic tool for us newbies! Brilliant idea, Cutecumber!

[kentvegplot]

Until we do this, can I recommend theseedsite (The Seed Site)

The site has quite a lot of piccies which might help.

[dexterdoglancashire]

What a super idea! Yes please! Bernie aka DDL