Growing from Seed

Do many do this, or do most prefer to buy ready 'plugs'?

I have just sown some Penstemons in a pot on my windowsill today, plus just a few carrots in a pot too, but it is still too early for much else yet.
I love sowing seed, nuturing it and watching it grow. Do you?

Re: Growing from Seed

Plugs are ok if you get them from the garden centres Mups, I tend to pick the biggest ones. I've not had much luck with mail order ones, they've arrived battered or so soggy they've started to rot off.
I buy pelargoniums and some of the tougher basket types as plugs, but most of my plants are from seed.
My greenhouse looks dreadful at the moment, glass is green with mossy stuff, so are some of the trays I left in from the autumn, violas etc. but still alive!

Re: Growing from Seed

I don't do very well with seeds not having a greenhouse, I usually buy plugs or little plants except for runner beans and those seeds arrived today

Re: Growing from Seed

Oooooo! Spring is nearly here! All the seeds will be popping up soon and I'll be trying to save every single little one of them!
I'm no good at thinning them out, I can't bring myself to throw any away!

Re: Growing from Seed

I tend to buy grafted tomatoes, cucumber and sweet peppers on line, everything else is grown from seed.

Re: Growing from Seed

I've never bought grafted plants Rehab, do you think they are more likely to grow into stronger plants?

Re: Growing from Seed

I've had both good and bad from online plugs Tess. If I have some dodgy ones, they have always replaced them or given me a voucher if I ring up though. I agree it is really better to see them first, and choose your own if poss.

You'll have to get cracking on that greenhouse soon, Tess, but this awful weather doesn't exactly spur us on, does it.
Are you feeling any better now?

Re: Growing from Seed

I'm useless with seeds although I do sow some every year but not many survive to become plants but I'll have another go soon.
Ever the optimist!

Re: Growing from Seed

I have been buying them for years Mups and they have never let me down, the plants are more productive and produce larger crops, there are worth the extra few pennies.
I normally buy them in threes, I.e 3x toms 3 x mini cucumbers etc which produce enough for the season, I do cherry toms for the grandkids from seed...millions of the buggers.
If you have a greenhouse heated or not give them a whirl.

Re: Growing from Seed

I haven't got a grrenhouse, I've always wanted one but don't suppose I'll get one now I have to make do with 3 of those little polythene zip up grow houses, one specially for tomatoes.
There's only me don't forget, so 3 plants does me nicely.
I think I might look into those plants this year Rehab but Gawd help you if they're not as good.