Seed Watch VI

I got round to planting another lot of seeds on Sunday. Meanwhile the squash and marrow, having taken their time, are now going a bit nuts. A couple of days ago I had a good look at the little strip peat pots they are planted in. At the time each group of 4 had two seedlings emerged and a third just showing. But roots were pushing out all over. One marrow (if I’ve identified them correctly…) had a root 3 inches out of the pot. What’s more there were actually roots coming out of all 8 pots… yep, 2 days before those seeds actually stuck their heads up they were already breaking out of the pots! I’ve now potted them all on to larger pots, even though two have really only sprouted today. The tallest is about 4 inches tall already, outstripping the older seedlings of other species. If I have 100% germination with my new seeds I’m going to be overgrown with squash and marrow!

Group 1, Day 21:

Thyme: 70+
Tarragon: 45+
Basil: 29
Mint: 0
Dill: 14
Parsley: 30+
Chives: 17
Sweet corn: 2
Squash: 4
Marrow: 4
Globe Artichoke: 3

Group 2, Day 5:

Tomatoes: 0
Lupins: 0 (25 planted)
Nasturtiums: 0 (25 planted)
Globe Artichoke: 0
Marrow: 0
Squash: 0
Sweetcorn: 2

Only 4 days and the sweetcorn is already growing! I now have the makings of a proper clump :-)

Meanwhile I’ve been digging up lawn for vegetable plot. Unfortunately I’ve also found where the builder’s rubble went. The soil looks good but it’s amazing how many bits of brick and broken concrete there are a few inches down. So much I’m having to dig it out or it’s going to be a real problem for the plants. There’s also snails all over the place that have woken up from their winter sleep. Time to gather them up and do a Gordon Ramsey on them I think… bit scary.